FACE MASKS: WHY THEY SHOULD NOT BE MISSED

Face masks – just a trend or actually effective? Not only do they help to arm our skin against negative environmental influences and stress, they are also able to reduce signs of natural skin aging. Face masks also provide your skin with the important nutrients it needs to look healthy and beautiful. Since a large part of the nutrients and vitamins cannot be absorbed through diet, I recommend that you help with a face mask. The nice thing is that using a face mask can be integrated into your everyday life as an ideal break. However, in order to get the most out of this time out, it is important to tailor the face mask to your individual skin type. This is the only way a face mask can act as a beauty booster and make the skin more resilient. I can therefore highly recommend that you incorporate a face mask into your regular skin care routine. Depending on the type of mask, application once or twice a week is optimal. As a big fan of face masks, I will therefore tell you all about the differences in texture and properties in the following article.

ULRIKE KELLER-KNOBELSPIES,
SKIN EXPERT FOR 40 YEARS AND FOUNDER OF THE DAY FARM IN MUNICH

WHY IT MAKES SENSE TO USE FACE MASKS

Is “normal” care not enough? Yes, but face masks complete the whole thing and occupy a special position among skin care products. They contain active ingredients in concentrated form that can be absorbed by the skin within a very short time. This makes them particularly effective and shows effects quickly. Because of the instant effect, I particularly enjoy wearing a mask when a specific occasion or event is coming up. Because the face masks immediately make the face shine and tighten. With the right mask, skin problems can also be effectively treated and the general condition of the skin can be positively influenced.

What are these skin problems?

The right mask can help with problems such as increased sebum production, enlarged pores, unevenness, increased redness or pigmentation disorders as well as wrinkles in the short term. But even a dull complexion or stressed skin can be revitalized with a refreshing, moisturizing face mask. Special anti-aging masks for mature skin counteract the skin aging process. Of course they don't stop these processes, but at least they are slowed down and delayed.

WHAT TYPES OF FACE MASKS ARE THERE?

There are cream, gel, foam or peeling masks whose texture and active ingredient composition are tailored to the different demands and needs of the skin. Trends coming from Asia such as peel-off and non-woven masks, which have been popular for a long time due to their simplified application, striking colors and special consistency. The previously mentioned collagen fleece (also called biocellulose) is a mask soaked in active ingredients. For easy application, it has cutouts for the eyes, nose and mouth area and is simply placed on the face and removed again after it has taken effect.

WHAT SKIN TYPE NEEDS WHICH FACE MASKS?

All about texture and properties 

Dry skin

For dry skin, I recommend particularly rich cream masks. They contain valuable lipids that make the skin soft and supple. At the same time, they have a calming effect, which reduces feelings of tension and irritation and leaves the skin feeling wonderfully nourished after use. Rich masks are a good choice, especially in winter, when the skin is exposed to dry heated air and extreme temperature fluctuations. You may already know it from one of my other articles, but I always like to remind you not to forget the neck and décolleté. More about this under “5 tips for use”.

Oily skin

Face masks for oily skin are less rich and contain active ingredients that absorb excess skin oil. In addition, they help regulate the overproduction of sebum and fat. Many of these masks have a particularly refreshing effect due to their light gel texture and provide the skin with a lot of moisture. Please always make sure that these masks have a base of maritime healing mud or healing clay, as these ingredients bind sebum and impurities particularly well. Gel masks can be applied thinly and can be easily washed off with lukewarm water.

Impure skin

If you tend to have impure skin, I recommend peel-off masks. These are applied like a cream mask and are gently removed after they have taken effect and hardened. This removes blackheads and sebum deposits from impure skin. The peeling effect also removes dead skin cells and immediately refines the pores. In addition to finer pores, which many of my customers want, they make your complexion shine straight away. By removing it, i.e. the “peel effect”, the metabolism and blood circulation in the skin is stimulated. At the same time, you benefit from a regulating effect on sebum production.

Normal skin

Face masks for normal skin have a rather light cream or invigorating foam texture. Their active ingredients are absorbed into the skin during use, so that often only small product residues remain on the skin. Depending on the mask, you can gently work these in or remove them with a damp sponge. A little tip from me: remember to use a clean sponge. This is not only more hygienic, but also protects you from impurities or even infections. If you have normal skin, you can also use peel-off or gel masks, which provide the skin with active ingredients that are suitable for your skin type.

Mature skin

Face masks against wrinkles have a restorative and nourishing effect on mature skin. They support the skin in strengthening its structure and supplying it with anti-aging ingredients in depth. The result is firm, regenerated skin and immediately smoothed wrinkles. Depending on the active ingredient composition, the different types of masks have a stimulating, refreshing, restorative, cleansing, balancing or calming effect. Quite a few different effects, right? That's why we're happy to advise you on finding the right product for your needs.

OUR FACE MASK RECOMMENDATIONS FOR DIFFERENT SKIN TYPES

Sensitive skin

The Maria Galland 216 Masque Tendresse is suitable as a face mask for sensitive skin. Thanks to the antibacterial active ingredients, it helps to increase the skin's resistance at any time of the year and strengthen the natural protective barrier. A recommended addition to your individual skin care program, especially in winter.

Impure skin

The Dermalogica “Breakout Clearing Cooling Masque” is a clarifying, anti-inflammatory mask that relieves redness and irritation. Skin prone to impurities is also refreshed by the cooling effect of this mask.

Dry skin

The Cosnobell “Moisturizing Cell-Active Mask” is a creamy facial mask for dry skin. As soon as you apply it, it relaxes your skin and replenishes the moisture reserves with valuable hyaluronic acid. The plant extracts from green algae, white lupine and plankton intensively stimulate cell activity and keep it velvety soft.

Mature skin

With the active ingredient Hyaluron the Thalgo “Hyaluronic Mask” rejuvenates (a refreshing gel mask) improves the complexion and smooths wrinkles sustainably. The Valmont “Renewing Pack Cellular Treatment” acts as a 5-minute morning detox freshness kick and a regular source of energy. The face mask stimulates microcirculation, giving you a fresh, smooth look all day long. Wrinkles are smoothed immediately and sustainably. The mask can also be applied around the eyes. When applied once a week as an intensive anti-stress mask, the Valmont Renewing Pack develops a sensational anti-aging effect. However, apply a little thicker and after approx. 15 minutes of exposure time.

5 TIPS FOR USING FACE MASKS

1. Cleanse the skin thoroughly before applying a mask. This means your skin is freed from dirt and sebum residue and is able to absorb the mask's active ingredients much better.
2. After cleansing your face, take lukewarm water or a tonic to complete the preparation for the following mask. This means that the active ingredients in the mask can also be better absorbed by the skin.
3. After cream masks have taken effect, gently remove them with soft cosmetic tissues or a slightly damp textile or microfiber cloth, depending on the product recommendation. A clean cosmetic sponge is also ideal for removing the mask.
4. You can leave any product residue from a foam or cream mask to work like a skin care product - simply massage it gently into the skin with your fingers.
5. The recommended exposure time for a mask should not be exceeded, otherwise the active ingredients will be drawn back into the mask. As a rule, the exposure time for a mask is 10 to 15 minutes. Here you should definitely look at the packaging insert or pay attention to the instructions

Another little insider tip: The leftovers in the packaging (e.g.B with gel or fleece masks) you can gently massage into the décolleté and neck.

Are you unsure which face mask is right for you? My team and I will be happy to support you in selecting suitable products. So that you can find the right one for your individual needs and care for your skin type accordingly. Of course, we will also be happy to answer any other questions you may have about skin care.