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What is a Beauty Mask?

Felicia Dye
Felicia Dye

Cleansers, rejuvenating creams, and moisturizers are common beauty products. These products are often used daily and sometimes more than once per day. A beauty mask is a product that is usually designed to capitalize on the tasks of other beauty products. There are some, however, that may be designed to accomplish tasks for which daily products are not common, such as skin peeling.

A beauty mask is a product that is often applied to the face after cleansing. This is true, in most instances, even when the mask is designed for deep cleaning. Most beauty products are either applied and left on the skin or applied and quickly removed. A mask differs from such beauty products in that it is generally left on the skin for an extended period then removed.

A woman removing a peel-off beauty mask.
A woman removing a peel-off beauty mask.

There are numerous types of skin care masks. One of the differences between them is their ingredients. Many are marketed as natural products and advertise the inclusion of ingredients such as green tea, aloe vera, and honey. Another difference is the problems they are designed to solve. Different types of masks a person may find include whitening masks, deep cleansing masks, and skin peeling masks.

Aloe vera is a common ingredient in masks designed to relieve inflammation.
Aloe vera is a common ingredient in masks designed to relieve inflammation.

A beauty mask may accomplish several things at once. However, these products usually target a specific task. For example, a cleansing mask may add moisture, but a moisturizing mask is likely to be the product needed when a person suffers from dry skin. This means that depending upon a person’s skin care concerns, she may need to include several different masks as part of her skin care regimen.

Honey is an ingredient used in a beauty mask.
Honey is an ingredient used in a beauty mask.

Beauty masks are available in numerous consistencies, such as gels, creams, and muds. In many instances, a mask changes forms during the time it is on the skin. For example, a beauty mask applied as a gel may dry to form a plastic-like film over the skin. Some masks dry and harden to a degree that changes in facial expressions can cause cracking.

Most masks are not designed to be used daily. Many provide directions that instruct users to use them one or two times per week. Beauty masks are most common for the face. However, there are a number of masks available for other parts of the body. Generally, if a product is labeled as a body mask, it is not suitable for the face.

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    • A woman removing a peel-off beauty mask.
      By: anna karwowska
      A woman removing a peel-off beauty mask.
    • Aloe vera is a common ingredient in masks designed to relieve inflammation.
      By: cedrov
      Aloe vera is a common ingredient in masks designed to relieve inflammation.
    • Honey is an ingredient used in a beauty mask.
      By: tetxu
      Honey is an ingredient used in a beauty mask.
    • Rejuvenating creams are commonly used beauty products.
      By: volff
      Rejuvenating creams are commonly used beauty products.