Be it friends at a party or different types of cheese on a cheeseboard, one of our cardinal rules in life tends to be ‘the more the merrier.’ And while the world of skinimalism — opting for a pared-back skincare routine that includes only effective ingredients and products that really give more bang for their buck — has been trending of late, the same doesn’t apply to the humble face mask, with an increasing number of experts advocating for the use of a multitude of savvy solutions simultaneously to target each area of the face appropriately. Enter ‘multi-masking’.
“It’s a trend that’s here to stay,” Miche Whitehouse, head of brand at Lush Cosmetics, tells MOJEH. “Your skin’s microbiome is unique to you, so there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to skincare. Multi-masking is effective as it allows you to address a multitude of skin concerns at the same time.”
So much more than just slapping a few face masks on your skin and waiting for the magic to happen, multi-masking draws on Asian beauty practices and philosophies like the Korean 10-step regime, and is particularly effective for those who suffer from combination skin. “It ensures an individually tailored approach, where each facial area is bestowed with the precise attention it warrants, ultimately culminating in a complexion that is both revitalised and harmoniously radiant,” adds Dr Tara Francis, advanced facial aesthetician and founder of London’s Enhance by Tara clinic. “I know for me I break out on my chin and jawline, but I’m dry everywhere else. A hydrating mask won’t help my breakouts, and the mask that is good for my breakouts will dry the rest of my skin. This is where multi-masking comes in.”
Intrigued? These game-changing masks are designed specifically to target different skin concerns for more precise results.
The T-Zone
An area that often contends with issues of oiliness, enlarged pores and congestion, when it comes to your T-zone you’ll want to look fora mask that will absorb the excess oil from the skin’s surface. “This zone benefits from the application of clay or charcoal masks to draw out impurities,” explains Dr Tara.
Under Eye
Small but mighty eye masks are made with hard-working ingredients like caffeine, hyaluronic acid and calendula, which can be considered the skincare equivalent of a morning cup of coffee.“The under eye area is marked by dark circles, puffiness and fine lines, so dedicated eye masks that are both hydrating and brightening will help rejuvenate and refresh,” says Dr Tara.
Lips
Even the most devoted of skincare enthusiasts are guilty of neglecting the lip area, so if you haven’t added a hydrating lip mask to your nighttime routine, it’s time to reconsider. “Lips, which are susceptible to dryness and flakiness, thrive with dedicated lip masks or gentle exfoliation,” advises Dr Tara.
Neck
As most of us forget to treat our necks with the same level of care as the skin on our face, this delicate area can often be a prime indicator of age, so don’t forget to show it some love with a dedicated mask that is designed to fit its unique contours. “When it comes to the jawline and neck, which might experience sagging, dullness and occasional acne, the use of firming or exfoliating masks can prove effective,” says Dr Tara.
Cheek
As part of the U-Zone, which also comprises thee yes and mouth, the skin on your cheeks is an area most often prone to dryness, redness and sensitivity. “Find relief through hydrating and soothing masks that come in an array of textures and utilise advanced ingredients to give you that dewy glow,” advises Dr Tara.
