An introduction to skin care, Step Six

Quick overview:

Step One - Cleansing, twice a day

Step Two - Exfoliating, once a week

Step Three - Extractions, as often as needed

Step Four - Toning, twice a day - after cleansing and extractions

Step Five - Serums/Complexes, once a day-week

And now.... Step Six - Masks, which you can use once a week.

There are so many different kinds of masks that you can choose from, that seem to all have different properties and help different symptoms. It can be fun to try different types like mud masks, gel masks, and peel off masks. When it comes down to choosing a mask, it is important to distinguish the consistency and read ingredient list in regards to your skin type. Some masks will allow you to treat the eye and lip area, and others recommend avoiding it. In any case, always be sure to read the directions.

Some other things to keep in mind about face masks is that what doesn't touch the face, doesn't treat the face. Don't waste product by applying a thick layer to your face if you dont need to. It is also important to keep your mask moist for the treatment duration (which will be stated in the directions). Once the mask dries, it is not active anymore. If you are having trouble with a quick drying mask, you can lightly spritz your face with warm water in a spray bottle. If you have a mask that needs to dry to remove it - like a peel off mask - keep it moist for the recommended wearing time, and then allow it to dry for removal.

Sensitive/Reactive - Gel masks offer a cool feeling which helps reduce redness and irritation. Many gel masks contain botanicals and other ingredients designed to calm and soothe skin (such as aloe). If you find a sensitive skin derived gel mask, you may also be able to use it closer to the eye and lip area, as an added hydration mask for fine lines and wrinkles.

Oily/Combination - Clay and mud masks are generally made to absorb excess oil, tighten and refine pores, and aid in the prevention of future clogging. The coolness of the mud or clay also helps reduce redness and inflammation from breakouts. Typically, these kinds of masks will be rich in beneficial ingredients, and are a first choice for oily and acneic skin.

If you skin has become extremely sensitive from a series of bad breakouts, you may also be able to find gel mask with antibacterial properties, which will help defeat bacteria in the skin, as well as sooth red and irritated breakouts.

Normal/Dry/Mature - Cream masks are rich in moisturizers, humectants, and vitamins which are fantastic for normal, dry, and maturing skin. Paraffin masks are also great for dry or maturing skin, because they promote deeper penetration of any product applied beneath them, such as a complex or serum... although the paraffin doesn't have any medicinal benefits itself.