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What is a Body Mask?

Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel

Many people know that a face mask is a great way to cleanse, firm, and invigorate the skin. However, it is possible to experience these skin benefits not just on the face but all over the body. A body mask is effectively the same as a face mask except it covers a much larger portion of the body. The key difference is that a body mask may be formulated in order to offer benefits that target issues that related to the body as a whole instead of the face in particular.

Depending on the ingredients in a body mask, it can offer a number of different skin benefits. Body masks are sometimes made with caffeine, for example, which is intended to promote circulation and reduce the appearance of cellulite. Some of them include ingredients that are meant to target stretch marks. While these are not the key uses of face masks, these are often important qualities in body masks.

A body mask may help reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
A body mask may help reduce the appearance of stretch marks.

If you choose to purchase a body mask and use it at home, remember to avoid irritated skin and any wounds that are still in the healing process. Take a hot shower or bath prior to applying the body mask so that your skin is cleansed and soft. This will also help to open the pores, allowing the mask to sink as deeply as possible into the skin. It is generally advised to use only a thin layer of the mask, but be sure to follow the instructions on the package.

Body masks are available to cleanse, moisturize or detoxify the skin.
Body masks are available to cleanse, moisturize or detoxify the skin.

Because it can be difficult, if not impossible, to treat the entire body on one's own, many people choose to go to spas for body masks where trained estheticians apply body masks for clients. Most spas that offer body masks on their treatment menu offer a number of different kinds which target a range of specific skin issues. While most masks will cleanse the skin, some are particularly useful for moisturizing the skin while others are ideal for detoxifying the skin. There are also body masks that are intended to slim the body.

A hot shower should be taken prior to applying a body mask.
A hot shower should be taken prior to applying a body mask.

Going to a spa for a body mask is a wonderful option for those who can afford it. If you choose to go to a spa for a body mask, be sure to do your research first and make sure that you are booking your appointment at a reputable place. A quick Internet search should help you to find reviews of spas in your area.

Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel

In addition to her work as a freelance writer for BeautyAnswered, Diane is the executive editor of Black Lawrence Press, an independent publishing company based in upstate New York. She has also edited several anthologies, the e-newsletter Sapling, and The Adirondack Review. Diane has a B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College and an M.A. from Brooklyn College.

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Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel

In addition to her work as a freelance writer for BeautyAnswered, Diane is the executive editor of Black Lawrence Press, an independent publishing company based in upstate New York. She has also edited several anthologies, the e-newsletter Sapling, and The Adirondack Review. Diane has a B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College and an M.A. from Brooklyn College.

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Discussion Comments

Sara007

If you are in a relationship, having a body mask done at home can be a fun way to pamper your partner. They can apply the mask for you and give you a nice massage while doing so.

Before you get started you need to make sure you have a surface that you don't mind getting dirty. Things like mud masks often flake and stick to surfaces, so you'll end up making a real mess if you don't prepare a place for your beauty treatment.

I recommend buying a cheap sheet, or using an old one for your workspace. Draping this over a couch or a bed is an easy way to prevent a mess from being made everywhere.

wander

If you have acne on your body and are looking for a solution, do you know of any body masks that could help the situation?

I have mild acne on my back and would love if a mask treatment would help me to clear up this problem.

Also, at a spa, how much does a body mask usually cost? Is it an expensive process, and is it available to both male and females?

I am willing to budget for something like this if it works and offers real results. I would love to hear about your experience with body masks and the benefits you have had.

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    • A body mask may help reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
      By: Leo Lintang
      A body mask may help reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
    • Body masks are available to cleanse, moisturize or detoxify the skin.
      By: Hemeroskopion
      Body masks are available to cleanse, moisturize or detoxify the skin.
    • A hot shower should be taken prior to applying a body mask.
      By: Juri Samsonov
      A hot shower should be taken prior to applying a body mask.