Why should you use masks in your skincare regime?
A face mask is commonly used for: hydrating and moisturizing the skin, removing excess oils, and improving the appearance of your pores.
Frequently asked questions from my clients about masks:
DO YOU REALLY NEED FACE MASKS?
The bottom line is, no face mask will work miracles, but together with a good skin care regime, they can improve your skin's texture and appearance. However, using a cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen daily is far more important.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU USE A FACE MASK?
It comes down to your skin type, your individual skin needs, and the kind of mask you are using. Some masks are best used once per week, while others can be used more frequently, up to 3 times per week. The easiest thing to do is read the instructions on the label or packaging that comes with your face mask or book a consultation with your aesthetician so a proper prescription pad and routine can be created amongst the both of you.
HOW LONG SHOULD YOU WEAR YOUR MASK?
Anywhere between 10 to 15 minutes, however, some are up to 30 minutes.
If you have ever applied a face mask, you have probably noticed the recommended application time on the label— it usually is somewhere from 10 to 30 minutes. Even though it is tempting to leave it on for longer (or possible to just forget), it is definitely something you want to pay attention to.
DO FACE MASKS GET RID IF BLACKHEADS?
Yes, a face mask can help remove blackheads. But let's be totally honest, it is probably not going to clear them completely. Especially after just one use. Blackheads are, unfortunately, a stubborn form of blemish that tends to outstay its welcome!
SHOULD YOU DO A FACE MASK BEFORE OR AFTER YOUR MOISTURIZER?
Face masks should be applied after cleansing and toning skin but before moisturizing. In most cases, I tell my clients to think of their face mask as a replacement for their serums and spot treatments and to use it once or twice a week.
CAN I APPLY A SERUM AFTER MY FACE MASK?
You can boost the benefits of a face mask by applying the right serum afterward. After thoroughly removing your mask, choose a serum based on your skincare goals. For instance, if you need to nourish dry, rough skin, look for a serum with hyaluronic acid. AlumierMD has a fabulous Aqua Infusion Mask that is for skin types that need more hydration.
DO MASKS REDUCE PORE SIZE?
A secret no more, clay masks are highly proven to shrink pores and release all the nasties on your skin. Oil and dirt buildups can make your pores look five times larger, so the importance of this step cannot be overstated! AlumierMD has a great product called Refining Clay Mask that targets these!
6 SIMPLE TIPS THAT WILL CHANGE THE WAY YOU APPLY A FACE MASK?
APPLY MASKS AFTER YOU SHOWER- It may seem like a good idea to apply a face mask before you shower so that you can just easily wash it off, rather than making a mess around your sink. However, waiting until post-shower may benefit your skin so much more! The steam from your shower can make the skin more permeable. This means your mask can better penetrate the pores—aka, your face can easily drink up all those good-for-skin ingredients. When talking about enzyme masks these exfoliators become more powerful with increased temperature even small changes in temperature, like one or two degrees, can increase efficacy by 10 to 20 percent. Slathering them on in the shower as opposed to post-rinse can amplify their effects.
CHILL THEM IN THE FRIDGE- If you have a hydrating, gel-based mask on your hands, try stashing them in the fridge for a few minutes before slathering on. These masks are already cooling in nature, and a chiller temperature only enhances the experience, it is not a necessary to-do by any means, but it does yield a spa-grade experience. Bonus: Try it after a workout for some post-sweat relief. Just make sure the mask is slightly chilled, as a freezing sensation can shock the skin and potentially cause broken capillaries. A few minutes should do the trick.
USE TOOLS TO YOUR ADVANTAGE- Think paint brushes are only for artists? In that case, it's high time you start thinking about your face as a canvas. To keep your hands goop-free and avoid using kitchen tools during face mask experiments, try using a simple, soft bristle brush the next time you want to apply a face mask — a fluffy makeup brush will do. Not only will using a brush to apply a mask guarantee that most of the product ends up on your face and not on your palms, fingers, and or the floor, it will also ensure even application over your face. It is much easier to control how much product you pick up and lay down on your skin. That is not to say you absolutely have to use a brush, your fingers are just fine however, if you are looking for a mess-free, elevated experience, they can help. Just remember to wash your brush after every use and make sure it is dry before storing!
DON’T LEAVE IT ON FOR TOO LONG- Ever left a mask on for a bit too long to find it dried down into a hard, impossible-to-remove mass of dried clay? Not fun! Not only is the experience potentially painful, but you can also tug and tear at your skin as you hack away at your delicate face to remove the product—which can result in irritation and fine lines down the road. But let's say you skip the clay mask and stick to a thin, jelly like mask. Are you A-OK? Well, if the mask contains exfoliating actives, you may run the risk of the ingredients getting a little too active with your skin and, again, run the risk of irritation. As a general rule, do not leave the mask on for longer than the recommended time on the packaging, and remove immediately if you think you may be facing a reaction.
WASH THE MASK OFF WITH LUKEWARM WATER- When the time does come to wash it off, lukewarm water is key. Using water that is too hot can dry out and aggravate your face. Hot water evaporates faster, and it has the ability to strip the natural oils and lipids from your skin, which can result in cracks and a compromised skin barrier, don't take that as reason to opt for a freezing cold temp either. Cold water won't be effective at breaking down the product, which can lead to residue in your pores. Extreme temperatures either way can also cause broken capillaries for those with sensitive skin, so opt for room temperature water when it comes to removing a mask. You can also use a gentle, clean cloth like a muslin cloth, some extra help if necessary.
APPLY MOISTURIZER AFTERWARDS- After you have washed off your mask, don't forget to lock in all those skin-loving ingredients you just slathered on. Apply a your moisturizer or oil, so the hydration stays where you want it—sealed inside your pores, rather than evaporated into thin air.
THE TAKEAWAY
Before applying your face mask, use these tips to elevate your masking experience. Some are your basic guidelines, while others are simply ways to make your mask a little more like a spa experience, not completely necessary, but can certainly help give your skin some extra love. You deserve it!
Come visit us and book your appointment here at our clinic to get your AlumierMD producsts!