About Facial Masks

A facial mask is a thick, cream-like beauty product. Facial masks have enjoyed a long history as a staple in many women's beauty regimen. Facial masks are popular for their versatility and their ability to be customized to meet various skin health and beauty needs.

History

Facial masks are not a recent beauty invention. People have used variations of the facial mask for centuries. Accounts of river clay, mud and fruit being applied to the face for beauty purposes can be found in various cultures. For example, people have used Dead Sea mud (known for its high mineral content) as a base for facial masks for years. In modern medicine, facial masks sometimes take traditional facial recipes and combine them with more modern chemicals and solutions (such as vitamin extracts).

Significance

Facial masks are rarely used as a stand-alone product in a woman's beauty routine. However, facial masks can be an important element in cleaning and purifying facial skin in preparation for other skin treatments. For example, facial masks can be used to clean and tone skin before the application of makeup. Also, facial masks can be used for health and medical purposes (such as soothing sunburned skin). Knowing the various types of facial masks, as well as how these facials are used, may affect other aspects of your personal skin care.

Features

All facial masks are built on a solution base, commonly clay- or mud-based, which sets facial masks apart from other facial products such as toners. The solution base is then infused and mixed with other ingredients. The end product is usually a thick product with a somewhat creamy texture. The exact feel, smell and texture of the facial mask solution depends on the additional ingredients added to the solution base. Facial masks are often selected for the perceived effects of these ingredients. Users apply the facial mask to the skin surrounding the eyes, nose and mouth and leave the solution on for a specified amount of time. Some facial masks are intended to be left on until dry, while other facial masks are intended to be removed after only a few minutes.

Considerations

Facial masks can play a large role in skin-specific beauty regimens. Because facial masks can be tailored for a specific beauty task, you must consider your skin's needs and choose the facial mask that best accomplishes that need. Nearly all facial masks are based on a common mud- or clay-based solution; therefore, one must be selective in choosing what additional ingredients are mixed into the facial mask. For example, consumers with oily skin and blemishes may choose a facial mask with a higher concentration of clay to absorb excess oil. Consumers worried about aging and facial wrinkles may choose a facial mask high in antioxidants and vitamins that are perceived to slow the process of aging.

Warning

Consult your dermatologist before applying any new skin care products to the sensitive areas of your body, including your face. All commercially available facial masks are safe and non-toxic. However, some facial mask ingredients may aggravate current skin issues such as acne or dry skin. Select facial masks that don't contain irritants if you have sensitive skin, as this may cause a rash or acne breakout. Common skin irritants include both chemical exfoliants such as alpha hydroxy acid and physical exfoliants such as sand.