Mask Monday: Dermalogica Charcoal Rescue Mask

When I first heard about the new Dermalogica Charcoal Rescue Mask I expected it to be your standard mud-style mask that would suck out all the impurities and that’s that.  Whilst it definitely will draw out dirt and impurities, it’s actually been formulated with a great collection of ingredients, such as sulphur, bamboo and volcanic ash, all of which work together to offer a seriously deep cleanse.  Alongside these deep cleansing ingredients, you’ve also got a trio of gently exfoliating acids – lactic, Phytic and my personal current favourite, Mandelic – that will lightly lift away any dirt that the charcoal has drawn out.  The final winning ingredient is Niacinamide, otherwise known as Vitamin B3; my skin responds very positively to all the B vitamins at the moment, but Niacinamide is a bit of a wonder ingredient that’s popping up all over the place due to it’s many benefits for most skin types; one especially noteworthy mention is how it’s effective as an anti-inflammatory, so this mask is a true all-rounder for spot-prone skin types as it’ll tackle the cause (dirt and grime gets drawn out and removed by the charcoal and ash), the result (the spot itself is tackled with the sulphur, the ash, the acids and the Niacinamide) and the after-effect (inflammation and pigmentation are both also targeted with the acids and the Niacinamide).

The Dermalogica Charcoal Rescue Mask is sold as a fast-acting (which it is), easy-to-remove (which it isn’t) product that can detoxify and brighten all skin conditions.  I would agree with the majority of that (although, as always, if your skin is sensitive then do patch test first) but it was just as much of a pain to remove as any other charcoal and/or mud mask – it dried very tight and rigid, so you do have to put in quite a bit of effort to get it off, but it is one of the few mud-style masks that’s definitely worth it as it does exactly as it promises; skin looks a lot brighter, much clearer, soothed, smoothed and generally improved (that’s a bit of a rhyme, there) making it a great purchase for anyone who is prone to breakouts – either regular, periodic or hormonal – as it will make a significant enough difference to warrant regular use…just be ready to put your charcoal-stained flannel in the wash immediately after.  The Dermalogica Charcoal Rescue Mask launched everywhere at the start of the month for £38.

*PR Sample