August 11th is NATIoNAL Face mask day

August 11th is national face mask day, and this is your reminder to take an extra 20-30 minutes to show your skin some extra love. After a summer spent in the sun, it is likely your skin has been exposed to plenty of UV, and might even feel drier than normal. This is a perfect time to make time for yourself, relax, and spend a little extra time on your skin. 

There are a variety of masks out there such as clay masks, sheet masks, and overnight masks. Depending on the mask you apply, it can soothe, exfoliate, hydrate or even brighten your skin. It may be difficult to choose a mask since there are so many to choose from, so it is important to know what each mask offers.

Clay masks for instance, can help unclog pores and absorb excess oils. Clay masks typically contain bentonite clay or kaolin clay that help remove the dead skin cells from the skin. Sheet masks on the other hand, can be stored in the fridge, offering anti-inflammatory effects and often contain salicylic acid for acne, vitamin C for fine lines or retinoid for brightening dark spots. Overnight masks are likely used to hydrate the skin and may contain hyaluronic acid, which is ideal for mature or extremely dry skin.

Masking helps your other skin products work more efficiently. The value of a facial mask is that it offers a more concentrated dose and more intense version of its ingredients compared to other forms of applications. By applying a face mask, your lotions, serums, and nighttime products can be absorbed by your skin quicker and deeper.

Though it may be tempting, face masks aren't to be used everyday, and depending on the condition of your skin, overuse can cause dryness. They should be applied once a week to avoid irritation. It is also important to note that you select a mask that best suits your skin type. If your skin is on the sensitive side, you may want to avoid high concentrations of vitamin C and retinol in the mask. So on Friday, August 11th, take 20-30 minutes or more to apply a face mask and enjoy all the skin benefits it has to offer.