Masks have had their own evolutionary journey. From slathering one mask all over your face to target a single problem to using the more convenient and quick sheet masks, and now multi-masking, these little babies have transformed skincare at every step.
While the first two are pretty self-explanatory, it’s multi-masking that confuses a lot of folks. Simply put, multi-masking involves the use of two or more masks at the same time on different parts of your face to target its specific needs. This concept sprung from the simple fact that your entire face doesn’t have the same problem and no one mask is equipped enough to deal with all those different problems. Thank god for multi-masking!
Here’s how you can get onto this Instagram trend and give your face the nourishment it needs…
- Always mask after you shower
- Never apply a mask without first exfoliating
- What mask should go where
- Leave each mask on for no more than the time mentioned
- Rinse it off thoroughly
Always mask after you shower
Masking is called a weekend activity for a reason. For all the masks to really work and show results, ensure that you always mask after a shower and not before. The steam from the shower helps open your pores and loosen the gunk. Also for people with dry skin, just as you apply a moisturiser after a shower on damp skin, using a hydrating mask will help seal in the moisture and deliver better hydration.
Never apply a mask without first exfoliating
Even if you own a mask with the best ingredients and reviews, it will terribly fail if you do not start by exfoliating your face first. Exfoliating helps get rid of all the accumulated dead cells and that is really important to help the mask sink deep into your skin and work like it’s supposed to. Thoroughly but gently exfoliate your entire face including the neck, chin and forehead area for best results.
What mask should go where
Oil controlling, purifying or detoxifying masks are usually applied on the forehead, nose and chin, because these are the areas that produce the most amount of oil and hence, have clogged pores.
Hydrating, brightening and firming masks are usually applied to the areas that are dry, damaged and super dull – which means your cheeks. Additionally, this is the mask that should be applied to your neck as well because it is one of the most ignored areas and a little nourishment will do it a world of good.
Eye and lip patches are the newest masking varieties and they are pretty self-explanatory too. The eye patch sits snugly in the under eye area, helping to nourish it as well as lighten dark circles, reduce puffiness and signs of ageing. Lip patches come in the shape of lips; you simply place it on your lips and you’re good to go. These help seal in moisture, prevent and reduce dryness and overall, refine your lips.
Leave each mask on for no more than the time mentioned
It is really important to follow this piece of advice no matter what. It may feel like leaving the mask on longer will show better results, but this is just a myth. Leaving the mask on for longer than 15-20 minutes zaps out the moisture from your skin and leaves it drier than it was before you put it on.
Rinse it off thoroughly
When removing the mask, remember to get rid of every last bit of it. Use a gentle cleanser and lukewarm water to rinse it off, pat your skin dry and slather on a generous amount of your favourite moisturiser.
Written by Urvi Dalal on Mar 18, 2020
Writer, avid reader and hardcore beauty enthusiast is the best way to describe Urvi Dalal. With over 5 years of writing experience in the beauty industry, you can trust her to have the latest skin, hair and makeup tidbits on her fingertips. In her time working as a beauty writer, she has had the opportunity to interact and work closely with a string of dermatologists, makeup artists and hairstylists. All that knowledge exchange, coupled with her flair and love for writing make it possible for her to bring you some authentic yet fun beauty content. When Urvi isn’t working, you’d usually catch her curled up with a big, fat book, drinking a cup of tea or practising her makeup skills; there is no in-between!