What is an alginate face mask?
Alginate face mask is a natural professional skin care product. It is produced from alginic acid salts contained in red, brown and green algae. The mask can be used independently at home.
Composition of masks
The basis of any alginate mask includes three main components: alginate, diatomite and plasticizer.
- The first ingredient is a natural thickener and an excellent source of minerals. It has a pronounced drainage and lifting effect. It is usually added to the product in the form of a powder, which, when interacting with water, is converted into a gel.
- The second ingredient is dry particles of clay, gypsum or kelp residues. It perfectly retains moisture in the epidermis and exfoliates its stratum corneum.
- The third ingredient is calcium sulfate, which, when reacted with alginate, helps the mixture harden and fill in uneven areas on the face. At the same time, salt does not violate its properties and does not prevent the loss of elasticity.
The following additional components are used:
- vitamin C and other vitamins;
- collagen;
- elastin;
- hyaluronic acid;
- Coenzyme Q10;
- chitosan;
- urea
- coal;
- clay;
- kaolin;
- papain;
- spirulina;
- green tea;
- herbal extracts and other additives
Contraindications
Alginate masks are considered the safest. Their use rarely leads to allergic and other negative reactions.
However, their use is contraindicated in several cases:
- For oncological diseases;
- If you are intolerant to the components of the product;
- With increased sensitivity of the epidermis to low temperatures, as the alginate mask noticeably cools.
Compositions with alginate should not be applied to the areas near the eyes for conjunctivitis. It is not advisable to close your eyes for those who suffer from claustrophobia.
How is an alginate mask useful?
The main purpose is to restore freshness and radiance to the face, freeing the skin from toxins. It has a tightening effect, smoothing out wrinkles and making facial contours clearer. This occurs due to the transformation of the alginate mask into a dense plasticizing film. The tool helps solve the following problems:
- eliminates dryness and moisturizes facial skin;
- tightens pores;
- reduces excess sebum;
- eliminates signs of fatigue;
- evens out color;
- reduces expression and age wrinkles;
- increases tone;
- helps fight acne, comedones, post-acne and scars;
- eliminates redness and age spots;
- tightens the skin in the lower third of the face;
- protect facial skin from moisture loss during prolonged exposure to the sun.
Where is sodium alginate sold?
The basis of this mask is sodium alginate. This is a fine powder of a rich white hue, which is sold in pharmacies, stores selling cosmetics, or ordered online. Sometimes alginate can also be purchased from nutritional supplement suppliers.
The powder is sold in packages of 25, 50, 100 and more grams. The cost of a 100 gram package averages 250-300 rubles. Sodium alginate should be stored in tightly closed containers in dry places.
Types of alginate masks
Alginate masks can be powder, jelly or gel. They are also divided into the following categories:
- Cleansing. They contain aloe, extracts of chamomile, echinacea, green tea, cucumber, calendula, etc. They cleanse the epidermis of toxins and nourish it with nutrients. In the PREMIUM cosmetic line, we can highlight the Superalginate mask “Deep Detox” with sea grapes. It is designed to absorb waste, toxins and skin metabolic products, modeling the oval of the face, providing anti-inflammatory and moisturizing effects.
- Moisturizing. Normalizes the water balance of the skin, combats dryness and flaking. Usually contain chitosan, collagen, elastin, snail secretion. The basis of the SECRET ALGAE Superalginate moisturizing mask is an alginate micronized matrix with a bioactivator. Thanks to their interaction, moisture deficiency is corrected. The mask eliminates dryness, tightness and flaking, activates the processes of restoring hydrolipid balance, evens out the contour of the face and décolleté.
- Smoothing. As a rule, such products contain low molecular weight hyaluronic acid and collagen hydrolysate. They smooth the skin well, stimulate blood circulation and have a drainage effect. Superalginate mask “Capillary protective” with hyaluronic acid is intended for skin with “capillary network” phenomena. It improves the lymphatic drainage properties of the epidermis, normalizes microcirculation, strengthens the walls of blood vessels, and has an antioxidant effect.
- Anti-inflammatory. These alginate masks are suitable for problem skin. The composition includes plant extracts with a soothing and antibacterial effect. They regulate sebum production, eliminate breakouts and soothe the skin. Superalginate mask “Papula stop” with young tomato is intended for the care of oily skin prone to inflammatory acne. It contains extracts of young tomato, celandine, hawthorn, cornflower, chamomile, calendula, and clover. The product effectively eliminates seborrheic background and prevents inflammatory forms of acne.
- Anti-aging. The main function of these alginate products is to slow down skin aging, smooth out shallow wrinkles, and give elasticity and firmness to the epidermis. Superalginate mask “Bioplacental rejuvenation” solves the problem of skin aging of the fine-wrinkle and deformation type. It contains substances that duplicate the composition of the placenta without hormones. The anti-age effect is achieved due to the low molecular weight hyaluronic acid contained in the cream gel.
- Lightening. Typically, the products contain vitamin C, which effectively lightens age spots and evens out the complexion. The “Tone corrector” superalginate mask with hyaluronic acid has a resolving effect, fights hyperpigmentation, and helps whiten and even out skin tone.
