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From
drug store to high end: a few of my favorite masks
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By now many of you have
probably seen the video circulating the internet where the girl is screaming,
cussing, and crying while trying to remove a face mask. It’s something anyone
who has ever been waxed or tried a pore strip can relate to, but
maintaining your skin is a lot easier when it doesn’t involve that level of
discomfort! A face mask is one of the quickest ways to improve your skin at
home, however as the video demonstrates, it’s important to choose the right
mask for your skin type. From trendy Korean sheet masks to $60 jars of miracle
treatments, trying to figure out which one to use can be a little overwhelming.
Even the mask in the video can be helpful when used properly: only on clogged
pores, after you exfoliate, and avoiding any areas with hair. You can also mix
and match for combination skin types, for example a clay mask over an oily
t-zone and a soothing gel mask over sensitized or dry, flaky areas. Thankfully,
with all of these options it also means that there are plenty to choose from no
matter your skin concern or budget!
As an esthetician and
all-around skin care product junkie, I’ve been able to try all kinds of masks
from high quality, professional-only treatments to dollar sheet masks found on
the drug store beauty aisle. What it really comes down to is the
ingredients. For most skin types I recommend masking no more than twice a
week, especially with more exfoliating and clay masks. Otherwise it can
sensitize your skin and cause irritation, which can also happen from leaving a
mask on too long. So, be sure to always follow the label instructions and try
not to get too sucked into Netflix while your mask is drying! Whether you can
invest a chunk of your hard-earned cash or you just want to see what you can
make from your pantry, here are a few of my favorite masks…
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Single
use masks at my local Target...so many options!
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Oily Skin-
The most common masks
(or at least the first that comes to mind) are the clay-based. They are
typically green, known for drawing out impurities, and are usually reserved for
oily and acne-prone skin. A combination of clays (kaolin, bentonite, and even
sea silt) helps draw out excess oil while acne-fighting ingredients like
salicylic acid or sulfur help to clear blemishes. On the down side, they can
trigger a breakout before your skin gets better, so it's not always a quick
fix. These masks can also be a bit too dehydrating on some sensitive skin
types. However, if your skin is oilier and you have blackheads, just apply
where you need it- it doesn't have to be all over the face.
$$$- Glam Glow Supermud
Clearing Treatment- Great for oil control and acne; this cult favorite lightens
in color as it dries and darkens as it absorbs excess oil, so you can really
see it working. The $69 price tag means it also includes AHAs and BHAs,
naturally derived chemical exfoliants which help improve skin texture, along with
purifying eucalyptus and charcoal. You can find it here: http://www.sephora.com/super-mud-clearing-treatment-P376409?skuId=1473735&icid2=products%20grid:p376409
$- Boots Botanics Ionic
Shine Away Clay Mask- A less expensive alternative to Supermud with naturally
derived salicylic acid from willow bark and an incredibly short ingredient
list. It has the same oil absorbing and acne-fighting properties at a fraction of
the cost, (plus it changes colors just like it!). You can pick it up here, for
under $10: http://www.target.com/p/boots-botanics-ionic-clay-mask-with-willowbark-3-3-oz/-/A-11202939
Acne-Prone Skin-
For more wide-spread or
cystic acne (like the big ones that form under the skin), I recommend a more
concentrated mask, preferably one that is dual purpose to clear the skin
faster. When I have a lot of active breakouts it’s hard to leave my skin alone
to let it heal, I just want them gone! So, to stop myself from causing more
damage, I reach for a clay-based mask with strong acne-fighting ingredients
that I can see and feel working.
$$($)- Murad Acne
Complex Clarifying Mask- I like to think of this one as the old stand-by, I’ve
been using it for years, but really learned to appreciate it in esthetician
school where we used it as our go-to for acne-prone skin. It has salicylic acid
and sulfur to fight acne-causing bacteria and exfoliate deeper blemishes (you’ll
smell the sulfur but don’t let that scare you off). It’s super thick and a
little goes a long way; you can also apply it as a spot treatment and leave it
on overnight to speed up the healing process as it helps bring down swelling
and redness. It is not in the drug-store price range, but if you have
persistent acne, it’s worth investing the $38; you can find it here: http://www.ulta.com/acne-complex-clarifying-mask?productId=prod2082346
$- Neutrogena Clear Pore
Cleanser/Mask- Can’t do salicylic acid? It’s actually a more common sensitivity
than you think, anyone allergic to aspirin or pregnant should steer clear and
instead reach for benzoyl peroxide, which is just as effective. I discovered
this one through my college roommate and was pleasantly surprised with the
results and the price ($5.99!). You can use it as a daily cleanser or leave it
on a little longer and it becomes a clay mask. Use it in the shower for best
results and the steam will keep it from over-drying your face until you’re
ready to rinse it off. Find it here: http://www.target.com/p/neutrogena-clear-pore-cleanser-mask/-/A-13337863
Dry Skin-
Is your skin dry? Rough?
Flaky? Then you need enzymes! I can’t say enough about these unsung heroes of
the skin care world. They eat dull, dead skin cells and leave the healthy ones,
revealing softer, brighter, smoother skin without any harsh scrubbing. Enzyme
masks or peels are a great option for your weekly exfoliation, and an
alternative to abrasive bead exfoliants for sensitive, dry, or broken out skin.
$$$- Elemis Papaya
Peel*- This is a UK brand I’ve gotten to know through work, and every time I
use it in the treatment room my hands feel softer instead of dried out after a
day of giving facials (I also use it on my face at home too!). The natural
enzymes gives it a nice tingling sensation as it works, plus it smells amazing!
