MASK MATTERS WITH THE SKIN NERD

Yes, says Jennifer Rock, aka The Skin Nerd, as she explains in her latest book

Masks are important. They perform a specific function as a boost to the skin that perhaps doesn’t exist in your regular routine. Maybe your focus in your routine isn’t hydration but one week you need a boost of hydration?

I tell people to use them once or twice a week, depending on the type of mask (if there are active ingredients, use it less). Masks should be an add-on to a skincare routine. If you don’t take care of your skin from one end of the week to the next and you slap on a mask hoping to make up for it, well that’s just like leaving the house with a raincoat and no clothes on underneath. Masks are a quick fix but they are not long term.

I might use a mask on a Thursday if I’m feeling tired and sluggish, and wake up on Friday morning looking rejuvenated. If applying from a tub, apply a cherry-sized amount or a thick layer across the surface of your face and neck and leave it on for the time specified. Do not wear masks overnight unless it is clearly marked as an overnight mask. An example of this would be the IMAGE Skincare Vital C Hydrating Overnight Masque or the Yon-Ka Masque No°1. These masks should be applied as above at the end of your normal night-time routine. You should cleanse the next day. I believe cleansing every morning is key, but your skin may be a tad oilier after using an overnight mask.

Sheet masks can be a bit fiddly. You need to take the mask out of its sachet carefully and give it a little swish around to collect the excess serum – here’s a tip, apply the serum that collects in the packet to arms, neck and legs before you apply the mask for maximum value.

Leave on the mask for the specified time. I usually go for 30 minutes dependent on the ingredients. My top tip is to mask on planes, trains and automobiles. Because of the low-humidity cabin air and constantly-blasting air conditioning, planes suck moisture from the skin.

There are masks that target different concerns. Some claim to remove pores, while others are for illuminating or anti-ageing purposes. I strongly advise steering clear of charcoal masks that you pull off the face as they tend to take a lot more than just blackheads.

My favourites? I have many, but some that I love include Seoulista Instant Facial Sheet Masks, IMAGE I-MASK Biomolecular sheet masks, Environ Tri Biobotanical Revival Masque and Rodial Vit C Brightening mask.

The Skin Nerd by Jennifer Rock, €19.99, easons.com