Skincare for Your Soul by Jude Chao

Author:Jude Chao
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Mango Media
Published: 2021-02-04T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 6

Refinement: Perfecting the Surface of Your Skin

In the previous chapter, we discussed actives, which are shown to produce substantial changes to the structure and function of your skin. So what comes next?

If you’ve structured your routine by the hierarchy of skincare needs of sustenance, protection, and treatment—in other words, cleansing, moisturizing, sunscreen-ing, and treating specific skin issues—you’re solid. If each step in this routine works well for your skin, you’re already well on your way to dramatically improved skin that will retain its health and appearance for far longer than it would have otherwise.

Not everyone enjoys the act of researching and experimenting with skincare enough to proceed beyond the basic routine. If you don’t see yourself deriving joy from delving even deeper into the skincare world, you can stop there and still feel confident that you’ve done your skin (and your habits) a great favor.

If you do find yourself curious to learn more, or if you’d like to see just how much more you can improve your skin, then read on. This chapter is about the “refinement” level of the hierarchy of skincare needs. Here, we’ll discuss how we can build upon the basics to achieve something much closer to perfection—the absolute best your skin can look at this moment in time and for as long as you continue.

You can find refining ingredients in every category of skincare we’ve already covered, but there are some additional product types especially suited to this stage of your skincare journey. We’ll discuss those additional product types first, then cover some of my favorite ingredients for complexion refinement.

Face Masks: Not Just for Special Occasions

You’ve come a long way already, and at this point, you may have a clear idea of what your skincare routine will look like. You might even have picked up a few new products. But we haven’t even gotten to the really fun part!

For most people, face masks are an occasional indulgence: a boost before a big event, or an added treat in your regular nighttime skincare routine to transform it from a daily task into a relaxing spa night. If chosen wisely and used consistently, however, they can be so much more than that. The ones that work best for you can also be incorporated on a regular basis if you’re willing to go that far (as I am). Having a couple of masks on hand also helps spice up your regular routine with some variety, staving off tedium and giving you something to look forward to.

Clay Masks

Arguably the most recognizable mask type for Western audiences, clay or mud masks can be a useful occasional treatment for oily or congestion-prone skin. They can be made with a variety of different types of clay, each with unique mineral content and claimed benefits; some of the more common ones you’ll see are bentonite, kaolin, Dead Sea, Aztec, and French green clay.

Clay masks are generally marketed as “clarifying” due to their ability to absorb oil27: they can temporarily reduce the amount

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