No, multi-MASKING isn’t a typo… This is a new skincare trend that involves using different masks on different areas of your face at the same time. For those of us with combination skin or targeted problem spots like discoloration on our cheeks breakouts on the chin, this approach makes a heck of a lot of sense and I’m actually surprised I didn’t think of it sooner. In a nutshell, multi-masking helps you address multiple concerns with multiple products because I have yet to find a mask that does it all.

The supercharged skincare brand Dermalogica has taken multi-masking to another level, and they have used the ancient art of Chinese facial therapy to break down the face into 14 zones (see below)—and it helps to visualize the areas prone to dehydration, hormonal acne, pigmentation, etc. and treat them accordingly. Dermalogica calls this Face Masquing (or more specifically #FaceMasquing) and they have a slew of skincare experts and therapists on board to promote the concept.

Here, a few Dermalogica product combinations that can help you achieve your best skin yet…

Sensitive skin with aging concerns: Soothe redness and inflammation with Skin Hydrating Masque on zones 5, 7, 9, and 12.  Apply Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque to zones 1, 2, 3, 11, 13, and 14 to address fine lines and uneven pigmentation.

Hormonal breakouts and pigmentation: Apply Sebum Clearing Masque to zones 11-13 to treat hormonally-induced breakout with salicylic acid. Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque on zones 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, and 9 will brighten skin with a blend of vitamins A, C, and E.

Dehydrated and aging skin: With cucumber and hyaluronic acid, Skin Hydrating Masque will replenish typically dehydrated zones such as 5-14.  Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque can be applied to zones 1-3 to plump up fine lines and address visible signs of aging.

Breakouts and sensitivity: Gentle Cream Exfoliant applied to breakout prone zones 5, 7, and 9 will slough away dead skin cells, while Skin Hydrating Masque ensures proper hydration when covering the remaining zones.

Oily and dehydrated: Apply Skin Refining Masque, formulated with kaolin and bentonite clays to absorb excess oil, on zones 1-3, 7, and 12. Moisturize the surrounding zones with Skin Hydrating Masque.

Sure, this approach may take a little more time and precision, but I think the extra effort is worth a more customized mask experience. What about you?