Illustration: David Wyffels
Think of multi-masking as creating a custom treatment for the skin troubles unique to each part of your face, from the dry patches on your cheeks to the oil slick that is your T-zone. Instead of using one mask that may address only one issue, you're putting different masks with different purposes on the areas where they're needed most, all at the same time, says Francesca Fusco, MD, board-certified dermatologist in New York. Personalized and efficient—it's a win-win.
Do a small patch test with each mask on your face first, says Rachel Nazarian, MD, an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital, in New York, since putting that many ingredients on your skin at once does increase the chances of an allergic reaction or irritation. And you don't need to overdo it on the number of zones—keep it simple with these three.
Zone 1: T zone
Common Concerns: Oil and acne
Best Ingredients: Pore-clearing charcoal or clay
Derm-Approved Picks: Origins Clear Improvement Mask, $25. First Aid Beauty Skin Rescue Purifying Mask with Red Clay, $30.
Zone 2: Eyes
Common Concerns: Wrinkles and dryness
Best Ingredients: Line-reducing retinol, moisture-retaining humectants
Derm-Approved Pick: Shiseido Benefiance WrinkleResist24 Pure Retinol Express Soothing Eye Mask, $63. Patchology FlashPatch Eye Gels, $50.
Zone 3: Cheeks
Common Concerns: Dryness and dark spots
Best Ingredients: Pigment reducing and hydrating antioxidants
Derm-Approved Picks: Natura Bisse Essential Shock Intense Mask, $40. Clinique Even Better Brightening Moisture Mask, $36.
Do a small patch test with each mask on your face first, says Rachel Nazarian, MD, an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital, in New York, since putting that many ingredients on your skin at once does increase the chances of an allergic reaction or irritation. And you don't need to overdo it on the number of zones—keep it simple with these three.
Zone 1: T zone
Common Concerns: Oil and acne
Best Ingredients: Pore-clearing charcoal or clay
Derm-Approved Picks: Origins Clear Improvement Mask, $25. First Aid Beauty Skin Rescue Purifying Mask with Red Clay, $30.
Zone 2: Eyes
Common Concerns: Wrinkles and dryness
Best Ingredients: Line-reducing retinol, moisture-retaining humectants
Derm-Approved Pick: Shiseido Benefiance WrinkleResist24 Pure Retinol Express Soothing Eye Mask, $63. Patchology FlashPatch Eye Gels, $50.
Zone 3: Cheeks
Common Concerns: Dryness and dark spots
Best Ingredients: Pigment reducing and hydrating antioxidants
Derm-Approved Picks: Natura Bisse Essential Shock Intense Mask, $40. Clinique Even Better Brightening Moisture Mask, $36.
Published 10/27/2015
