Saturday, January 31, 2009

Why Do I Need A Home Facial?

By Andi Bradshaw

Even though masks and exfoliators are generally made of natural items, exfoliators have a mildly abrasive texture while masks are smooth. Additionally, they can be made of distinct ingredients like plant, citrus, fruit or clay based goods and the always popular mud mask. It is because the consistency of masks is so concentrated that you'll notice the results immediately.

What do they do?

The author Andi, of www.andibradshaw.com says that masks are designed to leave the different skin types looking and feeling polished so that additional skin care products can penetrate more easily, leaving the skin looking healthier and more vibrant. Basically they calm or stimulate the skin but if you have any skin concerns (rosacia or acne, etc.) and the mask for your skin type doesn't seem right for you then only use masks for sensitive skin. This type is soothing to any kind of skin.

-Dry skin needs a mask that moisturizes and hydrates (adds oil and water), to relieve that really dry, flaky and tight feeling that you may have after cleansing. This type mask may contain amino acids, oils, lanolin, milk proteins and/or buttermilk. This extra oil conveys an intense mixture that is designed to rehydrate those extra dry skin cells. Those plumped up or re-hydrated cells minimize the appearance of any fine lines, or shallow wrinkles.

- Normal/Combination skin should use masks that focus on tired, dull looking skin that lacks the healthy, vibrant look. Look for masks with peppermint, eucalyptus or menthol, because they'll stimulate while they rid the skin of dirt and dead skin cells. Hardening or peel-off masks often produce the stimulating effects of these ingredients. They also produce a gentle tingling while invigorating and reviving the skin as well as leaving it looking healthier.

- Oily skin gets best results from deep cleansing, clay or mud masks that will cleanse the skin while drawing out dirt, excess oils and impurities. Clay masks increase perspiration and open pores. They absorb the excess oils as the pores release dirt and impurities. Deep cleansing and mud masks draw out imbedded oils and dirt and tighten the pores temporarily. They also have anti-bacterial additives that reduce the growth of bacteria as it leaves the skin clean.

- Sensitive skin needs masks that are gentle, mild and soothing. Ingredients like aloe, caffeine, chamomile, and honey are all comforting to the skin. Caffeine decreases redness and puffiness, while aloe reduces inflammation, chamomile soothes the skin and honey helps retain moisture. These masks are designed mainly to leave splotchy, dry, sensitive skin, looking smoother and feeling softer and healthier.

How do I use Masks?

On clean skin, masks can be generously applied all over your face with clean hands or brush (avoiding the mouth and eye areas). Follow directions for time; recline, elevate your feet, close your eyes and relax. Masks that are a creamy or gel consistency and can be tissued or rinsed off. The peel-away gels should dry to a mask, and be removed by pealing off in a downward motion because that's the direction that your skin cells grow on your face. Masks for oily or acne prone skin, may be crusty or pasty when dry, hold a wet cloth to soften and remove product, rinse thoroughly and blot with clean cloth to dry. End with your moisturizing regimine. - 17944

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