How to dilute an alginate mask: step-by-step instructions, application features, results, reviews

Alginate mask: what is it?

In 1981, the English biochemist Moore Stanford obtained a by-product when extracting iodine from seaweed. It turned out to be sodium alginate. Further tests proved that as a result of the interaction of the substance with water, a gel is obtained, which contains many useful substances and minerals.

Due to its special properties, alginate acid quickly found application in cosmetology. To take advantage of all its benefits, you need to know exactly how to use the product correctly.

How to dilute an alginate face mask? This will be discussed later in the article, but now it is necessary to consider all its beneficial properties.

Currently, sodium alginate is industrially extracted from red and brown algae to be used as face masks. More recently, such a procedure could only be done in a beauty salon; now the gel for preparing the product is sold in many cosmetics stores.

What are alginates

Alginates are salts of alginic acid, which are found mainly in red, brown and some green algae. This substance has very high hygroscopicity and is therefore used in the food industry as a thickener. Since its chemical composition is a polymer of uronic acids, which include, in particular, hyaluronic acid, the use of its compounds in cosmetology is primarily due to the ability to moisturize the skin. In addition, both alginic acid itself and its salts are capable of binding toxic substances and heavy metals, forming complex insoluble conglomerates with them.

The source of alginates for the cosmetic industry is seaweed

According to their physical properties, alginates in water form colloidal solutions, which, when interacting with calcium ions, form insoluble gels. Thanks to this property, alginate masks form a homogeneous film on the face, which, after drying, is completely removed without requiring rinsing.

Beneficial features

Alginate masks have the following positive effects on the face:

relieve inflammation;
nourish the skin and restore its protective function;
constrict blood vessels, causing minor irritations to disappear;
remove harmful substances;
normalize the balance of minerals at the cellular level;
break down excess fat, which effectively eliminates double chin;
improve complexion;
eliminate swelling;
get rid of wrinkles and folds;
make the skin elastic and smooth.

To get only the benefits of the procedure, you need to properly prepare the product and know how to dilute the alginate mask.

Cosmetological properties of alginates

Refreshing and cooling the skin.
Lifting effect.
Anti-inflammatory effect.
Ability to tighten enlarged pores.
Normalization of blood circulation.
Supplying skin cells with oxygen.
Resorption of stagnant spots, acne scars.
Improving the outflow of lymph and blood.
Refreshing complexion.
Prevention of skin aging.

Indeed, a miraculous remedy, almost an elixir of eternal youth!

Indications for use

Alginate mask is used in the following situations:

Dry, oily or atonic skin.
Age-related changes in the dermis.
Premature aging of the skin.
Large pigment spots.
Dermatoses.
The presence of scars, cicatrices and stretch marks.
Cuperosis.
Excess body fat.
Acne treatment.

In order to get rid of these skin problems, you need to properly prepare the product and apply it to your face. But before you figure out how to dilute an alginate mask at home, you should find out its types.

Contraindications and rules of use

Both in the salon and at home, an alginate mask is used and applied in approximately the same way. The method of application is a little more complicated due to rapid plasticization than with conventional masks. They have a small number of contraindications and require caution if you have certain diseases :

If psoriasis and dermatitis worsen, you should refrain from using masks.
Individual intolerance and allergy to the components of mixtures.
For any cancer, the use of alginates is strictly prohibited.
If you have conjunctivitis, the mask should not be applied to the area around the eyes.
If you have cold symptoms such as cough and nasal congestion, leave the skin around your mouth and nose free.
Owners of eyelash extensions should not apply the product to the skin around the eyes and eyelids.

The procedure for using alginate masks is as follows:

Preparing the face. You need to remove makeup from the skin and treat it with lotion or tonic. To enhance the cosmetic effect of the procedure, you can apply a care product under the alginate mask. This can be any serum - with hyaluronic acid, vitamins or with a lifting effect. Treat eyebrows, eyelashes and the border with the scalp with a thick cream or Vaseline - this guarantees that part of the hair will not be removed along with the mask being removed. Instead of cream, you can apply castor oil to your eyelashes. It will not only protect the eyelashes, but will also promote their growth and strengthening.
Preparing the mixture. Commercial alginate mixtures are available in either gel or powder form. Gel-like products should be applied to prepared skin immediately after opening the package. The powdered preparation is diluted with water (thermal or mineral without gas), achieving uniformity of the mass, without lumps. If you decide to make an alginate mask with your own hands, the procedure will be slightly different.
Apply the finished mixture with a cosmetic spatula or spatula in a very thick layer on the face, neck and area around the eyes. It is easier to distribute the mass on the skin if you have an assistant. If you apply the mask yourself, then, while in front of the mirror, tilt your head back slightly, and immediately after application, take a horizontal position.
The exposure time of the mask should be 20-30 minutes. If you're doing it without an assistant, set a timer so you don't miss out on time. Feelings of coldness, tightness, and slight numbness are normal. The mixture should feel like a rubber film on your face.
Removing the plasticized mass. Correctly remove the frozen mixture in the direction from the neck to the forehead. You need to grab it by the bottom edge and pull it up sharply to remove it from the skin in one motion. The mask may come off in pieces and tear in your hands. In this case, carefully remove each piece, paying special attention to the border with the hair growth area, the area around the eyes and nasolabial folds. The remaining particles can only be thrown into the trash bin. Disposing through the drain will cause a clog.
At the final stage, treat the skin with moisturizer.

