How often do you give yourself 15 minutes to relax with a face mask on? Probably not nearly enough. Far more than an indulgence, face masks have the ability to treat and improve a vast array of skincare concerns. They’re the perfect add-on to an existing skincare routine, and bridge the time gap between facials and peels. Depending on your skin type and concern, masks should be applied once or twice a week for best results. But with so many masks on the market, how do you know where to begin? We recommend starting with your skin concern.
Dehydration
Sometimes, no matter how much moisturiser you apply, your skin still feels dehydrated. What you need is a mask that will deeply penetrate your skin to restore moisture and repair its delicate barrier function. Look out for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides and shea butter.
We recommend:
Skin689 Moisturizing Face Mask (4-pack – R170.00)
The fabric of this mask (made from natural fibres in coconut water which are fermented into a gel-like tissue), has been enriched with active ingredients that intensify moisture in the skin: hyaluronic acid replenishes the moisture deposits of the skin and fills wrinkles from the inside. An amino acid complex additionally moisturises and nourishes the skin cells.
Optiphi Classic Hydra-Derm HA Masque (R738.00)
A creamy leave-on mask that soothes dehydration; fights the signs of fatigue and delivers intense long-lasting moisturisation. The combination of hyaluronic acid and Imperata Cylindrica Extract provides up to 24 hour moisturisation and increases the skin’s ability to retain water. A carefully selected blend of peptides reduces fine lines and wrinkles, improves the skin’s firmness and elasticity and protects the collagen and elastin that support the skin’s structure.
Skin Republic Hyaluronic Acid + Collagen Face Sheet Mask (R42.00)
A youth-activating sheet mask with a powerful anti-ageing formulation that targets fine lines, wrinkles and loss of firmness. Super-hydrating hyaluronic acid provides long-lasting hydration and helps boost natural collagen levels for lifted, smooth and more youthful-looking skin.
Dull, lacklustre skin
Dullness is particularly prevalent in winter when skin is exposed to cold wind, air conditioning and heaters, but it can be caused by everything from smoking to poor circulation to a build-up of dead skin cells.
We recommend:
Gatineau Melatogenine Futur Plus Anti-Wrinkle Radiance Mask (R855.00)
This luxurious mask rapidly smooths away lines and wrinkles whilst collagen extracts plump skin from within. Perfect for skin showing signs of fatigue, this mask revives the complexion, leaving skin looking fresh and radiant in just 10 minutes.
Team Dr Joseph Intense Revitalizing Mask (R580.00)
Intensely energising facial mask with natural plant extracts and highly effective ingredients for a radiant complexion. Ideal for dull, sallow skin showing signs of environmental damage and ageing.
Filorga Oxygen-Glow Mask (R610.00)
This express face mask is infused with an oxygenation booster, hyaluronic acid and detoxifying L-Enzyme to reveal a brighter and more hydrated complexion. The mask helps to plump and smooth the skin to reveal a youthful, dewy glow. It provides an immediate moisturised effect thanks to its hydra-illuminating texture with integrated Photoperfector HD technology to immediately enhance the skin’s appearance.
TheraVine UltraVine Advance Gold Collagen Film (R301.00)
Gold in a face mask? Yes please! This film mask comprises a synergy of concentrated actives infused in a plant-sourced collagen film to help brighten the skin’s complexion and lock in moisture. The addition of 24k gold and diamond dust enhances the effects of the actives leaving the skin moisturised and glowing with illumination.
Dead skin cells
If you don’t exfoliate your skin regularly, it may become victim to dullness due to a build-up of dry and dead skin cells. Exfoliating masks kill two birds with one stone by removing these cells whilst usually offering hydration and other anti-ageing benefits.
We recommend:
Filorga Scrub & Mask (R805.00)
This two-step scrub and mask re-oxygenates skin to reveal a finer, more radiant texture. Apply in gentle circular motions like a regular scrub to exfoliate the skin. When done, leave the product on the skin and watch the texture transform into an active mousse. When the bubbles have disappeared, it is time to rinse off.
