Face mask - how to choose the perfect one?
The cream textures of masks are replaced by silicone flakes, materials impregnated with nanoparticles, and even kits that look like a home laboratory. So you can mix the ingredients yourself, apply several masks at the same time ... but how to find yourself in the midst of new products and how to find the best formula for yourself?
Text: Harper's Bazaar.
It turns out that our epidermis requires much more care than you think. Moisturizing is not enough. First of all: it is in it that vitamin D is synthesized, which is subsequently used by the entire body to strengthen bones and slow down the aging process. Secondly: keratinocytes, the cells that make up the epidermis, are part of the immune system, which gives us immunity to bacteria, viruses and allergens. And one more thing: the stratum corneum, i.e. the one that is the highest and comes into contact with air is very active biochemically. What does it mean? The cells of the epidermis work like a small factory and daily produce the complex protective and moisturizing sheath needed to keep the skin healthy and smooth. Among the substances that can be found in it: charmaic acid (a natural UV filter), amino acids, salts, sugars, as well as lactic, citric, formic and urea acids. Come to think of it, this is only the beginning of the list, because there are also sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium ions. Such a natural cream makes up as much as 30 percent of the epidermis!
Everything would be perfect if not for the fact that in a daily environment full of pollution, under conditions of stress and not always perfect care, the protective shell of the skin becomes full of holes, like a sieve, which sometimes requires more than a cream. Masks come in handy here, specialized cosmetics, the composition of which is expected to bring certain benefits: restore the protective layer, soothe the skin when it is irritated or brighten it when discoloration appears on it, and clear it in case of blackheads. . They act faster than creams, especially since they are increasingly taking the form of occlusive dressings. What does this mean and how does it work? Hydrogel pads, fabric pads or rubber masks fit so tightly to the face that they completely block the access of air and release the contents directly into the cells of the epidermis. In addition, thanks to ingenious formulas, their use becomes a pure pleasure.
Hydrogel masks
In this form, the mask becomes the simplest treatment in the world. You simply take it out of the package and stick the cool gel pad on your skin. Throw it out after 15 minutes. There is no need to lie around waiting for the mask to take effect, because it adheres well enough to the skin that you can do almost anything during this time.
Hydrogel masks look like a thin layer of jelly and are soaked in a liquid that can be impressive. For example, the Glyskincare colloidal gold mask. Under the influence of skin heat, the gel releases gold nanoparticles, microparticles that penetrate deeper and supply the cells with the missing trace elements. The process is complex, but the effect needs no further explanation. Rejuvenation, brightening, smoothing lines and wrinkles - not bad in 15 minutes.
Masks can usually be purchased in individual petals and rarely cost more than PLN 30. Even better, if you have a supply of them in the refrigerator, and when you feel that the skin is dry and, for example, slightly swollen, you can perform such a procedure as SOS for the skin.
Brightening Gel Mask
Mix and Apply
So far, powdered algae masks have only been reserved for beauty salons. This is a thing of the past because you can buy seaweed powder, mix it with water yourself and apply it on your skin. Algae does not need to be advertised to anyone, because it is one of the few natural and organic ingredients that has a complex restorative effect.
Micronized, i.e. crushed into powder, after application, a whole set of ingredients is released: alginates, amino acids, silicon compounds, calcium, iodine. The epidermis receives a large portion of ingredients that regenerate, improve blood circulation in the vessels, help exfoliate dead cells and brighten. The difficulty lies in choosing the right ratio of powder and water in order to get a thick mass that hardens on the skin and turns into an elastic, rubbery mask. But it's just a matter of practice.
A good choice to try your hand at mixing ingredients is the Bielenda mask with algae and rutin and vitamin C supplements, which, in addition to regenerating the epidermis, give a brightening effect. And if you want to instantly hydrate dry skin, try Nacomi Seaweed Olive Mask. After mixing with water, it can be applied to the face, eyelids and lips, if you hold for 15 minutes without opening them, then the mass will harden during this time and can be removed in one piece.
Seaweed Collagen Mask
do it yourself
A small jar, a bag of powder and water. This kit looks like a little chemist and is used to make the Nacomi Shaker mask. The jar resembles a shaker for mixing drinks, just pour powder into it, add water and shake well. When the consistency becomes airy, a thick emulsion will remain, which must be applied to the face for 10 minutes. How it works? Base - sand from the islands of Bora Bora with an exfoliating effect. This type of mask is programmed for immediate action, and the dry powder does not require the use of preservatives, so we can talk about a natural cosmetic product. However, the shaker presents a minor degree of difficulty with face masks, which are reminiscent of a multi-step treatment at a professional spa.
Such kits can be found, including the Pilaten brand, for example, an intensive cleanser. It consists of three formulas: a refreshing fluid, a mask that deeply cleanses the pores, and a moisturizing fluid. You can expect the effect after the procedure with a cosmetologist, because all formulas contain activated charcoal. You should have at least half an hour for such a procedure, but still half as much as in the office, so the time savings count.
Makeup kit
