A face mask (actually, usually more than one!) are a part of every Everly Grace Whole Beauty facial. Masks are a great addition to any skin care routine, not just during a facial. They can target specific skin care concerns, from dry skin, to acne to oily skin, there’s a mask out there for everyone! Masks can help moisturize the skin, manage excess oils and improve the appearance of pores.

Not all masks need to happen during a facial. At EGB, we strongly encourage use at home. Set up a weekly mask ritual that aligns with your self care - this can be during a bath or meditation or even a slow flow yoga session. Most masks take about 5-10 minutes each depending on the mask. If you’re a morning person, this can be done with your morning coffee or tea, and if you’re more into the evening, it’s great to add to your unwinding session weather that’s watching tv, reading a book or enjoying a glass of wine.

How do masks work?

According to Chérie Ditre, MD, Director of the Skin Enhancement Center and Associate Professor of Dermatology at the University of Pennsylvania, Penn Medicine at Radnor. “The “magic” behind face masks is simple, explains Dr. Ditre. “The ingredients from a face mask are kept longer in contact with your skin because of the occlusion phenomenon of the mask on your skin.”

The mask traps the moisture or ingredient in the skin and creates film that helps to either hydrate, moisturize, dry or exfoliate the skin depending on the ingredients used and its purpose. Therefore, face masks allow ingredients to penetrate better into your skin in a short amount of time. Whether it’s salicylic acid for acne, vitamin C for fine lines or retinoid for brightening dark spots, a face mask can offer a more concentrated dose and more intense version of its ingredients compared to other forms of applications.”

What mask is right for me?

At EGB, we carry between 6-12 masks at a time, as we realize not every skin type or condition is different. “Your “skin type” is the genetic structure of your skin as determined by your pore size and unique pattern of oil production. There are five types: Normal, Oily, Dry, Combination, and Sensitive. It is genetic and does not technically change. It can, but that’s why we encourage you not to hang on skin type as the only thing when thinking about what your skin needs.” (from heyday.com)

For masks, it’s easier to talk in terms of skin conditions:

Dehydration: This is the most common skin condition we see, especially living in such a dry climate. When skin is dry it lacks the healthy glow and sometimes will overproduce oil to compensate.
Recommended Mask: Naturopathica’s Manuka Honey Hydrating Gel Mask : This ultra-hydrating gel mask, featuring moisture-locking manuka honey and antioxidant prickly pear extract, gives skin a boost of hydration.

Congestion: We all know this one! This is when pores are dark and filled, they can usually be seen in the mirror and will appear bumpy. Most skin we see has some sort of congestion - it's really just build up of things that get into our pores from what we do in our daily lives - oil, pollution, makeup etc.
Recommended Mask: Naturopathica’s Pumpkin Purifying Enzyme Peel : Formulated for dull or congested skin, this clarifying mask exfoliates with Pumpkin Enzymes to promote a clear and radiant complexion.

Flaking / Dead Skin Buildup: When you have this skin condition, you'll know it - flakiness and dry patches. This is very comparable to the skin peeling after sunburn or windburn maybe from spending time on the slopes. Your skin is rough to to the touch and maybe even flakes fall off when you touch it.
Recommended Mask: Juice Beauty Bamboo Pore Refining Mask : Clear and hydrate skin at the same time with our NEW Bamboo Pore Refining Mask. Help protect against 'maskne' with bamboo charcoal & kaolin clay to help detox; Aspen bark to help smooth & hydrate, and exfoliating polyhydroxy acids for a softer, smoother complexion.

Dark Areas: Have freckles or sun spots? You're going to be susceptible to this type of condition. Hyperpigmentation is the darkened pigmented areas, such as large dark spots or condensed areas of freckles. This is caused by extra melanin in the skin, sun damage, hormonal changes and breakouts. As you age, areas with hyperpigmentation will get darker.
Recommended Mask: Epicurean Clarify Polishing Mask : Revitalize your complexion with this dual-purpose detoxifying mask and refining scrub. This power-packed combination of purifying Bentonite Clay, Sulfur, Tea Tree Oil, and exfoliating Jojoba Beads is designed to draw out excess oil and slough away impurities, leaving your skin appearing smooth and healthy.

Wrinkles: Oh those dreaded wrinkles! They happen to all of us - usually in the places where we make the same motion again and again - forehead, eyes, lips are common areas wrinkles are found. Wrinkles are caused by decreasing levels of collagen and elastin, the skin loses the ability to "bounce back" after movement.
Recommended Mask: Naturopathica Green Tourmaline Energy Mask : This warming gemstone mask, infused with the powerful energy of green tourmaline and wasabi, will leave you mentally recharged and with a nourished, dewy complexion.