Masking
You can catch me with a mask on my face at least 5 out of 7 days a week. This ritualistic, deep cleansing method of self maintenance really began once I started teaching fitness and I noticed my skin was becoming more congested than ever! I enjoy wearing makeup day to day, and teaching is a job, and I always want to show up looking and feeling great, and theres a high price that I learned I have to pay with this mentality. Hot yoga + make up + not washing my face until the end of the day (typically), I was encountering massive break outs on the regular.
I have been on this skin / teaching fitness / what works for me journey for almost 3 years and I have finally reached a place where I think we’ve got something good goin’ on! I am currently pregnant, and I know that has something to do with the consistency of my clear skin, but I was tapping into this “good” place even before we found out last fall and I am still using several of the same masks weekly. I am here today to share a few of my favorites that I cycle throughout the week! (I’ll tell you my favorite finishing touches for after masking as well!) These masks are great for all skin types!
SKIN TYPE : Combination, Sensitive
Let’s begin.
In no particular order:
GOLDFADEN MD
Doctors Scrub
Rub Crystal Microderm
I notice that I pick a lot of masks thats purpose is to revive dull skin. This mask is PERFECT for this! The first ingredient is water, and the second is Ruby crystals (yes you will feel like a Queen rubbing this into your face). This mask is a powerhouse in buffing out the skin to give you that luminous glow you’ve always wanted. I love that its plant cell based, developed by dermatologist, and the best part— you can use it daily and it wont dry you out! Goldfaden MD was the first dermatologist developed, au natural brand. I get my face wet with a warm rag, then use my finger tips to draw circular motions around my face, focusing on the congestion prone areas, taking care in the delicate ones as this is very exfoliating. Leave on for 2-3 minutes, and rinse thoroughly. Check out Goldfaden’s promise to quality ingredients (see below). Goldfaden pairs this amazing scrub with their Bright Eyes ultra-brightening eye cream. Its a match made in heaven, read more and purchase here.
Image from Goldfaden MD website. Click image for more resources.
GOOP BY JUICE BEAUTY
Exfoliating Instant Facial
I love this product. It feels equivalent to getting a peel on my skin, and the best part— it just requires 2-3 minutes of your time! I recommend only using this product 1-2 times a week as it is so powerful, sometimes if I use too often, I am quite red after. “The Exfoliating Instant Facial instantly brightens and softens skin to reveal a glowing, smoother-looking complexion. Natural alpha and beta hydroxy acids sweep away dead skin cells; plant-based cellulose beads exfoliate further, while releasing soothing vitamin B5, leaving skin supple, soft, and utterly revitalized” (Goop website). This might be my all time, all encompassing, get-it-done mask. I love that it’s very deep cleansing, but also leaves my skin so soft and glowy.
I am obsessed with the Goop brand and anything GP puts into the world, I am all for it. For more info, or to purchase click here.
TATA HARPER
Resurfacing Mask
Glorious Tata! If you have never smelled anything from Tata Harper, you have not lived. Another incredible, curated + clean beauty brand. Something Tata has taught me is it’s okay to layer your products. She’s says “More is more. Maximum results from max layering.” I love this concept because it makes me feel like a mixologist, catering to what my skin needs each changing day. Their products consists of mostly raw ingredients, and they source ethically from all around the world.
My pick is the Resurfacing mask. With the Tata concept of layering, Step 1 would be the Regenerating Cleanser. You apply the cleanser, and put the mask on top! I love this mask because its less abrasive than the other two mentioned above, but my skin is literally luminous after. “This is your instant glow treatment mask. Our best selling mask instantly transforms a dull complexion into glowing, healthy-looking skin with BHA from white willow bark and pomegranate enzymes” (Tata’s website). To purchase or read more details on this product, click here.
Image from Tata Haper’s website. Click for more resources on their ethical products.
Application :
With anything exfoliating, I always begin with small circular motions with the finger tips, and then I turn this motion into more of a brushing back, up towards the ears. I am a firm believer in Ayurvedic techniques when it comes to application. This focuses on the lymphatic system, breaking down the stress and tension in the face as you apply. Start with the fingertips, use the whole palm as you sweep up and out on the face. i.e. towards the ears, forehead, jawline.
Finishing :
I always opt for an oil free moisturizing face lotion (no brand in particular, as long as its clean, its pretty basic!) Or, a few times a week I will opt for a facial oil. My favorite is Lapiz by Herbivore. Check it out here. The same way you apply your mask, is how I apply this oil. A little goes A LONG way! 3-4 drops in the palm, find sweeping motions up the face. I’ll also use a Jade roller straight from the freezer, or more commonly, my Gua Sha. Rose quartz thats meant to help drain lymph, increase circulation and so much more! Get your’s here.
I hope you find something that works for you! Your skin is the largest organ of the body and what we put on it matters! Taking proper care of the face is an investment that the sooner you invest, the better!
xo
