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Disclaimer: While this post aims to provide informative insights, it’s important to note that I am not a doctor, dermatologist, or medical esthetician. For personalized skincare advice, it’s always best to consult a licensed medical professional, ensuring you make informed decisions about your skincare routine.
You might have heard about the latest trend sweeping across the skincare horizon: jelly mask facials. So, what’s all the fuss about? In this post, I will walk you through what a jelly mask facial is and what they do. Then, we will discuss getting a professional jelly mask facial versus doing your own jelly mask at home.
Imagine slathering a cool, thick gel all over your face that sets to a rubbery texture after a short while. You lay back, relax, and let the mask do its magic. And guess what? The process doesn’t just feel relaxing and luxurious; it’s also packed with benefits for your skin.
What is a Jelly Mask Facial?
The exact process of a professional jelly mask facial will vary based on the salon or spa you go to and the esthetician you see.
A jelly mask facial usually starts with a thorough cleansing of the face, sometimes followed by an exfoliation step.
Then, the jelly mask – customized to your skin needs and goals – is applied. Your esthetician will ask if you are comfortable having your eyelids and mouth covered so you can get the full benefits of the mask over your entire face. Don’t worry – your nostrils will always be left uncovered so you can still breathe. If you have any concerns about feeling claustrophobic, please tell your esthetician so they can make sure the facial is a comfortable and relaxing experience for you.
While the mask solidifies, some estheticians massage your scalp, neck, and shoulders for extra pampering. Once the mask has solidified enough, a facial roller might be used for a gentle lymphatic massage.
After the jelly mask has been on your skin for about 15 to 20 minutes, it’s carefully peeled off to reveal a refreshed and hydrated complexion.
Your esthetician will likely follow up with serums and moisturizers to further treat your skin.
But here’s the kicker: jelly mask facials aren’t just a fancy pampering session. They are popular for good reason. This facial treatment is known for its hydrating and soothing properties, often leaving the skin glowing and revitalized. Depending on the ingredients in the mask, it can also target specific skincare concerns. It’s this tailor-made approach to skincare that has everyone buzzing.
A jelly mask can also be applied to other areas of your body that might need some TLC, like your hands or neck. This versatility is also part of why this treatment is so handy and widely used.
So, you’re intrigued by letting your skin absorb the benefits of a jelly mask facial and wondering, ‘What exactly will this surreal-sounding mask do for my skin?’ Let me tell you, the answers might just convince you to try one out for yourself.
The Magic Behind the Mask: What Do Jelly Masks Do?
Jelly masks aren’t just a trend; they have a unique mechanism for how they work. Because of the gel consistency, these masks seal against the skin, creating a vacuum-like effect that helps push good ingredients into your skin.
The main star ingredient that causes the mask to gel up is often alginate, which comes from seaweed and has been used in wound healing. But that’s just the start! You can choose from various masks with other ingredients like hyaluronic acid for hydration, charcoal for detoxification, or tea tree oil for its antibacterial properties.
There’s a match whether you’re looking to amp up hydration, calm a red complexion, or tackle an oily T-zone. And if you’re not sure what to pick, your esthetician can assess your skin and decide which jelly mask will benefit you the most.
Another point I want to stress is don’t worry too much about perfection in your skincare journey. A jelly mask facial will not give you as drastic results as a laser treatment but is also much more affordable. You can try out different kinds of masks to find what you like, and the treatment can be adjusted as your skin’s needs change over time.
Is a Jelly Mask Facial Worth It?
If you can afford it, getting a professional jelly mask facial is such a relaxing experience, especially when massage techniques are included.
I get a monthly jelly mask facial as part of a membership perk at a local salon, and it is so lovely just to show up and zone out. I don’t have to think about the products being applied to my face, and I love feeling refreshed and renewed afterward.
However, a professional jelly mask facial may not be in everyone’s budget right now. Luckily, there are affordable products that you can use to do your own jelly mask at home!
Whether done professionally or at home, I do think a jelly mask facial is worth it for a relaxing dose of self-care that also benefits the skin. But I do not consider it essential to anyone’s skincare routine.
Jelly Mask Facials in the Comfort of Your Home
Let’s talk about getting a jelly mask facial without stepping outside your door. Yes, the spa-grade self-care experience can be recreated in your very own sanctuary.
First, choose a jelly mask that resonates with your skin’s needs. Whether it’s hydration, soothing irritation, or targeting breakout-prone areas, there’s a jelly mask for you. I also recommend trying out a variety pack to find your favorites. Check out my recommended products later on in this post.
Then, make sure you have all of your supplies ready to go. You will need:
- jelly mask powder
- water
- a bowl to mix the mask in
- a spatula or brush to apply the mask to your skin
- optional: a facial roller
Now, here’s how you get started:
1) Double-cleanse your face to prep your skin.
2) Mix the jelly mask powder with the suggested amount of water in a small bowl until you get a smooth, thick consistency.
3) Apply it evenly to your face, and don’t worry too much about precision—the mask is forgiving.
