Beauty masks, which are very much in vogue, cater to specific skin needs. Easy to apply with immediate visible results, this type of treatment uses a variety of natural ingredients, such as green clay, charcoal, aloe vera, prickly pear oil, etc... to purify, hydrate, or even tone the skin. Here's what you need to know about this treatment.
Everything you need to know about natural face masks.
Summary
Published on September 28, 2021, updated on February 16, 2024, by Stéphanie, PhD, Doctorate in Life and Health Sciences — 7 min of reading
Themes:
What is the purpose of a face mask?
The mask is a facial treatment that works deeply on the various layers of the epidermis toaddress skin concerns in a targeted manner for immediate and visible results, providing the skin with all the elements and active principles it needs. The application of a semi-thick layer and the setting time of a few minutes to several hours allow for better absorption of active substances by the skin. Used once or twice a week, it complements daily beauty routines to more effectively reduce imperfections, and restore radiance and tone to the skin.
Hydrating, soothing, exfoliating, purifying... there are several types of facial masks tailored to the needs of each skin type. Depending on their formulations, face masks have multiple benefits and actions: they rid the skin of minor imperfections and nuisances (blackheads, dull complexion, shiny skin, redness, pimples, etc...), can restore the skin's hydrolipidic film, nourish and deeply hydrate the skin, diminish pigmentation spots, regulate sebum production, or even fade signs of aging or fatigue.
4 minutes to understand your skin. Our dermatological diagnostic guides you toward the ideal skincare for your specific needs. Simple, quick, personalized.
Which mask should you choose based on your skin type?
To fully reap the benefits and see the effects on skin quality, it is crucial to choose a mask based on your skin type. Purifying, hydrating, firming, exfoliating, soothing... each skin type has its particular facial mask.
Mask for dry skin.
Prone to redness, tightness, and itching, dry skin typically has a dull appearance and tightened pores. These symptoms are the result of insufficient sebum production. A mask with active ingredients that have moisturizing and nourishing properties (aloe vera, shea butter, argan vegetable oil, tremella extract, etc.) is then necessary for this skin type.
Furthermore, dry skin also requires a care with a creamy texture rich in soothing active ingredients to calm the epidermis and provide an immediate sense of comfort. Thus, this type of mask will help to strengthen the skin's natural barrier, restore soft, supple and plump skin, intensely hydrate the epidermis, while alleviating feelings of discomfort.
Mask for combination skin.
A combination skin has a shiny, oily appearance on the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) with enlarged pores, while the skin on the rest of the face (cheeks, temples) can be dry to normal. If you have this skin type, it is recommended to use several masks on the different areas of your face: this is what we call "multimasking" and it allows to provide specific benefits to each part of the face.
With this technique, you can moisturize dry areas, purify oilier ones, or soothe more sensitive areas. Apply a purifying mask on the T-zone and a gel-textured moisturizing mask on dry to normal areas. Thanks to these masks, the skin is once again radiant, matte, and soft.
Mask for oily skin and blemishes.
A shiny complexion, blackheads, enlarged and clogged pores, comedones... these are the main characteristics of oily skin. If you exhibit these signs, you should rely on a mask with purifying and absorbent formulas. This type of facial mask is recommended to absorb excess sebum, regulate its secretion, unclog and sanitize enlarged pores, mattify the skin, and limit the appearance of blemishes. With a clay-like texture, this type of mask is generally composed of clay, charcoal, zinc, etc.
Mask for mature skin.
As we age, the synthesis of collagen and elastin decreases, and the skin loses its elasticity, suppleness, firmness, and radiance. Wrinkles, fine lines, and brown spots begin to appear. To combat these signs of aging, opt for a mask rich in firming and plumping active ingredients that helps to densify the skin. Our tightening night mask with prickly pear oil, shea butter , and immortelle essential oil is recommended for this skin type. In addition to nourishing and deeply hydrating the epidermis, this face mask will stimulate collagen synthesis and cell regeneration, protect the skin against free radicals, fade wrinkles, and refine the skin's texture.
Sources
STEVENS N. & al. Chemical composition analysis and in vitro biological activities of ten essential oils in human skin cells. Biochimie Open (2017).
SISAKHT M. M. & al. Skin care and rejuvenation by cosmeceutical facial mask. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology (2018).
APREA E. & al. Prickly pear seed oil extraction, chemical characterization and potential health benefits. Molecules (2021).
