The Best Mask for the Job is a mask with benefits or one that addresses a concern
Decisions, decisions… with masks gaining popularity, it makes choosing one even more challenging. So, choose a mask with benefits. I have complied a simple list of ingredients and their specific benefits down below. With this being said, it is very important to start reading labels.
Take it one step further and start comparing different products. It’s not enough to grab a mask and go, because there are so many different types. Here is an example of what I’m talking about. Say you are looking for a skin brightening mask. You should choose one that has vitamin C; however, there are three different masks with vitamin C and you don’t know which one is the best. Now it is time to compare labels. Skim through the ingredient lists. Which ever mask has vitamin C listed closest to the top of the ingredient list is going to be the most powerful because it will contain the most vitamin C.
choose a mask with benefits. Active ingredients are best for creating results and correcting issues and concerns in the skin.
Vitamin C – An active ingredient that helps to brighten and lighten discoloration. An antioxidant which slows down the free radicals; furthermore, slowing down the aging process. Great for malasma, hyperpigmentation, post hyperinflamatory pigmenation, sun damaged and aging skin.
Retinol – This is a very powerful active ingredient and one of my favorites. It speeds up cell turnover, promotes collagen, brightens and smoothes texture, firms, helps with acne and so much more. When used in larger doses retinol can cause the skin to shed; cell turnover. This is a normal reaction and is considered an acute inflammation. It’s this acute inflammation that signals the the collagen production, which is how you get all of these great benefits. The key to retinol is to start slowly and build up.
Collagen – The skin has two proteins, collagen and elastin. Both are are essential for beautiful healthy skin. Collagen is your skins solution to healing and correcting.
Hyaluronic Acid – This is good for hydrating the skins surface. It has a very large molecular structure so it does not penetrate into the skin.
Natural Ingredients:
Coconut – High in antioxidants making it powerful and natural. Coconut oil is rich yet very gentle, softening and moisturizing. Great for soothing fatigued and inflamed skin. Enhances dry and hard skin conditions; anti-aging.
Aloe – Calms, soothes and hydrates. As Ayurveda becomes more popular in the states, more people are turning to Ayurvedic medicine. Aloe with its two hormones, Auxin and Gibberellins provide wound healing and anti-inflammatory properties which is used to heal chronic skin problems such as eczema, psoriasis, acne and more.
This ancient remedy is also a wonderful treatment for dry and sunburned skin, fights aging with vitamin C and E and can visually lessen the appearance of stretch marks.
Cucumber – Calms and soothes redness because it contains vitamin C and caffein acid which soothe skin irritations and reduce swelling. Caffein acid prevents water retention which makes them an excellent eye treatment for puffy swollen eyes. Cucumbers can also be an excellent treatment for burns and dermatitis (inflammation of the skin).
Rose – Anti-inflammatory, calms and soothes redness which makes it great for couperose and rosacea. Revives the completion and brings dull skin back to life.
Seaweed/Sea Kelp – Nutrient rich, helps too firm and moisturize the skin due to vitamins, minerals and high in protein.
Shea Butter – Derived from the kernels of the Shea tree, naturally rich in fatty acids and antioxidant vitamin E for nourishment and protection of the skin.
Bamboo – Natural silica-rich Bamboo Essence that helps replenish Collagen and improve your skin’s flexibility; therefore it’s moisturizing and Firming.
Anti-Aging: choose a mask with benefits
24K Gold – Firms and lifts the skin. Stimulates cells for increased blood circulation and creates a beautiful healthy glow. When blood comes to the surface it also brings with it a water and an oxygen molecule.
Snail Essence – Snail secretion filtrate contains Mucin and Stimulate, resulting in smooth and firm skin texture and is whitening and brightening.
Rosehip Extract – Improves the skin’s ability to retain moisture and reduces the signs of aging. High in Vitamin C and Vitamin A.
Vitamin A – Antioxidant that diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles due to the stimulation of collagen. The different forms of vitamin A or commonly called Retinoids:
- Retinoic Acid is the active form of vitamin A. This is the most powerful form and creates the best results.
- Retinol is the most popular form and is one step back; however, it still delivers excellent results.
- Retinyl Palmitate is a less irritating and more stable form but the least powerful.
Red Ginseng Essence – Ginseng is effective in increasing collagen, resulting in firm, tone and plumped skin. It also diminishes wrinkles and fine lines. Additionally, it acts as a skin whitener, prohibiting photoaging and pigmentation, while making the complexion look brighter, lighter and more youthful. Science proves that it can inhibit the production of melanin, protecting the skin from the type of pigmentation caused by sun damage and UV radiation.
Good for oily acneic skin types:
Clay and Mud – excess oil absorption, minimize and refine pores by drying and pulling debris out of the pore.
Willow bark – natural salicylic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic
Charcoal – Thoroughly cleans the skin by binding to dirt and blackheads. Minimize pores and controls oil production.
Activated Charcoal – Draws out toxins, oil, dirt, debris and bacteria from the skin giving it a beautiful refined texture.
Tea Tree – Antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antibacterial.
Volcanic Ash – Regulation of pores: Clogging impurities, tightening pores and removing dead skin cells. Additionally, it improves elasticity and delivers superior hydration and nourishment to the skins surface.
Green tea – Antibacterial, fights against acne causing bacteria. Antioxidant, slows down the aging process by eliminating the free radicals that damage the skin. Improves skins tone and texture. Great for under eye puffiness and dark circles.
Enzyme Masks – Works by consuming the dead skin cells; therefore, they exfoliate the skin leaving it brighter and renewed. Choose a mask with benefits that exfoliate and brighten the skin.
- Pumpkin – is usually a hot mask due to the cinnamon and nutmeg. This stimulating mask causes the blood to come up to the surface of the skin and while doing do it also brings up fresh oxygen. Great for dull tierd skin.
- Papaya and Bromelain/enzyme found in pineapple juice and the stem – Fruit enzymes great for a more gentle exfoliation. High in vitamins and antioxidants. Bromelain reduces swelling and inflammation.