Behind the Masks / Peels

Does the label on your natural mask or peel look more like a salad recipe than a list of skincare ingredients? This chart will help you decipher the benefits of the various elements.

Apples, Grapes, Citrus Fruits, and other fruits:
Contain alpha-hydroxy acids, which dissolve the "cement" that holds old, dull cells onto your skin, as well as antioxidants that help fight cell damage

Milk and Buttermilk:
Contain lactic acid, an alphahydroxy acid

Sugarcane:
Contains glycolic acid, an alphahydroxy acid

Honey:
A humectant (meaning it draws moisture into the skin) and an antibacterial

Tea Tree Oil:
An antibacterial

Cucumber:
Moisturizes and soothes the skin

Jojoba Oil:
An oil that most closely mimics the skin's natural sebum

Clay:
Draws impurities out of the skin and also contains nourishing minerals

Seaweed:
Calms and hydrates the skin and adds minerals to it

So whats the difference between a mask and a peel? A mask puts things (such as minerals and moisture) back into the skin, while peels actually remove the debris and dead skin. Peels typically use ingredients like fruit acids to exfoliate the skin, which reduces flakiness, dry patches and the appearance of fine lines, masks can be formulated to solve a variety of skin flaws. Examples: Hydrating masks work best for dry, tight skin, and contain moisturizing ingredients like seaweed and honey. Pore-refining masks rely on clay to draw out impurities, (acne masks also use clay, which contains acne-fighting minerals like zinc & magnesium, along with antibacterial ingredients like Tea Tree Oil. Anti-aging masks usually include antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins to replenish the skin as well as hydrating ingredients to keep it soft.

September is the perfect time to start a regimen of masks or peels. Most people tend to neglect their skin during the busy summer months, and sun, saltwater, chlorine, and air-conditioning can wreak havoc on the skin.