First of all, is it face mask or facemask? 

 

Both words are used interchangeably and I can’t count every time I’ve typed in a search query and found nothing regarding skincare. 

 

So kicking us off, let us save you the trouble of an awkward reminder and show you how to spell the word. 

 

The product name is face mask. Spaced. Although in spite of how many people have these on their bathroom sinks, the algorithm is probably not going to work in your favour. So best to add the word ‘skincare’ at the end of your query or better yet, call it a facial mask.

 

A face mask is a nutrient-filled thick creamy paste, applied to the face usually as a step in the cleansing routine, and worn as a mask you can rinse off.

 

So, what makes a good face mask?

 

With all the types and kinds out there, choosing a face mask can be daunting. So where to begin?

Your Skin

It all starts with you! 

 

Dry, oily, or combination. What is your skin type? Pigmented, mature, or acne-prone. What is your skin concern? First, figure that out and choose your ingredients wisely. 

 

Ingredients

Much like the types and kinds out there, your choice of ingredients can be quite the rabbit hole. Let’s take a look at some of the key ingredients to look out for in a Face mask. 

 

Retinol

Retinol is a synthetic derivative of vitamin A. Retinol is a gold mine of anti-aging benefits. In skin care, especially in face masks, retinol unclogs pores, boosts collagen to reduce fine lines, and speeds up cell turnover to even out discoloration/smoothen your skin.

Skin type: Dry

 

Green clay

Green clay is a natural fine powder clay with mild astringent qualities to help draw impurities and absorb excess oil from the skin. Some of the facial care benefits of green clay include: anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, healing benefits and pro-ageing support.

Skin type: Oily

 

Bentonite clay

Bentonite clay is a lush, absorbent aluminum phyllosilicate clay, that is formed from volcanic ash that was once exposed to seawater. Rich in minerals, some of the skincare benefits of bentonite clay in a face mask include: removing dirt and excess oil, clearing pores, and boosting collagen production. Bentonite clay is also famously known to help in the prevention of acne.

Skin type: Combination

 

Hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid is a clear moisturizing substance naturally produced by the body. It is usually found in large amounts around the skin, connective tissue/joints, and eyes. With its tendency to bind to water, its primary function is to help the skin stay hydrated, making the skin look and feel more supple, thereby reducing the appearance of wrinkles.

 

Seaweed in face masks

Sourced for its health benefits, history suggests people have been using seaweed for skincare purposes for centuries. With time, people looked beyond the remedial and discovered the aesthetic benefits of seaweed on the skin.

 

Wild organic seaweed and botanical extracts deeply cleanse the skin, eliminating impurities and providing essential mineral hydration. It also boosts the skin’s natural moisture balance.

 

Naturally active ingredients including some deep moisturising clay namely: Bentonite and Kaolin! are combined with algae and botanical extracts. The marine plants have a toning, revitalizing, and gentle exfoliating action, leaving the skin feeling smooth, and calm, for a radiant complexion.

 

With active ingredients such as wild organic seaweed, algae, & other botanical extracts Rí na mara cleansing face mask helps your skin regain its suppleness and natural glow. 

 

Apply a layer of the mask to cleansed face and throat, avoiding eyes, lips, and hairline. Leave on for 8 – 10mins, and allow to dry. Rinse off thoroughly with warm water and a face cloth or sponge. Splash your face with cool water.

Use once a week as an all-over face treatment, and can be used 2-3 times a week to target specific areas of concern. It is suitable for all skin types and for best results follow with the fan favourite: Ri na mara face cream.

But first, check out San Francisco blogger and Galway girl, Lorna Ryan rave about Ri na mara face mask.