Types of alginate masks

A large number of cosmetics are produced based on alginate acid. In addition to sodium alginate, they contain diatomite - rock layers consisting of the remains of armored algae from the family of seaweeds. To obtain a cosmetic product with different effects on the skin, manufacturers add other components with a specific effect.

Depending on the composition, alginate masks are as follows:

Classic. It contains only basic components. Before applying to the facial skin, the product is mixed with mineral water or a special hypoallergenic serum. The mask has a tightening and moisturizing effect.
Rejuvenating. The product contains components that give the skin firmness and elasticity.
Moisturizing. The mask additionally contains chitosan, which is extracted from the shell of crustaceans. This product is ideal for dry skin.
Brightening. The mask can get rid of age spots due to the presence of ascorbic acid in the composition.

To obtain benefits, natural ingredients are added to cosmetic products. These include ginger, green tea, chamomile, aloe and others.

WHAT ARE MASKS USEFUL:

− facial muscles “lose” tension, which leads to smoothing of folds and wrinkles;

− has a strong moisturizing effect;

− the mask cleanses the skin by absorbing excess moisture along with by-products;

− the normal process of water metabolism is restored, which leads to hydration of dry skin (for oily skin, vice versa);

− excess sebum is eliminated;

− a lifting effect is achieved, this is possible due to the activation of the synthesis of “native” hyaluronic acid;

− pigment spots are lightened.

Advantages

Before diluting an alginate mask, you need to know about some of its advantages. So, it is suitable for any skin type. It has virtually no contraindications. After using the product, the positive effect will instantly be reflected on the skin. In addition, the advantages of the mask are:

Guaranteed positive result. Wrinkles and folds are smoothed out. Skin looks fresher and more elastic. Pores become smaller.
Availability of the product. Powder for making a mask can be bought at any pharmacy.
Such cosmetics are a conductor of beneficial substances. They greatly enhance the effect of various tonics, serums and creams.

The product has great benefits. A similar procedure is carried out in any beauty salon, because the positive effect of its use is immediately noticeable.

Before preparing the product at home, you need to familiarize yourself with the intricacies of the process. And then we will find out how to properly dilute the alginate mask.

Toning

A caring tonic or lotion completes the cleansing procedure and prepares the skin for subsequent procedures, improving the penetration of active substances from the mask. Refreshing toner Black Pearl for normal and combination skin will open in a new window actively moisturizes and refreshes without leaving any stickiness.

Micellar water Extreme hydration

250 ml

How to prepare the product?

As a professional facial skin care product, an alginate mask belongs to salon procedures. Its cost ranges from 200 to 2000 rubles. When you use the mask yourself, no problems arise, so it can be used at home with the same success.

Products sold in pharmacies or specialty stores are manufactured in the form of a substance. They must be diluted before applying to the face.

They can be packaged in one bag or in a large package. Before use, the mask is selected taking into account skin problems. In the future, only this is used.

So, in what proportions and how to dilute an alginate face mask? The correct ratio must be maintained. To prepare a basic mask, take sodium alginate (3 teaspoons) and 60 ml of warm water.

Let us immediately note what kind of water to dilute the alginate mask with - it should be mineral. But instead, in some cases, the product is diluted with lotion or hypoallergenic serum. The liquid should be at room temperature.

Sodium alginate powder is placed in a bowl, diluted with water and mixed thoroughly. Then cover with a napkin and leave for 5-6 hours until a homogeneous gel-like mass forms.

THREE IMPORTANT RULES

1. The finer the powder the dry mask is, the higher its quality. If the powder is more like sand, then such a mask will not fit well on the skin and form lumps.

2. A gel alginate mask does not dry out like a powder mask and is washed off with just plain warm water. It is convenient to take it on the road or use it in cases where it is not possible to dilute powder.

3. There are practically no allergies to alginate masks. They contain only one allergen - iodine, extracted from algae. Therefore, if you are allergic, but you are not allergic to iodine, then feel free to use alginate masks - everything will be fine.

Alginate masks are worth and should be used in facial and body skin care. But, of course, it is necessary to understand that the expected result, like any cosmetic product, will be achieved by an alginate mask in coordinated work with other products for cleansing nutrition and moisturizing the skin. Pay attention to the additional use of creams, serums, lotions/tonics, etc.

How to apply the mask?

How to dilute and apply an alginate mask? It’s quite simple to make: you just need to combine sodium alginate with mineral water in a 1:2 ratio. Once you have a homogeneous mass, you can add additional components (chamomile extract, essential oils, etc.) and mix thoroughly. Basic rules and recommendations for the procedure:

The product is applied to clean skin. Before applying the mask, you can use tonic, lotion or pre-peeling.
Under the mask, especially the eye and neck area, the skin must be treated with serum or a mixture of oils. Lubricate eyebrows and eyelashes with rich cream.
The procedure is best performed in a lying or standing position, but the head should be tilted back. The face should be in a relaxed state.
For one application, 20-25 g of product is enough. It is applied along the massage lines with a spatula or brush. The process must be carried out quickly until the mask hardens. You can use the help of an outsider.
After 5-7 minutes, the product will begin to thicken and acquire the density of rubber. It is best to apply nourishing cream to the edges, which will make it easier to remove the mask.
The procedure lasts 20-30 minutes. And then the mask is removed from bottom to top.
The face is wiped with a tonic that soothes the skin. Then lubricate with nourishing cream.

The frequency of use of this mask depends on the type of skin. A positive result is noticed after the first procedure. Cosmetologists advise making masks for skin rejuvenation 2 times a week for 2-3 months. After 6-10 procedures, a break is required. This allows you to consolidate the positive result and prevent addiction.