The Application of Masks, Toner, Serum, Eye Cream and Moisturiser

7.1 Masks 

A wide range of masks is available for every skin type. 

Homemade masks- are also popular and can be used in between salon visits. In most cases, maskscan be used a couple of times a week. 

A mask will boost moisture, clear blocked pores or brighten the skin, depending on the type that you use. 

Clay masks or kaolin masks - are intended to mattify oily skin and draw impurities fromthepores- some include activated charcoal, which is excellent for the absorption of oil; they can be used2or3 times a week. 

Sheet masks - are paper masks soaked in a mixture of glycerin and hyaluronic acid, whichwill push moisture into your skin. 

Eye masks - are specially formulated for the delicate skin around the eyes; they containa serum, which reduces fine lines and hydrates the area. 

Antioxidant masks - work on ageing skin by attacking free radicals, which cause ageing; greenteais often the active ingredient in these masks. 

Overnight sleeping masks - are safe to keep on the whole night and gently treat the skin while you sleep 

Gel masks - are hydrating and soothing and are ideal for sensitive skin. 

Exfoliating or enzyme masks - eradicate dead skin cells, leaving the skin glowing; this alsoincreases oxygen to the skin, which encourages collagen production 

7.2 Toner 

Toners are intended to tighten pores, balance pH, soothe skin and balance sebumproduction. Atoner is only as effective as its active ingredients.

There are several different toner options suitable for various skin types:

A toner for acneic skin would have salicylic acid as an active ingredient; this would exfoliate, remove excess oil and damaged skin and increase skin turnover time and collagen production

Combination skin requires a product containing the gently effective milk acid, lactic acid, which hydrates the skin; it does not thin the skin in the way that other acids might 

People with dry skin should avoid alcohol-based toners; glycerin-based toners drawmoistureinto the skin and can be enhanced by therapeutic essential oils 

Mature skin would benefit from the soothing emollient in aloe vera; added to this, fruit acidsor vitamin C will fight free radicals and reduce the effects of ageing 

Normal skin benefits from a toner containing coenzyme Q10, which is a great antioxidant, andhyaluronic acid, which is normally naturally produced in the skin and is very hydrating

Oily skin requires a toner that contains bentonite clay or witch hazel, to control oiliness, clearcongested pores and act as a natural astringent 

Sensitive skin toners should contain soothing aloe vera and amino acids, which repair skindamage and reduce free radicals 

7.3 Eye Creams and Eye Gels 

Eye products are not normally geared towards a specific skin type. The eye area is sensitive and delicate in everyone. 

Choosing between an eye cream and an eye gel is often a matter of preference. Older peoplewithsigns of ageing would probably use a cream, and younger people would probably use a gel, but thisis not always the case. 

Eye cream: 

Is richer and thicker

Has high levels of anti-ageing ingredients 

Contains antioxidants 

Is best applied at night, as it can cause makeup to run 

Eye gel: 

Is lighter and cooler 

Contains soothing ingredients 

Contains antioxidants 

Reduces puffiness 

Is the best choice for day use, unless the skin is very damaged 

7.4 Serums 

Different skin types require different serums. 

A serum works in the deeper levels of the skin and has tiny molecules, which makes it easilyabsorbed. 

Brightening serums 

These brighten dull skin - they fade sun spots, smooth the skin tone and reduce hyperpigmentation; they may contain botanicals, such as liquorice root, which reduces hyperpigmentation, or greentea, which is high in antioxidants; ingredients such as Kojic acid lighten the skin, and optical diffusersreflect the light and give the impression of even skin

Anti-ageing serums 

These reduce wrinkles and fine lines and firm the skin - they increase skin turnover and improvecell repair; retinol is commonly used for its anti-ageing effect - fruit acids, grapeseed oil, eveningprimrose and vitamin C are also used; anti-ageing serums should be used at night becauseretinolcan cause photosensitivity 

Exfoliating serums 

These reduce lines and wrinkles, smooth skin tone, reduce hyperpigmentation, remove dead, dull skin cells, clear pores and increase collagen in the skin; their active ingredients are AHAs, retinol, fruit acids and citric acid 

Acne-reducing serums 

These carry active ingredients deep into the skin to stop acne before it starts; a wide range of AHAs, zinc, citric acid, retinols, BHAs and botanicals, such as tea tree and green tea, can be used

Hydrating face serums 

These work on very dehydrated skin; rich oils and botanicals are carried deep into the skin- rosehipoil, glycerin, aloe vera, rose water and argan oil are among the active ingredients 

Regenerative serums 

These repair damaged skin, which is caused by age, pollution, acne scarring and sun damage; someingredients in these serums are seaweed, green tea, omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, retinol andessential oils 

7.5 Moisturisers

Moisturisers are usually an aqueous solution of emulsified oils and water, with various therapeutic additives to suit different skin types.

Moisturisers should include sunscreen.

Dry skin - requires a moisturiser which traps moisture under the skin - hyaluronic acid is the best active ingredient for holding in moisture; antioxidants and emollients, such as glycerine, will also protect dry skin.

Oily/acneic skin - requires an oil-free product; natural, light gels, infused with hyaluronic acid and essential oils, which control sebum production, are ideal for oily skin.

Combination skin - can be a problem, as you have two unique skin types in one; it is a good idea to use moisturisers for dry skin on the cheeks and neck, and moisturisers for oily skin on the T-zone.

Normal skin - requires a light, natural cream moisturiser, not containing petroleum-based oils, which tend to dehydrate the skin; an almond oil-based aqueous cream is effective.

Mature skin - needs richer oils in a cream base; rosehip and wheat germ oils are rich and nourishing for mature skin.

Sensitive skin - can use the same ingredients as normal skin, but fragrances, essential oils and alcohol should be avoided.