A pore mask, sometimes known as a facial mask, is a skin care product that especially useful for skin with large pores. It is used to treat and prevent mild acne, clear and minimize the appearance of pores, and absorb facial oil. Masks with special additives may also moisturize the skin, reduce discolorations and exfoliate.
Many women (and some lucky men) associate pore masks with luxurious spa retreats. But you do not need to be at a spa, wearing a terrycloth robe with cucumber slices on your eyes to enjoy the benefits of a facial mask (but that sure sounds relaxing!). They are available for purchase at finer beauty salons and at online stores.
Classic pore masks are made from clay, usually kaolin. Kaolin has been used by women for many, many years to clear pores and to maintain a youthful appearance. Basically, kaolin is natural super-absorbing sponge that sucks out all of the oil and detritus on your face. This can minimize the appearance of large pores.
This benefits your face in a number of ways. Firstly, it makes your pores appear smaller. When the dirt is removed large pores are less prominent. The skin will appear firmer and tighter. Also, women with oily skin will benefit as their skin appears healthier. Finally, a pore mask not only helps the skin, they also prevent acne.
These days, many facial masks contain more exotic ingredients in addition to clay. The most common additive is aloe vera to moisturize the skin. This is a nice ingredient, because some women experience dryness of the face after using a kaolin pore mask. While aloe vera is the most common moisturizer present in pore masks, it is certainly not the only one used. Vitamin B5 and vitamin E are two other additives for moistening the skin
Finally, some facial masks add even more specialized ingredients—botanical extracts. These plant-derived ingredients can have any number of beneficial properties. Some, such as lemon grass oil and raspberry fruit extract are powerful anti-inflammatory chemicals that may also help reduce the impact of large pores. Others, such as L-malic acid, vitamin E and green tea are anti-oxidants that might be able to prevent cellular damage. Amazingly, some, such as mandelic acid and lemon grass oil can even kill acne-causing bacteria!
It is my belief than any woman (and, for that matter man) can benefit from regular pore mask treatments. However, women with oily skin and large pores will probably benefit the most. Some may also see a side benefit in acne reductions.
Related Articles: How to Use a Pore Mask, Pore Mask Buying Guide, What Causes Oily Skin?
Pore Care Articles: How to Shrink and Clear Pores, How to Keep Your Pores Clear