Masking has quickly become America’s favorite past time. Sheet, clay, and magnetic mask selfies are flooding everyone’s Instagram feeds. But what if we told you that the rest of your bod needs deserves just as much (if not more) attention?
Skin issues can reach far beyond our faces, and it’s time we start putting our masks to work. From armpits to hands to all the way down to your feet, we’re breaking down some of the most important areas and products you should use to target and get rid of those common skin dilemmas.
Armpits
Your armpits are one of the most important places to mask. If you’ve ever used deodorant, chances are there is some sort of build up of toxins in your pits. Antiperspirants work by clogging your pores to stop sweating, which makes it difficult for toxins to leave your body. (This applies to antiperspirants and not natural deodorants – take a look here for a super special natural deodorant story).
Armpit masking will draw out those toxins and metals, like aluminum, as well as kill icky bacteria that causes your sweat to smell. For the deepest detox, use a charcoal clay mask. Activated charcoal binds to dirt, chemicals, and impurities in the skin. A charcoal-based mask will draw out toxins and heavy metals left behind by deodorants.
Once you start armpit masking make the switch to a natural aluminum free deodorant + mask monthly to stay smelling fresh.
Masks
Glamglow Supermud® Activated Charcoal Treatment
Origins Clear Improvement™ Active Charcoal Mask to Clear Pores
One Love Organics Love + Charcoal Masque
Back and Chest
You know when you skip a shower after your workout and end up with bacne or you fall asleep poolside and wake up with a chest full of sunspots? Masking will help those issues. Clay masks create an electrical charge that work to pull impurities — aka sweat left behind from your latest workout — out of the skin. Combine that detoxifying clay with superfoods like matcha + leafy greens to purify your skin while brightening dark spots from acne, aging, or sun. Antioxidants found in these leafy greens fight free radicals which in turn can reverse signs of aging.
Masks
Boscia Matcha Magic Super-Antioxidant Mask
Youth to the People Superfood Skin Reset Antioxidant Mask
Origins RitualiTea™ Matcha Madness™ Revitalizing Powder Face Mask
Biodara Coconut Matcha Face Mask
Booty
Keep your booty toned, tightened, and fresh by adding a booty mask to your self-care routine. Your bottom can benefit from a mask for multiple needs: A detoxifying clay mask with ingredients like collagen and caffeine will stimulate circulation which can improve the appearance of cellulite as well as firm and tighten, it just like going to your favorite booty burn class. Plus, a clay mask with activated charcoal can pull out any impurities and bacteria that can cause breakouts or odors. For best results alternate between a circulation-boosting mask and a detoxifying mask every other week.
Mask
Boscia Charcoal Pore Pudding Intensive Wash-Off Treatment
Mario Badescu Super Collagen Mask
Collagen Booty Mask Down With the Thickness
Feet
A long winter can leave your feet looking dry, cracked, and dull. Next time you’re Netflixing on the couch, swap your fuzzy socks for a foot mask to kill two birds with one stone. A foot mask with active ingredients, like alpha hydroxy acids, will increase cell turnover and leave you with a pair of fresh, baby soft feet just in time for your next day at the beach. If the thought of shedding your skin freaks you out, opt for a moisture-rich hydrating foot mask to hydrate and comfort dry worn out feet.
Mask
Baby Foot Original Exfoliant Foot Peel
Earth Therapeutics Soft & Smooth Gentle Peeling Foot Mask
Nails INC. Sole Heeler Foot Peel
Hands
Your hands are one of the first places to show age, which means they should not be left out of your self-care routine. If you’re looking to reverse the signs of aging such as fine lines and sun spots, an antioxidant-rich mask is a way to go due to antioxidant’s power to fight free radicals. If hydration is more your cup of tea, though, find a hand mask that comes with a pair of gloves. Wear these serum-filled gloves overnight and wake up with silky soft hands.
Farmacy Honey Potion Renewing Antioxidant Hydration Mask with Echinacea GreenEnvy™
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Feature image via Madison Terry
