Facial masks

If there is one truly optional step in skin care, masks are it. Whatever miraculous prop­erties may be attributed to masks, no research supports the assertions of benefit attributed to the special muds, minerals, vitamins, or plant life these products contain. These exotic components range from seaweed to volcanic earth, unusual muds, enzymes, vitamins, and just about anything else you can think of, all associated with a fantastic jumble of character­istics to make the products seem life-altering for your skin. Cellulite is smoothed, wrinkles are eliminated, and acne is cured all with the application of a facial mask! I would offer to sell you a bridge if you believe any of this, but there aren’t enough bridges in the world to accommodate the number of women taken in by these claims.

For an example of the insanity regarding facial masks and mud-mask spa treatments, consider the preposterous claims revolving around moor mud. Depending on the Web site, the multitude of claims made for this substance range from curing vaginitis to heal­ing arthritis, acne, and wrinkles. Based on the fact that it was used by the Romans in 120 B. C. (at least that was the information proffered by several spas offering moor-mud treat­ments), the association with ancient medicine must have value. (Though I doubt any of the people proposing these claims would want to get sick in ancient Rome.) Here are the qualities another spa attributed to their moor mud: “As biological beings, the atoms in the human body have an intrinsic affinity for like atoms in nature, so whether moor products are taken internally or externally, the body automatically extracts the substance it needs to reestablish order and harmony.” First, if that were accurate then there would be no risk of poisonous substances in nature, and that simply is not true. Moor mud refers to wet earth with a limited ability to grow plant life because of the acidic nature of the soil.

Other claims for masks say they offer the benefit of detoxifying properties. Again, there is no research showing this to be the case, but the world of spa treatments and cosmetics is all about outlandish claims, not proof. To begin with, what exactly are these toxins that need to be eliminated from our bodies, and that supposedly cause so many skin problems? Where is the information or data indicating exactly what toxins need to be removed from the body and how is this taking place? If it is possible to “detox” by the application of a facial mask, what biological or physiological process is taking place to allow that to hap­pen? Are the toxins being leached through skin? Drained out of the body in some fashion? This all adds up to magic along with some murky smoke and mirrors. It isn’t based on a shred of reality.

Despite the litany of bogus claims ascribed to facial masks, they can still have a benefit for some skin types. Someone with dry skin may find an emollient facial mask soothing and relaxing. Someone with oily skin may find a facial mask with oil-absorbing properties beneficial. Perhaps that’s hard to believe, but it really is that uncomplicated!

Facial masks, by their very design, are meant to be used occasionally. In that way they are much like dieting or exercising—when it’s done occasionally little gain can be derived. Meanwhile the skin’s need for antioxidants or anti-irritant protection, skin barrier repair, or (for someone with breakouts) the need for disinfecting or oil absorption is a daily one, and it’s not solved by a once-a-week fix.

Updated: September 17, 2015 — 7:30 pm