Acne is very common in America, as a matter of fact, about 60-70% of the population will get acne in their lifetime, according to Dr. Abidi of the Best Acne Treatment organization. While the statistics are staggering, the most shocking observation, made by dermatologist Yoram Harth, was that Americans spend over 3 million dollars a year on over the counter acne treatment.

Today’s teens have revitalized the facial mask trend which was started 5000 years ago in India. While the first facial masks included things like roots and flowers some of the more recent face masks are made with avocados or clay in them. But what people are wondering is if the contents of the facial mask are helpful?

Erica Walljasper, a spa facialist at Facial Boutique, said, “Masks are a wonderful way to take care of your skin.” While the assets are numerous of most masks, dermatologists worry about the negative impacts specifically of peel off masks. Walljasper expressed, “They are just tearing up your skin.”  While masks may remove debris and unnecessary bacteria, otorhinolaryngologist Kalpana DePasquale told Well and Good that the masks strip away a layer of skin, vellus hair, and sebaceous filaments.

Walljasper went onto explain how DIY masks aren’t safe either. She claimed, “There are just too many factors that could be harmful, especially if you are acne prone.”

Walljasper, who’s been an aesthetician for twelve years, requested that her clients wash their face every night. She went on to express that many of her clients don’t clean their makeup off at night. Walljasper acknowledged, “Overnight is when your skin goes into repair mode.”  

Walljasper said that one thing teens using face masks should also get into habit of is changing their pillow cases. She mentioned also that ingredients in skincare and corrective serums can be pore-clogging. These types of skin care are “setbacks” and can make your face revert back to a case of acne susceptibility.

Sierra Tripp, sophomore, claims that face masks have always worked well for her. She stated, “I’ve never had any allergic reactions to face mask.”

Tripp admitted that the best face mask is a traditional avocado one. She remarked, “It makes my skin feel clean and refreshed.”

While the benefits of face mask are numerous there are some potential restrictions such as over using a product. Tripp explained that she only does a face mask once weekly and any usage more common than that is way too often.

Tripp and Walljasper have corresponded to alert fellow face mask/cleanser user to be careful.