One of the undisputed best ways to inject a little moisture back into dry, tired, or dull skin is through a moisture mask. They provide a concentrated hit of hydration, consuming just a couple of minutes of your daily routine and handing you a neat little parcel of nourishment that’ll leave your complexion feeling less Sahara Desert, more Pacific Ocean. Simply put, they’re a killer addition to any skincare routine, whether you have dry skin, an oily complexion, or something in the middle.
But, like other skincare products, not all facial masks are created equal. There are a couple of skin-loving ingredients to look out for that’ll turbocharge your results and ensure your skin doesn’t just look quenched, but really retains that hydration for days on end. Keep reading to explore our go-to reasons for trying out new skincare masks, the best ingredients to keep on rotation, and for our #1 mask recommendation, which happens to feature a pretty unique (and trending) ingredient.
Why you should add a face mask to your regimen
Just a few short years ago, you’d be hard pressed to find a hydrating face mask that didn’t feel as thick as a wet bowl of porridge on the skin. So, while they were fantastic for super dry, tight skin types, they understandably didn’t make the cut for those with acne-prone, oily, or sensitive skin. Thankfully, we’ve made it leaps and bounds since then, and now, face masks come in a laundry list of formulas and consistencies to suit lots of different complexions, not just a select few. Depending on what you’re looking for, you might opt for a gel mask, a cream-based mask, or a balm, each of which will feel different on the skin.
Regardless of the formula that suits your skin best, there are a few things that a good moisture mask should do…
Deliver targeted hydration
Hydrating face masks should, at a very bare minimum, provide the skin with a nice, juicy shot of moisture. The very best products, though, will not just deliver moisture, but will bind it to the skin through the use of moisture barrier-supportive ingredients called humectants. Many of us keep a good mask in our routine to top up our skin’s nourishment levels when it’s feeling dried out, tired, dull, or just in need of a solid pick-me-up, so it’s important that our product of choice is truly capable of reinvigorating the skin and giving it that gorgeous, supple, and glowy look and feel.
Boost the effects of other products
If you select a face mask comprised of the right ingredients, it should amplify, not detract from, the other amazing stuff you’re putting on your skin. Once again, products formulated with humectants – which include AHAs and hyaluronic acid – take home the gold here, as they will help to draw moisture out of other skincare items (such as your moisturiser) as well as the air, and lock it into the skin for longer-lasting hydration.
Rescue problem skin
Because the effects of face masks are intended to be quite potent, they’re often a fantastic ‘rescue remedy’ if your skin is playing up or giving you strife. This could extend to any type of mask and a myriad of skin concerns, including flakiness, uneven skin tone, breakouts, or dullness. Ultimately, if you’re planning on using a face mask to rescue problem skin in the short-term, you’re on the right track – just don’t expect lasting results unless you use your go-to product regularly and as part of a quality skincare routine.
The best face mask ingredients to look for
Now that you know just how powerful face masks can be in the pursuit for gorgeous, glowy skin, let’s unpack some of the best ingredients to provide maximum hydration.
Humectants like hyaluronic acid
As you may have guessed (because we’re clearly not obsessed at all…) humectants are the unrivalled master key to a better, healthier and more hydrated complexion. But, just like masks, not all humectants are created equal – some are just better at their jobs than others! One overachiever that we think should be a staple in all moisturising skincare is hyaluronic acid, sometimes known as HA.
What’s unique about hyaluronic acid is that it can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, which means it’s capable of delivering a bucketload (the technical term) of moisture to your skin. This also has knock-on effects – for instance, regular hyaluronic acid use can bolster the skin barrier by locking in hydration, which in turn, will lead to better protection against free radicals and environmental stressors like UV rays. HA can also help to control sebum production, reduce redness and inflammation, and promote skin elasticity – all through the magic of moisturising.
Natural hydrators like snow mushroom
Nature-derived favourites with nourishing properties are perfectly paired with powerful ingredients such as hyaluronic acid. Why? Well, many fruits and veggies are packed full of antioxidants, which are fantastic at defending the skin barrier and keeping the skin safe from harm encountered in daily life. With not one, but two (or more) ingredients looking out for your skin’s health, you’ll be able to prolong the physical signs of ageing, such as fine lines and wrinkles, as well as keeping the skin supple and bouncy.
While there are so many incredible natural ingredients out there, one that’s on the tip of the skincare world’s tongue right now is snow mushroom. A fluffy white fungus often used in Eastern medicine and cooking, snow mushroom is ultra hydrating, with a carrying capacity that stacks up pretty well against the holy grail that is hyaluronic acid. While HA can hold 1,000 times its weight in water, snow mushroom will tackle roughly half that – a significant achievement for an all-natural veggie!
Snow mushroom also has anti-inflammatory properties, which are a godsend in any hydrating skincare, but particularly face masks, which many of us use to calm redness or reduce irritation in a flash. So, while mushroom masks may seem a little strange or intimidating, don’t discount their effectiveness – they could be the key to happier skin!
All about the Remake I Want My-Celium Moisture Mask
Want a skin glow-up that delivers round after round of hydration, fortified by the best ingredients in the biz? Introducing the Remake I Want My-Celium Moisture Mask. Formulated with both hyaluronic acid and snow mushroom (because we just couldn’t choose!), I Want My-Celium harnesses the potent power of trending fungi and pairs it with a tried-and-true skincare saviour for amazing results. It’s the perfect way to add a little pep into your step – ya know, while you boost your moisture levels, plump fine lines, and combat against free radical damage.
To use I Want My-Celium, first prep the skin by cleansing and toning. Then, apply the product evenly to the skin and leave for at least 10 minutes. If you’re on the hunt for supreme hydration, leave for longer, or even overnight. Then, when you’re done moisturising, simply massage any remaining product into the skin for a little extra boost! Use as needed when your complexion is feeling worse for wear, or incorporate into your routine and apply once weekly. Trust us, you’ll want to see what this fancy fungi can do first-hand…
Ready to Remake your skincare routine? Get the glow with the I Want My-Celium Moisture Mask and more 100% vegan, cruelty-free and sustainable products from our tailored range of skincare showstoppers – shop now.