All About Masks

There are so many steps to a good skincare regime. Among them, one of the most instant and effective steps undoubtedly, is using facemasks! Masks are easy to use, show instant results and hold therapeutic significance. There is a wide range of options to choose from, but today we'll stick to two of the more popular (and our favourite) variants- Clay Masks and Sheet Masks.

CLAY MASKS

What a clay mask is

A clay mask is a face mask made using a type of clay powder (generally bentonite, rhassoul or kaolin) and various other ingredients that help to purify skin, remove toxins, reduce inflammation and rejuvenate. The clay works as a natural charged molecule to bind and expel toxic molecules from the skin, leaving skin nourished, healthy and radiant!

Why you should be adding using it ASAP

Everyday, our skin is exposed to various toxins and pollutants. These factors may cause various skin issues. Even stress and metabolism may trouble our skin, causing imbalance.

Clay masks have amazing properties that allow it to fight different skin problems. It improves the overall skin quality and texture, improving skin surface immunity and promoting healthy, glowing skin. As long as we cannot control what causes troubled skin, we should atleast add something that heals it, right?

Best clay for your skin type

There are so many clay masks in the market, all made with specific types of clay. It might get overwhelming to choose one out of the many. But if you pick it according to your skin type, which is quite essential to do too, you can choose the right one without a second thought!

Always opt for clay masks that are 100 percent organic. These are better for the skin, are gentler and have little to no adverse effects. If you have oily skin, go for one that has Bentonite or Red Kaolin clay. These don't just purify the skin by removing toxins, but also have absorbing properties which control excess oil and sebum production. These help to control acne and tighten pores. If you have dry or sensitive skin, you should choose a mask with White or Yellow Kaolin as these tend to be gentler while drawing out impurities, and leave the skin more hydrated while doing so. For normal to combination skintypes, Yellow Kaolin or Rhassoul's clay is recommended as these are somewhat gentle with mild exfoliation and toxin absorption properties.

How to use a clay mask

Using a clay mask is as easy as 1,2,3! Just apply some to your moist skin, leave it on for 15-20 minutes (while you relax because self-care is important!) and rinse off with lukewarm water. Use it for 2/3 times a week for best results.

If you have more than one mask, try multimasking! It's a technique of using a few different masks at once on separate areas of the face, depending on what that specific region needs and what your mask is targeted for. This will honestly give you the best of both worlds!

Can you make one at home?

Yes, you can. All you have to do is mix some clay powder with equivalent amount of raw apple cider vinegar or purified water; and there you have your DIY clay mask.

But, unless you have clay powders lying at your home, isn't it better to invest in a good mask?

SHEET MASKS

What sheet masks are

One of the more recent additions to the skincare family by South Koreans, sheet masks are all the hype lately. And we aren't mad at all!

Sheet masks are cotton, fiber, cellulose or gel based masks, cut into the form of a face and soaked in concentrated serum solution. This serum contains various nutritive and essential elements such as hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, collagen etc. which help to instantly hydrate, making skin appear more radiant and healthy.

Why 1 or 2 sheet masks per week is a must

Besides looking all cute for instagram, sheet masks should be used for some of the best reasons! The concentrated serums, as mentioned above, contain elements that can work wonders for the skin. Some sheet masks even contain pearl or snail extracts, teatree, charcoal or even 24k gold elements! Different ingredients serve different purposes, but they all usually hydrate the skin, improve texture, control acne, soothe inflammation, enhances radiance and softens. They even give off a cooling sensation, helping both you and your skin really relax! Sheet masks are more unique due to the fact that they create a barrier over your skin; so that the elements in the serum can penetrate deep instead of evaporating away. As a result, nourishing and rejuvenating the skin from within!

How to pick according to your need

Sheet masks of different Korean brands are available in most beauty stores now. Before buying, you should read what the mask is specifically for. Some provide intense hydration which is great for someone with dry skin. Some are for radiance which is suitable for almost all skin types. Some treat acne and some brighten the skin. Some are targeted towards mature skin to make it look plump and youthful, while others are more beneficial for younger skin. Understand what your skin needs first and then get masks which can meet those needs!

Sheet mask and chill

Sheet masks are probably the most fun-to-do skin care step. It's super calming and relaxing. Throw on a sheet mask and enjoy your little 'me' time. Maybe watch a series, listen to some music; do anything you want while your skin is rejuvenated for the next 15 minutes.

Can you make it at home?

The serum in the mask is what really gives it all the nourishing qualities, and it's not something that can easily be produced at home. It's better to invest in some sheet masks rather than attempting to make them to get the most out of this step.

Quick Tip: Throw on a hydrating/illuminating sheet mask before any special event. Trust us when we say that this will give you a supermodel-like glowing skin! Thank us later!

Photo: Collected