- Modeling anti-aging. These masks contain biotechnological complexes, hydrolyzed collagen, plant and fruit extracts. They allow you to enhance cell regeneration and reduce the level of oxidative stress. Superalginate mask “Stop age” with hyaluronic acid is one of the best solutions for intensive anti-age therapy. Cream-gel improves elasticity and condition of blood vessels, moisturizes the skin, and eliminates wrinkles. Another effective product from PREMIUM is the Superalginate express-lifting mask SWALLOW ALGAE. The product is suitable for aging and oily mature skin. Helps correct loss of skin tone in the area of the eyelids, cheekbones, and chin under the influence of gravity. Its main component is swallow's nest extract, consisting of trace elements, amino acids and glycoprotein. Together they stimulate the restoration of tissue cells.
All types of masks improve the elastic properties of the skin.
Recommended for:
An important feature of the alginate mask is its versatility - it is equally good for all skin types and has no age restrictions. The mask is suitable as a “SPA” procedure for the whole body, but most often it is used to nourish and moisturize the skin of the face.
What can an alginate mask do?
- Fights excess fat deposits. It is effective as a remedy for “orange peel” - the effect becomes noticeable after just a few sessions. Actively breaks down subcutaneous fat and corrects the natural production of sebum. The facial contour is smoothed out, becoming clearer and more beautiful.
- Smoothes out scars and stretch marks. Copes well with “traces” of acne and blackheads.
- Treats skin from acne and blackheads. Deeply cleanses and “sucks out” dirt and sebaceous plugs from the pores, removes toxic substances from the skin. The skin begins to breathe easier, metabolism improves. The mask helps narrow enlarged pores and reduces the risk of new impurities and inflammation.
- Visibly rejuvenates. And inhibits the aging process of the epidermis. Alginate masks prevent early aging and “wear and tear” of the skin by activating cell regeneration processes and nourishing the skin with useful substances and elements.
- They calm you down. Cleans up reddened and irritated skin, treats inflamed areas. Returns a healthy and beautiful color to the face.
- Relieves swelling. Eliminates “puffiness”, the face becomes thinner and acquires clear contours.
- Tightens and tones. Blood circulation improves, the skin is noticeably refreshed, flabby or sagging areas are tightened. Muscle tension is relieved, which helps the disappearance of fine wrinkles. And this, in turn, has a positive effect on our mood and well-being. Scientists have found that constant tension in the facial muscles causes increased tone of various muscles of the body. Therefore, if you want to relax and unwind, start by taking care of your face.
How to use alginate face masks
The products are powder or powder, which are diluted with water or a special activator. Gel masks are immediately applied to the face without diluting. Before using the alginate mask, you must read the instructions.
How to apply
- Before applying the mask, you need to thoroughly cleanse your facial skin of makeup and impurities. Wash with milk, foam or gel. You can scrub the skin a little and clean it of dead cells. Thanks to this procedure, the active components penetrate the epidermis faster.
- Tone your facial skin with lotion or tonic. They will normalize its pH and enhance the effect of other products. You can also use the serum 2-3 minutes before applying the alginate mixture.
- Dilute the powder in a container with water until creamy. The recommended proportion of powder and water is 1:3. The mixture is stirred with a spatula. It is better to tuck your hair under a bandage or bath cap, otherwise you will have to tear it off from the frozen mask.
- Gently apply the mixture to the skin in a thick layer and distribute it over the face, neck and décolleté. It is recommended to do this lying down, using a spatula or hands, with completely relaxed facial expressions. The mask should not be applied to the eyebrows, and with caution - to closed eyes and lips, as it puts pressure on thin skin and can damage it.
- After 30 minutes, you can remove the mask. In the first 10 minutes it is plasticized, and after that the skin begins to absorb all the active substances. After half an hour, you need to pick up the edges of the film along the contour and lift it from the chin to the forehead. The thicker the film layer, the easier it is to remove. Additionally, excess fluid is removed and swelling is reduced.
- Remove any remaining product with a moistened cotton pad and cleanse the skin with toner.
- Then use your usual face cream.
Is it worth doing at home?
Alginate masks are appreciated by many women. Self-preparing alginate compositions does not require much effort or significant financial investment. Sodium alginate powder is inexpensive, and a large pack can be enough for 30-50 procedures.
Advanced formulations with alginate allow you to cope with almost any problem on the face. And in order to achieve an amazing rejuvenation effect, you only need to allocate 1-2 hours a week.
Therefore, we can definitely say that such masks can and should be made at home in order to always remain young and beautiful.
What recipes for alginate masks do you know? Share in the comments, don't be greedy :)).
Result
The effect depends on what components are included in the product - moisturizing, nourishing, toning, brightening or cleansing. At the same time, absolutely all varieties provide a noticeable lifting effect, eliminate swelling, improve complexion and overall skin condition. The course consists of three to four sessions, the frequency is determined individually during a face-to-face consultation. It is recommended to perform the procedure after peeling or deep cleansing of pores - such combinations of effects provide maximum effect.
Alginate masks are surprisingly effective and pleasant procedures that allow you to quickly put your face in order. Try them and see their benefits for yourself.