Whenever a new client books in for a skin analysis, it’s at this time that I am gathering information such as their skin health history, lifestyle and skincare goals to give them the best skincare advice.  By the time some of them have come to me, they are full of frustration and doubt that their skin will never be healthy because they have tried and tested many skincare products bought over the counter,  or recommended by a friend (yes our friends to have good intentions, but what may work for their skin may not work for yours) and are fed up because they are not seeing the results they were expecting or the results their friends expected and their friends did get.

It is my job to give every client that comes to the Studio the best skincare information they need for their skin along with a homecare prescription.  Sounds formal I know but it’s not.  It is what I prescribe to them based on my findings from their skin health analysis and consultation of what is best for correcting, repairing or maintain skin health based upon my expertise.

A good solid skincare routine wouldn’t be one if a corrective masque was not prescribed to be used weekly.  A lot of people feel they have no time to leave a masque on with their busy lifestyles.  But I always tell them, put it on, do your household chores, or even better, do whatever you do to relax for 20-30 minutes whilst the masque works its magic then remove, that is it.  It need not be a chore and can easily be slipped into your routine twice weekly, once mid-week, and once on a Sunday, why not – your skin will thank you for it.

Masques come in several forms, they can be deep cleansing, stimulating, nourishing soothing, refining,  exfoliating,  and can be clay, cream or a gel, depending on what active ingredients it contains will determine how your skin will be treated with the masque.

So I am just going to briefly give you a guide on how applying a masque regularly will help achieve healthy balanced skin.

A skincare masque is recommended to condition the skin in between your professional skincare appointments.  By using one after you have exfoliated twice weekly you are helping the skin improve colour by reducing redness if sensitive, plump out the skin of you have fine lines, minimise wrinkles for rejuvenation; refine pore size if your skin is oily or moisturise if your skin is dry.  I will list below what ingredients to look for in a masque when your next buy your masque according to what your skin concern is.

Masque for fine lines & wrinkles

Look for ingredients such as vitamin c, peptides and antioxidants, even better if the masque has  vectorize technology to deliver active ingredients into the skin for prolonged effectiveness and deeper penetration.

For Oily/Acne-Prone Skin

Salicylic and glycolic acid will exfoliate the skin surface and inside the follicle to reducing the production of further breakouts.  Clay helps to draw out impurities; whilst granactive acne (which is an oligopeptide) purifies and reduces breakouts too.

For Sensitive/Redness-prone Skin

Key ingredients to look for when choosing a masque to treat a sensitive dry skin would be a stable form of vitamin C which is a powerful antioxidant and helps reduce redness by strengthening capillaries, hyaluronic acid to hydrate and lock in the moisture and papaya and pineapple to give your skin a gentle exfoliation.

Hyperpigmentation

2-3 times a week is recommended when using a masque to treat hyperpigmentation as it can be stubborn to treat.  A blend of glycolic, lactic and salicylic acid will exfoliate the skin surface to improve the appearance of discoloured skin cells; bearberry extract is a natural skin lightener and vitamin c a powerful skin brightener.

Dehydration

A soothing gel-based anti-inflammatory masque will help restore your hydration levels.  Ingredients that you need to look for are aloe vera to soothing irritated dry skin, organic cucumber to strengthen acid mantle and organic chamomile to heal and repair.

I would always advise you have your skin analysed before investing in a masque.  A masque should not be used if you have any skin diseases, cuts, abrasions or bruising.