A face mask is a quick and easy way to tidy up your skin and restore its beauty and freshness. This procedure is also an excellent reason to rest and relax while the product works and saturates your skin with vitamins and nutrients.
But sometimes even the best face mask may not live up to your expectations - the product doesn’t seem to work, and after applying it, the skin still looks dull. The thing is that, despite the ease of the procedure, you need to use the mask following simple rules .
Apply the mask only to thoroughly cleansed skin
It is important to properly prepare your face for the procedure. If you apply a mask to skin whose top layer consists exclusively of dead cells, you are unlikely to notice any effect - the product will not be able to penetrate through clogged pores - it will remain on the surface. For the mask to really work, after removing makeup, use a scrub or peeling - an exfoliating agent will cleanse the skin, the active components of the mask will enter the skin cells and begin to work. You can also open the pores by steaming the skin or using a warm compress.
How to apply?
Applying the product to the head and hair is perhaps the only way to use it. In order for the product to bring maximum benefit, you need to adhere to the following tips :
Be sure to comb your hair before the procedure so that the strands do not get tangled.- For best results, use slightly warmed masks if they contain oil.
- For oily roots and dry ends, it is best to use several types of masks - clay and oil-based.
- Most moisturizing and restorative products are applied to the roots and then distributed throughout the entire length of the hair using a comb.
- If the preparation has a liquid consistency, then it is better to spread it with your fingers, lightly massaging the root zone (you can use a natural bristle brush).
- Homemade masks have a short shelf life, so they are made immediately before use. It is also prohibited to store them in the bathroom, since such compositions cannot withstand temperature changes.
- Before applying the mask with gelatin, step back 10 mm from the roots.
After processing all the strands, you need to wrap your head in a plastic bag or put on a special rubber cap, and wrap it with a warm towel on top. This will promote better penetration of nutrients.
It is worth knowing: the mask must be applied in sufficient quantity so that the hair can be soaked. Use about 1 tsp at first. mixture - if this is not enough to distribute over all curls, then increase the portion.
These are the instructions for use in brief. Now you know how to apply correctly. We will tell you further how long you need to hold it in time.
Choose a mask according to your skin type
You should always choose a mask based on the needs of your skin. For example, a nourishing mask will work wonders on dry skin, but will cause clogged pores and inflammation on oily skin. When choosing a mask, always pay attention to the main components in its composition. Masks based on clay and charcoal are suitable for cleansing and caring for oily skin, products with oatmeal and honey will nourish dry skin, and components such as aloe and hyaluronic acid indicate that the product is suitable even for caring for sensitive skin. skin (we asked 30 questions to a dermatologist about face masks in this material).
How and when to remove the black mask?
To determine how long to remove the black mask, you need to monitor its drying .
If you leave the product on too long, it will stick firmly to the surface of the skin, and you will have to peel it off with force, which will cause pain.
The optimal period for which you can leave a black mask on your face is 25 minutes . During this time, the product will soften the contents of clogged pores and draw them out.
The method for removing the mask is very simple. Gently pull it up by the edges on your chin and it will come off entirely, like a film.
If 25 minutes have not yet passed and the skin begins to tighten, this means that the mask is drying out faster than planned. Sprinkle it lightly with water to soften.
After the procedure, you should lubricate your face with a nourishing cream. Also keep in mind that after removing the black mask, the sensitivity of the skin temporarily increases, so you should not go outside right away.
Knowing how to apply and how long to keep a black mask on your face, you can carry out a whole course of procedures and completely get rid of acne and comedones.
Research shows that 9 out of 10 people notice improvements after the first use of the product. Within 2 weeks of daily use of the mask, the skin acquires a healthy, fresh and well-groomed appearance.
After completing the full course, which lasts 1 month, the blackheads completely disappear.
Apply the mask only with a clean brush
It is convenient to apply cream and gel masks with a special brush or spatula. A flat foundation brush will also work for this purpose. The main rule is that it should always be dry and clean, otherwise the brush can cause the development of bacteria in the product. And this will lead to the mask quickly deteriorating or not working as effectively. If you don't have a special brush and prefer to apply the mask with your fingers, always wash your hands thoroughly before applying.
How to cook properly
The positive factor of clay as a cosmetic product is that masks from it can be prepared and used at home. To prepare the mask, fine clay powder must be diluted to the consistency of sour cream. For this purpose, distilled or boiled water can be used, but most often, the cosmetic composition is prepared using decoctions of medicinal herbs, dairy products or honey. In some recipes, the powder is diluted with glycerin.
When preparing a mask at home, you need to thoroughly mix all the components included in the composition so that the finished mixture is a homogeneous mass. It should not contain lumps or hard abrasive particles that can damage the skin when applying the composition to the face.
You need to monitor the consistency of the resulting composition. If the mixture is too thick, it will harden quickly and the beneficial substances will not have time to be absorbed into the skin, and the liquid mixture will simply drain after application.
You should not use metal utensils when making a cosmetic mask. Containers made of glass, earthenware or porcelain are best suited for this purpose.
Relax
Applying a mask is a pleasant beauty procedure during which you need to rest and relax. If you start to fuss and try to do household chores at the same time as leaving, the mask will slide off your face, stretching the skin - the effect after the procedure will clearly not be what you expect (an expert explains here how to keep your face oval in good shape).
Correct application of a mask to the skin of the face
To ensure an effective effect on the skin, the rules of application should not be neglected:
- The face must be cleansed. A tonic or lotion is suitable for this. If your skin type is oily, then it is cleansed of cosmetics with a special foam according to your type. If it's dry, you can use plain water.
