As we head into the colder months a common skin complaint that I see and hear from clients is feeling drier – especially across the top of the cheeks. Skin can feel inflamed and on lighter skintones there can be redness. Central heating teamed with blustery wind can really make skin unhappy. I find that one of the easiest ways to bring comfort is to use a hydrating face mask.
A hydrating face mask can be a brilliant addition to any skincare routine as it will fit in with all other products you are using. Think a blanket of goodness replenishing lost moisture – look for ones that feed your skin too.
Skin needs the right balance of oil and water to be at its best; it needs to be hydrated and nourished. I like to use the analogy that your skin needs food and it needs a drink.
The drink will come in forms such as hyaluronic acid and other humectants such as glycerine – these act like water magnets and help trap moisture in the skin. The food will come from things like oils and ceramides and these will help strengthen and repair skin – they’ll also help the skin to retain more water so therefore help with hydration levels. This is an interesting post on dehydrated and dry skin.
Don’t think that you have to be lying down relaxing with cucumbers on your eyes to benefit from a mask (although of course how nice would that be!). I often multi-task and mask – pop one on while you’re sitting at your desk, watching TV, cleaning the bathroom…. many can be used as overnight masks as well.
Here are 5 of my favourite hydrating (and feeding) face masks –
Evolve Intense Hydrating Face Mask £28 (60ml)
This is a brand new launch this autumn and my skin loves it. It feels thick and smooth but not greasy, just full of goodness. Even after just one use, skin feels more hydrated. The key ingredients are Resurection Plant Molecule (the name says it all!!) Hyaluronic Acid (multi-molecular weight), Pentavitin – this is a saccharide and humectant like HA so keeps moisture in the skin, and Salt Lake Bioactive which balances and restores the skin’s hydrolipid layer – again keeping moisture in.
Skin is hydrated, nourished, smoothed and soothed. I use this one at my home studio and clients have been loving it.
Certified organic. Vegan.
Nourish Probiotic Multi-Mineral Repair Mask £26 (30ml)
This is a longtime favourite of mine. I use it when skin is feeling dry and irritated but also after any kind of reaction. It is perfect for the change of season but great anytime of year. I use it in facials but also as an overnight mask on myself. My skin always looks and feels better the morning after using. It’s great in my makeup kit too – great to prep skin but also to have on hand in case of any reactions or unhappy skin.
Magnesium is the star mineral – it calms inflammation, but also Iron and Zinc to repair and protect and Copper to boost collagen. Damask rose and lavender are also used to calm and relax.
Certified organic. Vegan.
Olixa Centella Asiatica Mask £24 (75ml)
Centella Asiatica – aka Gotu Kola, is a herbaceous perennial plant and an important medicinal herb. It is great for soothing, repairing and protecting skin – great for all skins including eczema and rosacea. This mask also contains azeleic acid, chia, hemp, strawberry and camellia seed oils – it is perfect for seasonally irritated skin.
This is a lovely hydrating face mask and one of our go to masks at the re:lax skin studios – we use it on so many skins as it gives a wonderful boost to all skin types.
Vegan.
Irene Forte Pistachio Face Mask £130 (50ml)
OK so this one isn’t cheap but when I use it during the Irene Forte Facial at Big. it is amazing on skin. The texture is so smooth and rich, it applies to skin beautifully and you can almost see the skin ‘drinking’ in the goodness. Skin definitely appears plumper and more hydrated. I recommend it to a lot of people after treatment.
Pistachio, pumpkin and avocado oil help replenish the skin’s natural barrier which then help the skin retain more moisture.
A tip I heard the other day was that it works brilliantly as a makeup primer.
Vegan.
Tropic Comfort Mask £22 (45ml)
This deeply hydrating face mask also uses the Resurrection plant – also known as the Rose of Jericho – it can survive for years without water and in some cases dies and then comes back when it gets some hydration again. I love this mask and often use it in my facials – it is quite lightweight in texture and feels very cooling on the skin – great for any inflammation. It also contains aloe, cucumber, berries and hyaluronic acid.
Certified organic. Vegan.
Bonus mask Weleda Skin Food £14.95 (75ml)
This is a must have multi-tasker; you can more or less put it anywhere. To use as a mask apply it as a thick layer and leave for a while. You can remove the access or simply massage the rest in. You can also use it as an overnight treatment – I know some people that use it every night – that is too much for my skin but 1–2 times a week is fine for me. You can also use it as a protective layer before you go out – apply to vulnerable places like cheeks or any dry patches.
I have it on repeat on my hands – the constant washing really dries them out and I find this helps to replenish and almost becomes a protective barrier.
Have you tried any of these?
What are your favourite hydrating face masks? Let me know in the comments – I’d love to know!
