Do you need to wash your face after applying a mask?
The main purpose of a mask is to moisturize the skin. Although we recommend removing the mask after 20 minutes of use, this does not mean that you need to wash your skin because the ingredients can continue to work as the serum is absorbed into the skin.
Just like when you apply a moisturizer on your skin, you don’t wash it off immediately afterwards. The ingredients have a long-lasting effect and need time to be fully absorbed into the skin and exert their full benefits. On the other hand, you can still apply a night cream at night.
This is a frequently discussed topic and the main reason behind it is that traditional masks containing ingredients such as mud need to be washed thoroughly after use. However, the situation looks completely different with cloth masks, i.e. you can absolutely leave it on your skin to reap all the benefits.
Just like with face masks, you don’t need to wash off eye masks because they contain a lot of serum that can act like a moisturizer on your skin.
Nevertheless, we recommend that you read the individual package inserts for best results because all products are different and contain different ingredients.
What should you consider before using a mask?
Exfoliation is required before applying a mask to remove pollutants and excess oil from the surface layer of the skin and open up the pores. To understand what this means, you need to look at the three layers of skin…
Epidermis – This is the outer layer of the skin that needs to be cleansed by exfoliation. It creates our complexion.
Dermis – Cleansed by the mask as it contains hair follicles, sweat glands as well as connective tissue.
Subcutaneous tissue – It is mainly composed of fat and connective tissue and is the deeper layer of the subcutaneous tissue.
With this in mind, we have to make sure that the mask is able to remove oil and dirt from the epidermis and open up the pores. If you don’t remove all the dead skin cells on the surface, the mask simply can’t penetrate and work its magic. So if you really want to reap the benefits of the mask, you need to take preparation seriously.
So what exfoliation technique should I use?
There are a number of exfoliation techniques you can use, such as: Chemical peels, for example, mainly use AHAs or BHAs. Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), which are obtained from fruits, nuts, and sugars (such as citric acid, mandelic acid, or glycolic acid). Beta hydroxy acids are very good at penetrating the oil buildup on the skin and removing dead skin cells from the hair follicles. Salicylic acid is an example.
You can also try mechanical exfoliation with a tool. If you decide to use it, choose carefully because you don’t want something that’s too rough and can cause skin irritation, such as: B. Crushed fruit seeds.
You’ll find that the microspheres that were once commonly used have been banned in the UK and most European countries. The reason for this is that they were incredibly damaging to the environment when they filled the oceans. This is a huge advantage and a long-standing struggle.
Ultimately, whether you use a sharp grit machine or a deep pore machine, you should definitely use it in your beauty routine.
What to do next?
There is one last step before applying the mask. You need to warm your face to open up the pores. You can do this by splashing some warm water on it, or you can consider steaming it.
The most common way to do a steam facial is to boil some water, pour the boiling water into a bowl, place your head over the bowl, and wrap a towel over your head. This creates a kind of tent that keeps the steam inside and opens up the pores perfectly. I recommend closing your eyes, otherwise it will be very uncomfortable. I also recommend taking deep breaths.
Make sure there is some distance between your face and the water, and be careful of water splashes.
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DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C?
It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life.
What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin?
Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition.
Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes.
If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider.
What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin?
Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity.
Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C.
Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post.
Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C?
Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster.
This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster.
While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin.
It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin.
Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning?
Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance.
You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather.
Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.