One to three times each week is ideal for most face masks. If your skin isn’t used to active ingredients, we recommend introducing face masks slowly into your routine.
esmi Booster Masks are nutrient-dense and you won’t need a lot of product for the mask to be effective. You only need to apply a single layer and it doesn’t need to be very thick. Applying a really thick layer or multiple layers can waste the product. Used correctly, a little goes a long way.
Consistency is key
When it comes to skincare, consistency is key. You won’t see immediate results with a single Booster Mask application but you’ll be delighted with the improvement in your skin if you mask 1- 3 times a week.
Make it part of your nightly routine to help get into the habit of consistent application. Applying a face mask is such a great way to indulge in a little self-care time at the end of a busy day.
How & when to apply an esmi Booster Mask
Apply the Booster Mask after the cleansing step and before applying a serum. If you don’t use serum, apply the mask after cleansing and before face oil or moisturiser.
You can use clean fingers or a mask application brush to spread the product in a single layer over your face. The benefits of using a mask brush to apply a clay, charcoal or cream mask formula? It’s less messy, spreads beautifully and you’ll feel like your own facialist!
Leave the mask on as long as you like; we recommend at least 10 minutes. Then, rinse well with warm water or remove with esmi's Microfiber Facial Cleansing Mitt.
For a deep treatment, you can leave the mask on overnight. If you’re just starting with esmi Booster Masks, we suggest working up to leaving it on while you sleep.
Choosing the right face mask for your skin type
To get the best results from your face mask, you need to choose the right product for your specific skin concerns. Using a mask not formulated for your skin type can make existing issues worse or simply be a waste of product!
Use our article, Best Mask For Your Skin Type, as an easy guide for deciding which mask is right for you.
Not all masks are made equal
Look out for masks with harsh active ingredients or chemical ingredients. Some can be damaging and irritate already-compromised skin (acne-prone, dry or sensitive) when used too often.
Strong active ingredients to be careful with:
Salicylic acid: This AHA can be beneficial for acne-prone skin but has the potential to cause extreme dryness, irritation, redness and flaking if used too much. Sensitive and dry skin types should steer clear of salicylic acid entirely.
Retinol: This heavy hitting anti-ageing ingredient can easily be overused leading to peeling, irritation, and excessive dryness.
Be very aware of how often you face mask with these potent active ingredients.
Chemical ingredients to steer clear of:
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS): This is one you don’t want in any of your skincare products! A chemical ingredient that commonly causes irritation, dryness and allergic response in the skin.
Methylisothiazolinone: This tongue-twister preservative is a strong allergen and has been linked to burning, itching, and triggering hives in skin.
Be wary of peel-off charcoal masks too. Charcoal is a great mask ingredient but the peel-off action can be extremely harsh on skin. While they do remove buildup from your pores, they also remove healthy skin cells leaving skin exposed and sensitive to irritation.
Keep your skin healthy by choosing products with safe ingredients for your skin type and concerns. Key natural and plant-based active ingredients to target specific concerns in esmi Booster Masks include:
- Brightening: Kakadu plum extract, licorice root extract, ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), and kaolin clay.
- Acne and congestion: Activated charcoal, bentonite clay, and kaolin clay..
- Inflammation and redness: Maclura cochinchinensis leaf, wild mint, and broccoli sprout extract.
- Anti-ageing: Hyaluronic acid, peptides, Kakadu plum extract, Tasmannia Lanceolata fruit extract, and 24k colloidal gold.
- Dryness and dehydration: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide (Vitamin B3), allantoin, and aloe vera.
Follow the application instructions and suggested frequency for each mask. Always do a patch test before trying a new face mask (or any skin care product!) to make sure the formulation doesn’t cause a reaction.
