Hiding behind a mask

We all do it, just most of us don't end up on the internet doing it... Ok, please retrieve your minds from the gutter now. I'm talking about facial masks. Since I was a kid, I've always been fascinated by masks. I can remember my mom using a peel off mask and scaring the shit out of my sister when she began peeling it off.

I started out using masks to clear up breakouts, like most teenage girls. I'd go for a heavy clay-based mask and then follow up with a slathering of harsh spot treatment over my entire face. I even did this throughout my 20s. It took me awhile to realize that I was just over-drying my combo-sensitive skin, causing further inflammation and making my skin over-produce oil...ewww.

I have meanly been going for detoxifying and enzymatic formulas most often. Enzyme and peels are used to chemically exfoliate dead skin cells, revealing new skin which in turn boosts your radiance factor. Detoxifying formulas are used to draw impurities out of the skin and usually contain active charcoal and/or mud. Some of the masks that I've been using recently are:

Enzyme & peel-type formulas:

• Lush The Sacred Truth
• Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel Sensitive
• Michael Todd True Organics Pumpkin
• Alba Papaya Enzyme
• REN Clean Skincare Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask

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Detoxifying formulas:

• Formula 10.0.6 Deep Down Detox Ultra-Cleansing Mud Mask
• Origins Clear Improvement

Soothing formula:

• Lush BB Seaweed 

Which formula to use is dependent on your skin type and your skin's current condition. When I've been wearing heavier make up than usually, I'll go for a detoxifying mask. If I've been feeling dry and looking dull, I'll grab a peel or enzyme formula to exfoliate and brighten. When I'm just in need of a little R&R, I reach for something soothing. Like I said, it really depends.

Once you remove the mask, you NEED to moisturize. I cannot stress this enough. I used to always skin this step but feel like I really see the most benefits when I hydrate my skin afterwards. I will often use Tarte Maracuja Oil and follow up with Cerave PM to plump up my skin while I catch some Z's. I only spot-treat blemishes on rare occasions these days-- I just find that these products do more harm than good to my skin. Most of the time just cleansing, using a mask and moisturizing will heal any blemishes that arise.

I'm always looking to try new products--what masks do you use?

Love,

Michele