How To Supercharge Your Face Mask For Glow Up Skin

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The quest for glow up, healthy looking skin has sky rocketed during lockdown as we’re all seeking a fresher complexion that requires much less makeup. But what’s the secret? Obviously a good skincare routine is crucial, but are you making the most of your face mask? Here we uncover some insider tips about how to use your mask to its full potential and really unleash that glow…

 

Preparation Is Key

Like with most things, good preparation is key. “Before doing any face mask, always use a good cleanser to start the process off and ensure your skin is properly clean,” suggests aesthetic doctor and brand founder, Dr David Jack. “You can even leave your cleanser on for a couple of minutes before the mask as a kind of pre-mask prep. This will help improve the penetration of the ingredients in your mask too.”

Be Selective With Your Ingredients

When it comes to choosing the right face mask, Dr Jack always recommends using one with a good combination of active ingredients that are well suited to your main skin issue. “For dry skin, hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5 should be top of your list. If your skin is oily and acne-prone, look for AHAs such as lactic and glycolic acid, as well as retinol and niacinamide,” he says. “To soothe redness and sensitive skin look for anti-inflammatories, such as azelaic acid and if you’re struggling with pigmentation, vitamin C and E are great.”

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Experiment With Multi-Masking

Multi-masking is another great tip for maximising the results of your face mask. Zoning (where you apply different masks to different sections of your face) is ideal for those with a problematic T-zone or combination skin as you can target these concerns separately. If you’re prone to breakouts on your chin and forehead but your cheeks are dry or dull, try a clearing mask and a brightening mask together.

You can also layer two different masks for supercharged results too. “Our Erborian masks are great for layering,” says Erborian’s skincare expert and educator, Diane Blanquart. “Start with our Milk & Peel Mask to resurface and smooth the skin and follow with our NEW Red Pepper Paste Mask to really boost your skin’s natural radiance.”

Use Your Hydrating Mask Overnight

For a real hydration hit, try sleeping in your hydrating mask to really quench dry skin. Your skin works its hardest at night so try slathering on to cleansed skin before bed and you’ll wake to super soft and supple skin. Two of our favourites to really help lock-in moisture are Darphin’s Hydraskin Cooling Hydrating Gel Mask and Erborian’s Bamboo Waterlock.

Wear Your Clay Mask In The Shower

Clay masks are great for detoxifying the skin by unclogging your pores and regulating oil production so are a staple for oily and acne-prone skin. One of the best ways to supercharge their results is to apply it five minutes beforehand and then leave it on whilst you shower.

The hot water and steam will help to open up your pores and allow the mask to work its magic. It also makes far less mess when you wash it off. Try Fresh’s Umbrian Clay Purifying Mask, which is packed full of rich minerals to really draw out impurities without drying out your skin. We also love Dr Dennis Gross’ NEW Blemish Solutions Sulfur Mask. The kaolin clay helps to ease redness and inflammation and keep excess sebum at bay.

Maximise Results With A Facial Tool

Another good tip is to consider using a facial tool like a roller or gua sha stone. “Once your mask is on, take the opportunity to give yourself a facial massage at the same time as it’s a fantastic way to elevate your routine,” says Votary’s co-founder, Arabella Preston. “Try this with our NEW Super Glow Mask and your skin will be super radiant and plump after just 10 minutes.”

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Don’t Forget Your Aftercare

Now you’ve taken the mask off, the hard work’s done right? Wrong. “After a face mask, ply the skin with as much serum as you can – particularly if it’s an exfoliating mask you’ve used,” says Dr David.

“The skin will be much more receptive as the top layer of your skin will be slightly reduced. Look for serums which complement the mask you’ve used. Vitamin C is great for pigmentation, azelaic and hyaluronic acid help with redness and dry skin, while retinol can do wonders for acne.”

One last tip? Don’t skip your daily SPF. It’s particularly important after the use of stronger ingredients such as acids.