- To prepare the mask itself, you must use natural and fresh ingredients.
- You can apply it with your fingers, or you can also use special sponges and spatulas. Apply along massage lines. Starting from the bottom and moving to the top. This must be done very carefully, without stretching the skin. Before applying the mask, you need to remove your hair so that it does not interfere.
- It is also important to relax after application. Excessive mobility should be avoided.
- Cosmetic components should be left on the face for as long as indicated in the recipe. In case of unpleasant sensations, for example, itching, burning, the mask should be immediately washed off with water.
Keep the mask on for exactly as long as indicated in the instructions.
Longer doesn't mean better. You should not keep the mask on your face for more than the prescribed time. Sometimes it can even harm the skin. For example, long-term use of a cleansing mask can lead to disruption of the skin's natural lipid barrier - after the procedure, it will look dry and dull. And the active components of moisturizing and nourishing masks can cause irritation or even allergic reactions. You should also not allow clay masks to dry out on your face, otherwise they can severely dry out your skin.
How to choose a mask?
There is a large selection of cosmetics on sale. But for the sake of safety and good results, you need to know how to use and choose them correctly. The main thing is to pay attention to the composition so that it does not contain allergens and preservatives. If you need quick results, it is better to use a proven and familiar tool. Untested may cause an allergic reaction or redness of the skin. It is not recommended to experiment; it is better to strictly follow the instructions, which indicate how to apply the mask to the face. What is also important to consider when choosing a product?
- Skin type, choose a mask with the appropriate composition.
- The purpose of the mask is nourishing, whitening, toning, tightening, etc.
- Composition - the product should contain the maximum possible amount of useful substances that will maintain the beauty of the skin.
Remove your mask correctly
After the required time has passed, remove the mask by rinsing your face with warm water - too hot water can cause dryness and flaking of the skin. You can use a special sponge, brush or soft towel to remove the mask - make sure that not a drop of product remains on your face (you can find the 5 best face brushes here). Residue from the mask can cause clogged pores, inflammation and irritation.
How often can you do face masks?
The frequency of additional care depends on several factors:
- age;
- type of mask;
- skin type.
For girls under 25 years old, cosmetologists recommend using masks a maximum of 2 times a week. Young skin cells already divide quickly; they don’t need to be pushed too actively.
But after 30 years, the frequency of using masks depends on age-related changes. The first wrinkles appear faster on dry, dehydrated skin, which is why it needs to be nourished and moisturized more often. In such cases, cosmetologists recommend using masks every 2-3 days, but not constantly, but until a certain effect is achieved.
After 40-45 years, the regenerative properties of the skin decrease, and it needs more nutrients to maintain tone. In this regard, the cosmetologist will recommend using masks every 2 days or more often, but for a certain period.
Frequency of use of face masks, depending on their functions
Type of masks | Beneficial effect | How often should I apply? | What are the dangers of using it too often? |
Moisturizing (for dry skin) | Saturate cells with moisture, maintain hydrolipid balance, eliminate dryness and flaking | Once every 6-7 days, more often if possible | pH imbalance, rash, irritation |
Drying (for oily skin) | Normalizes the secretion of sebaceous glands, removes shine in the T-zone | 1 time every 3-4 days | Overdrying, flaking of the skin |
Anti-aging (for aging skin) | Smoothes wrinkles, has a lifting effect, stimulates skin self-renewal processes | 1 time every 2-3 days | The positive effect of using masks is lost |
Nourishing (for dry skin) | Saturate cells with nutrients, support cellular metabolism, protect against stress factors | 1 time every 3-4 days | The positive effect of using masks is lost |
Therapeutic masks for a narrower purpose - decongestants, whitening, wound healing, etc. are used until the desired effect occurs. The duration of the course and the frequency of use of such funds are determined individually. It is best if they are prescribed by a cosmetologist after a visual and clinical diagnosis of the skin.
Secure the result with a care product
After washing, wipe your face with a mild toner. Do not use products containing alcohol - they tighten the pores and the effect of the mask will quickly disappear. After toning, apply a creamy texture care product to the skin. Care must be distributed immediately, before the pores close - the cream seals the mask on the face, and the active components of the product remain working in the skin cells. As a result, it will look well-groomed and hydrated longer. If you used a cleansing mask, moisturize your skin with lotion or cream. And after applying a nourishing or moisturizing mask, you can take a light serum or emulsion.
Skin preparation
Black mask is a new cosmetic product . Therefore, many girls are interested in how long they need to keep a black mask on their face for it to work.
You can sit in it all day, but if it was applied incorrectly, there will be no effect.
First, you should thoroughly prepare the skin:
- Wash thoroughly using gel, foam, or wipe your face with a cotton pad soaked in cleansing lotion. This is necessary to remove excess sebum and other impurities from the surface of the skin.
- Soap cannot be used! Any of its varieties contains alkali, which destroys the hydro-lipid mantle - a thin protective film. Without it, the skin will not be able to resist microbes, it will quickly dry out and lose elasticity. These processes are fraught with early aging. Anyone who has washed their face with soap at least once remembers the feeling of tightness on the face that it leaves.
- Steam the skin . The simplest and most effective method is to apply a towel soaked in warm water to your face. You can also steam your skin over a bath of medicinal herbs, which are sold at the pharmacy. The duration of the procedure is 10 minutes. During this time, the pores will open, and the components of the mask will be able to penetrate deep enough and begin to act.