Face masks: which types exist and are they effective?
We can't deny it, face masks give you an instant "relaxation feeling" and they are also very popular. You can find them in all kinds of shapes, formulas, colors and they also promise "beautiful" effects for your skin. But what exactly do these masks contain and are they really that good for your skin? In this blog we discuss thedifferent typesand theadvantages and disadvantages of face masks . What types of face masks are there and what do they do?
TYPES OF AMSKERS AND THEIR ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
There are endless options when it comes to face masks. You can classify them based on theirfunctionor effect on the skin or based on thetype of formulation.
Classification based on effect
Purifying
Anti-pore, astringent
Hydrating
Exfoliating: removing dead skin cells
Sebum absorption for oily skin types
Skin rejuvenation
Classification based on formula
“Peel-off” mask
Cream mask
Clay mask
“Sheet”mask
Scrub or mechanical peeling
Chemical peeling
1. EXFOLIATING OR PEELING MASKS
This group of masks can be divided into 3 subcategories: mechanical peeling, chemical peeling and enzymatic peeling masks. All 3 ensure that the dead skin cells in the upper skin layer are removed, but the way in which this is done differs between them.
Mechanical peeling:
Dead skin cells are removed by the presence of small grains or particles (scrubs) . These will, as it were, “sand off” the dead skin cells. This sounds quite aggressive, and it actually is! Scrub masks not only remove dead skin cells but can also damage the healthy surrounding skin cells. Since the skin on your face is also finer and thinner, we do not recommend this type of mask for the face.
The enzymes will “nibble” the connection between the dead and living skin cells. In this way, dead skin cells are loosened and removed. The big advantage of enzymatic peels is that they only work on the dead skin cells. This is in contrast to mechanical or chemical peels that work on the upper cell layer. This makes an enzymatic peel milder and less harmful to the other healthy skin cells.
Example ingredients (INCI):papain, betaine, bromelain, galactoarabinan
Peel-off masks usually consist of liquid or gel-like formulations that are applied to the skin. The mask dries after a few seconds/minutes and can then be “peeled off”. Peel-off masks are mainly used to hydrate the skin, remove impurities or because of their astringent effect which makes pores less visible.
However, there are some disadvantages:
They can be irritating, especially for sensitive skin types
They often contain alcohol, which makes the mask dry quickly. Be careful: alcoholic solutions also dry out the skin, remove sebum from the skin and can disrupt the skin barrier.
They are often used to remove 'excess sebum', but often they also remove the good lipids or hydro-lipid film that protects us from harmful external factors.
Because the mask is "peeled off", small vellus hairs are often torn off as well.
Ingredient often found in a peel-off mask : polyvinyl alcohol
3. CREAM MASKS
These types of formulations are very similar to a regular cream and are usually very gentle on the skin. They often contain ingredients such as hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin. After using a cream mask, the skin often feels soft and smooth.
Sometimes cream masks can be occlusive to the skin, which is not ideal. However, since a mask is usually only applied to the skin for a few minutes and then rinsed off, this is not a problem!
4. "SHEET" MASK
Sheet masks originate from South Korea and consist of a sheet in the shape of your face that is soaked in a liquid. The"sheet"usually consists of paper or cotton. The"liquid"consists of a type of serum that contains active ingredients such as vitamins or hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or glycerine. The big difference between a sheet mask and the other masks discussed is that you do not have to rinse the skin after use. The sheet is removed but the liquid present is not rinsed off and penetrates the skin. Depending on the type of mask and the ingredients present, you can achieve different effects: hydration, skin rejuvenation, reducing pores, evening out or, for example, improving complexion. Within this group of masks there is a wide range, but individually there is often a big difference in quality. For example, some masks contain alcohol, which is bad for the skin. Some masks also contain a lot of perfume allergens that can irritate the skin. So be sure to check the list of ingredients before you buy a sheet mask.
5. CLAY MASKS
Clay masks are used to cleanse pores, absorb dirt and excess sebum and have an antimicrobial effect. With this type of face mask it is very important to rinse the mask at the right time, just before the mask has dried. If you leave the mask on your face for too long, all the moisture will be sucked out of your skin during the final drying phase, resulting in the risk of developing dehydrated skin. This can also cause blemishes and red spots.
Ingredients often found in a clay mask : Kaolin, Benonite, Morrocan Lava Clay, Illite, Montmorilonite
NOMIGE'S VISION ON FACE MASKS
At Nomige we are convinced that certain masks can be useful to give your skin a “boost” and that it is also good to give yourself a relaxing moment every now and then. Please note that themask is mild and does not damage your skin.“Overtreatment”of your skin with all kinds of peels and masks is unnecessary and will in most cases do more harm than good. So better avoid scrubs, peel-off masks or masks with a high concentration of alcohol.
If you want to exfoliate your skin, choose an enzymatic peel. Did you know that theexfoliating tonic from Nomigealso works on the basis of enzymes, namelygalactoarabinan?Thanks to its mild effect, this exfoliating tonic is also suitable for sensitive skin types.
