Although both exfoliators and masks are usually made of natural ingredients, masks are generally smooth in texture. They are also made of several different things, such as plant, milk, fruit or citrus based products, as well as clay, and the ever popular mud mask. The concentrated consistency of masks gives an immediately noticeable result.
What do They do?
With an exfoliator you must gently "work" the product, while the mask allows you to relax and the product does the work says the author, Andi of www.andibradshaw.com. In addition, they produce a healthy, polished, more vibrant outcome that allows your skin care products to smooth on and penetrate more easily. Although masks can calm or stimulate the skin, if you have issues with rosacia or acne, only use masks for sensitive skin, they are more gentle to any type of skin.
-Dry skin needs a mask that moisturizes and hydrates (adds oil and water), to relieve that really dry, flaky and tight feeling that you may have after cleansing. This type mask may contain amino acids, oils, lanolin, milk proteins and/or buttermilk. This extra oil conveys an intense mixture that is designed to rehydrate those extra dry skin cells. Those plumped up or re-hydrated cells minimize the appearance of any fine lines, or shallow wrinkles.
- Normal/Combination skin should use masks that focus on tired, dull looking skin that lacks the healthy, vibrant look. Look for masks with peppermint, eucalyptus or menthol, because they'll stimulate while they rid the skin of dirt and dead skin cells. Hardening or peel-off masks often produce the stimulating effects of these ingredients. They also produce a gentle tingling while invigorating and reviving the skin as well as leaving it looking healthier.
-Oily skin requires a clay, deep cleansing or mud mask. These types all draw out or absorb the excess oils, dirt and impurities from facial skin. Clay masks open pores and encourage the skin to perspire. Perspiration rids the pores of dirt and impurities, while the clay absorbs the excess oil. The deep cleansing and mud masks remove imbedded dirt and oils while temporarily tightening the pores. The anti-bacterial ingredients in these type masks will leave the skin clean and diminish the increase of bacteria.
- Sensitive skin needs masks that are gentle, mild and soothing. Ingredients like aloe, caffeine, chamomile, and honey are all comforting to the skin. Caffeine decreases redness and puffiness, while aloe reduces inflammation, chamomile soothes the skin and honey helps retain moisture. These masks are designed mainly to leave splotchy, dry, sensitive skin, looking smoother and feeling softer and healthier.
How do I use masks?
With clean hands or brush, liberally apply to face while avoiding the eye and mouth areas. Lay back, prop your feet up and try to relax while carefully noting the recommended time. A mask that has a gel or cream consistency may be tissued or splashed off. The masks that peel off, once dry should be removed in downward motions as your skin cells grow in that direction. Masks for acne prone or oily skin usually dry to a paste or crust type of mask, use a wet cloth to loosen and remove the mask. To complete, thoroughly rinse, then blot your face dry with a clean towel and proceed with the application of your moisturizing items. - 15359
What do They do?
With an exfoliator you must gently "work" the product, while the mask allows you to relax and the product does the work says the author, Andi of www.andibradshaw.com. In addition, they produce a healthy, polished, more vibrant outcome that allows your skin care products to smooth on and penetrate more easily. Although masks can calm or stimulate the skin, if you have issues with rosacia or acne, only use masks for sensitive skin, they are more gentle to any type of skin.
-Dry skin needs a mask that moisturizes and hydrates (adds oil and water), to relieve that really dry, flaky and tight feeling that you may have after cleansing. This type mask may contain amino acids, oils, lanolin, milk proteins and/or buttermilk. This extra oil conveys an intense mixture that is designed to rehydrate those extra dry skin cells. Those plumped up or re-hydrated cells minimize the appearance of any fine lines, or shallow wrinkles.
- Normal/Combination skin should use masks that focus on tired, dull looking skin that lacks the healthy, vibrant look. Look for masks with peppermint, eucalyptus or menthol, because they'll stimulate while they rid the skin of dirt and dead skin cells. Hardening or peel-off masks often produce the stimulating effects of these ingredients. They also produce a gentle tingling while invigorating and reviving the skin as well as leaving it looking healthier.
-Oily skin requires a clay, deep cleansing or mud mask. These types all draw out or absorb the excess oils, dirt and impurities from facial skin. Clay masks open pores and encourage the skin to perspire. Perspiration rids the pores of dirt and impurities, while the clay absorbs the excess oil. The deep cleansing and mud masks remove imbedded dirt and oils while temporarily tightening the pores. The anti-bacterial ingredients in these type masks will leave the skin clean and diminish the increase of bacteria.
- Sensitive skin needs masks that are gentle, mild and soothing. Ingredients like aloe, caffeine, chamomile, and honey are all comforting to the skin. Caffeine decreases redness and puffiness, while aloe reduces inflammation, chamomile soothes the skin and honey helps retain moisture. These masks are designed mainly to leave splotchy, dry, sensitive skin, looking smoother and feeling softer and healthier.
How do I use masks?
With clean hands or brush, liberally apply to face while avoiding the eye and mouth areas. Lay back, prop your feet up and try to relax while carefully noting the recommended time. A mask that has a gel or cream consistency may be tissued or splashed off. The masks that peel off, once dry should be removed in downward motions as your skin cells grow in that direction. Masks for acne prone or oily skin usually dry to a paste or crust type of mask, use a wet cloth to loosen and remove the mask. To complete, thoroughly rinse, then blot your face dry with a clean towel and proceed with the application of your moisturizing items. - 15359
About the Author:
Andi Bradshaw is licensed as an esthetician and as a makeup artist in the state of Maryland. She has helped to enhance the faces of more than 15,000 women. The information in this piece is taken from Andi's book "Skin Care for Moms & Other Working Women". Check out andibradshaw.com for this and other affordable, age specific, step by step, illustrated skin care and makeup books. Affordable skin care and makeup books.
