Face masks and facial rollers are effective and fun ways to add to one’s skincare repertoire.
Text: Vanessa Papas
When it comes to skincare, achieving that ethereal glow is like finding the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Luckily, in our pursuit of skincare excellence, we have two trusty sidekicks that are as fun as they are effective: face masks and facial massage rollers.
Face masks
The use of masks for skincare and beauty rituals can be traced to ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians and Greeks. In Egypt, clay masks were used to cleanse and exfoliate the skin, while Greeks employed honey-based masks for their moisturising and antibacterial properties. Fast forward to modern times, and face masks have evolved significantly.
Today, you can find a plethora of masks designed to address a wide range of skin concerns, from acne and oiliness to dryness and ageing. They come in various textures, including creams, gels, and the increasingly popular sheet masks.
5 tips to make the most of your face mask experience
- Once you have exfoliated, cleanse your face to remove any make-up, dirt, or oil.
- To enhance the benefits of your mask, consider steaming your face before application. The steam can help open your pores, allowing the mask’s ingredients to penetrate more deeply.
- Extend the love to your neck and décolletage. These areas are often neglected but can benefit from the nourishing effects of a mask.
- While your mask is doing its magic, take this time to relax. Read a book, listen to soothing music, or simply close your eyes and breathe deeply.
- After removing the mask, follow up with your usual skincare routine. Apply your serums, moisturiser, and sunscreen as needed. Don’t remove leftover residue of sheet masks or apply to the top of the hands.
The science of face masks
Face masks are more than just a pampering treat; they’re a scientific marvel that can significantly benefit your skin.
Removing impurities: Many face masks contain ingredients like clay or charcoal, which can extract impurities from your pores. These ingredients work like magnets, binding to dirt, oil, and dead skin cells and leaving your skin feeling clean and refreshed.
We love:• African Extracts Purifying Exfoliating Charcoal Wash Scrub and Mask• Acne Solutions Dermaceutics Clear Skin Sebum Reducing Clay Mask• Eau Thermal Avene Cleanance Mask
Hydration: Hydrating masks contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, which can hold moisture and deliver it to your skin. When applied, these masks create a barrier that prevents water loss, helping your skin stay plump and hydrated.
We love:• Freeman Facial Cream Mask Hydrating Water and Pink Peony• Dermactin-TS Coconut Hydrating Mask• Origins Drink Up Overnight Hydrating Mask with Avocado and Glacier Water
Exfoliation: Exfoliating masks often contain alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) that can dissolve dead skin cells, revealing a brighter and smoother complexion. These acids loosen the bonds between skin cells, making it easier to slough off dull skin.
We love:• Solal Healthy Ageing Exfoliating Mask• Skoon Oh Sherbet Azelaic Acid 10%
Brightening: Brightening masks often contain vitamin C, niacinamide, or liquorice extract. These components can help fade dark spots, even skin tone, and give your complexion a radiant glow.
We love:• BioNike Defence Instant Glow Mask• Skin Republic Vitamin C Brightening Mask• Glowhub Purifying & Brightening Pore Rescue Pads
Anti-Ageing: Masks with anti-ageing properties typically include ingredients like peptides, retinol, or antioxidants. These components can help boost collagen production, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and protect your skin from environmental damage.
We love:• Clarins Extra Firming Mask• Skin Strategy Face Mask Anti-ageing• Uriage Age Protect Night Mask
Facial massage rollers
From Jade Rollers to Rose Quartz Rollers, you’ve probably noticed a wave of facial massage rollers flooding Dis-Chem stores. But what exactly makes them so special?
What is a face massage tool?
A face massage roller is a little gadget that looks like a tiny rolling pin or even a paint roller (depending on how many glasses of wine you’ve had). Some face massage rollers have two ends: one with a large stone intended for broad strokes on flat areas like the forehead, cheeks, jawline, and neck – and one with a smaller stone for reaching delicate parts of your face, like under the eyes and the corners of your nose.
While a massage roller for your face is typically made of Jade or Rose Quartz gemstones, you’ll also find rollers made of tourmaline, amethyst, obsidian, and stainless steel.
Do face rollers really work?
Massage alone has a ton of benefits for the body, from reducing stress and releasing tension to improving blood circulation and draining fluid. Just like a full body massage, face massage has similar paybacks.
- Improves blood circulation in the face, resulting in a brighter and healthy skin glow.
- Helps with stuffy sinuses (although the research is still in the early stages).
- Decreases puffiness like under-eye bags by stimulating lymphatic drainage.
5 tips to make the most of your face roller experience
1. Start with a clean canvas: Cleanse your skin and apply facial oil, serum, or moisturiser with lots of slip. If you don’t have lubrication, the face massage roller can pull or tug the skin, which may contribute to wrinkles.
2. Be cautious: Do not use facial rollers if you’ve recently had Botox or any kind of fillers on your face. Also, avoid performing roller massaging on broken or inflamed skin.
3. Be gentle: If you can see your skin move, you’re being too aggressive with the roller. Pulling and tugging at your skin’s elastin can lead to sagging, which is what you’re trying to avoid!
4. Work against gravity: Always roll your roller tool upwards and outwards (not back and forth) on both sides of your face, never pushing your skin downwards.
5. Remember the neck area: Often, we forget that the neck area also deserves some pampering. Your neck is an essential lymphatic drainage pathway, so give it a little TLC.
The ritual of self-care
Applying a face mask isn’t just about skincare; it’s a form of self-care. The ritual of applying a mask, forces you to slow down, take a deep breath, and give yourself the care and attention you deserve.
MUST-DO: Exfoliate first to get the best results. Exfoliation removes the surface dead skin cells to allow the mask better penetration.
