Face Masks In The Cold: 5 Mistakes To Use

In the fall and winter, everyone needs a face mask - at least once a week (ideally 2-3 times). Cold air contains very little moisture, and central heating radiators and car air conditioners take the last drops from the skin in heating mode. The consequence of this literally manifests itself on the face in the form of peeling, irritation and "lines of dehydration" ─ small wrinkles in the places of mimic folds. An effective and quick way to rectify the situation is a moisturizing mask. Shown to any skin type, it urgently replenishes the moisture reserve in the skin, works to normalize the hydrolipid barrier (i.e., the ability of the skin to retain and retain the existing amount of fluid), prepares it for deep care in the form of a serum (and is, by the way, where a more effective conductor than moisturizer).

We have selected two dozen of the most different face masks (fabric and gel, washable and night, hyaluronic and with coconut oil) with proven effectiveness and are ready to tell you what needs to be done to make them work.

It would seem that applying a mask to your face - what could be easier? Perhaps only careless movements can cause trouble, when, together with the bag, you tear the mask itself into pieces, but this is also only when it comes to the fabric version. So when the result is disappointing, we of course blame the product itself. This may be surprising, but sometimes the problem is not with the product, but with the way it is used. How the mask works (and whether it works at all) is influenced by its application, and daily skin care, and even the order in which the products are used. So, a checklist of mistakes that must be avoided in order to increase the efficiency of masks to 100%.

Mistake 1: you are not reading the instruction

This seems obvious, but it is the most common mistake. After buying a mask and before the first try at home, once again carefully study the how to on the package before proceeding with the beauty ritual (especially for formulations that require preparation just before application).

Moisturizing masks

Face mask "Intensive hydration" with plant juices, Yves Rocher

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Mistake 2: you are applying the mask incorrectly

You want the mask to follow the outline of the face as much as possible, like a second skin. If we are talking about the fabric version, you need not only to accurately apply the mask, aligning the slits with the eyes, nose and lips, but carefully straighten it and remove all air bubbles - there should be no space between the mask and the skin. The stronger the adhesion of the mask to the skin, the more beneficial ingredients will pass into the dermis. Be sure to remove the protective film supplied with some fabric masks. Typically, this film serves to protect the mask that is folded in four from sticking, but some of us do not remove it, suggesting that such protection is necessary for the correct use of the product. This is not true! By removing the cellophane layer, you can optimally fit the mask to the curves of your face.

Revitalizing masks

Night revitalizing mask WASO, Shiseido

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Mistake 3: you leave a mask on your face for a long time

This is the time when more is not better. If you overexpose the mask, you risk making your skin worse. After passing the prescribed 5-15 minutes of being on the face, the mask begins to dry quickly, while actively drawing moisture from the skin - the one with which she just saturated it, and also her own. Keep your finger on the pulse with the "clay" masks, preventing them from cracking on the skin and in no case leave the mask overnight (if this is not specifically required - re-read point # 1).

Mistake 4: you don't completely wash off the mask

Not all masks require rinsing: some need to be left on the face and then massage to achieve complete absorption, the surplus of others - after a while, remove with napkins or cotton pads, but there are some that need to be removed completely. Remains of the mask, even the smallest, can lead to a minimum of clogged pores, a maximum of an allergic reaction and irritation. Remember that the washing machine has several rinsing cycles, and proceed in the same way. Check the hairline, under the nose, chin and above the eyebrows - areas that require special “rinsing”. Finish off with cool water to close the pores. However, all this, of course, does not apply to masks that do not require rinsing.

Cleansing Masks

Mask-film "Purification and renewal" WASO, Shiseido

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Mistake 5: forgetting about sun protection

How many times it has been said that it is necessary, including in the cloudy off-season. Once again, we remind you that you should not forget about the cream with an SPF filter of 10-15 units, especially after morning "masking" sessions and on days when the weather pleases, albeit meager, but the rays of the sun.

Photo: Getty Images, press archives