Hydrogel masks have been around for a while now. Just apply them for a few minutes, remove, and voila you’ve got some ultra hydrated skin. But, hydrogel masks have come a long way since then. While lots still give you that hydrating boost you’re seeking, lots of hydrogel masks now come packed with innovative ingredients to target a variety of concerns. And others go beyond your simple 10-15 minute application. 

Our Pore Refining Hydrogel Mask is a long-wear mask that targets dullness, problem pores, and dryness with cool new ingredients like a vegan-source PDRN. Meant to be applied for at least 2 to 3 hours, this mask gradually turns from white to clear the longer you wear it. And by the end of the application time, you are left with glowy glass skin. 

While it might sound like 2 to 3 hours is a lot, once you see the results for yourself, you’ll get why that’s not actually all that long. 

How to treat problem pores

Problem pores can present as clogged pores or clogged and enlarged-looking pores. Typically as pores continuously get clogged with debris like excess sebum and dead skin cells, pores become stretched over time and naturally start to look bigger. 

To treat clogged and enlarged pores, you have to get at the root of the problem. Since we know that gunk is responsible for stretching out the pore, you have to get rid of the gunk. A popular way to do this is via exfoliation. Exfoliating the skin helps dissolve the gunk trapped in pores, thus helping clear them out and making the pores look less big. 

There are some essential ingredients you should keep an eye out for when looking to treat clogged and enlarged pores. These include: 

• Salicylic Acid - breaks down oil and dead skin cells in pores to help clear them out 
• Niacinamide - helps balance oil production and improves the look of enlarged pores 
• Retinol - helps skin cell turnover to prevent them from clogging up pores 
• Glycolic Acid - helps remove surface impurities to prevent pore congestion 
• Hyaluronic Acid - keeps the skin hydrated to help improve the appearance of large pores 

Lots of these ingredients are included in exfoliants, cleansers, and serums to help clarify clogged pores. Although, if you have sensitive skin some of these products may be too strong for frequent use. Typically exfoliants may be used 1 to 2 times a week if your skin is reactive. 

But, exfoliating is not the only method to deal with problem pores. You also have to keep the skin hydrated. This may sound simple but it is essential to help improve the look of large pores. Hydration helps plump up the skin and as a result reduces the look of large pores. 

What’s in the Pore Refining Hydrogel Mask? 

Often it seems like masks are kind of just meant for a once in a while spa day. But with new technology and innovation, masks can do so much more for your skin beyond hydrating. 

Our Pore Refining Hydrogel Mask is made with pore-targeting ingredients like Niacinamide and Rose PDRN to improve the look of enlarged pores. As mentioned above Niacinamide helps regulate sebum, one of the primary elements that get trapped in pores. And as a multi-beneficial ingredient, Niacinamide also helps prevent transepidermal water loss to keep the skin hydrated. 

Rose PDRN is a vegan-source of PDRN, as compared to the traditional PDRN that is sourced from salmon. Rose PDRN helps support collagen and firmness in the skin. Another factor that makes pores appear larger is the breakdown of collagen. Collagen helps keep skin firm, so when it breaks down, the skin starts to sag so pores appear larger. So, supporting the collagen in your skin helps to improve the look of enlarged pores. 

This mask is also infused with some skin barrier-friendly ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid, Allantoin, and Shea Butter. Hydration is key to keep the skin looking supple and firm.

How does the Pore Refining Hydrogel Mask fit in my routine? 

The Pore Refining Hydrogel Mask is super easy to add into any routine. With lots of skin barrier-friendly ingredients it's also safe for sensitive skin. When applying, you simply adjust both pieces of the mask on your face and leave the mask on for 2 to 3 hours, or overnight. The longer you leave the mask on the more transparent it becomes. The mask is meant to turn from white to clear to indicate to the user that the ingredients are being absorbed. 

Here’s how to add it to your routine: 

Step 1: Cleanse the skin 

Step 2: Apply toner (if included in your routine) 

Step 3: Apply serums and treatments 

Step 4: Moisturize 

Step 5: Apply the Pore Refining Hydrogel Mask as the final step. If wearing overnight, there’s no need to worry about transfer to your pillow. Plus, you can use the oval shapes from the mouth and eye area as mini masks on your smile lines or frown lines. 

Without replacing any of your current staples, the Pore Refining Hydrogel Mask can make a great addition any time your skin is feeling a bit dull.