Marvellous masks

As far back as 1500 BC, humans were smearing mud on their faces to enhance their skin. Since then, women have used all kinds of natural ingredients as facial 'fast fixes', but today there are loads of pre-made specialist masks on the market that take the guesswork out of making your own.

According to a leading Hollywood facialist, Aida Thibiant, the reason masks are so effective is that, 'ingredients are more concentrated than those in lotions or cleansers, so they produce more noticeable benefits.' This means that they shouldn't really be used more than once a week, which is the ideal. Think of masks like exercise - you won't get the benefits if you only use them every few months. If you can't manage a mask session that often, though, don't fret. The change of seasons at the end of summer (when skin is often thirsty after sun exposure) and at the end of winter (when skin is flat and dingy) are the two prime times to make an effort. Finish off by using a warm, wet flannel to remove the mask and it will act as a gentle exfoliant, leaving skin instantly brighter and clearer-looking.

You'll get the best results if you choose a mask that targets your specific skin type and addresses any problems you have. If your skin is dry, for example, a moisturising mask can offer concentrated help, delivering nourishment to parched cells. Most of these masks have a cream or gel base that acts as a barrier so that natural moisture stays in. Masks for dry skin can also be removed with a wet washcloth or tissued off so that some of the moisture stays behind, quenching skin. Where not specified, products are available nationwide in major department stores and chemists.