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Once you have accomplished the habit of a good daily skincare regimen, you might consider the occasional use of a mask appropriate to your skin type. Masks serve many purposes.  Some clarify or purify the skin. Others exfoliate, soothe, nourish and/or firm the skin. But the one thing they all have in common–they are very pampering if you let yourself relax and enjoy the experience.

So light a candle, draw a bubble bath, get some herbal tea, play some soothing music and  add an appropriate mask to your routine. For best results, do this one night a week. Your skin will soak it up, literally, and you may even get a great night’s sleep.

Here are some of my recommendations:

For acne-prone skin, try Murad Clarifying Mask. Acne breakouts can be uncomfortable as well as unsightly. This natural clay-based formula absorbs impurities as it deep cleans and helps to quiet acne breakouts. Sulfur reduces acne’s severity as it encourages the skin to clear. Soothing zinc and licorice comfort and calm irritated skin. Apply an even layer over clean skin, avoiding the eye area. Leave on for 10 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and pat dry.

For dry, dehydrated and delicate skin, try Celazome Botanical Hydrating Masque.  Maximum hydration and nourishment promotes silky smooth skin. Helps slow signs of aging, promotes cellular renewal. Skin is left re-texturized, soft and supple. Soothes skin irritations. Ideal for post peel treatment. Apply Hydrating Masque in a thin layer over the entire face and neck.

For oily/combination skin, try Pevonia Balancing Combination Skin Mask. This aromatic mask leaves the skin with a remarkable glow. Contains natural china clay which is a mixture of various aluminum silicates. Kaolin is known for its ability to absorb oil and sweat secreted by the skin. Non-comedogenic and all natural. Use once or twice a week after cleansing the skin with the Fondamentale Cleanser Followed by the Fondamentale Lotion, apply a thin layer of this mask all over face and neck half an inch away from the eyes. Leave on 10 minutes. Rinse with cool water. Follow with the Fundamental Lotion.

For mature skin, try md formulations Vit-A-Plus Firming Treatment Masque.Diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, increases skin hydration, resiliency and firmness. Alpha Retinyl Complex, BHAs and natural papaya extract gently exfoliate while plant extracts soothe and calm. Hydrates, firms and refines. Triple exfoliation action improves skin clarity, smoothness and softness. Rejuvenates and renews. Ideal for all skin types. Cleanse thoroughly. Apply a smooth film over face and neck, avoiding the eye area. Leave on 10-15 minutes. Wash off with warm water and pat dry. Use 1-2 times weekly.

As an esthetician, my two favorite parts of a facial are the mask and the massage. It’s all about pampering and relaxing. So take some time, destress, and treat yourself. It’s the next best thing to going to the spa.

Proper exfoliation is the key to many aspects of healthy, beautiful skin. Let’s start with the most important one—cell turnover.

Exfoliation helps accellerate cell turnover. As we get older, our skin cells take longer to regenerate. Exfoliation sloughs off the dead skin cells that are the main cause of dull-looking skin. And when the dead cells are gone, the new ones regenerate.

Exfoliation helps your skin look fresher. Here are some of the added benefits:

• All your skin care products absorb into your skin and work more effectively. So you will notice better results from serums, anti-wrinkle creams, moisturizers, etc.

• Your makeup should look like it is within your skin, not on top of it. Flawless makeup application happens only on properly cleansed and exfoliated skin.

A few simple rules for exfoliating:

• Use product that is appropriate for your skin type.
• Exfoliate twice a week, preferably at night, since skin cells regenerate while we sleep
• If it is a manual Exfoliant, scrub gently—let the product do the work
• If you have rosacea or very sensitive skin, exfoliate very gently only once a week with a product formulated for sensitive skin
• If you have problem skin, check with your dermatologist before purchasing any skin care products

Here are some product recommendations:

For normal to oily skin; good product for adult/mature acne.

Featured in the February 2009 Issue of O (Oprah) Magazine, DDF Glycolic Exfoliating Wash (5%) is a combination of ultra pure Glycolic with a gentle foaming action for both face and body. Invigorating Minty smell. Removes dead skin cells. Softens skin. Eliminates excess oil. Reduces fine lines and wrinkles.

For Dry or Sensitive Skin

Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant. This unique, rice-based enzyme powder microfoliates dulling debris and instantly leaves the skin noticeably smoother and brighter.
Activates upon contact with water, releasing Papain, Salicylic Acid and Rice Enzymes to smooth the skin and accelerate cell renewal. The unique Skin Brightening Complex of Bearberry, Aspergillus, Grapefruit and Licorice help to balance uneven skin pigmentation. Active agents derived from Rice Bran and Rice Extract help to regulate melanin production while micro-exfoliating dead cells. A super-soothing blend of Green Tea, Ginkgo and Colloidal Oatmeal calms inflammation, leaving the skin extraordinarily clear and refreshed. Gentle enough to use on a daily basis. free.

For Normal Skin

SkinMedica Skin Polisher Facial Exfoliant. A luxurious skin polisher with soft, ultra-fine jojoba spheres to gently lift dead cells from the skin’s surface without stripping moisture or over-exfoliating the skin. May be used 1-2 times per week.

I welcome your comments or questions.