Unmasking Masks: What You Need To Know About Selecting The Best Mask For You
You’ve probably heard the buzz about Korean Beauty, specifically in skincare. There are a few reasons why Korean skincare has become so popular!
Why the Buzz?
One of the reasons that K Beauty is so beloved is that it works. If you look at the women who’ve used it, especially long-term, their skin is absolutely flawless! The culture that surrounds it also is a factor – Korean women use skincare preventatively, instead of waiting until problems (like crows feet) are visible to start using eye cream, for example.
Korean women use skincare preventatively, instead of waiting until problems become visible.
Additionally, the packaging is fun and playful, and there's a huge difference in ingredients. American skincare often has harmful chemicals and fragrances, whereas K Beauty features a lot more natural and effective ingredients, making it more functional without being dangerous.
How Often To Mask?
Korean skincare is known as being a 10-step process. However, not all steps are for every day. Most people do a mask once or twice a week. As I mentioned, it seems to pay off when you look at the skin of those who follow the routine!
Most people do a mask once or twice a week.
Masks can also be used as needs arise – such as when your skin is extra dry or if you break out. Another great time to use a sheet mask is on an airplane to arrive at your destination with a fresh glow!
How To Choose a Mask?
As mentioned, you can have masks as part of a weekly routine, as well as on an as-needed basis. Those needs are how you choose which mask to try as well. Of course, everyone’s skin is different, so one person’s holy grail mask may not be as effective for the next person.
There are many different kinds of masks – gel masks, sheet masks, clay masks, and peel-off masks. A clay mask is great for detoxifying (many of the best also have activated charcoal in them), so they will deep-clean your pores. Some of the peel-off charcoal masks also pull out the sebaceous filaments (like a pore strip does) as well as the tiny peach fuzz that grows on our faces!
There are many different kinds of masks – gel masks, sheet masks, clay masks, and peel-off masks.
Sheet masks have a lot of different purposes, but can basically be considered as a method to deliver an intense amount of serum to your face and keep it on for a long time. Gel masks are usually for hydration, but they rinse off easily. Peel-off masks are great for exfoliation and deep cleaning as well!
Closing Thoughts: Is Masking Worthy of the Hype?
I believe that no time spent on skincare is wasted. Even if you were to just put a warm washcloth on your face instead of a sheet mask, taking the time to relax and do nearly nothing can benefit your skin because stress relief is such a crucial part of taking care of your skin. Beyond that, as long as you choose your masks wisely and appropriately, it's even more beneficial! Take note of how your skin reacts to any mask you try, and don’t be afraid to try something new!