Multi Masking Explained

Yes I have an oily complexion in technical terms, much like every single person I have technically have combination skin. For instance the oiliest areas of my face are my forehead and cheeks, my nose and chin are normal, and the outer area of my face is a little dry. Add to that blemishes, enlarged pores and you will be hard pushed to find a mask that will suit all my needs at once. Enter Multi Masking.

The best way to think of Multi Masking is a custom, at home facial experience and the perfect opportunity, to put all your favourite facial masks to good use at one time. Rather than applying one mask to the whole face, you simply target each area of your face with different formulations to combat the problem. Yes it can look a little bizarre, several patches of varying masks all over your face will do that but you can not beat it for results.

Much like any skin care routine there are no set rules, it is a case of finding what works best for you and putting it into action. Simply determine what each area of your face needs in terms of treatment and take it from there. To make it a little easier I have outlined what type of mask that works best for each concern.

Multi Masking Explained

Oily skin/patches - Mud or clay masks are great for not only deep cleansing but also rebalancing the skin. Mud and clay based formulas help to control excess sebum and may temporarily improve the appearance of enlarged pores. Skin will feel not only smoother but should be more balanced from the first use. My top two picks are Origins Clear Improvement Charcoal Face Mask (£23) and Boots Essentials Cucumber 3 Minute Mask (£1.50).

Blemished skin/patches - Again mud and clay facial masks are the best for blemished skin;  the clay and/or mud base helps to somewhat dry out any blemishesand aid the natural healing process. If you can find a facial mask that contains Salicylic Acid then all the better, as it can help with skin inflammation and also prevent/reduce the marks left behind from acne/blemishes. A great and surprisingly budget find for such cause is Super Facialist Salicylic Acid Anti Blemish Clay Mask (£9.99), as is Boots Shine Away Ionic Clay Mask (£3.49).

Dull skin/patches - A mask that both cleanses and exfoliates is the order of the day for such skin concern. I personally prefer masks that have a gritty texture such as Clinique Turnaround Revitalising Instant Facial (£32) and Origins Original Skin Retexturizing Mask with Rose Clay  (£23). Both gently soften the skin, without drying it out and by removing any dead cells, they unveil brighter skin. The Clinique mask can also be used to treat dry skin.

Multi Masking Explained

Dry skin/patches - Moisture masks are the obvious choice and with so many options out there, it has never been easier to find one suited to your needs. I like to use a sleep mask for an intense dose of moisture, or if in a pinch I have been known to dab on a little night cream on to any dried out areas. My go to moisture mask is Clarins Hydra Quench Cream Mask (£29.10).

Redness - Face masks that contain oatmeal, rose and/or chamomile are what you are looking for; such ingredients help to calm, soothe and reduce redness: oatmeal soothes, chamomile calms and rose reduces redness caused by enlarged capillaries. One mask that does all of this is Quick Fix Facials Calming Clay Mask (£4.99). If in a rut you could also use regular Aloe Vera gel - it has a similar consistency to a face mask anyway.

Multi Masking Explained

I dab Origins Clear Improvement Charcoal Face Mask onto my cheeks and forehead, Clarins Hydra Quench Cream Mask all round the outside of my face - almost like a holo and apply Origins Original Skin Retexturizing Mask with Rose Clay everywhere else.

Yes Multi Masking may seem like a buzz word, used to drum up likes on social media but it is a skin care trend (if you can call it that), that I fully recommend embracing...even if you do have to avoid answering the door while sporting such look.

What are your thoughts on Multi Masking?