According to Wikipedia, the first facial mask was invented in Ohio, USA, by Madame Rowley during the 19th century. It was called the "Toilet Mask" or the first "face glove", and was advertised as able to 'bleach, purify and preserve the complexion' of the skin.
While certainly not a new skincare product, masks have evolved a lot in recent years and are now marketed as a must have skincare product to be included amongst your weekly skin rituals. From sheet masks to clay masks, it seems there is now a mask for everyone and every skin concern.
THE PURPOSE OF A SKINCARE FACE MASK
Face masks offer a self-care moment that can create an at-home pampering experience, but beyond the experience - what benefits are they actually delivering to your skin? Face masks are often highly concentrated, allowing them to deliver an intensive burst of nourishment or targeted treatment through carefully selected active ingredients. In most cases, you cover the entire face and neck with your chosen mask and let it sit on the skin for 10-20 minutes, allowing the ingredients to deeply absorb beyond the skin’s surface where they can get to work.
Generally speaking, masks offer immediate relief for skin concerns such as dryness, inflamed skin (such as acne) and a dull complexion. However, as their visible benefits will often be temporary it’s important to use them regularly alongside a consistent skincare routine suitable for your skin type.
TYPES OF FACE MASKS
Clay Masks:
Natural clays possess antibacterial properties and have been used throughout history to heal skin infections and assist with wound healing. They are known for drawing impurities out of the skin, removing excess oil and clearing dead skin cells, making clay masks a great option for acne and blemish prone skin. Most clay based masks are applied to dry, clean skin and left to dry for 10-20 minutes before being removed with lukewarm water and a damp face cloth.
Sheet Masks:
Now well known thanks to trending Korean skincare products on social media, most sheet masks are designed to provide intense hydration to the skin. They often contain ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and antioxidant rich ingredients to deeply nourish, brighten and protect the skin. There are so many sheet mask products now available on the market to target a variety of skin concerns, but generally speaking, they are ideal for dry, sensitive and mature skin. Sheet masks won’t dry on the skin and the residual product can be left to soak into the skin for longer lasting hydration.
Gel & Cream Masks:
Gel and cream masks are designed to provide intense hydration to comfort dry, sensitive skin, and help to plump and smooth the appearance of lines and wrinkles. They don’t dry on the skin and often come in a thicker cream form or a lighter gel consistency containing lightweight hydrators such as cucumber and aloe vera.
Leave-on Masks:
Gel and cream masks can also come in a leave-on or overnight form where they are applied as the last step in your PM skincare routine and left on overnight, allowing your skin to soak up all the goodness while you sleep.
Peel Off Masks:
Peel off masks are generally gel-like in consistency when applied and as they dry they take on a rubber-like texture that is easy to peel away from the skin. Peel off masks are available for a variety of skin concerns, however the idea of peeling them off is to clear the pores as you separate the mask from the skin. Some contain exfoliating ingredients such as AHAs and others focus on brightening and hydrating, including hyaluronic acid and antioxidant rich bio-actives.
Exfoliating:
Also known as a Face Peel, Chemical Exfoliant Masks often contain high percentages of AHAs and BHAs to remove the build up of dead skin cells on the surface of the skin. As they reveal smoother, brighter skin they provide noticeable improvements to those with acne prone, textured skin and anyone with a dull or ageing complexion.
DIY Natural Masks:
If you are someone who has dry, sensitive skin a DIY natural mask at home may provide comfort to sensitive skin without the risk of irritation from the long list of ingredients often found in off the shelf products. Oats and honey are two ingredients that most of us have on hand in the pantry and are well known for their natural soothing and healing properties. Mix them with yoghurt or water and allow to sit on the skin for 15-20 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water.
HOW TO CHOOSE A FACE MASK
Choosing a face mask may seem overwhelming thanks to the never ending list of products available, but it’s actually quite simple if you can identify your skin type.
Acne and Inflammation
If you have acne prone skin, it’s likely that you have congestion and excess oil that needs to be drawn out. Whilst face masks won’t provide any long-term miracles, Clay based masks are ideal as a weekly treatment to draw out impurities, excess oil, and congestion to clarify the skin. Just be careful to choose products that aren’t too harsh and may exacerbate inflammation. 
LAMAV’s Firming Treatment Mask contains Australian Red Clay to improve skin tone and texture, balancing and gently exfoliating the skin as it dries. It’s also packed with bio-actives such as Hyaluronic Acid and Caviar Finger Lime to hydrate and nourish inflamed skin. Mature Skin will also benefit from this mask thanks to its hydrating and skin smoothing properties.
Uneven, Dull Skin
If you’re suffering from pigmentation or dull skin, a mask packed with brightening bio-actives such as vitamin C can provide an instant glow and may help to fade discolouration with regular use. LAMAV’s Glow Beauty Mask is bursting with brightening goodness from Vitamin C and Kakadu Plum Extract, while Turmeric and Licorice Root Extract deliver anti-inflammatory benefits to heal the skin. The addition of Australian Yellow Clay also assists to detoxify skin, reduce congestion and enhance radiance.
Dry, Sensitive and Mature Skin
Hydration is essential for healthy, youthful skin. If your skin is dry, sensitive or showing signs of ageing, it’s likely you need some help in the water retention department. Cream, gel or sheet masks will provide you with the hydration boost you need to comfort, plump and smooth the skin. Look for formulations with aqua boosting ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, and botanical extracts to replenish the skin's moisture barrier for long lasting hydration. LAMAV’s Beauty Sleep Mask was specifically formulated to deeply hydrate and rejuvenate the skin overnight. Your skin will enjoy instant hydration from Hyaluronic Acid and Bisabol while gentle fruit acids and nourishing oils continue to brighten and hydrate the skin as you sleep. You’ll wake up with calm, plump and hydrated skin.
DOUBLE MASKING
Can’t decide on one mask? Why not try double masking! Using two different face masks (either consecutively or simultaneously) on different areas of the face allows you to target specific skin concerns or enjoy the benefits of multiple formulations. Before jumping in with multiple products, it’s essential to understand your skin type to determine which products you can apply and where.
Masking Consecutively
Masking consecutively involves applying one mask, washing it off and then applying the second product immediately after. Both products will generally be applied to the entire face and neck area. For this method we suggest starting with a cleansing or exfoliating mask first, followed by a hydrating or leave-on mask. If you have dull, congested skin a good option may be our Glow Beauty Mask, followed by our Beauty Sleep Mask for a deep cleansing, brightening and hydrating treatment before you hit the pillow.Masking Simultaneously
Our combination skin type friends will benefit most from this type of masking as it allows you to directly target areas of concern. For example, if you have an oily t-zone but a dry cheek and neck area you can apply LAMAV’s Firming Treatment Mask to your forehead, nose and chin, while your cheek and neck area soak up all the goodness from our Beauty Sleep Mask.HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU MASK?
Whether double or single masking, it’s recommended to incorporate skincare masks into your weekly routine for optimal results. Ensure skin is clean with a double cleanse prior to applying any mask and always complete a patch test while following the instructions to limit risk of irritation.