You can find it in spas or here for about $45: http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/elemis-papaya-enzyme-peel/2889487?origin=category-personalizedsort
$- Alba Botanica
Hawaiian Papaya Enzyme Facial Mask- Another dupe! This is one of the truly
great drug-store (read: affordable) natural skin care lines; I was so excited
when I found this and saw how well it compares to the ingredients in the Elemis
one. There’s no synthetic fragrance and it smells just as good, it is also
paraben and sulfate free, 100% vegetarian, and hypoallergenic! You can pick it
up here for about $10: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Hawaiian-Papaya-Enzyme-Facial-Mask-Alba-Botanica-3-oz-Liquid/31635804
Dehydrated Skin-
As I’ve mentioned
before, any skin type can suffer from dehydration (yes, even if your skin
is oily!), a soothing cream or gel-based mask can be just the thing to balance
out your skin, so it is a relatively easy fix. Anyone with mature skin can
also benefit from some added hydration, as the moisture barrier in your skin breaks
down over time. Look for hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid (which
can hold 1000 times its weight in water) and soothing glycerin to lock in
moisture. Most of the fun Korean sheet masks are great for added hydration, as
the sheet provides a physical barrier to help the ingredients penetrate and
prevents them from evaporating. They are also great against cold dry air in
late fall and winter, or while traveling long distances. Sadly, not all of us
are brave enough to wear sheet masks on planes or during long car rides,
despite the added benefit of startling unsuspecting on-lookers! You can always
try a cream-based mask instead, which will go on clear and can stay on longer.
As always, drinking plenty of water will really help product absorption and
moisture retention.
$$$- Yon-Ka No.1 Intense
Hydration Masque*- This one is another go-to for me in the treatment room when
I really want to add some deeper hydration, especially on mature skin types. It
feels super fancy and the soothing cream formula penetrates deep to hydrate,
smooth, and repair the skin. It is made with desert succulents which time
release moisture so the longer you leave it on the more it works. It even
doubles as a night cream for some intense hydration (we’re talking a 96%
increase in hydration!). It runs about $59 and has to be purchased through a
spa that uses Yon-Ka products in the treatment room, you can find your closest
location here: http://www.yonkausa.com/find-an-authorized-yonka-center
($)- Homemade Hydrating
Mask- As any self-respecting Pinterest-lover can tell you: you can take just
about anything from your pantry and put it on your face as a mask! That said, I
recommend you proceed with caution and stick with the more gentle ingredients.
After some research and careful consideration, I have come up with a homemade
hydration mask which can include various combinations of the following
ingredients listed below. You’ll need a few minutes to prepare it, and make
sure to wear something you don’t mind getting dirty. Here is my favorite
recipe:
¼ cup of ground oatmeal, you can even use instant, as long as it’s
plain with no additives - this helps soothe the skin and gently exfoliates
½ of one mashed avocado (maybe put the other half on toast?)- it is
super moisturizing and also works well in hair masks!
2 tablespoons of honey - moisturizing, breaks apart excess sebum,
and is anti-bacterial so it helps with acne
1 tablespoon of coconut
oil - the
natural/homemade standby, super moisturizing and holds the mask together
Mix everything together in a bowl until
combined and apply to your face for about 10-15 minutes, rinse clean. (Note:
it’s totally up to your preference, but I find that simple, organic ingredients
are best for these type of masks, that way you know exactly what you’re putting
on your face.)
Bonus!-
Finally, I have a few
honorable mentions that are just good all-around masks, especially for
blackheads or noticeable pores:
$- e.l.f Hydrating
Bubble Mask- One of the newest trends with face masks is carbonation or
bubbling to help loosen debris and cleanse pores. I’ve been pleasantly
surprised with the quality from e.l.f. products time and again, and this mask
is no exception. Apply it to clean, damp skin (it will start bubbling
automatically), leave it on for 5-10 minutes until the bubbles dissipate,
massage in the excess, and then rinse with warm water. For about $14 you can
get fresh, clean, hydrated skin thanks to fun little bubbles that foam up to
clear out your pores! I picked mine up at Target, but you can also find it
here: http://www.elfcosmetics.com/p/hydrating-bubble-mask
$($)- Yes To Grapefruit
Correct and Repair, Pore Minimizing Facial Mask- This is from another one of my
favorite drugstore natural skin care lines, Yes To... It's a sheet mask that
uses citrus to help brighten dark spots as well as Vitamin C to help fight free
radicals and environmental damage. It also hydrates and softens the skin, while
the more astringent citrus and witch hazel helps tone skin and tighten the
appearance of pores. When it's time to remove, massage in the excess product
and moisturize, no need to rinse. You can find it here for $16, 5 individual
masks come in a box: http://www.target.com/p/yes-to-grapefruit-5-ct-mask-pore-minimizing-facial-mask-treatment/-/A-17043366
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Basically
any of the sheet masks from the Yes To… line are fun and full of beneficial,
natural ingredients!
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*Note: For those of you
on California's Central Coast (or plan on traveling in the area) and interested
in trying the Elemis or Yon-Ka masks, feel free to contact me via email at: info@skinhelpspa.com.
These masks are a little harder to get a hold of than the others listed above,
so if you have the opportunity the best way to try them is in a facial.
I use them both in the treatment room and they are available for sale
through the spas I work at. So, if you’d like to get a feel for how the product
does on your skin let me know and I can see about scheduling you for a
facial.
Have a product you are
not sure about? Are you wondering whether or not to get a particular facial service?
Or is there a specific skin care concern you'd like me to cover? Leave it in
the comment section below or shoot me an email. I'd love to hear feedback and
any suggestions for future post topics!
