Beauty Corner: Facial Masks - The Last-Minute Spring Break Beauty Tip That Actually Works

I've never really had acne problems. Unlike millions of teens, after puberty, my skin didn't become excessively oily, dry or sensitive, Nevertheless when I came to college and had to adjust to the foreign climate and air particles, my skin reacted poorly. By second semester, freshman year, I decided I would not jeopardize the health of my skin and invested in an actual skin care regimen. This is when I discovered the importance of exfoliation and became acquainted with the facial mask.

Dermatologists, estheticians and other physicians agree, cleansing will remove surface dirt and grime, but only a facial mask will actually draw out impurities from beneath the top layers of the epidermis. 

The epidermis, or what we call the skin, is the outermost layer of our bodies, composed by the dermis and cutis. The skin is not only the largest organ of the human body, but the main barrier against uncompromising elements and destructive particles in the outside world. Therefore, it is imperative that both men and women care for it as a highly decorated security guard.

The skin on the face withstands more stress than any other part of the body. Ladies apply makeup, males shave, yet neither tend to seek protectants or exfoliating agents to preserve it for the future.

In any skin care regimen, it is important to cleanse, tone, exfoliate and moisturize. Some facial masks do all four things in one.

Skin care product lines such as Burts Bees and LUSH Cosmetics, offer complete skin care lines for every skin tone and type, including facial masks for every skin tone and type, both male and female. 

According to MissCatlo.com, masks exfoliate dead skin cells and unclog pores, so that toning, hydrating and protecting products work more effectively. In other words, applying a facial mask helps you get more "bang for your buck". Masks also help stimulate blood circulation and leave your skin feeling smoother and softer.

When choosing a facial mask, it is important to select the correct product for your skin type. If your skin is excessively dry, choose a product that has the ability to moisturize and restore essential oils in your skin, like Dermalogica's Intensive Moisture Masque. If your skin is oily, choose a facial mask which strip excess oil, but not essential oils like Burt's Bees Healthy Treatment Pore Refining Mask. 

Facial masks should only be applied once a week, as applying it too often could result in excessive oil or dryness. Invest in a facial mask now and have more attractive, healthier, radiant skin, just in time for spring break.