How to Choose a Facial Mask

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Applying a facial mask is an excellent way to treat your skin while pampering yourself at the same time. Used one to two times a week, masks are essential for keeping skin hydrated and plump, and for healing blemished skin and controlling breakouts.

Before selecting a mask, first consider your skin type. Does your skin often look shiny and easily form blemishes like blackheads or acne, or does it feel tight, uncomfortable, and prone to irritability? At Leah Nickie ADVANCED AESTHETICS, many of our patients fall somewhere between these two ends of the spectrum, which is a type known as “combination skin.”

Facial masks typically fall into one of two categories: those formulated for normal to dry skin, and those designed for oily/acne prone skin. Masks for oily and acne prone skin often contain clay, which purifies, re-mineralizes, and heals skin in addition to absorbing excess oil. Other ingredients like salicylic acid, essential oils, allantoin, and aloe vera juice extract reduce oil production, unclog pores, calm inflammation, and encourage tissue repair.

If your skin is dry, look for a mask that contains ingredients like hyaluronic acid, Vitamins E, A, and F, jojoba seed oil, Gingko extract, and lavender. All of these ingredients help moisturize, soften, and repair skin. Cream-based masks are an excellent choice for normal to dry skin and will not strip the skin of its natural oils.

Here are some of our go-to masks, all available for purchase on our website and in our studio:

Oily/Acne Prone Skin:

  • Oxygen PurActive Mask: Formulated with kaolin, a type of soft, white clay, and acne-fighting salicylic acid, this mask is gentle enough to use three times per week.

  • Dry Skin:The extremely gentle Hydramucine Cream Mask provides a much-needed boost of hydration for those with dry, dehydrated, or sensitive skin. You’ll notice the hydrating and revitalizing effects are just one application.

All Skin Types:

  • The GM Phytoaromatic Mask, made with green clay and kaolin, is one of our most popular products. It works well for those with normal, sensitive, and oily skin.

Once you’ve selected a mask, follow these steps to get the most from your purchase. First, use a gentle exfoliant to eliminate dead skin cells and allow all of the skin-healing ingredients in your face mask to be absorbed into the skin. Then, apply your facial mask. Once removed, finish by applying toner to lock in all of the benefits of the mask. Finally, moisturize.

  • By adding a facial mask into your skin care routine, you’re toning and removing impurities from your skin while giving it a healthy dose of hydration. You’re sure to notice a difference in the plumpness and overall vitality of your skin. At Leah Nickie ADVANCED AESTHETICS, we proudly offer facial masks as part of many of our treatments. Contact us to schedule your free consultation!

Feature Photo via Zenspa