The best thing in wearable skin tech is mess-free and reusable.
Experimental face masks range from mud to kelp and even 24-karat gold. But a simple, dry sheet of fabric is an effective, no-fuss alternative.
Montreal-based entrepreneur Nannette de Gaspé pioneered the idea after investing in Biomod, a Canadian biotech company that’s developed a revolutionary technology for dry-printing active ingredients directly onto textiles. Her namesake lineof filler-free masks are composed of 87 percent active ingredients, compared to traditional masks, which are on average 85 percent water and glycerin, with five to seven percent active ingredients. Here, the ingredients include tetrapeptides for brightening and marine extracts for fighting wrinkles, all printed on “techstile,” a woven fabric from Japan.
The masks are activated and stay on your face thanks to a combination of humidity, temperature, pH, and a gentle massage. A 15-minute session results in noticeably softer and more hydrated skin. “The technology is pretty amazing,” says Francesca Fusco, M.D., of Wexler Dermatology in New York City, who has used the masks. “Since I didn’t feel any wetness as I activated it, I was anxious to see results. But when I removed the mask, my skin was definitely glowy.”
Convenience is a key highlight of using dry masks: Users can skip all the mess and according to the instructions, rinsing afterwards isn’t necessary. That makes it possible to throw one on while getting ready for work in the morning or answering emails at night. Plus, they're reusable for a duration of three months.