The face masks bandwagon seems to be gaining steam with the new kid on the block being a magnetic face mask. Yes, you read that right! These face masks need a magnet to facilitate the removal process and this time they made sure to make them safe for those of you that were losing your eyebrows to the peel-off mask, unfortunately, that was a thing.
Naturally, these masks have taken off with most beauty influencers raving about their benefits. While using magnets to help in the healing process and reduce inflammation is not unheard of, using magnets for cosmetic purposes is relatively new. Before you spend a small fortune trying to find out whether this skincare newbie is for you, here’s everything you might want to know first.
Contents
What are Magnetic Face Masks and How Do They Work?
Magnetic face masks are made with many of the same ingredients as traditional masks. The difference is that they also contain iron particles. This means that holding a magnet over the top not only enables you to remove the mask, but will also create a microcurrent that stimulates blood flow and cell regeneration, leaving you with glowing skin.
The question is – do they actually work in this way? Science hasn’t yet fully confirmed this, but there’s no denying that magnets and magnetic fields have long since played an important role in the medical field, in everything from diagnosing diseases to wound healing [1].
The Benefits of Using a Magnetic Face Mask
Face mask benefits can vary greatly depending on the type of mask that you’re using. For example, a clay mask would be most beneficial for detoxifying, while a tissue mask is great for hydration. When it comes to magnetic masks, these offer some very intriguing benefits:
Draws Out Impurities from the Skin
Magnetic masks are great for deeply cleansing the skin. They work in a similar way to clay masks, in that they’ll draw impurities up from within the pores. Once you hover the magnet over your face, the mask, along with all of your attached toxins, will simply lift away.
Waterless Formulas Increase the Potency of Active Ingredients
Magnetic face masks are formulated without water. While water does have its place in skin care products, there’s no denying the appeal of a formula that doesn’t contain any. This means that the active ingredients within won’t be diluted, allowing them to deliver maximum potency.
Heals and Rejuvenates Aging Skin Cells
One of the most interesting benefits that magnetic face masks offer is the unique microcurrent that’s created when the magnet is held above the skin. The way in which this pulls at the mask, and therefore the skin, will dilate blood vessels in the skin.
Although more studies are needed, experts believe that this could potentially increase collagen production – the protein that’s responsible for how full and smooth your skin is. The skin’s ability to produce collagen declines with age, which is why just about every anti-aging skin care regimen focuses on boosting collagen synthesis. The result? Firmer, tighter, and younger-looking skin, with fewer fine lines and wrinkles.
Improves Blood Circulation
As mentioned above, the magnet involved in the removal process gently pulls at the skin. This stimulates blood circulation, which has both short-term and long-term effects. For starters, increased blood flow will give your face a rosy appearance – just like after you’ve done some exercise. However, it also means that your skin will be receiving a greater amount of oxygen and nutrients, which will help your skin cells to thrive in the long run.
Non-Messy to Apply and Easy to Remove with a Magnetic Tool
Let’s be real – some face masks can be extremely tedious and messy to use. Whether you’ve found yourself over-scrubbing your face to remove dried particles or unblocking your sink’s plughole due to the sheer stickiness of a mask, magnetic masks are different.
They’re quick and easy to apply and removal only takes a few seconds. They don’t create a mess, on your face or in your bathroom, with this alone being a huge selling point.
How to Choose a Magnetic Mask
They may have been unheard of a few years ago, but numerous brands have now created their own magnetic face mask formula. So, how do you choose?
We always recommend that people choose a new skin care formula based on their skin type. Magnetic masks in general are suitable for all skin types, so it’s important to pay attention to the ingredients used in various formulas. Those with oily, acne-prone skin should look for masks that reduce sebum production and unclog the pores, therefore doubling up as an acne treatment. On the other hand, those with dry skin will want a magnetic mask that deeply hydrates and moisturizes, while those with dark spots should look for brightening formulas.
