by Joy Bianchi
Is one of any good thing ever enough? The answer is no! The same goes with facial masks. One mask is never enough since certain areas of our skin have different needs. We layer our products to get the best benefit, don’t we? The same should go for masking to give you a customized remedy that you can do at home. I may have a breakout on my chin due to an overproduction of oil, but have dry skin or rosacea on my cheeks. Using multiple masks allows me to target both problems at the same time. Pretty cool, right? It’s basically a mini at-home facial. This does not mean you can skip your visits to see your Aesthetician, but it will prolong the results of your office visit treatments and keep your skin looking and feeling healthy!
For a long time, a mask was used for one of two purposes: either for adding moisture to dry skin or attacking oil and acne by purposefully drying the skin out. Today, in the ever changing world of Aesthetics, there are so many different masks to choose from. Masks can help you with acne, brightening, hydration, anti-aging, plumping, lifting, pore refining…the list is endless. With so many options out there, how do you choose which is best for you? I’m going to give you a few great tips and key ingredients to look for when choosing your “multi-masks!”
#1 Always exfoliate before applying your masks. For the mask to do its job, you must wash your day away and get all the dead skin, makeup, and oil off, so the product is able to penetrate. Otherwise, your product will be sitting on top of all that yuck and grime. Using a Clarisonic™ facial brush with your cleanser is also a great type of exfoliation.
#2 Applying your masks after a shower or hot bath is ideal because the steam from your shower can soften the skin and open your pores. It is opening that front door and welcoming your mask of choice. If you have dryer skin, the mask can trap and lock in that moisture from your shower. Trust me, your skin will thank you for it!
#3 Tailor your treatment. Our skin is ever changing so it does not need the same masks every single time. Each area of our face is unique and craves attention and love, so we need to pick different masks for each of those areas. For example, if you have had a long day and haven’t properly hydrated then your cheeks might need a hydration mask. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and natural botanicals. If you’re having hormonal breakouts on your chin, then a purifying mask would be a great choice for your chin and T zone. Earthy clays and salicylic are great ingredients for these issues. If you struggle with hyperpigmentation on your forehead (from not using a daily SPF), then a brightening mask with Vitamin C is the perfect solution! Still not sure? We have medical-grade masks and facials that coordinate with them. Just ask your aesthetician.
There are no rules in multi masking! You face is your canvas. You can mask 1-2 times a week depending on what your skin is saying to you. Have fun and Happy Masking!