Benefits of Using Facial Masks

By Helen Wang

Facial masks are more than just silly tricks that women try to get their "beauty rest".

They are an important part of skin care. It is recommended that you use a facial mask at least once a week. A weekly facial mask session cannot only help your skin receive moisture, but it can also ease skin disorders thought it is not necessary to go overboard and wear one every night.

Facial masks can be soothing or energizing, and the actions and rituals often involved with applying a facial mask can be an effective stress reliever.

A facial mask is generally defined as a substance that is applied to the face, much like smearing on cream.

It is thick, and often resembles clay. Many masks make use of clay or gel as a base, as these will stay in place when applied, and they are generally harmless to most skin types (although gel is used most for sensitive skin, as heavy clay irritate it).

Facial masks are meant to cover the entire face and then remain in place for a few minutes before washing off. The materials in most masks are safe to be washed down the sink.

Most facial masks include both moisturizing and deep cleaning agents in the mask.

This allows the pores in the face to be cleansed deeply, getting rid of trapped dirt and oily build up. This can help reduce or even prevent acne. Additionally, many masks help slough off dead skin. The dead top skin is dull and lusterless.

Younger, healthier cells are exposed as the faces surface when the mask is gently removed, bringing the top layer of dead skin cells off with it.

This means tighter skin and a more brilliant complexion. It can also reduce the look of fine lines and small wrinkles to carry out a regular facial mask.

Another reason that facial masks are so popular involves the relaxation and soothing motions associated with applying a facial mask.

If you decide to have one applied in for relaxation as well as the benefits it has for the skin on the face, then you can have a very enjoyable experience. In spas, these masks are applied with special techniques and often include a massage.

You can give your own face a gentle massage just prior to applying the mask, and if you are systematic about it, you can apply the mask in a way that is singularly soothing.

To open the pores and allows the mask to do its thing, all masks should be applied to a freshly cleaned face, rinsed with warm water. Warm water is very calming and soothing, and many people find this part of the application to be one of the more enjoyable stages.

Apply the mask in a circular motion until it covers the face. This is stimulating and calming at the same time. Let the mask sit on your face for 15 to 20 minutes (although some are meant to be worn all night).

Just lie down and relax and you can enhance the effect by the addition of candles or incense and some soothing music. Finally, when it is time to rinse the mask, do so in cold water. This will help close the pores, protecting them against oil and dirt, and also energize your face.

Many people enjoy making their own facial masks from common household products like bananas (for wrinkles), honey (antibacterial) and avocados.

As a remedy for dry skin, butter can also be used. Other masks can be created using different types of clays, and different essential oils can be used for different skin types.

Fruit purees also have different effects (for instance, strawberry can act as an alphahydroxy), and milk and yogurt can soften the skin. Oatmeal is extremely soothing, and most sensitive skin types can use masks of this sort.

You can enhance your fragrance by adding rose petal powder without the need for perfume, while citrus fruit peel powder acts as an astringent.

When you decide to make use of facial masks, you are certain to feel the good effects of it later down the road. You can help keep your face healthy-looking and your complexion brilliant with a healthy glow if you apply them once a week.