Face masks deliver effective solutions for a variety of skin concerns. There are basically five types of masks: detoxifying, anti-ageing, brightening, hydrating and revitalising. Ultimately, a face mask aims to restore your skin’s texture to it’s original state. The thing is, there are so many masks out there, from clay masks to overnight masks to sheet masks, that you might be a little unsure of where to start. Below, we have a handy mask guide that breaks down whatever skin concern you have, and what mask to help you with that.
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Made with 8 times more ginseng complex than the Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Cream, the new Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Creamy Mask is everything we love about sheet masks. Its luxurious packaging makes applying it an indulgent experience. Plus, it doesn’t drip and leaves no mess behind.
The special GORE-TEX material simultaneously keeps moisture in and prevents skin from drying out. Leave on for 20 minutes to deeply hydrate skin and raise its defenses against external aggressors. Skin appears moisturised, radiant and firm after use.
Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Creamy Mask, $148 (box of 5)
Detoxifying
If you are experiencing blemishes or clogged pores from excessive sebum production, especially under all this heat in Singapore, then what you would need is a detoxifying mask that rids your affected area of congestion. Previously, we’ve mentioned about how active charcoal is the star ingredient in skincare products due to its purifying properties. So, you should opt for masks with active charcoal as one of its primary ingredient to really draw out the impurities from your pores, leaving you with a clearer complexion. “It will also speed up the process of healing active breakouts, however, don’t expect your pimple to be magically gone or the size of your pores to be non-existent,” Dr. Michele Green from Cosmetic Dermatology in New York City advises.
We recommend Arcona’s Magic Black Ice mask. An exfoliating and brightening mask, this helps to promote skin clarity with its volcanic sand and purifying charcoal. The former is said to physically exfoliate off all dead skin and excess oil while the latter minimises the appearance of pores for a more balanced skin. Bonus: It also contains Mandelic acid that promises to brighten the skin for a more luminous look. To complete the skincare regime, we suggest using an exfoliating cleanser to prep your face for the mask.
Arcona Magic Black Ice mask, $94 from Sephora
Lifting
If you’re concerned with fine lines and wrinkles, then repair your skin with some age-defying mask. Look out for nutrient-rich masks that contains vitamin-A derivative compounds. These bad boys are known to boost collagen production and cell turnover, which in turn, helps in plumping up delicate areas and firm up your skin. We suggest patting on some of this anti-ageing serum onto skin before mask application.
We suggest trying out SK-II’s Skin Signature 3D Redefining mask from their anti-aging series. It is a stretch mask that has been thoroughly drenched with an intense dose of Pitera, Oli-Vityl, Signaline and Niacinamide (a star ingredient for anti-aging solutions). It offers to give an immediate appearance-lifting effect, especially around areas such as forehead, sides of nose, cheekbones and the skin around the jawline and corners of the mouth.
SK-II Skin Signature 3D Redefining Mask, $192 for 6 sheets
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Revitalising
Is your skin looking rather dull and tired-looking? Then it will benefit from revitalising masks that contains a high dosage of vitamin C and antioxidants. Especially green tea extract, which helps to enhance your countenance’s natural glow and fortifies it against external environmental damage.
For a start, try out Estelle & Thild’s BioCleanse Deep Cleansing Detox Mask. Formulated with all organic ingredients, this mask is designed to whisk away impurities while protecting the skin’s natural moisture levels. Plus, it contains soothing botanicals such as Black Elderflower that promises to help in decongesting your complexion for a more refreshed and radiant glow.
Estelle & Thild BioCleanse Deep Cleansing Detox Mask, $57 from Sephora
Brightening
Have you been getting excessive sun exposure and are annoyed at the slight tan you’ve incurred? Other than further protecting your countenance with lightweight sunscreens, you should be pampering yourself with a brightening mask that contains active ingredients. These slow down the production of melanin while simultaneously boosting the radiance of your skin.
We suggest trying Sulwhasoo’s Snowise Brightening Mask. The mask sheet is individually fermented in White Ginseng for two weeks before being treated with Snowise Brightening Serum. Dr. Neal Schultz, a dermatologist from Neal Schultz MD in New York City reveals that “sheet masks contains butylene glycol that acts as an effective delivery agent for better absorption of active ingredients found in brightening serums into the skin.” This ensures that the whitening care solution penetrates the skin’s epidermis to deliver a translucent inner-glow.
Sulwhasoo Snowise Brightening Mask, $162 for 10 sheets from Tangs
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Sometimes all we need is a little burst of moisture. Look out for re-hydrating masks that are rich in hyaluronic acid (we’ve taught you how important this is for hydration), rose extractthat helps to soothe sensitive or parched skin.
Try Astalift’s Renewal Moisturising Mask. A two-piece sheet mask that is heavily saturated with the brand’s famed beauty serum – an optimum blend of Astalift’s key ingredients, nano-Astaxanthin and three types of collagen extracts. Like mentioned above, sheet masks allow for better absorption of these active ingredients. Other than that, the mask contains elastin that and damask rose to help firm, moisturise and comfort the skin for a glowing complexion.
Astalift Renewal Moisturising Mask, $88 for 6 pieces
Text: June Chen, HerWorldPlus / Additional text: Cheryl Lim; Arissa Ha, The Singapore Women’s Weekly