Of course, your budget will also dictate which mask you end up with. This is the only downside to them – they usually come with quite a high price tag, so just look for the best that you can afford. However, make sure that the magnetic mask kit that you pick comes with both an applicator and a magnet.
How to Use a Magnetic Face Mask
Now onto the fun part – using a magnetic mask. Give your face a wash to begin with – after all, you don’t want any dirt or makeup blocking the mask’s active ingredients from entering into your pores.
Hopefully, your mask has come with an applicator (this saves you from contaminating the mask with any bacteria that’s lingering on your fingers). Use this to scoop a small amount of the mask out from the jar, before slathering it over your face. If your skin could do with a little TLC, then go ahead and apply two layers. You can use it around your eyes too, just like an anti-aging eye mask, but be careful not to get the product into your eyes.
You’ll usually need to wait for ten minutes or so before removing the mask – check the instructions that came with the mask that you’re using. Wrap the provided magnet in a couple of layers of tissue, before hovering this just above your skin. The magnet will pull the mask off your skin and onto the tissue. You’ll need to replace the tissue a few times while you’re removing the mask.
Although this depends on the mask that you’re using, you probably won’t need to wash your face afterward. Make sure that you’ve removed all residue (pay extra attention to the corners of your nose), and then massage any remaining oils into your skin. Your face should feel beautifully soft and smooth!
One thing to keep in mind is that you should never wash a magnetic mask down a drain. The iron particles combined with water could rust your pipes.
Is the iron in magnetic face masks safe for your skin?
Having metal in any product that goes directly on your skin can be quite alarming as it has barely been a century since f since lead and mercury were declared harmful to the body. Naturally, it raises questions as to whether these products are safe.
If it’s any consolation, iron oxides have been used as colorants in the pressed pigments we all love and adore so it’s not a foreign ingredient. Another important fact to consider is that the iron powder is simply added to the product to facilitate removal and does not necessarily dissolve into your skin making it safe and effective. The iron powder used in magnetic dubbed “Electro-Facial 200” is food grade, stable, and 99.9% pure allowing you to reap the benefits of the mask without harming your body.
So, are magnetic face masks worth the hype?
We might be a little on the fence about this one and whether or not this product works depends on what counts as working for you. If we’re being honest, using this mask won’t get you the level of deep pore cleaning you would get at a spa but it’s a close third. If you’re looking to get rid of excess oil and surface grime then this product is a win as it will give you instant results, okay instant may be a stretch as the process may take anywhere from 20-30 minutes. However, if you’re looking for more obvious results then we’re sorry to break it to you but this product may end up underwhelming for you.
What we loved bout this mask, however, is the fact that the tugging process during removal stimulates blood flow giving you a natural glow. We have to mention here that if your skin is easily irritated then this product may not be for you. While the removal is not necessarily painful, it applies some stress to the skin which may result in unwanted results. The promotion of collagen production and improved appearance is also a win. More importantly, being able to enjoy the benefits of the ingredients long after you’re done with your routine is also something we can appreciate. All in all, this is a great product. If you have a few extra bucks to spare, we definitely recommend jumping on the hype.
FAQs
Do magnetic face masks work?
Yes, magnetic face masks usually work well. However, this obviously does also depend on the exact product that you use.
Can you reuse a magnetic face mask?
Magnetic face masks usually come in a jar, meaning that there’ll be enough product there for several applications.
How do you clean a magnetic face mask?
Once you’ve removed a magnetic face mask, you dispose of it rather than cleaning it.
Are Magnetic Masks Safe?
Yes, magnetic face masks in general are safe to use. However, it’s still important to check that your skin can tolerate the rest of the ingredients in any mask that you want to use.
Summary
If glowing, youthful-looking skin is what you’re after, regularly using a magnetic mask can help to get you there. They may cost more than other face mask types, but think of it as an investment in your skin – the long-term results that you’ll experience make magnetic masks more than worth it.
References
[1] https://www.stanfordmagnets.com/the-role-of-magnets-in-the-medical-field.html
