Complete guide to alginate masks

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

What are alginate masks, how they differ from others and how to prepare them at home, saving a thousand or two on salon procedures - we understand all the intricacies of the issue.

What are alginates

To understand what an alginate mask is, you need to understand the very definition of "alginate". Alginate is called a plastic rubbery substance that is extracted from brown algae. It is this that serves as the basis for the masks of the same name.

Alginate masks are a professional cosmetic product that shows good results. A unique composition can be found for any skin type and for any problem. Well, due to the fact that all alginate masks have a bright tightening effect, women over 30 simply need to use them.

In the salon, the application of an alginate mask can cost 1–2 thousand rubles, and if you carry out the procedure at home, then one portion of the wonderful remedy will cost only 200–300 rubles.

Types of alginate masks

Classic (basic) mask based on alginates

It is the most popular and widely used by girls with any skin problems, from enlarged pores to increased oily skin. To use it, it is necessary to mix two components: alginate with a special serum, and sometimes with ordinary mineral water. Such a mask will moisturize, tighten, give the skin elasticity and youth.

Rejuvenating alginate mask

Its main function is to stop the aging of the skin and make it fresher. The collagen included in the composition gives the epidermis elasticity and firmness, due to which shallow wrinkles are smoothed. An additional purpose of such a mask is to moisturize the skin of the face and décolleté, as well as lifting.

Moisturizing alginate mask with the addition of chitosan

Chitosan is an amino sugar that is obtained from crustacean shellfish. This mask can be used even in the most advanced cases with peeling and dryness. It is able to even out the contour of the décolleté, neck, chin, cheeks, and also abundantly moisturizes the skin.

Alginate mask with ascorbic acid

This mask is a real salvation in the presence of age spots or if the skin needs to be lightened. It will give the face an even color and a pleasant glow.

Alginate masks based on various plant bases

The added extracts from plants successfully solve various skin problems. Chamomile, ginger, green tea, mint, aloe will specifically combat imperfections.

Differences between alginate and non-alginate masks

Are alginate masks really fundamentally different from any others, or is it just a marketing ploy?

If we talk about the most common masks produced by cosmetic concerns, then they are unified. Developed - tested - for sale. This means that everyone will buy them, they are inexpensive, easy to use, and whether they help or not is a matter of chance, although at the testing stage they showed some results in relation to the existing problem.

Alginate masks differ little from the most common ones, except that they must be prepared from the proposed ingredients, and the process of applying and removing is more complicated. That is why alginate masks are considered professional cosmetics and in salons they are applied according to all the rules so that there is a truly tangible result. These masks work better when applied systemically, to a greater extent precisely due to the properties of alginates, which provide a rejuvenating effect.

Therefore, if you plan to buy an alginate mask and use it at home, then the price-quality ratio is quite reasonable, and you will be more satisfied with the results than buying the simplest face mask for the same money.

Features of alginate masks

1. The finer the powder is a dry mask, the higher its quality. If the powder looks more like sand, then such a mask will not fit well on the skin and form lumps.

2. Gel alginate mask does not dry out as well as powder, and is washed off with the most ordinary warm water. It is convenient to take it on the road or use it in cases where it is impossible to dilute the powder.

3. There is practically no allergy to alginate masks. They have one single allergen - iodine, which is extracted from algae. Therefore, if you are allergic, but you are not allergic to iodine, then feel free to use alginate masks - everything will be fine.

How to use alginate masks correctly

If you have a bag with gel-like contents in front of you, then you bought an alginate mask that is ready to use. It has a shorter shelf life and you need to apply it immediately after opening the package, otherwise after 5-7 minutes it will look more like rubber and you will not be able to apply it. Pay attention to the fact that the bag is tightly sealed, because if air gets into it, then such a mask does not live for a long time.

Alginate mask can be applied no more than twice a week, and for best results it is recommended to carry out a full course. Depending on the manufacturer and the individual characteristics of the skin, this can be from 7 to 20 masks.

Do not attempt to flush the mask off your face or body down the toilet or sink. It should only be thrown into the trash can, otherwise you are guaranteed a clog.

If you decide not to go to the salon, but to make a mask at home, then buy a special bowl with a cosmetic spatula to mix the contents.

Before diluting the alginate mask, prepare your face in advance so that the mass does not have time to dry out.

How to apply alginate masks

Clean your face

Make-up remover milk, micellar water, or whatever product you use will help you. Treat your eyebrows and eyelashes with petroleum jelly or the fattest cream you can find in your arsenal. In order for the alginate mask to penetrate deep into the skin, you can steam the face and apply an emulsion.

Apply the mask itself

It is recommended to do this only after the emulsion has been absorbed. At this stage, take alginate powder and serum (if there is no serum in the kit and you need simple mineral water to dilute the mask, take it in equal proportions) and mix. Apply the composition in a horizontal position, the muscles of your face and neck should not be tense. It is better to do this with a spatula, ideally taking into account the massage points. Do not try to apply the mask with your hands.

Alginate masks have a strong plasticizing effect, so they harden on the face for 5-10 minutes.

You will feel a feeling of tightness in the areas of application, it may seem to you that rubber has frozen on your face, but this is completely normal.

Remain in the starting position for half an hour, after which the mask can be removed.

Take off your mask

Grab the free edge of the mask on the chin and with a quick jerk move it up to the hair area. This process may cause some discomfort, but the effect is worth it.

Treat the skin

To make your face react normally to the alginate mask, after removing it, apply your usual day cream that matches your skin type. The layer should be very thin.

How to make an alginate mask at home

If you really want to try something like an alginate mask, but have not yet decided to buy it, then try making a similar mask yourself at home.

You will need:

• powdered cosmetic clay (sold at any pharmacy);
• chamomile flowers (just don't use chamomile tea bags);
• egg;
• fine sea salt.

Separate the white from the yolk. Mix 1 teaspoon of cosmetic clay into the protein and mix well. Let the chamomile flowers soak in hot water for 20 minutes and add 3 teaspoons of the infusion to the clay. Pour ½ teaspoon of sea salt there. Mix the gruel well. For the best effect, it can be heated in a water bath to a comfortable warm temperature.

Then apply the mixture to your face, avoiding the areas around the eyes and lips. Within half an hour, the mask will harden, and after that it will not be difficult for you to rinse it off with plain water. While rinsing, try to massage your face to activate the massage points.

Of course, such a mask will not show everything the first time it is capable of, but if you apply it several times a week for 2-3 weeks, the results will amaze you.