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What is a Collagen Mask?

Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel

A collagen mask is a beauty product that helps to reduce the signs of aging in the skin and is intended for use on the face. The product can be purchased for home use. Spas also commonly offer a collagen mask treatment or include the use of this kind of mask in their anti-aging facial treatment packages.

As the skin ages, it loses collagen, which is a kind of protein that makes up a large percentage of connective tissue and accounts for somewhere between a quarter and 35 percent of all of the protein in the body. As such, collagen has been referred to as "the glue" for the human structure. As people age, the collagen in their bodies begins to deplete. This depletion process usually begins around the age of 25.

A diagram of younger and older skin showing the decrease in collagen in older skin. Many collagen-based products are designed to replace or boost the production of this protein.
A diagram of younger and older skin showing the decrease in collagen in older skin. Many collagen-based products are designed to replace or boost the production of this protein.

In order to reverse the loss of this collagen, particularly in the face, people use topical collagen masks to help to replace the lost collagen and promote the development of new collagen. A collagen mask is usually applied to the face and allowed to remain on the skin for a specified amount of time. During this time, the ingredients in the mask are absorbed into the skin.

Honey may be used as an at-home collagen mask.
Honey may be used as an at-home collagen mask.

A collagen mask may be packaged as a cream or as a sheet soaked in the product. Such sheets are usually individually packaged. When they are removed from their packaging, they are laid upon the face and left there for a specified period of time. The sheets are pre-cut to fit closely over the topography of the face and they have openings for the mouth and nostrils. Some masks cover the eyes, treating the eye area as well as the rest of the face, while others have holes cut out for the eyes. Both the cream mask and the sheet mask are available at numerous price points.

Collagen provides cushioning and fills out the contours of the skin.
Collagen provides cushioning and fills out the contours of the skin.

The price for a bottle of collagen mask varies widely. The same is true for pre-packaged sheet masks. A single sheet mask can cost as little as $2 USD ( US Dollars) or as much as $100 for a package of five sheet masks. A bottle or tube of collagen mask can cost as much as $300 USD or as little as $7 USD. For an easy, at-home collagen treatment, many people simply treat their faces with honey, specifically manuka honey, which is believed to restore the skin and reduce the signs of aging much like collagen masks on the market.

Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel

In addition to her work as a freelance writer for WiseGEEK, Diane is the executive editor of Black Lawrence Press, an independent publishing company based in upstate New York. She has also edited several anthologies, the e-newsletter Sapling, and The Adirondack Review. Diane has a B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College and an M.A. from Brooklyn College.

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Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel

In addition to her work as a freelance writer for WiseGEEK, Diane is the executive editor of Black Lawrence Press, an independent publishing company based in upstate New York. She has also edited several anthologies, the e-newsletter Sapling, and The Adirondack Review. Diane has a B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College and an M.A. from Brooklyn College.

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Discussion Comments

anon985074

I have used the absorbable collagen masks by Bio-5 which have 25ML of hyaluronic acid and soluble collagen. The mask is easy to use, works great and I had noticeable results after one use. The price is $19 and better pricing on a four pack.

anon345022

I have used collagen masks at spas as an add on to a basic facial, such add on costs about 50 to 75 dollars. Most of the times the sheet is too thick and somewhat uncomfortable. Since then I discovered pro-care anti aging collagen and hyaluronic acid sheet masks. They fit the skin as a glove and feel amazing. My skin came out looking and feeling 100 times better than any spa treatment. Each mask is soaked in 22 ml of high quality collagen and hyaluronic acid. They are not cheap but very much worth the money. Pro-care is a French company and their masks are sold in the U.S. online.

anon183705

I have used cotton collagen masks before. If you touch your face and look very closely at the skin before and after using a mask, you can physically feel and see that it plumps and softens the skin. This is temporary - it lasts about the length of the day. That's probably why they recommend using them three times a week. I don't know if collagen masks actually prevent aging, but they certainly do look and feel good. It's more than just pampering; it's functional and pretty!

By the way, I have used masks that cost 5, 2, and 1 dollar before. I haven't noticed any difference in the effect. Try to get a good value when you're shopping for them. The same brand I buy for two dollars in a local store costs ten dollars online! No way, man!

Mae82

Has anyone tried a variety of collagen masks? I am curious as to how the two dollar masks hold up to the ones that are much more expensive.

I am also wondering if anyone has tried the honey solution? I would love if something that simple and natural could really give you the same results as a more expensive beauty product.

Also, they offer collagen masks at most spas. Do you think these have better results than the ones you use at home? Or is it more of a case of just being pampered. I would definitely consider going out for the mask if the results were great.

animegal

If you want to make your own collagen mask all it takes is some natural ingredients and a little time. Avocados and kiwis have some amazing properties that have been said to improve the look of skin while increasing collagen production. While eating these fruits can help, up to half of their nutrients can be absorbed when they are placed directly on the face.

All you need to do is take half a kiwi and half an avocado and smash them together in a bowl. Apply the mixture to your face for half an hour and then rinse off with cool water.

You can do this two to three times a week for great results.

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    • A diagram of younger and older skin showing the decrease in collagen in older skin. Many collagen-based products are designed to replace or boost the production of this protein.
      By: Alila
      A diagram of younger and older skin showing the decrease in collagen in older skin. Many collagen-based products are designed to replace or boost the production of this protein.
    • Honey may be used as an at-home collagen mask.
      By: tetxu
      Honey may be used as an at-home collagen mask.
    • Collagen provides cushioning and fills out the contours of the skin.
      By: Deyan Georgiev
      Collagen provides cushioning and fills out the contours of the skin.
    • Collagen mask treatments are often offered at spas as anti-aging solutions.
      By: Darren Baker
      Collagen mask treatments are often offered at spas as anti-aging solutions.
    • Collagen degradation occurs as individuals age, causing wrinkles.
      By: Piotr Marcinski
      Collagen degradation occurs as individuals age, causing wrinkles.
    • Collagen masks may be used to treat acne scars while current breakouts are managed with ointments.
      By: Budimir Jevtic
      Collagen masks may be used to treat acne scars while current breakouts are managed with ointments.
    • In most cases, anti-aging products that contain collagen are not effective in treating wrinkles.
      By: luiscarceller
      In most cases, anti-aging products that contain collagen are not effective in treating wrinkles.
    • A collagen mask may be used as an alternative to collagen injections to reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
      By: armina
      A collagen mask may be used as an alternative to collagen injections to reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
    • A collagen mask may be packaged as a cream.
      By: Alliance
      A collagen mask may be packaged as a cream.