What is Multi-Masking?

In recent years many of us have strived for simplicity in some aspects of life - the capsule wardrobe, a smaller footprint (and mortgage), fewer commitments, and less ‘stuff’ in general. It must be said, however, that often optimum skin care is anything but simple.

Sure, there are the basics, with daily foundation products designed to cleanse, hydrate the face and nourish the eye area (and we have you covered here with our latest gift pack, The Minimalist | Replenish, to get you started on your skincare routine). But for the best results, each skin-care regime should undoubtedly be as unique as the individual applying it. 

While it can be overwhelming - we are so lucky compared to our Mothers and Mother’s Mothers - advances in science have meant we understand the dynamics of the skin so much better. And for those of us interested in an organic approach to skin health, a blossoming cosmetic biochemistry industry means there are a plethora of natural ingredients to help address specific skin concerns.

 

All skin is not equal

It has long been accepted that many of us can have an oily T-zone while other areas of the face are drier (or at least less oily). However, simply classifying a complexion as ‘combination’ (aren’t we all?) and then choosing a mask or treatment product based on your primary skin type (oily or dry) is no longer considered the best approach. The skin has always been more complex than product offerings previously had us believe. 

We know that masks are a great addition to any skincare regime. They offer a weekly (or bi-weekly) boost to nourish, hydrate, refine pores, improve texture, or remove impurities. A mask can take your cleansing to the next level and help target your skincare concerns. But how do you choose which mask? The truth is, you don’t have to and probably shouldn’t simply focus on one. This is where multi-masking comes in.

 

Is multi-masking a new trend?

Social media skin enthusiasts will have you believe that multi-masking is a new phenomenon. However, in reality, your beauty therapists have practised this technique in the treatment room for some time.

Forthemostpart, the forehead, nose and chin contain more oil glands, while checks are generally drier and more sensitive. Then, the eye area has the thinnest and least sebaceous skin. So why would you apply one mask to the entire face?

Multi-masking, as the name suggests, is simply when we apply different masks to different parts of the face to treat a variety of skin concerns simultaneously—or laying masks for optimum benefit. Either or both will deliver the perfect treatment for each zone and its specific concerns.

 

 

Choosing the right mask for each zone.

• Congested or oily skin. Characterised by shiny areas, open or enlarged pores and more oil production than other skin types. This skin can be prone to breakouts, pustules and acne. Typically this concern is found in the T-zone (forehead and nose), as well as the chin. 

It is here that a clay mask will benefit you most. Our organicspa clay mask will absorb excess oil and detox the skin without drying the complexion. It contains AHA’S to gently exfoliate as well as soft clay to draw out impurities and excess sebum. This mask will also deliver calming, cooling and repairing properties for a complexion suffering from breakouts. You can also use clay mask as an effective night treatment for acne or isolated spots. 

• Sensitive/reactive skin. This is where the skin’s dermis is weakened and doesn’t tolerate certain ingredients. The skin may be flakey, rough or red. 

organicspa gel mask should be applied to sensitive areas. The gel mask in our range will cool, soothe and hydrate the skin leaving it looking calm, bright and plump. Our biochemists have formulated our potent gel mask with Finger Lime Extract, which is high in Vitamin C and E, amino acids and antioxidants. This is the perfect mask for strengthening and calming irritated and compromised skin. It also makes for the ultimate travel/flight mask when mixed with rosehip oil to lock the moisture in and prevent dehydration.

 

• Dry, mature and dehydrated skin – This skin type has small or invisible pores and a dull appearance. It can feel tight and dry and sometimes has flaky areas. Wrinkles and fine lines will be more apparent, and the complexion may be lacklustre. 

A cream-based mask enriched with Shea and Cocoa Seed Butters will most likely be ideal for these skin zones. organicspa cream mask will deliver all the essential fatty acids to nourish and repair the skin. This formulation blends Papaya Fruit Extract to soften and brighten, Hyaluronic Acid to deeply hydrate, and a plethora of vitamins to replenish and stimulate collagen production. This is perfectly partnered with our rosehip oil to deliver extra nourishment and makes for a luxurious night mask for when the skin is feeling particularly dry, especially on the cheeks and under the eyes.

When using selectively in this way as a night mask, you may then choose to zone our clay mask  or even night renewal treatment on your t-zone where the skin’s needs are likely to be different.

 

• Rosacea – This skin condition can be highly reactive, thin, fragile and weak. There are typically signs of telangiectasia (broken capillaries) and couperose. - often prominent on the nose and cheeks. Where the skin is suffering from rosacea, it can be prone to dryness, inflammation and irritation. 

Multi-masking by combining cream mask mixed with rosehip oil will be your best mask treatment for rosacea, where your focus is on calming the skin. With its anti-inflammatory properties, this combination will strengthen and repair the most fragile and inflamed areas of the face. You can also use this duo as a night treatment. 

If your skin is prone to heat, then mixing gel mask with cream mask will also help to calm and cool the complexion.

 

How to get the best out of multi-masking?

Firstly ensure you properly cleanse the skin (twice!) and follow up with an exfoliation - this is essential to guarantee the best delivery of ingredients from your chosen masks. Exfoliation is recommended once to twice a week using either the face exfoliant or the more gentle enzyme microexfoliant. 

You should then apply the masks according to the condition of the skin in each area of the face. For example, as a mature woman, I use our organicspa gel mask or clay mask to my T zone and the cream mask to cheeks, neck and décolletage. If I am feeling particularly dry, I will add four drops of rosehip oil to the cream mask. 

Consider multi-masking once to twice a week after exfoliation, or nightly for the initial week if you’re after an intensive treatment, then cut back to weekly or bi-weekly.