As the years have passed, our ways of skincare have changed along with them. Gone are the days when using face masks simply meant picking either moisturizing dry skin or removing the excess oil from greasy skin.
Now, there are many possibilities to choose from, such as face masks for exfoliating, treating fine lines, clearing blackheads, etc. This means that you are able to choose a solution for your specific problem and give it the healing it deserves.
However, as one face mask is not enough to soothe all problems, it may not give your skin the full care it deserves. For people, especially those with combination skin, different areas of the face can have different problems.
The T-zone (forehead, nose, chin) may be prone to oily skin, the area under the eyes more susceptible to dry skin, and the cheeks to blemishes. Thus, only using one type of mask will not satisfy the needs of your skin the way you deserve and leave you with incomplete relief.
This is where multi-masking comes in to save the day! With multi-masking, you are able to give each target area of your skin what it needs, without limiting yourself to one solution.
What is Multi-Masking?
So, what is multi-masking? As the name suggests, multi-masking is a skincare technique in which one applies multiple face masks at the same time to target specific skin concerns or to enhance the effect of one or more of the masks.
You can either do this by zoning, which is applying different masks to different parts of the face, or by applying one mask first, then another, making sure that the ingredients work well together. Another way can also be applying a mask first, removing it, and following it up with another, though whether this can truly be considered multi-masking is debatable.
Whichever multi-masking method you decide to choose, there will be an extra boost added to your usual skincare routine.
Benefits of Multi-Masking
Now that you know the answer to what is multi-masking, you may want to know a few specific advantages to help make up your mind. Well, you are in luck, because we have a short list of benefits of multi-masking prepared for you right below:
- Let’s apply solutions for multiple skin concerns at the same time, giving you a more satisfactory result at the end.
- It is a way to create a customized solution just for your skin, with your own hands. Thus, one of the most important benefits of multi-masking is that it allows you to create this special combined face mask that soothes your skin just perfectly.
- In the case of dry and dehydrated skin, layering can help with better penetration of the product in the skin. A thicker mask on top of a lighter one will help in better absorption of the latter.
Plus, the zoning type of multi-masking can make for some cute selfies just to remember the experience!
How to Multi-Mask?
Now that you know your basics, it’s finally time to jump into the actual process! Knowing how to multi-mask isn’t any more difficult than your usual face mask routine. All you need to do is remember a few additional steps and you’re all set to go. Before starting, remember to choose products carefully, going for those with suit your skin and safely act on it.
Here is how to multi-mask successfully:
Start with a clean face: It is important to start your routine with a freshly washed face, using a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser. Cleansing your face in the shower will ensure that the steam dilates your pores while the moisture saturates your face with water.
Exfoliate: Gently exfoliate your face to get rid of the dead skin cells to make sure that the mask achieves the best effects. You can choose to skip this step in case your skin is sensitive and gets easily irritated by exfoliation.
Choose the correct products: It is important to choose the correct product multi-masks so that you are able to get the best results.
For this, learn to identify your skin type, so you know just what your skin needs.
- For oily areas such as the T-zone, using masks containing ingredients like charcoal, clay or mud will ensure that they bind to the oil without drying out the skin, giving those areas the desired effect.
- For dry and parched places such as the cheeks and spots around the eyes, formulas containing ingredients rich in lipids such as mineral oil, safflower oil, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin can help in providing moisture to the skin
- For skin concerns such as hyperpigmentation, try masks with skin brightening ingredients such as Vitamin C, licorice, kojic acid, and algae.
- For areas prone to breakouts, masks containing salicylic acid and white clay can help heal these blemishes.
- For fine lines on the face, masks containing anti-oxidants will help in providing the relief needed.
Other than that, it is also essential to understand just what your skin needs. For example, if you have spent the day wearing heavy makeup, a clarifying mask along with a calming mask may be what you need most. Try to figure out just what will help your skin recover the most, depending on your activities for the day.
Apply the masks strategically: There is a technique involved in the application of face masks. For example, for smaller areas of the face, you might want to use a foundation brush. Apply the masks using an upwards motion (i.e. one that is against the facial hair growth) to make sure that the product gets as close to the area of skin as it can.
If you are using masks with different durations, apply the longer duration mask first, let it sit, and then apply the shorter duration mask. For example, if one mask needs to sit for 20 minutes and the other for ten minutes, apply the 20 minutes one first, letting it sit for ten minutes, before applying the 10 minutes one.
A heavier mask on top of a lighter mask will help in better absorption of one below.
End with moisturizing: After you are done with your multi-masking routine, end with a gentle massage and light moisturization to get the blood circulation going, while also increasing the rate of absorption.
Make sure not to overdo it: As excited as you are to try this new technique, make sure to not go overboard. Applying too many masks to one location can cause irritation and result in more harm than good. Try to not apply more than two masks in one area and less than four marks in total during one session. Try to make a judgment on this based on the aggressiveness of the formulas and the sensitivity of your skin. Also, make sure to not multi-mask too often.
Taking care of all your skincare needs
In the end, remember that a skincare routine should feel healing, both physically and mentally. Remember to be gentle with your skin and choose products with care. It’s okay if it takes time to find the perfect customized multi-mask combination. It’s okay if it takes time to get the results you want to see.
What’s important is that you have started on this journey of skincare and self-care. Just that puts you one step ahead of where you were yesterday. With each day, you will only go further on this path of healing.
Also Read: Nightime Skincare Routine For Beautiful Skin