In the beauty industry, facial masks have long been introduced with promises of exfoliating wonders, hydration, and achieving glowing skin. However, the question is whether they truly live up to the hype promoted by beauty influencers and skincare brands. Today’s article delves into this very issue, so prepare to uncover the answers.
What are Facial Masks?
Now we are not talking about the ones that were used during the pandemic. These are specially formulated or sometimes homemade masks to help you target specific skin concerns. They can help to hydrate, exfoliate, and even dry your skin, depending on what you are using it for.
These additions to our beauty routines didn’t just come out from nowhere. They’ve been around for as long as 5,000 years, starting from ancient India. However, Madame Rowley introduced the first cosmetic and commercial facial mask in the 19th century. It was said to be able to bleach, purify, and preserve one’s complexion.
Now that we know what face masks are and we’ve taken a little history lesson about them, let’s
now move to whether they are necessary or not.
Are Facial Masks Important for the Skin?
The simple answer is that it depends on what you are using it for. This, however, is not a solution for all skin problems. You can only add it to your skin routine.
To ensure you know if it’s important for your skin, let’s list a few common skin concerns and what facial masks can do to help.
Facial Masks Eases Acne
Facial masks are not a substitute for your regular skincare routine or acne treatment but rather serve as complementary aids in your fight against acne. Masks with ingredients such as papaya and yogurt effectively unclog pores and eliminate dead skin cells, thus reducing the likelihood of frequent breakouts.
Additionally, masks featuring natural elements like aloe vera and oats can provide soothing effects, while clay and charcoal-based masks work to absorb excess oil, further preventing breakouts.
They Unclog Oily Skin
Just like acne, masks that help to unclog the skin and remove excess oil can be beneficial.
Aside from the ingredients mentioned, glycolic acid, sulfur, and pineapple found in masks are also very good for oily skin because of their role as exfoliants.
Facial Masks Hydrate Dry Skin
As we mentioned earlier, some masks can help to hydrate and moisturize. Dry skin needs masks like this as it needs constant hydration and moisture to stay healthy.
Masks with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, honey, cocoa butter, avocado, etc. can help to achieve this.
Facial Masks Reduce Hyperpigmentation/Dark spots
If you are looking for masks to help you prevent and reduce dark spots and hyperpigmentation, then you should look out for those that contain ingredients like vitamin C, azelaic acid, kojic acid, etc. AHAs and lactic acid are also really good exfoliants that can help you remove discolored and dead skin.
They Can Reduce Fine Lines
While not as serious as deeper wrinkles, fine lines can still be addressed with the right ingredients before they become deeply entrenched.
Vitamin C can help boost collagen production, plumping the skin and countering fine lines.
Additionally, facial masks with ferulic acid and vitamin E can offer preventive measures against these concerns. It’s essential to remember that facial masks are not a core component of your skincare routine but rather an optional addition. Therefore, choose them to enhance your skincare experience and add a touch of indulgence to your routine.
In Addition…..
Facial masks can come in different forms and with different ingredients. Here are a few:
- Cream/Gel
- Exfoliant
- Sheet
- Peel off
- Mud/ Clay
- Natural
- Charcoal
These types of masks are actually quite popular. You’ve probably heard of or seen at least 2 to 3 of them before. Please know that there is no one that is better or more effective than the other. Their effectiveness depends on the ingredients they contain and the skin issues they are made to deal with.
To reiterate one more time, facial masks are not an essential part of a skincare routine. They are not the solution to healthier skin or your skin concerns. If anything, they are like that extra snack you sneak in after eating a full meal. They are just a bonus. So if anything, getting face masks should be because you just want to add something nice to what you have.
Final Word
No one can really say having a facial mask in your routine can do you really good or really bad.
But one thing is clear, they are helpful, but not important to your skin health.
If you have skin concerns, instead of looking for masks that can get rid of them in a few days, just create a consistent and effective routine that will not only deal with the issue but help you achieve better and healthier skin.