Firming and plumping
As we age our skin loses firmness and elasticity, and it may not appear as plump as it used to. Luckily there are various skincare ranges to help replenish some of this firmness. Look out for products containing ceramides, hyaluronic acid and growth factors.
We recommend:
Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Overnight Firming Mask (R785.00)
This luxurious overnight mask reinforces our love for Elizabeth Arden’s Ceramide products. It goes to work while you sleep, working directly with the skin’s natural renewal and regenerating processes. Clinically proven to lock in hydration and prevent moisture loss, it tightens, firms and lifts the skin, improving its appearance. Wake up with skin that feels firmer, more resilient and deeply refreshed.
Nuxe Nuxuriance Ultra Re-Plump Roll-On Mask (R620.00)
Consisting of around 88% natural ingredients (including saffron and Bougainvillea Bi-Floral Cells), this anti-ageing re-plumping roll-on mask helps smooth the skin, reshape facial contours and enhance radiance. The genius roll-on functionality makes application super easy and the metal also has a cooling effect on the skin. Skin looks plumper, rested and firmer; facial contours appear more shapely.
Diego Dalla Palma Idratante Moisturizing Plumping Hyalu-Mask (R515.00)
An intensive balancing treatment for dehydrated and dry skin. Great to use after exposure to the elements such as cold, sun, wind, heating and arid environments (planes or air conditioning). In addition to replenishing the skin’s moisture levels, it also helps plump sallow skin.
Fine lines
Lines and wrinkles are inevitable as we age, and to keep them at bay, you’ll need a skincare regime consisting of good quality products containing active ingredients. Look for masks filled with nourishing vitamins, collagen or retinoids.
We recommend:
Sorbet Smoothing Under Eye Mask (R57.00)
Consisting of Co10, vitamin A, C, E & B5, this mask is soothing, brightening and renewing. It reduces puffiness, dark circles and fine lines around the eye area, while offering an intense moisture treatment for the delicate under eye area.
Purifying
Oily and blemish-prone skins can greatly benefit from a bi-weekly mask that cleans pores, curbs excess oil production and removes dirt and bacteria from the skin. Look out for anti-microbial and anti-bacterial properties and natural ingredients like charcoal, tea tree and mint.
We recommend:
Freeman Pore Cleansing Strawberry + Mint Sheet Mask (R49.00)
This silky sheet face mask uses strawberry to cleanse pores and mint to control the skin’s oil production. The results? A fresh, clear complexion.
Dermalogica Blackhead Clearing Fizz Mask (R329.00)
A unique fizzing mask, this formula effectively cleans pores and helps target and minimise blackheads. Upon application it helps open pores, decongest the skin and facilitate blackhead extractions. Contains sulfur for its anti-microbial properties, kaolin clay to absorb excess oil and apple fruit extract to hydrate the skin.
TheraVine Charcoal Purifying Mask (R383.00)
Charcoal is known for its detox abilities, making it a great fighter against the effects of pollution. This is a creamy clay mask that helps clear pores and smooth the skin’s surface. Activated charcoal draws micro-particles such as bacteria, toxins, chemicals, oil and dirt to the surface of the skin and absorbs it. These particles are then washed away when the mask is rinsed off.
Soothing and calming
There is nothing like a soothing mask to calm the skin when it’s feeling sensitive, reactive or stressed. Look out for calming ingredients like aloe vera, lavender and hempseed oil.
GR8SKIN CTRL Soothing Mask (R329.00)
This hydrating clay mask contains three types of clay (kaolin, bentonite, and montmorillonite) to exfoliate the skin while removing impurities. Clay is anti-inflammatory and draws heat from the skin, which in turn has a soothing effect. Hempseed oil, shea butter and aloe extract give skin a baby-soft feel thanks to their intensely nourishing properties.
Freeman Calming Lotus + Lavender Sheet Mask (R49.00)
Unwind with this calming facial sheet mask that’s perfect for sensitive skin. Lotus helps soothe skin by providing natural moisture and radiance. Lavender oil promotes relaxation and lifts away stress for a smooth, renewed complexion.
Have you found a mask you simply can’t live without? Tell us in the comments section below.
