This was published 9 years ago

The real reason beauty masks are making a comeback

Kelly Baker

July 3, 2017 - 5.47am

Victoria's Secret angel Sara Sampaio. Image: Instagram/@mimiluzon

Face masks are back - and in a very big way.

Face masks are back in a big way. Video: Instagram/@mimiluzon

There’s the Korean-inspired sheet mask. Masks of luxe gold flakes. There are sticky black peeling masks made of rich charcoal and even ones that foam and bubble. There’s masks designed to be worn overnight - masks that are applied when in the shower - and many, many more. Which might lead you to ask … why so popular all of a sudden?

Well, here’s the truth - the driving force in this resurgence is that they look cute on your social media feed and many a supermodel and It Girl has posted such a snap. Not surprisingly, the rest of us figure if it’s good enough for them - it’s good enough for us too.

Victoria's Secret angel Elsa Hosk Image: Instagram/@mimiluzon

But there’s an added bonus to the return of the mask and it’s not nearly as superficial.

Masks are incredibly beneficial - and not just for boosting your Instagram feed. You see, masks are intensely soaked in (if they’re of the sheet variety) or made up of (the smooth on type) high levels of active ingredients - the kind that actually create a change in skin as opposed to just sit on top of it.

Think vitamins A, C or niacinamide for example -all proven anti-agers. Others are based on ingredients such as charcoal (which draws out dirt and grime) or hyaluronic acid (which provides deep moisture).

Face masks have made a comeback. Image: Instagram/@sandandskyaus

Given that, there are masks that can ease sun spots, increase moisture levels, smooth and soften. And they can do so in just 10 to 15 minutes too. The secondary benefit (and it’s a big one), masks force you to take a moment to do nothing. And this is every bit as beneficial for your skin (and well-being) as the mask itself.