by Janette Peel

Created on: July 14, 2008

It may come as some surprise to you to know that not all masks are made for the deep clean. Many are designed to perform other miraculous tasks.

All skin types benefit from using facial masks to get that deep-down clean and these should be used at least once a week to rid your pores of the gradual build-up of dirt, grime, excess oils and dead skin cells. There are also masks that are designed to do other jobs such as soften or tighten skin, exfoliate, rejuvenate and brighten or hydrate and nourish.

Ideally, you should also use a mask to suit the specific needs of your skin once a week. It can be used after a deep cleansing mask or on it own. But before you get started with any mask you need to know what you are using it for and this is where it really helps to understand your skin type.

Dry skin has lower levels of sebum production, which lubricates and protects the skin. Therefore this skin type is delicate and prone to fine lines and occasional flaking. Masks that dry out the skin and mop up oil should definitely not be used and neither should any harsh products that contain alcohol or strong-acting chemicals that will exacerbate the dryness.

The task of a mask in this case is to soften, hydrate, nourish and gently cleanse. Mask bases that are both cleansing and moisturizing such as avocado, honey and cream can be used and essential oils or herbal infusions suitable for dry skin may be added.

Mature skin also benefits from an avocado mask that hydrates, nourishes and rejuvenates with vitamins, in particular anti-aging antioxidants such as vitamin A or E.

Before getting started, you need to prepare your skin so it can get the most benefit from wearing a mask. Make sure your face is thoroughly cleansed before you start, using a cleanser and toner that is suited to your skin type.

Next, steam your face over a bowl of boiled water, covering your head with a towel (don't steam if your skin is prone to broken capillaries). This will open your pores in readiness for the active ingredients of your mask.

Finally, lightly exfoliate your skin and gently pat dry with a face cloth. This will remove any dead skin cells from the surface so that your mask can really get to work on the smoothed and bared outer layer of the skin's epidermis. You should set aside 15-20 minutes for your mask to work.

Keep your hair tied back and lie down with some old towels on the floor while your mask is on as the ingredients may run.

This hydrating mask is suitable for dry and mature skins and uses nourishing avocado, which is rich in vitamins A and B, protein and natural oils that have an affinity to the skin. It is combined with moisturizing double cream, again rich in vitamin A, and honey, which is also antiseptic and has a deep but gentle cleansing action.

Ingredients:

mashed avocado
1 teaspoon runny honey
1 teaspoon double cream

Mash the avocado in a bowl using a fork, then add the honey and double cream and mash together until the ingredients are smooth and creamy. Add a few drops each of two to three essential oils of your choice for dry or mature skin such as rose, neroli, palmarosa, Roman chamomile and sandalwood

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