Masking Your Imperfections

For the last couple years, the trends for masks have been on the rise. Whether it's a once a year girl party thing or part of your weekly routine (definitely my suggestion), throwing a mask on your face will definitely be a pick me up for your skin. In fact, if you are doing the three basic steps (cleanse, tone/mist, moisturize), adding in a mask is one of the easiest ways to boost that youthful glow while working on imperfections like acne and wrinkles. So, let's talk about facial mask benefits and what to avoid.

GOOD

First things first. Pick a mask that is right for your skin. If you would like to help with pore size, acne, anti-aging or hyper pigmentation (aka sun spots), find one that does just that. I am in love with the GM Collin Hydramucine Cream Mask. Ingredients include vitamin E, A and F, bamboo extract, water lily extract and allantoin. I call it the BRIDAL MASK because it plumps up the skin and leaves your outer layer with a dewy finish. Ka-chow! And GM Collin just had a NEW BABY - the Charcoal Mask. This mask will:

1. Capture and elimate micropollutants

2. Revitalize and replenish the skin

3. Purify and improve the skin texture

4. Even out skin complexion.

BETTER

Have you heard of zoning your masks? This is super helpful if you have an area that has acne and the rest of your skin needs anti-aging. Put one mask on the pimples on the nose and chin and put the anti-aging mask on the rest of the areas (cheeks, lip, forehead.) It'll be a win-win getting you the right products in the right area.

GOOD

Have you seen the sheet masks and patches that you can use? A lot of these are very calming and moisturizing. With all of the pollution, free radicals and sun that we see each day, these are perfect for your face. They are especially fun to wear for Snap Chat and with girlfriends. Warning - silly talk ahead! A couple of other tips here... don't leave them for longer than the instructions say (or 20 minutes), rub in any excess product left in packet, and relax and enjoy the benefits. Another favorite for my clients are the Instant Radiance Eye Patches. Seven benefits of these patches are:

• Detoxify

• Firming

• Soothing

• Immediate and Long Lasting Moisture

• Anti-Puffiness

• Anti-Dark Circles

• Anti-Wrinkles

• You can even use these on your marionette lines.

BETTER

Doing treatments that include sheets masks and patches will step up your skin care game, just like seeing a trainer at the gym. One of my favorite clinical facials by GM Collin is called the Sea C Spa, which includes patches that dissolve on the skin. This treatment delays the visible signs of aging and energizes the skin; diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles; evens out skin tone; and illuminates the skin restoring its youthful appearance.

GOOD

Oxygenating masks can be a good option too. I have one I use in the spa room that leaves beautiful and glowing skin all while feeling and smelling amazing. Oxygen also kills bacteria and brings blood flow to the surface of the skin which can give you a pick me up. But it's not right for all skin types. So let's chat.

One last word of advice. Skip over the peel off mask. These masks claim to remove hair, blackheads, and dead skin... which they may do. But in addition, they also can remove hair you want to keep (like brows) if you get it in that area. They also pull up and out on the skin, which is harmful to the physiological components of the skin and vascular system right below. Long term and repeated use will cause damage to collagen, elastin, and damage to the tiny veins which can be unsightly.

So what are you waiting for? Come see the options that I have to use for you both at the spa and at home!

Don't forget to Breathe. Let Go. Relax.

Zoey Jolley, Licensed Esthetician