Behind the Masque

Form, Fit & Function

Back to School - Mother Nature's Essential Lessons

Facial masks are one of the oldest known beauty treatments. The weekly ritual for maintaining your skin's quality, radiance and youthfulness still uses techniques and ingredients that have been tried and tested over millennia. Ancient Egyptians used mud and clay to remove dead skin cells and heal blemishes while 17th century women experimented with masks made from milk and egg or flowers and herbs.

Choosing the right mask for you is vital – just remember the "3 F's"; Form (what type of mask); Fit (what type of skin) and Function (what skin condition needs to be resolved):

Mud Or Clay Masks are essential for improving oily and acne-prone skin, successfully absorbing excess impurities and shininess, cleansing the skin and closing the pores thus preventing and correcting blemishes. Two “gems” in this category that clear skin to a healthy, smooth and soft state are DDF's Sulfur Therapeutic Mask and Peter Thomas Roth's Sulfur Cooling Masque.

Moisturising Masks (creams) are the best for when skin feels "tight" and are de rigeur for dry skin. Working more intensively than daily moisturisers, these masks hydrate, rejuvenate and plump skin to correct flakiness, dry patches and even fine lines. Two of the best that treat dry or environmentally damaged skin include Sothys Hydroptimale THI3 Hydrating Mask or Dermalogica's Intensive Moisture Masque.

If you need to firm and tone, there's a good chance you have dry skin so use a specified "firming" product that will boost skin’s moisture content thereby reducing the appearance of fine lines and deep wrinkles giving a more youthful, firmer appearance. Try Peter Thomas Roth's Mega Rich Intensive Anti Aging Cellular Moisture Masque or, for a quick fix (ideal before a special occasion), try the Total Cohesion Friming Mask from Sothys.

Exfoliating (peel-off) Masks when used correctly and on a weekly basis give very rewarding results. Exfoliating masks also offer a choice for all skin types from normal to sensitive to combination skin. Our most popular Exfoliating masks by "fit & function" are:

Glycolactic Skin Renewal Peel Mask by Ren. Perfect for all types of skin except sensitive, this mask addresses post acne scarring, congestion, dull and mature skin.
DCL’s Clinical Resurfacing System is an "at home mini-peel" perfect for oily or Acne conditions, anti ageing, dull dry, blotchy and uneven skin tone.
The Cucumber Gel Masque from Peter Thomas Roth is perfect for very sensitive and sunburned skin; cleansing, freshening and restoring to a healthy supple state.

Ask The Consultant any questions you may have regarding summer friendly products, their application and use.

The Unlisted Bulletin 007

Did you know...

To reap the full rewards of a facial mask, make it a part of your skin care regime, using it once a week. Overusing can strip your skin of necessary oil; in turn, your skin will overcompensate for by creating too much oil, worsening conditions.

Before applying any facial mask take off all cosmetics, creams, lotions, using the appropriate cleanser. Even better, cleanse while taking a hot shower or steam bath to open up pores.

With skin pat dried, take a small amount of the mask on finger tips, applying it over face and neck starting with chin, moving upwards and outwards using circular motion. Avoid the area around your eyes and lips. Leave mask to air dry according to directions.

At Unlisted we think that half the secret of achieving the best results is to lie down, light a candle, play soft music and let your thoughts drift as you think of things that make you smile.

Rinse off mask thoroughly with warm water using gentle upward massage strokes. Or, dip a cloth in hot water using it to remove the mask slowly. Follow with splashes of cold water to close pours.

Pat face gently dry with a towel and follow with mosituriser.