Masking is often one of our first forays into skincare that goes beyond the classic three-step regimen. But what some of us don’t realise is that masking goes beyond being just a girl’s night classic. In fact, masks will generally contain more concentrated active and transformative ingredients; this is why we only leave them on the skin for a short period of time.
Maximise your masking minutes with these masterclass tips.
Tip 1: Use a mask that’s right for your skin type.
It sounds obvious, but sometimes people can get so caught up in the excitement of trying a product they’ve heard so much about that they don’t stop to consider if it’s the right choice for their skin.
Let’s take a look at the masks we recommend, by skin type.
Normal skin:
Even if your skin is pretty happy-go-lucky and doesn’t seem to give you too many issues, you can still benefit from a mask! We’d recommend you try the Liquid Gold Ultimate Perfecting Mask, perfect for texture and radiance, or the Clear Skin Blemish Control Mask, which detoxes and clears impurities for a brighter, clearer complexion.
Sensitive/dry/dehydrated skin:
Is your skin sensitive to the thought of active ingredients? Is it thirsty and in need of some TLC? We recommend you calm and sooth it by applying a very generous dose of our Essential Hydration Cream, blended with a few drops of our Vitamin E Serum as an overnight rescue mask to really turn up the moisture.
Combination skins:
Combination skins can vary as different areas of your face could be normal, dry or oily. Why not use a combination of masks and apply what’s needed, exactly where it’s needed? If you’re oily through the T-zone, try Clear Skin Blemish Control Mask in this area. For focus on the cheeks – if they’re dry or irritated, smooth on Essential Hydration Cream blended with Vitamin E Serum here. If they’re in need of a radiance lift or some work on texture, try Liquid Gold Ultimate perfecting Mask in this area. The combinations are endless!
Oily/problematic skins:
Clear Skin Blemish Control Mask is the perfect choice for oily and problematic skins as it draws out excess oil and impurities, while also nourishing the skin and calming those angry outbreaks.
Mature skins:
If you’ve seen fashion trends come and go a few times, you probably fit into the mature bracket! Liquid Gold Ultimate Perfecting Mask is perfect for those of us who are more mature, as it takes your skin out of its comfort zone to hyper-stimulate and renew.
Of course, mature skin isn’t all the same; there’s still all the other types in here, so you can instead follow the suggestions for these.
Pregnant/breastfeeding mummies:
Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers need to avoid Vitamin A and Salicylic Acid in skincare, but that doesn’t mean you can’t mask! Great choices for you during this time include the Clear Skin Blemish Control Mask and the Liquid Gold Ultimate Perfecting Mask.
Tip 2: Pick your timing
Another thing to think about is when and how often you use your mask. In general we recommend you use a mask once per week, as a booster to complement your regular daily regimen. That said, our Clear Skin Blemish Control Mask can be used as an overnight spot treatment if you have an unwanted spot rearing its ugly head.
As for time of day, it doesn’t really matter too much; whatever suits your schedule should be just fine. Got a party or a big event on? Clear Skin Blemish Control Mask is the perfect way to mattify your skin in preparation for the perfect makeup application.
Ladies; did you know that the sebum (oil) in your skin will thicken in the few days prior to your period? This can cause the hormonal breakouts we experience at this time. Instead of this just being a fact of life, you can lift the excess sebum from the mouth of the follicle and minimise the potential for breakouts by using Clear Skin Blemish Control Mask in the few days prior.
Tip 3: Mix it up!
Here’s a tip direct from our founder, Michelle Doherty.
“After my Clear Skin Blemish Control Mask has been on for 10 minutes, I like to spritz it with Moisture Boosting Facial Mist to reactivate it, then I rub in some Micro Cleanse Super Scrub. I find this can help to remove the debris that the clay in the mask has drawn out, and it leaves my skin feeling so fresh and clean.”
As mentioned above, you can also play mix and match with which mask you apply to which part of your face if you find different areas are needing different things.
A word of warning here; just be careful you don’t go and overdo it! For example, we definitely would NOT recommend combining two highly active products like Liquid Gold Ultimate Perfecting Mask and Micro Cleanse Super Scrub – this could spell a skin disaster!
Tip 4: Masks aren’t just for your face
Our skin doesn’t end at our chin, and the benefits masks can have on your skin don’t have to either! We strongly advocate extending all of your skincare efforts, be it cleansing, exfoliating, moisturising or masking, right down your neck and décolletage as well. But it doesn’t end there either.
Many people suffer the effects of body blemishes on areas such as the chest, back and other areas of the torso as well. Clear Skin Blemish Control Mask can help you to calm these breakouts and take back control of your skin, all over.
Beyond that, masks can also provide great resurfacing for the backs of your hands, which could even help to clear up any pigmentation you have in the area. Try Liquid Gold Ultimate Perfecting Mask for this.
Unsure on how to add a mask into your routine? Or wanting some extra help working out which mask is the right one for your skin? Request a live online skin consultation today.
