Using peelings and masks to obtain even more beautiful skin
Peelings and masks offer your skin luxurious revitalization and relaxation.
Especially if you treat yourself to extra care in the form of highly concentrated serums or ampoules in everyday life, you should consider a peeling once a week in order to guarantee the best possible absorption of active ingredients. The reason: as good as your cleansing may be, it is unlikely to remove larger amounts of dead skin cells that clog pores.
Not only will this type of specialty care improve the absorption of active ingredients, it can also help you rediscover your natural glow.
Which specialty care best complements my skin care routine?
In addition to serums and ampoule treatments, the most important products in specialty care are peelings and masks. Nowadays there is a very large selection of both, so you should assess your skin care needs, your skin’s condition and think about what effects you would like achieve by using this extra care.
A peeling can thoroughly cleanse your skin, open clogged pores and stimulate blood circulation
However, the ingredients and modes of action vary. There are three broad categories of peelings: mechanical peelings, enzymatic peelings, and fruit acid (or AHA) peelings. Not every type of peeling is suitable for all skin types.
- Mechanical peelings are especially good for dry, normal, or combination skin.
- Enzymatic peelings are also suitable for sensitive skin.
- Fruit acid peelings are special applications and are tailored to acne-prone skin and anti-aging effects.
How does a mechanical peeling work?
With mechanical peelings, small particles or “globules” are added to the formulation. In natural cosmetics, for example, these can be made from dried oils – then they have a particularly smooth surface – or they can be obtained from the crushing of kernels – then their structure is somewhat more irregular. Both types work like very fine sandpaper and help you rub off dead skin cells. Through the circular movements in applying the peeling, you massage your skin with the particles, which also promotes blood circulation and helps maintain a natural glow. Due to the way the peeling is used and how it is distributed on the skin, mechanical peeling is not recommended for blemished or acne-prone skin.
How does an enzymatic peel work?
With an enzyme peeling, the intercellular cement of the skin is loosened. This way, the dead skin cells can be loosened and simply washed off after a short application time. Since this type of peeling is very gentle in terms of texture and does not have to be worked into the skin, it is very suitable for sensitive and acne-prone skin.
What is behind the fruit acid peeling?
With fruit acid peeling (also AHA peeling from Alpha Hydroxy Acid), depending on the acid used, the cornea (stratum corneum) including the dead skin cells are removed. This stimulates the production of new skin cells and “exposes” a more radiant, even, fresher looking skin. In addition, the collagen formation is stimulated by the fruit acids, which makes skin smoother in the long term. However, since it is an acid in the truest sense of the word, its use also involves some risks, including irritation and swelling. For this reason, a fruit acid peel should only be used after consulting a dermatologist, preferably directly at a dermatologist’s or a specialized beautician’s.
Facial masks – intensive effects for different needs
Whether you’re looking for more moisture, anti-aging, whitening or lifting effects, whether you prefer apple stem cells, snail secretions or hyaluronic acid – nowadays, there are masks for almost everything that your skin and heart desire.
Many of them can remain on the skin after use, some have to be washed off after their application. In the case of masks, a distinction is essentially made between the following:
Sheet masks – these range from fleece to silk masks, from bio-cellulose to foil masks. Usually they have to remain on the skin for 15 to 20 minutes to take effect. The active ingredients are not always able to penetrate the skin.
Rinse-off masks – this includes mud packs to remove toxins and blackheads as well as moisturizing or toning masks, e.g. with herbal extracts.
Leave-on masks: these masks behave like a rich skin cream and, when applied in a thick layer, can be worked into the skin after an application time of 15 to 20 minutes.
Conclusion: From time to time, our skin also needs a break from everyday life.
Peelings and masks can offer this time-out, as they free skin from impurities, and provide it with what’s missing. Especially if your skin care routine involves more expensive products such as serums or ampoules, a peeling is worthwhile to improve the absorption of active ingredients. For blemished or sensitive skin we recommend the Algae Gel, for dry or combination skin we recommend the Peeling and Moisturizing Mask from our GREEN series.