My skin had been breaking out around my chin, and my usual skincare routine didn’t seem to be doing much to help clear it up. So l, I decided it was probably time to make a few changes to my routine, and that’s when I started testing the VT Cica Mask Cleanser.
What initially caught my attention about the VT Cica Mask Cleanser was that this isn’t simply a traditional cleanser. It can also be used as both a daily cleanser and as a mask which made it an interesting addition to my daily routine.
What is the VT Cica Mask Cleanser?
The VT Cica Mask Cleanser is designed to cleanse away impurities, excess sebum and blackheads while helping to maintain the skin’s natural balance for a smoother, clearer-looking complexion.
The formula contains Kaolin and Green Clay which are included for their pore-purifying properties, alongside Hyaluronic Acid and Glycerin to help provide hydration. It also contains Centella Asiatica Extract and Green Herb Complex which are intended to help calm the appearance of redness and irritation. This cleanser also contains Retinol to help improve the appearance of pores and skin texture.
What is the texture like?
The texture was probably the first thing I noticed because it is very different from other cleansers and masks I’ve used.
It has a gooey, almost slimy consistency with gentle exfoliating particles throughout. It doesn’t really feel like a traditional cleanser or a typical face mask.
You don’t need a huge amount of product. I was definitely guilty of using too much at first but then found that around a grape-sized amount, or slightly less when using it as a cleanser, is enough.
The only downside is that because the formula is quite gloopy, it comes out of the tube fairly quickly which probably contributed to me using more than I needed.
Using it as a cleanser
One thing worth knowing is that the cleanser is applied to dry skin, rather than wetting your face first.
When using it as a cleanser, I’d apply it to dry skin with wet hands and massage it in. Once you add a little more warm water, it lathers up really nicely.
It spreads easily and feels silky as I massage it into my skin. It also rinses away easily, leaving no noticeable residue behind.
My skin feels really clean afterwards but it doesn’t leave my skin feeling particularly hydrated either. I’d describe the finish as somewhere between hydrated and stripped.
I wouldn’t say it leaves my skin excessively dry but I definitely wouldn’t skip moisturiser after using it.
How does it feel on sensitive areas?
Most of the time I found it comfortable to use and I didn’t experience any redness from it.
However, if I had areas of dry, cracked or broken skin, I did notice a slight stinging sensation. On days when my skin was feeling more sensitive, I preferred to use it simply as a cleanser rather than leaving it on as a mask.
Using it as a mask
In the evening, I’ve been using the VT Cica Mask Cleanser as a mask.
I apply a thicker layer to the areas where I want to concentrate on it (usually all over my face) and then leave it on for around five minutes before adding warm water, massaging it into my skin and rinsing it away.
Five minutes worked well for me when my skin was feeling comfortable. However, on days when my skin felt more sensitive, I would wash it off after around two minutes.
I’ve found that using it as a cleanser tends to suit my skin better when it is feeling sensitive. Whereas, I enjoy using it as a mask when my skin is behaving normally.
How did my skin react?
This is where I noticed the biggest difference.
When I started testing the cleanser, I had quite a few breakouts around my chin. After starting to use it, I noticed my skin beginning to clear up, and I didn’t experience any new breakouts during the week I tested it.
It also seemed to help clear up my existing blemishes more quickly than I expected.
My skin didn’t look or feel particularly dry while using it. Although, I was also using a Ceramide toner and a thicker moisturiser in the evenings to make sure I was giving my skin plenty of extra hydration.
The oilier areas of my face, particularly around my nose and chin, didn’t feel any oilier.
I didn’t notice any particular change in my skin throughout the day, such as increased dryness or excess oil, which was a positive for me.
How I’ve been using it in my routine
I’ve been using the VT Cica Mask Cleanser every day for around one week.
In the morning, I’ve been using it as my cleanser. In the evening, I’ve been using it as a mask after my oil cleanser.
Double cleansing has become a normal part of my evening routine, particularly when I’m removing makeup, so using the VT cleanser after my oil cleanser has worked well for me.
The rest of my skincare routine has remained fairly simple. In the morning, I use a Vitamin C serum followed by a lightweight moisturiser, while in the evening I use a Retinol serum and a thicker moisturiser. I also use a Ceramide toner both morning and night.
I’ve had no problems applying my toner, serums or moisturisers after using the cleanser.
Cleanser vs mask – which do I prefer?
For me, using it as a cleanser works slightly better for my skin, particularly when my skin is feeling more sensitive.
That doesn’t mean I’ve stopped using it as a mask. I like having the option to use it as a more intensive step when my skin is feeling congested.
My preferred routine would be to use it every day as a cleanser and around every other day as a mask, adjusting depending on how my skin is feeling.
My results after one week
I only tested the VT Cica Mask Cleanser for one week but I jabe noticed a change fairly quickly.
I started with breakouts around my chin and noticed that my skin began to clear up soon after introducing the cleanser.
The improvement was consistent throughout my testing period and I didn’t experience many new breakouts.
I also made a couple of other changes during this time which included switching to a Ceramide toner and using a thicker moisturiser in the evening. So I wouldn’t put the changes in my skin down to the cleanser alone.
That said, based on my experience, it has worked really well alongside the rest of my routine.
Would I continue using it?
Absolutely.
The main reason I’d continue using the VT Cica Mask Cleanser is because I’ve found it helpful when my skin has been breaking out. I also like the flexibility of being able to use it as both a cleanser and a mask.
I would continue using it as a daily cleanser and use it as a mask every other day, depending on how my skin is feeling.
Who would I recommend it to?
Based on my experience, I think this could be worth considering if you have oily or combination skin and are looking for a cleanser to help when your skin is prone to blemishes and congestion.
However, if you have particularly dry or very sensitive skin, this may not be the type of cleanser you’d reach for. I found it comfortable most of the time but it could sting slightly on areas of dry, cracked or broken skin.
My overall thoughts
The VT Cica Mask Cleanser is unlike any cleanser I’ve used before, mainly because of its unusual gooey texture and the fact that it can be used in two different ways.
For me, the biggest positive has been how my skin responded to it. I started testing it when I was experiencing breakouts around my chin, and within a short period I noticed my skin beginning to clear.
It’s not a cleanser I’d describe as particularly hydrating, so I make sure I follow it with my usual toner and moisturiser. But it hasn’t left my skin feeling excessively dry or oily and it has fitted into my existing skincare routine without any problems.
After one week of testing, I’d definitely continue using it, particularly as an everyday cleanser, with the mask being an additional step when my skin feels like it needs it.
Where to buy VT Cosmetics
The VT Cica Mask Cleanser is available to purchase online from YesStyle as well as from Ultra.
Is the a YesStyle discount cod
If you’re shopping at YesStyle, you can use my Influencer Code HANNAM123 at checkout to save an extra 5% OFF, on top of any promotional codes currently running at YesStyle.
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