How Do Face Masks Work On The Skin?

Face masks have become more popular when it comes to daily skin care routines. The many uses and varieties make them a very attractive choice for caring for one’s skin.

On the market you can find clay masks, masks with carbon, hyaluronic acid, enzymes or just moisturizing masks. You can therefore choose based on your skin’s needs.

Below we will tell you how they work.

How are nutrients absorbed into the skin?

Face masks are very useful when you make them a part of your skincare routine. However, it is important to note that  in themselves they do not produce any major changes that will last for a long time.

The basic parts of skin care are  cleansing, sun protection and moisturizing. Face masks fulfill their function based on their ingredients. At the same time, one will have to combine them with proper cleansing of the skin beforehand. In addition, you need to moisturize the skin afterwards.

Applying face masks involves direct contact between the ingredients and the surface of the skin. The pores are clean and the skin absorbs more of the product. They can generate an instant effect that one can notice when it comes to shine and skin clarity.

However, it is only temporary, which is why one should make face masks a regular part of one’s skin care routine.

What face masks can be used on the skin?

Before applying a mask to the skin, one should gently cleanse the face to remove any makeup, dirt or residue. Micellar water is a good remedy when it comes to performing this step before application.

After cleansing with micellar water, rinse the face with warm water, which will allow the pores to remain more permeable. One’s skin will thus absorb the ingredients more easily.

In most cases, the product should be left in contact with the skin for a period of between 20 and 30 minutes. This gives the ingredients more time to penetrate the surface of the skin and achieve their effect.

Face masks based on skin type

When choosing a mask, you should take into account the results you want to achieve. One will have to  choose the ingredients based on the type of skin  and adapt them to one’s specific focus areas.

Dry skin

Dry skin requires significant moisturizing, so this type of cosmetic treatment is very useful. Keep in mind that people with dry skin should apply moisturizing face masks every two weeks. Ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, avocado and shea butter contribute to hydration and retain fluid.

Acne and inflammation

Face masks are not a long term treatment for acne. However, they can help reduce inflammation and prevent acute outbreaks.

Salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide and alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) remove dead cells from the surface of the skin and dirt that blocks pores. With regard to the latter, research shows a positive effect on scars from acne.

Greasy skin

For this type of skin, the best products are those that remove excess oil and thus increase the permeability of the pores. Some of the products that provide benefits for oily skin are  salicylic acid, glycolic acid, sulfur and charcoal.

Fine wrinkles

Masks do not completely remove fine wrinkles on the face. However, they can help minimize the appearance of fine wrinkles. Experts recommend vitamins C for this type of skin because of its excellent antioxidant potential. Over time, it creates a constant stimulus for the production of collagen.

Vitamin E is also an effective choice for rejuvenating treatment along with resveratrol and ferulic acid. Both work to protect the skin from external substances that cause fine wrinkles, such as pollution and sun damage.

Rosacea

Niacinamide has antioxidant properties, reduces erythema and improves skin color. According to studies conducted by the British Journal of Dermatology, it actually contributes to the inhibition of oxidative processes.

Stains and hyperpigmentation

You will not see immediate results when it comes to this type of disorder. The use of face masks thus complements treatments for discoloration. The most useful ingredients in this case are kojic acid, tranexamic acid and azelaic acid.

Be careful with the ingredients in face masks

Many face masks are attractive in their aesthetic and sensory aspects. However, they do not all manage to fulfill the features they claim to be able to offer. One must be careful not to fall victim to commercial scams.

Those that contain perfumes, dyes or parabens can be harmful to the skin,  especially in the most sensitive cases. It is best to read the labels and analyze the contents to avoid these products and choose the allergy-friendly ones.

Homemade masks can be safe and effective as long as you are aware of the ingredients that you should and should not use. Due to their harmful effects, it is preferable to avoid the following:

• Lemon:  Like vinegar, lemon is an acidic product that produces pigmentation and irritation.
• Egg whites:  This can cause skin infections, especially if you have open wounds.
• Sodium carbonate:  This substance has high levels of alkalinity that destroys the skin barrier, causing it to lose its own moisture.

Face masks as a contribution to one’s skin care routine

Face masks complement a good skin care routine. Along with cleansing, moisturizing and sun protection, they are excellent allies that one should use to improve the appearance and texture of the skin.

One should keep in mind that price does not always indicate the quality or effectiveness of products, so keep this in mind when choosing your face mask.

The best thing to do, however, is to identify the characteristics and needs of one’s skin. That way, you will be able to choose the right products for your skin and enjoy the maximum effect.