4) Kick back and relax for 15 to 20 minutes as the mask does its magic. Once the mask has solidified enough, you can use a facial roller over the top of it.
5) Peel off the mask to reveal refreshed skin.
6) Use a moisturizer after removing the mask to seal in all that goodness.
Jelly masks are not reusable, so once you have peeled off your jelly mask, throw it away.
Use jelly masks as part of your regular skincare routine, but don’t overdo it. Once or twice a week is usually sufficient.
Doing a jelly mask facial at home allows you to customize your experience and address your unique skin concerns. Plus, it’s a cost-effective way to maintain consistent skincare.
And remember, the beauty of at-home treatments is that you can always adjust your approach. Try different masks, listen to what your skin is telling you, and find your perfect match. That’s the strategy I like to leverage. (Remember the GLOW method?)
Tips for Your At-Home Jelly Mask Facial
Jelly masks can be tricky to mix and super messy to apply. Here are some tips that I have discovered after doing some of my own jelly masks at home.
Mix Properly
When properly mixed, a jelly mask has a firm, jiggly consistency similar to jello or a thick custard. It’s dense, smooth, and slightly wobbly.
The mask should be thick enough to form a cohesive layer on your skin without dripping yet flexible enough to peel off easily once it has set.
Carefully follow the instructions on the package of the product that you are using. Make sure you add in the right amount of water.
However, if you find the instructions result in a mask that is dripping, take this approach. Put the powder in your mixing bowl and slowly add a tiny bit of water at a time. I’m talking a few drops at a time. Continue doing so until the mask turns into that thick, smooth consistency.
You can test the consistency by scooping your spatula into the gel and lifting it back up above the bowl. The jelly mask should stay on the spatula without dripping off immediately. It should hold its shape and slowly start falling off in a thick, cohesive blob.
If the mask runs off the spatula quickly in a liquid stream, it is too thin and needs more powder.
If the mask is clumpy or doesn’t move at all, it is too thick and needs more liquid to reach the right consistency.
Wear a washable headband
Even with perfect consistency, jelly masks still tend to drip a bit or shift on your face, and it’s extremely easy for them to end up in your hair.
If you don’t want to deal with picking out bits of your jelly mask from your hairline, put on a washable headband before you apply the gel.
Apply slightly thicker at the edges
If you apply the mask a bit thicker at the edges, it will be easier to peel off in one piece.
Jelly masks usually come off easily and are gentle to remove. Still, go slow and be careful.
Relax
Take this time to relax. Lie down and avoid moving your face too much so the mask can set properly.
You can use the time to meditate, listen to music, or scroll on your phone.
Also, bonus points if you can double up by doing something like a hair mask or foot mask at the same time. I love stacking treatments to maximize my use of time!
Choose Your Jelly Mask!
A quality product makes all the difference when bringing the spa experience into your own home. I look for something that is easy to use and has sampler packs so I can try out different kinds of jelly masks before committing to a giant jar of powder.
I really like the masks from Bruun. The sensation is soothing, the application is fuss-free, and the afterglow? Absolutely splendid. This isn’t just my take on it—a chorus of happy customers echo the sentiment.
But there are so many to choose from! That’s why I strongly recommend starting out with a sample pack.
Bruun 30-piece Jelly Mask Kit
Best value! This includes all 24 of Bruun’s jelly masks. Some are duplicates, so you get 30 masks total to use.
Bruun Neo Jelly Mask Kit
It focuses on a comprehensive approach to skincare by incorporating advanced formulations designed to target multiple skin concerns. It offers a balanced mix of hydration, anti-aging, and skin rejuvenation benefits.
Bruun Hydrating Jelly Mask Kit
Specifically curated to deeply moisturize and nourish the skin, it is ideal for combating dryness and promoting a plump, radiant complexion.
Bruun Exfoliating Jelly Mask Kit
It is geared toward removing dead skin cells, unclogging pores, and promoting cell turnover to reveal a smoother, brighter skin texture.
Below, I have decoded all the different types of Bruun jelly masks. If you have a specific skin concern in mind, scroll down to the categorized section.
Kinds of Jelly Masks
24K Gold
Anti-Aging, Brightening
Mandelic acid exfoliates, while the gold brightens skin tone.
Aloe Vera
Anti-Inflammatory
Super healing and tissue regenerating.
Avocado
Moisturizing
Smoothes and moisturizes dry skin.
Black Gold (Salicylic Acid)
Detoxification, Acne
Charcoal deeply cleanses, while salicylic acid gets to work on blackheads.
Blueberry
Brightening
Packed with antioxidants, reduces dark circles and post-acne marks.
Blue Lavender
Anti-Inflammatory
Soothes the skin and relaxes your mind.
Calendula
Anti-Inflammatory
Perfect for sensitive skin and restoring the skin barrier.
Chamomile
Hydrating, Anti-Inflammatory
Calms and softens the skin.
Charcoal Bamboo
Detoxification
Removes toxins and dead skin cells.
