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Body masking is one of the hottest new skincare trends happening right now. For so long, we’ve been devoting our time (and money!) to skincare formulas specifically made for the face. Only recently has attention focused on skin below the face and neck.
When you think about it, skin is skin. Whether it’s on your face, neck, chest, or even your butt, it all faces similar issues like acne, dryness, discoloration, fine lines, and dullness. That said, the skin on your body tends to be thicker than that on your face, which is why it’s best to use products designed especially for your body.
Body masks are gaining a lot of attention right now. Like regular face masks, they can help treat a slew of skin concerns ranging from breakouts to dry skin to dark spots, and everything in between.
To get the most out of your body mask, here are some tips for maximizing its benefits.
#1: Take a Steamy Shower
To boost the benefits of your body mask, kick things off in the shower. Taking a hot shower opens up the pores and prepares them to accept the mask’s active ingredients. Translation: better, faster results!
#2: Cleanse + Exfoliate
In order for your body mask to fully penetrate the skin, you always need to start with a clean, fresh canvas. Start by lathering up with a gentle cleanser and then follow up with a body scrub or exfoliating cleanser to buff away dirt, oil, and dead skin cells from the skin’s surface.
Skin has a hard time absorbing product when it’s covered in dead cells. That’s why it’s always important to start with a freshly scrubbed base if you want to boost the efficiency of your mask.
#3: Choose a Body Mask For Your Skin Concern
Finding a body mask that caters to your skin type and concern is key to getting the most benefits out of your mask. Acne-prone individuals should look for a formula loaded with antibacterial and detoxifying ingredients like retinol, salicylic acid, or glycolic acid.
If dullness or discoloration is your issue, opt for exfoliating acids such as glycolic and lactic acid, and a brightening antioxidant like vitamin C.
To tackle signs of aging, look for a body mask infused with collagen-boosting ingredients such as retinol and vegan collagen. If dry skin is your issue, turn to hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, coconut oil, jojoba oil, and vitamin E.
For sensitive skin that’s inflamed, seek out soothing formulas made with green tea and aloe vera, both of which boast anti-inflammatory properties to quickly quell irritation.
#4: Apply it Properly
First off, make sure your hands are clean. Slathering on a mask with dirty fingers feeds bacteria into the skin, which can cause blackheads, whiteheads, and even infections.
You only need to apply a thin layer to your skin, focusing on areas that need the most attention — i.e. your driest, most acne-prone, most wrinkle-prone areas.
#5: Set a Timer
Now that your mask in on, make sure you set a timer to ensure you take it off when you need to. According to dermatologists, leaving a mask on for too long can cause skin irritation and may even end up pulling moisture from the skin.
On the other hand, you also don’t want to leave it on for too short a time, otherwise your skin won’t be able to fully absorb and benefit from the ingredients applied.
Ideally, you want to leave on your body mask for anywhere between 10 and 20 minutes to get the most out of your mask.
#7: Multi-Mask
You don’t need to stop at one mask. If you have multiple skin concerns, you’ll need multiple masks. Of course, you don’t need to apply them one after another, but it’s definitely worth incorporating two or three into your weekly skincare routine if you’re dealing with more than one skin concern.
#8: Seal Everything in with a Moisturizer
After rinsing off your mask, pat skin dry, and follow up with a nourishing lightweight moisturizer. You can choose between a serum or cream, although oily skin and acne-prone skin would be better off with hydrating serums rather than heavy, pore-clogging creams.
Moisturizing your skin will seal in active ingredients and hydration to prevent skin from drying out. During the daytime, remember to finish with SPF too!
THE BEST BODY MASKS FOR EVERY SKIN CONCERN
Looking to shop a body mask or two (or three)? Here are some of our favorites.
Hydrate Body Mask
A cooling jelly treatment of moisturizing hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, and jojoba oil to instantly inject lasting moisture into the body. Besides upping skin’s hydration, hyaluronic acid can also plump out fine lines and wrinkles, giving skin a smoother, more supple appearance.
Glow Body Mask
A glossy gel mask made to brighten, smooth, and banish blemishes. Glycolic acid, bakuchiol, and salicylic acid work together to sweep away dead skin cells and excess oil, refine skin texture, and leave skin feeling instantly fresher.
Smooth Body Mask
A bouncy jelly mask designed to target and prevent fine line formation on the body, as well as fading dark spots and discoloration. Juicy vitamin C, brightening turmeric extract, and tightening vegan collagen deliver a youthful glow to body while protecting skin from free radicals.
Tighten Body Mask
An AHA-powered, antioxidant-rich jelly mask of red microalgae and alpha hydroxy acids that help to lift, plump, and quench the body. By enhancing collagen and elastin in skin, Tighten Mask actively treats and prevents fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging.
Body masks are a form of self-care that can help both your skin and mind recover from stress and external aggressors. You can also try creating your own all-natural DIY body mask using natural oils like olive oil, which is known for deeply moisturizing the skin. There are plenty of mask recipes you can try. Just pay attention to your skin type, as some natural ingredients may be irritating or clogging to your skin.