We live in a world of modern science where we KNOW what the well-researched examples of skin-restoring and skin-replenishing ingredients are. One of the most FAQs I get is, “What ingredients should I look for in my beauty products?”

To help you, we came up with the 4 Pillars of Anti-Aging. These are the 4 As, to help you remember.

1. ANTIOXIDANTS

Not only great in food, anti-oxidants are a MUST in skin health too.  They help create a barrier and fight environmental toxins that cause aging. Natural or chemical, each anti-oxidant works in different pathways so it’s important to have a potent MIX of them. You can’t get enough of these powerful guys nor start young enough! Our masks include coconut, pomegranate, fig, ginkgo biloba, white mulberry, raspberry ketones, aloe.. and MORE! Look for anti-oxidants in the ingredients of your entire beauty routine!

2. ANTIINFLAMMATION

Did you know more than 40% of facials focus on calming inflammation? From  pollutants to stress, inflammatory triggers from our lifestyle and environment IRRITATE our skin.  It shows as blotchy redness, early signs of aging, uneven hyperpigmentation spots, breakouts and dry skin! Inflammation causes our skin’s collagen and elastin to break down at a faster rate and cause fine lines and wrinkles to appear earlier due to a weakened moisture barrier.  Focus on relieving and CALMING inflammation regularly in your skin routine! Mask Moments coconut jelly is naturally healing and cooling, calming your skin!

3. AQUA: HYDRATION

It’s all about KEEPING your skin hydrated, CONSTANTLY. Think of it like drinking water: just because you drank 8 cups yesterday does not mean you shouldn’t be drinking water the next day. Your skincare routine is like that. If you want that glass skin glow, infuse your skin with hydration with routine #MaskMoments. Women in Asia mask DAILY! With ongoing use, skin-replenishing ingredients in our masks help skin resist moisture loss and maintain an enviably smooth, plump appearance!

4. ANTIAGING Ingredients

We live a world of modern science where we KNOW what the well-researched examples of skin-restoring and skin-replenishing ingredients are. So here’s your #cheatsheet: so you know what to look for in #skincare products: niacinamide, peptides, adenosine, hyaluronic acid/sodium hyaluronate, ceramides, glycerin.  (P.S. Yes, all in our masks!) These ingredients can improve dull skin tone and rough texture, soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, give you radiance, firmness and an even-looking complexion! 

Try Mask Moments for $1 today 

Review of High End #Facial at Aesop

We’re always striving to learn more about skincare best practice to incorporate Mask Moments.  This time, I went to check out Aesop’s top-notch #facial program.  

Aesop has only one #skincare facility in the 8 countries where the retailer offers this service and in Korea, it is at #AesopSoundsHannam.

A very pleasant and qualified #skintherapist escorts your into an exclusive space on the second floor and will discuss your skin needs over warm, herbal tea.

I love their ceramics and the quotes. Every country has a different quote and the one chosen for Korea is: 

“Anyone who keeps the ability to see beauty never grows old.” Franz Kafka. Love it!

#Aesop is a thoughtful brand in the way they prioritize including philosophy, aesthetics and a luxury experience in all they do. That’s what stood out to me about this facial treatment. I mean, look at this room!

It was like being in a 5 star hotel. Aesop is every designer’s dream and it shows from their clever font (a modern sans-serif that looks and has the gravity of serif, for all you design nerds!) in the interior of every one of their retail fronts. Their intentional designs are very much part of their identity and they do a good job of conveying this brand experience in their facial program.  This heavenly skincare bed not only automatically inclines/declines (not to mention how plush it was), the kind aesthetician even tucked me in from head to toe (aaahhh)! Their towels, linens, sheet, being in the bathroom and changing station- all of it is part of the 5-star luxury hotel experience, fitting their brand positioning and the price tag.

Another huge component of the program Aesop’s signature #AROMATHERAPY. If you’ve ever used their hand soaps in so many hip restaurants in major cities, you will be familiar with their heavenly herbal/earthy/nature-recalling rejuvenating aroma that helps you destress and distinctly “Aesop.” Every product that is utilized as part of the facial is an Aesop product -and they use plenty of it, making you feel spoiled. 

The break down of the facial itself is in line with most facials and multi-step skincare routines.  At each step, Aesop uses their own line of products appropriate for your skin.

 1. Make up removal and first cleansing.

(Here, once my skin was clean, the esthetician observed my skin and we collectively decided that the DETOX facial would be best suited for my skin’s needs at the moment.)

2. Deep cleansing

(Second cleansing/ Exfoliation)

3. Manual technique

(where they use a facial massage technique and apply nourishing serums). This facial program also includes a head massage! (#Fave)

4. Mask

This is where all the skin restoration products are used and expected to soak deeply into your skin. They use a concoction of their products based on your skin needs and warm it to make it extra indulgent!

5. Top off with finishing layers of hydrators and moisturizers.

When it comes to products, I give most attention to what’s being used to restore and hydrate- the actual elixir of nutrients that will rejuvenate my skin (normally this is the “main event” step in your skincare routine typically best worth your investment).  In this program, the product that stood out to me the most was:

 “B triple C Facial Balancing Gel” that includes both Vitamin B and Vitamin C. This product was unique in it honey-like consistency and texture but without the stickiness. It’s almost obviously that I would choose this product because it includes ingredients key to skin and therefore we’ve also included in Mask Moments.  You can’t have enough when it comes to anti-oxidants!  I would use this product in the serum step of your skincare routine, before or after the Mask Moments coconut jelly sheet mask but before sealing it all in with a moisturizer.  

Getting one of these facials is fabulous but only lasts a few days at best. As you know #Skincare is all about consistent #maintenance, friends. 

We can’t always afford the money or the time for frequent #facials, but that is why we created Mask Moments-  so you can have salon quality facial results right at home, any time you want!

Try it for $1 today