Skincare masks are such a significant part of the skincare world. We all love a good face mask. Not only that skincare masks can help in improving the skin condition, but are also a real treat for the soul. Skincare and soul care at the same time. We can undoubtedly say that skincare masks provide the best for both worlds.

 

Although using these skincare products is not an indispensable step in your daily skin care routine (as is the case with cleansing and moisturizing), it doesn’t mean that they are not important. They provide our skin with so many benefits. A quality, well-formulated skincare mask can make a real difference.

 

Hydration, nourishing, clarifying, brightening... they can do it all.

 

Let's dive in in the world of skincare masks and find out what kind of magic is hidden in the depths.

 

What is a skincare mask?

 

Skincare masks are products whose main role is to provide the skin with important ingredients and give it an instant boost. In the face masks’ ingredient list, you can find various hydrating substances, but also active ingredients such as AHA and BHA, niacinamide or vitamin C. And the list goes on.

 

These products represent a concentrated dose of nutrients that you would not otherwise get from a serum or leave on product. And this exactly is their biggest advantage. Another special thing about masks is their occlusive effect and ability to create a barrier on the surface of the skin.

 

This physical barrier stimulates the absorption of nutrients and allows a much stronger effect to be achieved in a shorter time. And that is why we can get that instant boost after only 15 or 20 minutes of having a mask on our face.

 

On the market we can find a variety of mask types: clay mask, cream mask, sheet mask, peel-off mask, etc. Skincare masks are usually not intended to be used every day. It is enough to apply these goodies to your face only one or two times a week. Face masks are a phenomenal addition to your regular skincare routine and can significantly contribute to the effects of other products.

 

The origin of masks

 

We all know how popular skincare masks are today. But have you ever wondered where it all started? Let's go back a few thousand years and visit some of the most famous ancient cultures.

It is believed that skincare masks actually originated in India. Their original form was ubtan - a face and body mask made of different flowers and plants such as aloe. Today, ubtan is considered to be one of the first cosmetic products ever. This ancestor of today's modern skincare mask was the integral part of Ayurveda (an Indian holistic approach to health and care).

 

Skincare masks back then had a role to improve the health and appearance of the skin, but also to evoke a good feeling inside. And this hasn’t changed since. We all know that relaxing spa moment when we take a shower, apply a skincare mask and chill for a few minutes on a sofa after a hard day at work. What a treat.

 

Egyptian culture is another one in which skincare masks played an important role. The Egyptians were the one who introduced masks made of clay, milk and honey.

 

We all know that Cleopatra was obsessed with using anything that would make her look beautiful and young (we all get you now, Cleopatra). And skincare masks were an integral part of her skincare routine. Some of the other interesting ingredients she used were egg whites and lemon juice.

 

Nowadays, we use amino acids and vitamin C in our modern skincare masks, but the effect is basically the same: skin hydrating and brightening.

 

The ancient Romans even went a step further and used some pretty questionable ingredients (e.g. rabbit blood) to achieve the desired brightening effect. But hey, we’re not here to judge! Trends in skincare have been constantly changing depending on the current standard of beauty. And it will probably be that way forever.

 

Today, pale skin and a porcelain complexion are no longer in vogue. However, some new trends have found their place in the cosmetic industry. In 2021, the focus is mostly on achieving radiant and healthy skin that will look amazing even without makeup. The natural look and neutral tones are a big hit. In order to achieve this, well-nourished, toned and radiant skin is a must.

 

In addition to moisturizers and serums with active ingredients, skincare masks are another product that allows you to achieve the desired skin appearance.

 

The benefits of masks

 

As we mentioned, the base of any skincare routine is a combination of proper cleansing and moisturizing . But if you want to take your skin to a whole new level, you will need a little help from other products, too. Skincare masks are one of them.

 

We can achieve so many amazing results on the skin only with regular and consistent use of quality and effective skincare masks. For example, regular use of masks with hyaluronic acid will lead you to a plumped and hydrated skin. You can even eliminate those fine lines and small wrinkles that bother you.

