We review Vichy mineral masks

Most beauty brands have one product or ingredient that sets them apart from others. For French skincare brand Vichy, that hallmark is no doubt their exclusive mineral-rich volcanic water, dubbed Vichy Mineralizing Thermal Water. The name has water in it, but it also has a host of other antioxidants and minerals—15 to be exact—that are known for their soothing, protective, and hydrating properties for the skin. Among them? Minerals such as iron, potassium, calcium, manganese, silicone and copper that enter rainwater seep through the igneous volcanic rocks of French volcanoes. This special mineralizing water is at the heart of all Vichy formulations…including the recently released Vichy Mineral Facial Masks! Vichy has submitted three mineral face masks to the Skincare.com team for review, and we'll share our thoughts with you below. Continue reading to learn about the benefits of Vichy Quenching Mineral Face Mask, Vichy Double Glow Peel Face Mask and Vichy Mineral Pore Clearing Clay Mask.

Vichy Quenching Mineral Facial Mask Review

Quenching Mineral Face Mask is Vichy's first mineral hydrating facial mask and it certainly doesn't disappoint. Its formula is enriched with Vichy mineralizing thermal water, glycerin and soothing vitamin B3 to help hydrate dry and uncomfortable skin. The mask can help strengthen the skin's moisture barrier function to better protect it from external aggressors such as air pollution, smog, etc. The mask's gel texture gives an instant cooling sensation, making it ideal for use on a hot day. or when the skin feels especially flushed. After rinsing, the skin became noticeably more hydrated and soothed. I will probably store it in the fridge for extra coolness!

Recommended for: Dry to normal skin. For use: Gently apply the mask on the skin and leave for five minutes. After five minutes, massage the excess mask into the skin with your fingertips. You can also remove excess with a cotton pad. Rinse is not required! The mask can be used one to three times a week. 

Vichy Quenching Mineral Facial Mask, $20

Vichy Double Glow Peel Face Mask Review

Vichy Double Glow Peel Mask is formulated to brighten dull skin with a double peeling action. First, the chemical action of alpha hydroxy fruit acids helps to remove dead cells from the surface of the skin. Secondly, the mechanical impact of volcanic rock, crushed into an ultra-fine powder, contributes to the soft physical exfoliation of the skin. Like all Vichy products, the mask contains the brand's mineralizing thermal water, which soothes the skin and strengthens its moisture barrier, as well as vitamin CG. What I love most about this mask is that it exfoliates the skin without any aggressive rubbing or tugging (or tearing, for that matter). The inclusion of mineralizing water really makes this mask a great option for all skin types that need a bit of mineral-rich exfoliation. 

Recommended for: All skin types. For use: Apply a peeling mask on the face, avoiding the area around the eyes. Leave for five minutes for the AHAs to activate. After five minutes, gently massage your skin in circular motions to exfoliate it. Wash off with warm water. The mask can be used once or twice a week.

Vichy Double Glow Peel Face Mask Review, $20

Vichy Mineral Pore Purifying Clay Mask Review 

Clay masks can be a dime a dozen, but it's hard to find formulas that match the hype. Enter: Vichy Mineral Pore Purifying Clay Mask. The formula combines two ultra-fine white clays - kaolin and bentonite - that act like a magnet to draw excess sebum and impurities from the skin. Result? Pores appear cleansed and skin feels silky soft! Aloe vera extracts and Vichy mineralizing thermal water also help hydrate, soothe and strengthen skin from environmental aggressors. I have a love-hate relationship with clay masks. I love how they suck the dirt out of my skin, but many of the formulas I've tried also left my skin dry and flaky after use. But not this one. I left it on for five minutes and after I washed it off, my skin didn't peel off. After the first application, the skin was fresh, soft and smooth with a matte finish. The scent was also slightly floral, which I liked as it hung so close to my nose.

Recommended for: All skin types, especially those with problems such as excess shine and/or enlarged pores. For use: Apply the mask to your skin and leave for five minutes. Be careful not to let the clay mask dry completely. When this happens, the skin underneath is also more prone to drying out. Five minutes is enough for the mask to work. After five minutes, rinse with warm water, paying special attention to the hairline, where the remains of the clay mask may go unnoticed. The mask can be used once or twice a week.

Vichy Mineral Purifying Clay Mask, $20.

Depending on your skin's needs, you can use any of these masks alone or as part of a comprehensive skincare routine. For example, if you're prone to a shiny T-zone that's congested but you have persistently dry cheeks, apply a pore-clearing clay mask with minerals to your nose, forehead, and chin, and apply a soothing mineral facial mask to your cheeks. for some extra hydration. Be sure to use your favorite moisturizer with SPF after all these masks!