How do I choose the best face mask for my skin?

Author: Nina Ebert, M.Sc. Biology

Our facial skin, in particular, is very sensitive to external factors such as cold, dry air from heated rooms, sunlight, wind and weather, as well as hormonal fluctuations, and requires special care. To prevent premature skin aging and gently support a radiant complexion in everyday life, nourishing the facial skin with intensive treatments using special masks is an important part of regular facial care. Face masks are enriched with suitable nutrients and antioxidants to support moisture, a radiant complexion, reduce skin redness, and promote regeneration.

The selection of facial care products is growing endlessly, with advertising claims outdoing each other with anti-stress formulas, freshness boosters, true anti-aging miracles, there are clay masks, activated charcoal masks, green tea masks , sheet masks and many more – who still knows what's what?

This article provides an overview of the positive and negative ingredients in face masks as well as their appropriate application to help you choose the best face mask.

What should I look for when choosing the best face mask?

Avoid harmful preservatives & allergens

The basic rule when choosing the best face mask is: Nothing should be applied to the skin that we wouldn't eat. Transdermal absorption, i.e., through the skin, allows substances to be absorbed without the "detour" via the intestines and liver, which is advantageous for beneficial antioxidants and nutrients and can provide protective properties. However, toxins, allergens, and harmful substances like parabens also enter our system directly. Therefore, the following substances should not be included:

• Parabens for longer shelf life; can accumulate in the body and can affect hormone levels
• Silicones can clog skin pores
• Synthetic fragrances and perfumes are potential allergens or promote eczema
• Synthetic preservatives
• Artificial colors
• Heavy metals such as arsenic, cadmium, lead cannot be seen in the list of ingredients, can only be identified by research

The Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety (BVL) regularly tests cosmetic products. A healing clay mask even detected highly toxic arsenic. While the BVL found no danger to consumers, the level was above the level considered technically avoidable.

In a series of tests involving 25 peel-off masks and mineral clay masks, some of them contained toxic heavy metals such as cadmium, arsenic, and lead. Peel-off masks are cleansing masks that, thanks to the plastic polyvinyl alcohol they contain, can be peeled off the skin after a certain exposure time. Although this special polymer is water-soluble and considered readily biodegradable, tests conducted by the Ökotest Foundation repeatedly reveal peel-off masks that contain, in addition to polyvinyl alcohol, other, persistently biodegradable plastic compounds that can accumulate not only in the body but also in the environment, causing harm.

Natural cosmetics in first place

Extracts and substances from nature are the true helpers for sustainably healthy and radiant skin, which is always the right choice. According to the Ökotest Foundation, Natural cosmetic masks with a "very good" rating top the rankings in tests. Ideally, the botanicals come from organically controlled cultivation and carry an organic seal to ensure freedom from pesticides and synthetic preservatives. The following plant extracts and plant oils are effective aids in intensive care face masks:

• Aloe Vera: moisturizing, soothing, cooling, clarifying
• Green tea extract: antioxidant protection, refreshing, vitalizing, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, good for skin redness
• Pomegranate seeds: antioxidant, nourishing fatty acids
• Almond kernels: soothing, balancing, nourishing fatty acids
• Hyaluronic acid: the body's own skin component, moisturizer and storage, elasticity and firmness, wrinkle reduction

All ingredients are suitable for virtually all skin types. They moisturize dry skin, provide intensive regenerating care for oily and greasy skin, clarify and cleanse problem skin with pimples and blackheads, and provide natural nutrients to slow skin aging and reduce the formation of wrinkles.

Possible applications

Sheet masks

Sheet masks are usually saturated with highly concentrated serums, and application requires neither a cosmetic brush nor hands for massaging. This type of mask is ideal for those who are short on time and value quick, uncomplicated application. However, beware of additives and preservatives: Due to their highly concentrated formula, sheet masks in particular often contain relatively high levels of harmful substances and allergens such as parabens, silicones, PEG (polyethylene glycol), and fragrances.

Another disadvantage of sheet masks is the origin of their packaging. These are usually foil-coated sachets made of plastic or aluminum, which can contain harmful polymers and are usually not made from recycled materials. Furthermore, sheet masks are typically disposable products that are thrown away after use, thus generating waste.

Peel-off masks

These are somewhat closer to the classic application of a cream mask, except that they are applied in a thin layer and then peeled off in one go after the exposure time. The mask is designed to remove dirt, sebum, and dead skin cells. To create a peelable film after application, the synthetic polymer polyvinyl alcohol is usually used (see point 1).

Healing clay and mineral clay masks. Healing clay masks can be particularly effective for acne and oily skin. The minerals they contain can draw out unnecessary oils and pollutants, thus clarifying the complexion. However, dry and normal skin can lose a lot of moisture. Furthermore, many find them a bit cumbersome to use, as the powdered healing clay must first be mixed.

Cream masks

The slow massaging in of a classic cream mask is part of this treatment, making it a complete experience with a wellness factor. Cream masks made from plant oils and botanicals can naturally nourish the skin with their antioxidants, minerals, and trace elements. The application time is usually 10 to 20 minutes, providing a regenerating break with additional deep nourishment. If you choose a cream mask that contains ingredients such as green tea, aloe vera, and almond oil and avoid products with the aforementioned additives, you'll be right on the mark for every skin type.

Green tea excursion: The active ingredients of green tea in skin care

Skincare formulas with green tea offer a variety of beauty and care benefits. Green tea naturally contains valuable nutrients, including antioxidants, especially catechins such as EGCG, as well as enzymes, amino acids, B vitamins, and trace elements.

Green tea extract for problematic and oily skin

Studies show that green tea can help with minor inflammation and infections that cause blackheads and pimples. It can also reduce redness and treat extremely oily skin, primarily by tightening pores. Its ingredients also naturally slow sebum secretion. Applying a slow-acting face mask can have long-term positive effects.

Green tea polyphenols for healthy aging & wrinkle reduction

The catechins contained in green tea, especially EGCG , have positive effects on reducing and preventing the first signs of skin aging. Science has proven that green tea polyphenols promote cell regeneration, which is particularly evident in the cells of the uppermost layer of the skin, where the first wrinkles begin to form. The antioxidant-effective green tea polyphenols contribute to cell protection against free radicals caused by environmental influences such as heat, cold, UV radiation, and other cellular stresses , thus contributing to a healthy, youthful complexion.

Green tea for dark circles under the eyes

The tannins contained in green tea can help reduce blood vessels in the skin around the eyes. Puffiness and bags under the eyes, as well as dark circles under the eyes, can be relaxed and reduced through regular use of a green tea face mask.

Conclusion: Green tea face masks as cream masks turn out to be an all-rounder

Green tea face masks are an insider tip in natural cosmetics , and especially when massaged into a nourishing cream mask, they offer a regenerating and revitalizing wellness retreat for the face. The catechins they contain, such as EGCG, are truly multitalented when it comes to antioxidant protection, revitalization, freshness, and the reduction of wrinkles. Combined with soothing aloe vera and nourishing plant oils such as jojoba and almond oil, green tea face masks are currently the number one on the market. They should be applied directly to the skin as a cream mask, without a cloth or peel-off method, to eliminate any possible additives. Ideally, all ingredients are certified organic, produced without genetic engineering, and contain no preservatives, colors, or additives. A good product can be used every day, but can also be used as a special intensive treatment 2-3 times a week as needed. In order to also give the environment a say, it makes sense to avoid disposable sachets and instead use tubes and jars.

Source:

www.oekotest.de https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5384166/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28343910/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5796122/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29316635/