Alginate mask belongs to professional care products. It moisturizes the skin well and gives a pronounced lifting effect, and also relieves facial tension, smoothes folds and wrinkles.
Many women buy alginate masks (also called plasticizing masks) and make them at home themselves. I will tell and show you how to properly prepare and apply such a mask at home.
- What is an alginate mask
- How does an alginate mask work?
- How to choose an alginate mask
- How often should you make alginate masks?
- How to properly apply an alginate mask
- Applying a mask in 7 stages
What is an alginate mask
Alginate mask is a powder made from seaweed , but, as a rule, such masks also contain other active ingredients:
- Vitamins
- Plant extracts
- Tea tree oil
- Hyaluronic acid
How does an alginate mask work?
Since any alginate mask contains seaweed, all alginate masks have a similar effect.
First of all, they relieve tension in the facial muscles, which helps smooth out folds and wrinkles. They also have a powerful moisturizing and draining effect due to alginic acid, which is present in seaweed. All together, this provides skin hydration and a pronounced lifting effect.
But in addition to seaweed, alginate masks usually contain other active components, and thanks to this, alginate masks can also have a specific effect on the skin, for example:
- Anti-inflammatory
- Anti-rosacea
- Calming
- Anti-aging
Beneficial features
Alginate masks have the following positive effects on the face:
- relieve inflammation;
- nourish the skin and restore its protective function;
- constrict blood vessels, causing minor irritations to disappear;
- remove harmful substances;
- normalize the balance of minerals at the cellular level;
- break down excess fat, which effectively eliminates double chin;
- improve complexion;
- eliminate swelling;
- get rid of wrinkles and folds;
- make the skin elastic and smooth.
To get only the benefits of the procedure, you need to properly prepare the product and know how to dilute the alginate mask.
How to choose an alginate mask
Alginate masks are usually sold either packaged in portioned bags of 25-30 grams or in packages of 200-300 grams or more. Therefore, you can purchase either several different masks suitable for your skin condition and alternate them in your care, or buy one mask in a large package. In this case, it is advisable to choose a mask based on the problem you want to work on.
Oily and problematic skin
For those with oily and problem skin, you can purchase an alginate mask with tea tree oil, which will have an anti-inflammatory effect.
Sensitive skin and skin with rosacea
Those with sensitive skin with rosacea should give preference to an anti-rosacea mask with vitamin C, which will help strengthen blood vessels.
Dry and dehydrated skin
For dry, dehydrated skin or after a trip to the sea, it is better to choose a mask with hyaluronic acid, which will have a pronounced moisturizing effect.
Advantages
Before diluting an alginate mask, you need to know about some of its advantages. So, it is suitable for any skin type. It has virtually no contraindications. After using the product, the positive effect will instantly be reflected on the skin. In addition, the advantages of the mask are:
- Guaranteed positive result. Wrinkles and folds are smoothed out. Skin looks fresher and more elastic. Pores become smaller.
- Availability of the product. Powder for making a mask can be bought at any pharmacy.
- Such cosmetics are a conductor of beneficial substances. They greatly enhance the effect of various tonics, serums and creams.
The product has great benefits. A similar procedure is carried out in any beauty salon, because the positive effect of its use is immediately noticeable.
Before preparing the product at home, you need to familiarize yourself with the intricacies of the process. And then we will find out how to properly dilute the alginate mask.
How to properly apply an alginate mask
Typically, an alginate mask is applied to the entire face including the neck, lips and area around the eyes. To do this, you will need 25-30 grams of the mask - that is, either the entire package, if the mask is packaged in portions, or you need to weigh the required amount on a scale or take it with a measuring spoon, which is usually included with the mask.
But there are masks that are not recommended for use on the area around the eyes and lips, because they can have a drying or irritating effect on the delicate skin in this area. For example, a mask with tea tree oil. Also, girls with eyelash extensions and people suffering from claustrophobia do not need to apply alginate masks to the area around the eyes.
Preparing to apply the mask
Before applying the alginate mask, it is necessary to thoroughly cleanse the skin using your foam, milk or gel for washing, and it is also advisable, although not necessary, to do peeling for home use to cleanse the skin of dead cells.
After this, you need to wipe your face with tonic and apply an ampoule concentrate for the problem or serum under the alginate mask. For example, for sensitive skin it could be an anti-rosacea ampoule, and for dry, dehydrated skin it could be a serum with hyaluronic acid.
An alginate mask will work as a conductor and promote deeper penetration of the active components of your serum.
Indications for use
Alginate mask is used in the following situations:
- Dry, oily or atonic skin.
- Age-related changes in the dermis.
- Premature aging of the skin.
- Large pigment spots.
- Dermatoses.
- The presence of scars, cicatrices and stretch marks.
- Cuperosis.
- Excess body fat.
- Acne treatment.
In order to get rid of these skin problems, you need to properly prepare the product and apply it to your face. But before you figure out how to dilute an alginate mask at home, you should find out its types.
Applying a mask in 7 stages
To apply the mask you will need a rubber bowl and a spatula.
1. First of all, you need to put the required amount of alginate in a bowl.
2. Then, unless otherwise indicated, dilute the powder with clean water at room temperature in a ratio of 1:3 (1 part mask and 3 parts water) and mix thoroughly with a spatula for 2 minutes.
3. You must put a disposable cap on your head to prevent the composition from getting on your hair.
4. It is recommended to apply the alginate mask while lying down, which is very difficult to do on your own, so ideally, of course, it would be good to train someone at home to apply the alginate mask to you.
