Masks & Muds - What it does for your skin and body

For those who are beauty fanatics, masks – whether for facial or body are very common. It is part of the beauty regime for most women, and some men. Why are masks so popular today and what do they do for your skin?

Masks can come in many forms – cream masks, muds, rubber (peel off) masks, clay masks, and natural masks – like fruit and vegetable purees or other ingredients like oatmeal and egg whites (albumen), etc. The main function of a mask is to make the skin smoother, provide deep cleansing and enhance skin radiance. Most masks today come with additional benefits – like anti-ageing, whitening, anti-stretch, uplifting, de-stressing, relaxing and so forth, with new and trendy active ingredients added into the mask or more recently, essential oils with different functions.

What kinds of masks are suitable for your skin type?

Cream masks – this is usually used for normal to dry skin as it does not dry up completely and absorb moisture from the skin surface. After leaving the mask on for half an hour or more, it could just be wiped off before cleansing the face.

Clays and muds are usually used for more oily and acne-prone skin. It is better at removing impurities and usually promotes a pore minimizing effect. Usually this type of mask is used over gauze to facilitate easier peel off. Or on the contrary, it could just be washed off with water over a sink. Like most other masks, it is left on for half an hour or more.

Rubber/ peel off masks – these are suitable for all skin types. It is also easy to apply and fuss-free. Usually comes in powder form and is mixed with either toner or water. It is applied on the face for half and hour or more, and in the end, it is just peeled off by hand.

Paper masks – paper masks are very popular today. They usually consist of a piece of tissue cut to fit the shape of your face, dipped in a solution of active ingredients, for example for whitening, anti-aging, anti-wrinkle or relaxing. It is quite fuss-free – just spread it onto your face and leave it there for half an hour or more before peeling it off and disposing it.

Natural masks – fruit and vegetable purees can also be used as a mask and have been practiced since time immemorial. This is based on the belief that what is good for your body has to be good for your skin too – or food for your skin. Many fruits and vegetables that can be found in your kitchen actually contains the active ingredients that can remedy many types of skin ailments like acne, oily skin, dry skin, chapped skin, etc. For different types of natural mask recipes, click here.

What are the ingredients most commonly used in masks today?

Many spas actually adopt the Thallaso or the oceanic concept. Here, seaweed/ algae masks or the Dead Sea muds are very popular nowadays because of the minerals contained in these ingredients. For more info on Dead Sea Mud, click here. Seaweed and algae have been used in the cosmetics and spa industry for centuries because of their proven benefits. To know more about what seaweed and algae can do for your skin and wellbeing, click here.

Besides that, most masks usually contain vitamins, fruit extracts and other active ingredients that serve their respective purposes. Essential oils are usually added for the extra benefit, for example, tea tree oil and lavender for anti acne or blemishes, chamomile for soothing, rose for anti ageing and so forth.

Dos and Don’ts of Masks

It is advised that masks are best used once or twice in a week for the best results. Make sure that your face and neck and hands are properly cleaned before applying a mask. When making a natural mask, be sure that it is done in as much a hygienic way as possible – you are putting organic stuff on your face and contamination could cause an infection or breakouts on your skin. Masks are usually spread on the face without touching the eyes unless it is stated otherwise. Firming masks/ masks with whitening ingredients may cause itch to the sensitive eye area.