Chlorella
Hydrating, Anti-Inflammatory, Anti-Aging
Chlorophyll contains antioxidants and polysaccharides for a multi-functional skin boost.
Chocolate
Hydrating
Highly hydrating and promotes a balanced lipid layer while providing antioxidants.
Egyptian Rose
Anti-Aging, Anti-Inflammatory, Acne
Hydrates and leaves the skin soft while reducing the appearance of pores.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hydrating
Increases skin’s hydration, giving the skin a plumping and lifting effect.
Jasmine
Anti-inflammatory
Cleans and soothes the skin while the scent helps you relax.
Kiwi
Hydrating, Anti-Aging
Good for dry, dull skin to provide essential nutrients.
Lavender
Anti-Aging, Acne
Antiseptic properties deeply cleanse and regenerate the skin.
Matcha
Anti-aging, Brightening
Promotes cell regeneration to fight fine lines while smoothing skin tone and texture.
Peppermint
Anti-Inflammatory
Boosts blood circulation to tackle dark circles and redness.
Pomegranate
Anti-Inflammatory, Acne
Prevents and fights acne while soothing skin and reducing the appearance of acne scars.
Red Gold (Lactic Acid)
Anti-Aging
A good choice for sensitive skin to tackle fine lines and wrinkles while preventing skin aging.
Sea Mud
Detoxification, Acne
Absorbs skin impurities and toxins to fight blemishes.
Silver Gold (Glycolic Acid)
Anti-Aging
An anti-aging mask that is good for all skin types and helps smooth rough skin.
Tea Tree
Anti-Inflammatory, Acne
Ideal for those with acne-prone or oily skin, offering anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits while also providing hydration
Jelly Masks By Category
1. Hydrating and Moisturizing
- Avocado: Highly moisturizing. Ideal for dry skin.
- Chamomile: Hydrating. Softens skin.
- Chlorella: Highly hydrating with antioxidants.
- Chocolate: Highly hydrating and promotes a balanced lipid layer.
- Hyaluronic Acid: Increases skin’s hydration, giving the skin a plumping and lifting effect.
- Kiwi: Hydrating. Promotes cell regeneration and collagen reinforcement.
2. Anti-inflammatory and Healing
- Aloe Vera: Super healing, anti-inflammatory, tissue regenerating.
- Blue Lavender: Anti-inflammatory and soothing. Helps to relax and relieve stress.
- Calendula: Regenerating, anti-inflammatory, healing. Ideal for sensitive skin.
- Chamomile: Improves swollen skin. Reduces dark circles and redness.
- Chlorella: Soothing with antioxidants.
- Egyptian Rose: Soothes and softens the skin.
- Jasmine: Anti-inflammatory. Helps you relax and relieve stress.
- Peppermint: Boosts blood circulation. Eliminates dark circles, bags, and redness.
- Pomegranate: Soothes inflamed skin and works to reduce the appearance of acne scars.
- Tea Tree: Soothes irritated skin
3. Detoxification and Cleansing
- Black Gold (Salicylic Acid): The charcoal deeply cleanses the skin removing impurities, dirt and dead skin from the surface.
- Charcoal Bamboo: Removes toxins and dead skin cells.
- Sea Mud: Absorbs skin impurities and toxins.
4. Anti-Aging and Firming
- 24K Gold (Mandelic Acid): The mandelic acid removes dead cells to reduce fine lines and even skin tone. Stimulates collagen and elastin production.
- Chlorella: Helps improve skin firmness and elasticity.
- Egyptian Rose: Good for mature skin.
- Kiwi: Promotes cell regeneration and collagen reinforcement.
- Lavender: Regenerating, prevents wrinkles.
- Matcha: Promotes cell regeneration, fights fine lines and wrinkles.
- Red Gold (Lactic Acid): A good choice for sensitive skin. It works gently to help reduce fine lines and wrinkles while preventing skin aging. It also has a strong moisturizing effect.
- Silver Gold (Glycolic Acid): Promotes skin renewal and tackles the buildup of rough, thick skin. Moisturizing and nourishing. Recommended for all skin types.
5. Brightening
- 24K Gold (Mandelic Acid): The gold reduces dark spots and improves pigmentation.
- Blueberry: Reduces dark circles and post-acne marks.
- Matcha: Smooths the skin and improves pigmentation.
5. Acne
- Black Gold (Salicylic Acid): The salicylic acid renews cells, prevents blackheads, and moisturizes the skin.
- Egyptian Rose: Antimicrobial, Minimizes the appearance of pores
- Lavender: Deeply cleanses to fight acne
- Pomegranate: Prevents and fights acne. Balances oil production.
- Sea Mud: Fights blemishes.
- Tea Tree: Antimicrobial properties
If you’re hungry for variety or have specific preferences, the market is abundant with jelly masks—all ready to cater to your skin’s cravings. So, don’t hesitate to pick out a product that resonates with you and ensure your skin gets the royal treatment it deserves.
What kinds of jelly masks are you eyeing? Let us know in the comments below!