But if you are forced to apply the mask yourself, then it is best to do it while standing in front of a large mirror and tilting your head back slightly.
The mask should be applied with quick movements along massage lines from the center of the face to the periphery, leaving only the nostrils open. If you hesitate, the mask will begin to harden in the bowl and you will not be able to apply it.
You may not be able to do it quickly enough the first time, but over time you will learn how to apply such a mask without problems.
The second eye should be covered with a mask last, and it is advisable to do this not far from the sofa on which you are going to lie down.
After 5-7 minutes, when the composition has hardened, you can apply any moisturizing or nourishing cream along the edges of the mask. This will prevent the edges of the mask from drying out, and will make it easier for you to remove it later.
5. The alginate mask is left on the face for 20-25 minutes, during which time it is better to listen to pleasant music and try to relax. However, if you are alone at home, be sure to set a timer on your phone before applying the mask.
6. After 20-25 minutes, first slightly detach the edges of the alginate along the contour, then pick it up by the edges and carefully remove the mask from bottom to top. If the alginate is of high quality, then the mask does not tear, but is quite easily removed in one layer. And the remnants of the mask at the edges can be removed using a cotton pad soaked in tonic.
7. At the end of the procedure, you need to apply your daily face cream to the skin. And if you are planning to go out, then in just a few minutes you can start applying makeup.
How to prepare the product?
As a professional facial skin care product, an alginate mask belongs to salon procedures. Its cost ranges from 200 to 2000 rubles. When you use the mask yourself, no problems arise, so it can be used at home with the same success.
Products sold in pharmacies or specialty stores are manufactured in the form of a substance. They must be diluted before applying to the face.
They can be packaged in one bag or in a large package. Before use, the mask is selected taking into account skin problems. In the future, only this is used.
So, in what proportions and how to dilute an alginate face mask? The correct ratio must be maintained. To prepare a basic mask, take sodium alginate (3 teaspoons) and 60 ml of warm water.
Let us immediately note what kind of water to dilute the alginate mask with - it should be mineral. But instead, in some cases, the product is diluted with lotion or hypoallergenic serum. The liquid should be at room temperature.
Sodium alginate powder is placed in a bowl, diluted with water and mixed thoroughly. Then cover with a napkin and leave for 5-6 hours until a homogeneous gel-like mass forms.
Reviews
The opinions of women who have tried to use an alginate mask at least once are only positive.
They all agree on one thing: the product has an excellent effect after the first procedure. The skin becomes elastic, the facial contour is tightened. This allows women to feel much younger.
In combination with other cosmetic products, this mask provides a noticeable increase in the effect.
An alginate mask is a product that has a positive effect on the skin, it is affordable and can be used at home. Regular use of the described mask will help you maintain beauty and youth for a long time.
Useful tips for use
In order for the alginate mask to give good results, you need to take into account important recommendations:
- Prepare the dermis for application of the product. To do this, you should use a cleansing gel. Milk is also a great option.
- Apply tonic composition.
- Treat the skin with serum or emulsion. An alginate mask allows you to enhance the effectiveness of these products.
- Perform the procedure in courses that include 10 sessions. To achieve good results, you should apply 1-2 masks per week.
These masks are well tolerated. However, alginate products are not recommended for use if you are allergic to seafood or algae. It is also worth refusing to use the composition for relapses of chronic diseases.
An alginate mask is an effective remedy that significantly improves the condition of the epithelium. With its help you can cope with wrinkles, make your skin more youthful and toned. In this case, the specific composition must be selected taking into account the type of dermis. Many cosmetic brands offer such products. If you wish, you can make an effective mask yourself.
Alginate body wraps: properties
- Wraps relax the body, stimulate and improve blood circulation, increase cell metabolism and burning of excess fat, and remove toxins from the body.
- Wraps have an antioxidant and calming effect on the body, improve metabolism.
- They have a pronounced anti-cellulite effect, eliminate stretch marks and scars, making the skin firm, toned, smooth and elastic in problem areas.
- They have an active wound healing effect and relieve swelling.
- Under the influence of the wrap, the skin becomes resistant to the effects of bacteria and fungi in the external environment, local immunity increases, and the skin is saturated with minerals and trace elements.
- Plant extracts even out skin color, making it radiant and healthy.
- When using wraps, the body is cleansed both internally and externally.
- Wraps help remove dead skin particles, dirt and toxins absorbed from the polluted environment on the surface and in the pores of the skin.
- Wraps have a strong lymphatic drainage effect with a pronounced lifting effect.
Algomasks for the body can be isothermal (all ALGANIKA masks, except the Fucus mask), hypothermic and hyperthermic.
Components of homemade masks
It is important to note that you should try to dilute the alginate mask without lumps. And in order to obtain the product of the required consistency, it is necessary to maintain the correct proportions. Usually the ratio of sodium alginate and water is 1:2. After combining them, the mass is thoroughly mixed.
Then you can include herbal infusions, spirulina, and kelp in its composition. They will nourish and moisturize the skin. Each component has the following properties:
- Mumiyo. Can get rid of stretch marks and scars.
- Chamomile. Reduces inflammation, relieves acne and soothes irritated skin.
- Chocolate. The component will improve and refresh your complexion.
- Blueberry. The ingredient will get rid of pigmentation.
- Coriander. Rejuvenates faded skin.
Any alginate mask will have a positive effect on the skin.
