Face Masks (Or Other) Suggestions?

Jun 28, 2016

Aleena P.

I have dry skin and it's pretty acne prone (a lot of ingredients clog my pores easier than I think they should) so for a while I was dealing with a nasty, constant, breakout. I've recently started to have some success with my skin care routine. I wash my face at night with lather gentle face wash and in the morning I'll just splash it with water and a washcloth. I exfoliate every other night, but gently with a muslin cloth so my skin doesn't get raw. I'll apply rosewater and witchhazel (more rosewater with just a bit of witchazel mixed in) for a toner and while my face is still damp I rub in folium medica's healing oil. my whiteheads are pretty much under control and that was a major thing. but I still notice a lot of blackheads on my nose and chin and I feel like I need deeper moisture (if that makes sense). so I want to draw out that ickiness without drying my skin out (like clay and charcoal masks keep doing). I was thinking maybe the right kind of mask might be what I need to add to my routine but maybe a chemical exfoliator would be better? I've been trying to do some independent googling but I don't even know where to start so I thought I'd come to you lovely ladies.

Jun 28, 2016

Illyana M.

GlamGlow mud masks are a wonderful place to start love. They have a hydrating one its blue and the white one, while it is drying, it really gets the gunk out. They're expensive but definitely worth the splurge. Make sure you exfoliate before the hydrating mask to prime your skin for all the benefits the mask has to offer. If you prefer an acid exfoliating mask, 'Hey Honey!' Has an excellent exfoliating mask with gentle acids that break down dirt and extra sebum and dead skin cells stuck in your pores that cause blackheads.

Jun 28, 2016

Moa E.

Glamglow or sephora's masks!

Jun 28, 2016

Diana T.

Try an AHA chemical exfoliant since your skin is dry it would be best - it should help with blackheads - or a mask might help but they might be over drying - I like the flower mask by Mario badescu it's not over drying but still targets acne.

Jun 28, 2016

Aleena P.

Thanks guys. I'm taking notes now.

Jun 28, 2016

Roz X.

I agree in the AHA. I own the Alpha Hydrox line and it's wonderful. They've rebranded it Alpha Skincare, but Walgreens and Drugstore.com still had the pre-rebranding for less when last I checked. Even their body lotion is bomb. I'd switch the muslin to a simple, soft all cotton washcloth..and not scrub. You can use a BHA gel to spot treat or do a weekly treatment if skin runs dry. I removed most witch hazel from my routime, now using a hydrating, antioxidant toner from Paula. If you aren't using facial oils after a moisturizer, you might want to try that. I've been using occlusion for years for my Psoriasis. A moisturizer soaked in followed by an oil acts the sane way...helping skin retain moisture. Jojoba is acne friendly as is evening primrose.

Jun 29, 2016

Aleena P.

Thank you for responding =)
I'm guessing I should start with the lowest concentration of the aha lotions?
the oil I use does have jojoba as one of the carriers. switching to the oils has actually been the main thing to clear my skin.
this may be a stupid question as well but can you use the aha lotion as a moisturizer or do you still moisturize on top of it? is it something you use everyday? and can I still use the oils on top of it or do I not want to trap the acid in?

Jun 29, 2016

Roz X.

I would begin an AHA every 3rd day...applying a moisturizer such as CeraVe PM about 20 minutes or so once it's absorbed. That's just my personal preference. This helps counter dryness, as will a hydrating toner. Just a reminder, a Broad spectrum sun protection is a must when chemically exfoliating.

I'd start with a 10 or 12% if you use Alpha Hydrox. ( BHA percentage levels are a bit different.) I believe in devoting entire days to moisture and repair, myself so I wouldn't personally use an AHA daily. It should be slowly introduced to skin. If every 3rd day is too much, try every 4th or 5th. Listen to your skin.

Look for the tube or bottle instead of the cream in a jar. They also have peel pads. Ultra carries the line under Alpha Skincare.

I'd like to note, AHAs, just like BHAs don't pair with everyone's skin. You need to slowly introduce it and see how skin responds. When you apply, just like a Retinoid, you use sparingly. Avoid lids, tear ducts, inside the nose and lips..just like Retinoids.

I use a qtip to feather in around my eyes and nose, applying aquaohor to my lips to ease use.

I can't say enough about how great Paula's Recovery toner is to replenish skin's barrier and sooth skin...with CeraVe or any light, unscented, oil-free moisturizer.

Jun 29, 2016

Roz X.

You may find you only need it once a week..and with a light hand. You don't need much product at all. I see so many people overuse acids based on package instructions. Hope that helps.

Jun 29, 2016

Aleena P.

*continues furiously with notes* thank you so much. I definitely feel like I at least have a starting point.

Jun 29, 2016

Claire H.

If you're looking for something with natural ingredients that is drugstore price, I highly recommend the Alba Botanical pineapple papaya mask. I think it's called pore-fection mask? It has fruit enzymes, which are chemical exfoliants. It is gentle but effective, and under $10. It had kind of a gel consistency. It is one of the few products I have completely used up and will definitely repurchase - I cannot recommend it highly enough!

Jun 29, 2016

Aleena P.

Cheap and organic are definitely two things I like in products. lol thank you.

Jul 2, 2016

Sarah B.

One brand that is very natural/organic but a bit pricey is Juice Beauty. I have heard amazing things about their green apple face mask/peel and if you buy it at Ulta or ultra.com they always have coupons and sales or free samples with purchase so its worth checking out!

Jul 2, 2016

Aleena P.

Thank you for the suggestion Suzy =)