Skin masks, especially facial ones, have gained importance in the daily routine of skin care. The large number of uses and variations make them a very attractive option when starting a care plan.
On the market you can find masks based on clay, charcoal, hyaluronic acid, with enzymes or just moisturizers. Therefore, the choice is made based on the needs of the skin. Below we tell you how they work, so keep that in mind.
How are nutrients absorbed by the skin?
Face masks are very beneficial when incorporated into a skincare routine. By themselves they do not generate major changes that can be maintained over time.
The fundamental pillars of dermatological care are cleansing, sun protection and hydration. Skin masks fulfill their functionality according to their ingredientsas well as they should be combined with previous cleansing of the skin and subsequent moisturizing.
During application, the direct contact of the ingredients with the skin surface is accentuated. The pores are cleaned and allow the skin to absorb more product. They can generate an immediate effect expressed in luminosity and brilliance on the skin.. However, it is still temporary and needs to be continued.
This type of cosmetic practice offers therapeutic and nourishing skincare ingredients in a concentrated format. That is, the benefits are accumulated in a particular substance.
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When can masks be applied to the skin?
Before applying a mask to the skin, it is recommended to gently cleanse the face to remove any makeup, dirt or residue. Micellar water is a good ally to carry out this step before application.
After cleaning with micellar water the face should be rinsed with warm water, which will allow the pores to remain more permeable and the ingredients to be easily absorbed.
In most cases, the products are kept in contact with the skin for a period of 20 to 30 minutes. It is precisely this that gives the ingredients more time to penetrate the dermal surface and achieve their effect.
Masks according to skin type
When choosing the mask, one must take into account the results to be obtained. Based on the type of skin, the ingredients will be selected, those that need to be customized to address a specific user concern.
Dehydrated skin
Dry skin requires significant hydration, so this type of cosmetic treatment is very useful and recommended every 15 days. Ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, avocado or shea butter contribute to the hydration and water retention.
acne or inflammation
Facial skin masks are not a long-term treatment for acne.. However, they can help reduce inflammation and prevent potential flare-ups.
Salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) remove dead surface cells and debris that clog pores. As for the latter, the research report a positive effect on acne scars.
Oily skin
In this type of skin, all those products that eliminate excess fat and, therefore, increase the permeability of the pores are useful. Some of the products that providing benefits for greasiness are salicylic acid, glycolic acid, sulfur and charcoal.
fine wrinkles
Masks don’t completely eliminate fine lines on the face, but they can help minimize the appearance of fine lines. THE C vitamin It is recommended for this skin type due to its great antioxidant potential. At the same time, generates a constant stimulus in the production of collagen.
Vitamin E is also an effective antiaging option, along with resveratrol and ferulic acid. Both work to protect the skin from external agents that cause fine lines, such as pollution and sun damage.
rosacea
Niacinamide has antioxidant properties, reduces erythema and improves skin tone. In fact, second studies carried out by The British Journal of Dermatologyit is concluded that it contributes to the inhibition of oxidative processes.
Dark spots and hyperpigmentation
Results in this type of pathology are not observed immediately, therefore skin masks are used as a complement to depigmentation treatments. Useful ingredients are kojic acid, tranexamic acid and azelaic acid.
Read also: Hyperpigmentation: why does it happen?
Be careful with the ingredients of the skin mask
There are many fancy masks that are appealing in their aesthetic and sensory appearance, but fail to satisfy the functions they offer or the consumer is looking for. You have to be careful not to fall for commercial hoaxes.
Those that contain fragrances, dyes, or parabens can be harmful to your skin, especially for the most sensitive. Ideally, read the labels and analyze their composition, avoid these products and opt for hypoallergenic ones.
- Lemon: like vinegar, they are acidic products that generate residual pigmentation e irritation.
- egg white: Can cause skin infections, even more so if you have active wounds.
- Sodium bicarbonate: It has high levels of alkalinity which destroy the skin barrier, losing its moisture.
Masks on the skin as a complement to a routine
Skin masks are the complement to a good dermatological care routine. Along with cleansing, hydration and sunscreen are great allies that you must have to improve the texture and appearance of the complexion.
The price does not always indicate the quality or effectiveness of the product and this must be taken into consideration as consumers. However, the ideal is to get to know each other in order to understand the needs of the type of composition of fabrics and integuments that we have. This will bring us closer to the maximum effectiveness of the treatment.
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