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What does a collagen face mask do?
“A collagen face mask allows for topical application of hydrating ingredients for a prolonged period of time,” Mina Amin, MD tells me. “Contrary to popular belief, these masks are not actually going to stimulate collagen production.” Collagen, she continues, is difficult to be absorbed topically due to its high molecular weight. “The masks are great for hydration, but will likely not have the lasting effects that people are hoping for.”
Does the Biodance collagen mask really work?
While I realized my freshly delivered Biodance mask would not actually stimulate cellular collagen production for lasting firming and plumping of the skin, I decided to test it anyway. Per dermatologist Brendan Camp, MD, the buzzy treatment still has a some worthwhile merits. Remember: Sheet masks work by improving skin hydration. “As an occlusive, sheet masks trap moisture into the skin,” he says. “The result is skin that temporarily glows brighter, looks more youthful, and feels softer.”
Aside from hydrolyzed collagen, there is galactomyces ferment filtrate—featured to improve skin tone and texture. Niacinamide is also featured, and is cited by Dr. Camp for its “ability to even skin tone, reduce inflammation, and reduce the appearance of pores.” Of equal importance is the inclusion of hyaluronic acid, which Dr. Camp says “improves skin hydration by improving the ability of skin cells to retain and attract moisture.” Put all of these bits together and you have a sort of miracle treatment that nourishes, smooths, and brightens skin in a matter of hours.
My Experience With the Biodance Collagen Mask
Hours. Yes, you read that right. Unlike traditional sheet masks, which require upwards of 20 minutes to work, the Biodance mask recommends three to four hours of wear—or, best case, overnight. And so, as instructed, I cleansed my skin (double cleansed, for what its worth), toned (thank you, SK-II), and unwrapped the sheet mask. Crafted from a gel-like material, the mask arrives in two pieces. I placed the top half across my forehead and eyes, and the bottom half around my mouth and chin. While many masks do not fit flush against the skin, this sank down with ease, making it easy to multitask and lay down in bed. Instantly cooling, my skin felt quickly refreshed. And though I had to skip my nightly moisturizer, my skin felt more hydrated than ever without the face mask budging or slipping down my face. Two hours in, I opened my phone camera to check its progress. As you wear it, the mask starts to become clear—a signifier that the ingredients are soaking in from the gel onto your skin. Before I knew it, I was awoken by my alarm with the mask still in place (a shock to a stomach sleeper like me). Like the aforementioned TikToks that persuaded me to buy the mask in the first place, I peeled off the finished product with ease—no longer a gel texture, but rather thin film. My jaw dropped when I saw my complexion. The congestion and enlarged pores I had on my forehead the night before had vanished. My skin felt baby-soft to touch and incredibly bouncy, like I just emerged from my esthetician’s chair.
