What are
Face masks are dermo-cosmetic treatments consisting of a viscous and sticky vehicle in which a mixture of functional active ingredients is incorporated.
In this article the main ingredients that can be incorporated in these cosmetic formulations and the main classifications used to divide the different types of face masks will be analyzed.
Active principles
Each face mask is unique and contains a cocktail of functional active ingredients carefully designed to achieve the required aesthetic or therapeutic-like effect.
There are countless ingredients with which a face mask can be made.
In the long list of functional active ingredients, we cannot forget the clay, one of the most used components to prepare face masks with a detoxifying and purifying action. In cosmetics, clay is also used for its moisturizing, antiseptic, re-mineralizing, anti-wrinkle and exfoliating properties.
Kaolin, an adsorbent substance worthy of merit, is sometimes mixed in the preparation of a face mask for the treatment of oily skin with enlarged pores.
Even the cucumber is an ingredient often present in the formulation of face masks with a mineralizing, depurative and refreshing action. We remember, in fact, that despite being a very ancient remedy against dark circles and bags, the application of a couple of slices of cucumber seems to be still a current custom.
The most requested face masks are embellished with astringent and dermo-purifying active ingredients. Among the most noteworthy, we cannot forget: birch extract , green tea , witch hazel , burdock , sage and tea tree oil .
Even the starchy substances and pectins can be incorporated into the base of a face mask with antipruritic and flaming properties. Similarly, even the rosehip extract is often used to prepare face masks with a toning, smoothing and astringent action.
Even with the pumpkin it is possible to make completely natural and (above all) very useful face masks to moisturize and smooth the skin, cleaning it deeply . These DIY masks can be made by crushing some seeds and pumpkin pulp with a spoonful of honey. After applying this mask, the facial skin appears visibly cleaner and hydrated (for more information: Examples of DIY Facial Masks).
As for the anti-aging masks, instead, the most appreciated ingredients are those with antioxidant action and active substances such as hyaluronic acid and collagen .
Types of Face Masks
As mentioned, there are many types of face masks and as many combinations of functional active ingredients. Generally speaking, beauty masks can be classified according to the way they are prepared (formula classification), or in operation
of the promoted cosmetic / therapeutic-like effect (functional classification).
Formulative classification
Depending on the way in which they are formulated, face masks can be classified into several macrogroups illustrated below.
Instant face masks
Instant face masks typical cosmetic recipes prepared in beauty salons: they appear as gelatinous masses in which different active ingredients are incorporated. The functional ingredients are chosen according to the type of leather and must satisfy the customer's requests.
Two-body face masks
The two-body face masks are formed by two systems (vehicle + functional ingredients), each of which is prepared separately from the other: only then are the two parts mixed. Two-body face masks are advantageous as the separate preparation of the two systems allows the product to be kept longer.
Cream masks
Cream masks are light cosmetic preparations, rather simple and standardized, suitable for "normal" skin. To be clear, the cream masks are those easily available in perfumery or in the best stocked supermarkets.
Cold face masks
Cold face masks are the common face masks, mostly required in beauty centers to detoxify the skin in depth.
Hot face masks
The hot face masks (mud) represent a particular cosmetic preparation extremely useful for oily and acneic skin. Once applied to the face, these masks produce a pleasant sensation of warmth: the vasodilatory effect caused by the heat increases the ability of the face mask to absorb a good part of the sebum present on the skin.
Functional classification
The functional classification of face masks is much more complex because, as we know, the cosmetic treatments required to cover or correct a particular flaw are very varied and disparate.
However, the most requested functional face masks are shown below.
Emollient and moistening masks
These face masks are made up of cosmetic ingredients that can soften and elasticize the most superficial layers of the skin.
Revitalizing masks
Many women require revitalizing masks to give a certain tonicity to the skin of the face. With age, work, stress and smog, the skin is constantly subjected to overwork; for this, the face appears dull and dull. The revitalizing masks - as the word itself predicts - lend vitality and tone to the skin.
Moisturizing masks
Moisturizing face masks are the most popular and used as a shock treatment against dry and dehydrated skin. These cosmetic preparations, in fact, favor the penetration of water through the skin, making it more elastic and toned.
Calming and anti-reddening masks
The anti-reddening masks are designed to counteract the typical redness of particularly sensitive skin, acne and couperose.
Dermopurifying masks
The dermo-purifying face masks are made specifically to purify the skin in depth, counteracting the formation of acne and blackheads and adsorbing excess sebum.
Lightening masks
Brightening face masks are in great demand by women who are no longer young. The faces of mature women are often stained with hyperpigmented patches, which make the appearance less elegant, worn and tired. The lightening face masks are often made with exfoliating substances (eg kojic acid, glycolic acid, salicylic acid).
