How Skincare Masks Can Benefit Your Complexion
Now that we all have more time to indulge in new skincare routines, facial masks are the ideal way to deliver key ingredients targeting your skin’s unique needs: from acne clearing to intensely moisturizing, while not forgetting those always-in-demand anti-aging benefits.
At Annie Young Boutique Spa, our highly trained aestheticians can assess your particular requirements and recommend the best course of action to correct your skin condition or enhance its qualities in our soothing, safe and private treatment rooms, or for your at-home relaxing rituals. Either way, you will be well guided, and in the caring hands of our skincare experts.
Why are facial masks so effective?
Well, for one, because face masks are occlusive, meaning they create a physical barrier that seals in the active ingredients, allowing the skin to absorb them more efficiently in a relatively short amount of time. Masking is also meant to be done intermittently, along with the regular use of your other favourite beauty products.
Whether they contain salicylic acid for fighting acne, vitamin C to boost skin’s brightness, or retinoids for making dark spots less visible, skincare masks offer a more concentrated dose and in a more intense form compared to other types of applications usually found in skincare. Essentially, masks offer a very unique and highly effective way of delivering skincare right into the skin, with the added benefit of downtime to relax, meditate or deep breathing.
“There’s nothing quite like a face mask to step up your skin care routine. The right mask is not just an indulgent treat – it can also help relieve skin concerns and conditions,” says Sharleen Young, Owner and Operator of Annie Young Boutique Spa.
Which one to choose?
We’ve all seen celebrities swathed in sheet masks on social media. First popularized in South Korea, the country from which many of the current global beauty trends emerge, most sheet masks usually contain hyaluronic acid, which is highly moisturizing, ceramides, to help restore the skin’s barrier, and antioxidants, which defend against those pesky and damaging free radicals.
Since they are deeply hydrating, sheet masks are usually recommended for dry skin, treat fine lines, and deliver an intense and immediate result on tired, lacklustre skin.
These are the other types of masks you can choose from, depending on your needs and preferences.
Cream: With the texture of a rich moisturizer, it does wonders to bring back moisture and nutrients into the skin.
Gel: A light, fresh texture, that’s an excellent choice for normal to oily skin types, and often contain astringent ingredients to minimize oil and tighten pores.
Clay: A secret weapon for acne-prone skin, clay has absorbent, exfoliating and astringent properties that treats excess oil and inflammation, clay tackles the root causes of acne as well as treats ongoing symptoms such as excess oil and inflammation.
Exfoliating: Formulated to remove dead skin cells and enhance skin’s natural turnover process, these masks are often peel-type and are formulated with alpha or beta hydroxyl.
