Alginate peel-off face masks have become quite popular recently. These skincare products are formulated with alginic acid salts that can be extracted only from brown seaweeds. The Ukrainian beauty brand Agor that specialises in the production of natural dry cosmetics offers a series of alginate peel-off masks for all skin types designed to cope with common skin problems.
Alginic acid, also known as algin or alginate, can be found in the cell walls of brown algae including kelp. Its salts (alginates) absorb water quickly and bind with it, forming a viscous gum. Due to their ability to form a hydrocolloid gel when mixed with water, alginates are widely used as ingredients in various pharmaceutical preparations, as thickening or gelling agents in the food industry, and as thickening agents in cosmetics.
Alginate facial masks are valued for their lifting effect. When such a mask thickens on the face, it slightly tightens the skin. As a result, regular use of alginate peel-off masks makes the skin smoother, prevents premature wrinkles, improves face contour, helps to unclog pores and relieve puffiness. Besides, alginate masks help to maintain the hydro-lipid balance of the skin, have a toning and rejuvenating effect, stimulate the skin’s natural protective mechanisms.
Alginate masks, also known as modelling rubber masks, are usually produced in powder form. All you have to do is mix the powder with some water, stir well and spread the resulting thick paste all over your face. Don’t waste any time, because the mask congeals very quickly. After about 15 minutes, the mask will fully dry and you’ll be able to peel it off in one peace.
Many beauty parlours offer alginate facials as an effective rejuvenating and lifting procedure. However, you don’t have to go to a beauty parlour to try an alginate peel-off mask. You can buy some sodium alginate (it can be found on Amazon) and make a DIY alginate mask at home. But for a more pronounced effect, we would recommend Agor peel-off masks in which 100% pure alginate is combined with plant extracts, herbal powders and other natural ingredients.
Agor is a Ukrainian company that produces natural dry cosmetics formulated with minerals, dried herbs and herbal extracts. All Agor’s personal care products (face masks, cleansers, shampoos) are produced in the form of an ultra fine powder that does not require adding preservatives, thickeners, emulsifiers or stabilisers. They are made using a unique patented technology which allows to preserve all biologically active substances contained in plant raw materials. Powder cosmetics may seem unusual, but they are very easy to use. All you have to do is mix a little powder with some water and stir well.
Alginate masks are among the most popular Agor’s products. The manufacturer has combined alginic acid salts with herbal powders, plant extracts and essential oils to create unique blends for all skin types designed to eliminate common skin problems and keep the skin healthy and beautiful. Let us take a closer look at Agor algae masks.
- Molecular Peptides with low molecular weight soy and wheat peptides for mature, dull and hyperpigmented skin.
- Natural Tenderness with chamomile for dry, problem and sensitive skin.
- Wild Berry with lingonberry powder, lingonberry extract and lemon extract for oily and problem skin.
- Oriental Glow with fig extract and clover extract for all skin types (especially recommended for dry, sensitive and mature skin).
- Bio Revitalising with peppermint leaf powder, taurine and laminaria (kelp) extract for all skin types, perfect for the basic skincare routine.
- Energising Freshness with orange powder, peppermint leaf powder and green tea extract for all skin types (especially recommended for sensitive, tired-looking and irritated skin).
- Oriental Secret with amla (Indian gooseberry) extract and patchouli essential oil designed to prevent premature skin ageing.
- Chocolate Relax with cocoa bean powder and extract, orange powder and extract for all skin types (especially recommended for dull and irritated skin).
- Super Regeneration with ylang-ylang essential oil, aloe vera extract and açaí berry extract designed to relieve fatigue and to cope with acne and eczema.
- Cryo Activation with menthol, spirulina powder and lavender extract for sensitive, dry and mature skin.
If you have never used alginate masks before, you should know a few tricks. First and foremost, you should mix the powder with water immediately before applying the mask. Alginate masks congeal very quickly, so if you dilly-dally, your mask will become rubber-like and too solid to apply. Agor masks should be mixed with warm water (20-25 ° C) water in a ratio of 1:3 (25 ml powder and 75 ml water) and stirred well to obtain a thick, smooth paste with no lumps.
Unlike regular facial masks, alginate masks are applied to the entire face, including the lips and eyes. Therefore we strongly recommend that you apply some thick face cream or Vaseline to your eyelashes, eyebrows and hairline to prevent the mask from sticking. Algae masks are applied to clean face with a spatula. The layer should be even and fairly thick, at least 3-4 mm. If you’re not sure you can apply the mask yourself, ask someone for help.
Having applied the mask, lie down on your back and relax for 5–25 minutes to let the mask thicken and dry. Then peel the mask off in one giant sheet. It might take some practice to remove the mask without tearing, but after a couple of masks you’ll peel them off like a pro! Mask residues are easily removed with a cotton pad soaked in face toner or lotion.
If you need intensive skincare, you should apply alginate masks 2 or 3 times a week for at least a month. This intensive course will help to cope with pronounced skin problems such as acne, dehydration, blackheads, flaking. If you don’t have any problems, you can use alginate masks as a part of your normal skincare routine once a week (they are especially effective when applied after deep cleansing with scrub).
You can find a wide array of alginate peel-off masks, scrub masks, polysaccharide masks, face cleansers and other skincare products by Agor in our online shop Organic Store. Take care of your skin with Agor and Organic Store!