 

Clarifying clay masks will make sure to remove excess sebum from the skin surface, but also unclog pores and reduce their visibility.

 

We could continue to write about the positive effects of skincare masks for days. But you get the idea.

 

So, how to choose the best face mask for yourself? We agree that there are so many options out there, so it can be quite challenging to pick just one and give it a go. However, the best approach is always to listen to your own skin and give it what it really needs. But more about it in a minute.

First, let’s talk about skincare masks’ role in soul care.

 

Using a mask for self-care and wellness

 

We live in such a fast and crazy time that inevitably carries a ton of stress. That is why self-care is so vital. It should be an indispensable part of our lives, in order to achieve that good feeling from inside. Self-care is a concept of taking care of your mental, physical and spiritual health, through rituals you enjoy. And we can say that using a skincare mask pretty much covers all three aspects.

 

The fact is that most people cannot afford to go to the spa once a week and relax while professionals are applying a skincare mask on their face and massaging them. And all of that while listening to some chill music. But the good news is that you can bring a spa to your home every single week. All you need is a good skincare mask and a little inspiration. Et voila!

 

Still not convinced? Here is a little guide.

 

Take a shower, wash your hair and thoroughly cleanse your face. Put on a soft bathrobe, light your favorite candle and prepare some relaxing music you enjoy. Make yourself a peppermint tea, and if you want to go a step further, cut the cucumbers and place them on your eyes. Hey, why not? Here it is all about you.

 

Leave all your problems behind the closed door and dedicate half an hour to yourself - to having positive thoughts and enjoying the sound, smell, and overall feeling. After this wellness treatment, you will feel reborn. And due to the skincare mask you used, your skin will look radiant and glowy. A winning combo!

 

Which mask is best for you?

 

The best mask for your skin is the one that will provide it with exactly what it needs. And what is that it needs? Well… only you know!

 

HYDRATING MASKS

 

In case you notice that your skin lacks hydration and looks tired and dull, as well as that fine lines start appearing, it is a good idea to try a humectant-based face mask. Some of the humectants are hyaluronic acid, glycerin, aloe vera, and amino acids. These substances bind water molecules and replenish the skin with the water it needs for optimal functioning and good appearance.

 

NOURISHING MASKS

 

However, it may not be enough for your skin to just restore its hydration. You may want to go a step further and choose a nourishing mask that shows more benefits at once.

 

An example of one such mask is our Vibrancy (un)Mask. It contains minerals and omega fatty acids that restore moisture to the skin, as well as betulinic acid which improves its elasticity. Vitamin C and other antioxidants in this mask protect the skin from the harmful effects of UV rays and show an anti-aging effect. If your reality is having dull skin that has lost its elasticity and looks tired, a mask like this will be the perfect choice for you.

   

CLARIFYING MASKS 

 

The base of clarifying skincare masks’ formulation is mostly clay and/or charcoal, which has the ability to absorb excess sebum and create a mattifying effect. The goal of a good clarifying mask is to eliminate excess oil on the skin, but also to unclog pores and reduce their visibility. This type of mask is mostly suitable for people with oily skin type, which is particularly prone to blackheads and acne. It is also suitable for applying on the oily T zone of people with a combination skin type. Stay tuned for our nee clarifying mask, which is coming very soon! 

 

EXFOLIATING MASKS

 

Exfoliating masks are there to remove that surface layer of dead skin cells and unclog pores. Although sometimes exfoliating masks contain ground particles, you should keep in mind that they cannot unclog pores or contribute to reducing their visibility. Instead, it is a much better option to opt for AHA and BHA-based masks. AHA helps to remove dead skin surface cells, while BHA can get deeper into the pores and cleanse them from sebum, bacteria and impurities. Together they are a winning combination.

When was the last time you treated yourself to mask? What was it?  Leave a comment below