How Does the Bro Mask Work, Anyway?
How is the Bro Mask made for men?
Due to higher levels of testosterone, male skin is generally thicker, oilier, and more acne prone than female skin. Though male skin is thicker, it also thins at a higher rate than female skin from 20-50 years of age, leading to to the early onset of wrinkles2. A 2015 Harvard study found that only 15% of men regularly use sunscreen, which further exacerbates male skin damage3.
To address the uniqueness of male skin, the Bro Mask is made with hydrogel instead of cotton. Hydrogel is commonly used in medical applications, such as wound healing, because it adheres so well to skin. This allows the mask to hold more liquid and stay moist longer, resulting in better hydration and absorption of active ingredients.
The Bro Mask is formulated with a proprietary combination of active ingredients scientifically proven to address problems common to men. The list includes antioxidants for redness and acne, collagen and peptides for wrinkling, and plant extracts to soothe and nourish skin. Since male skin is thicker and more susceptible to sun damage, we used higher concentrations of these active ingredients than is seen in typical face masks.
What is hydrogel, and how is it better than a regular cotton sheet mask?
Hydrogel is a gel-like material with a molecular structure that allows it to hold large amounts of liquid. Unlike common cotton sheet masks which do not stick well to skin, hydrogel is prized for its ability to adhere to living tissue. In the medical world, hydrogel is used extensively in applications such as wound dressings, to heal and deliver medicine to skin4.
Because of its superior ability to bind to skin, and hold vast amounts of liquid, the hydrogel Bro Mask hydrates and delivers active ingredients to the skin much better than a cotton sheet mask.
What do the active ingredients do?
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) is a powerful antioxidant that improves acne, redness, and inflammation. Recent research shows that topical Vitamin B3 may even be more effective than commonly prescribed solutions such as antibiotics, benzoyl peroxide, and salicylic acid, while being gentler on skin. In fact, a recent study showed a 60% decrease in acne after 8 weeks of Vitamin B3 treatment, versus 43% with clindamycin antibiotic gel5. Unlike antibiotics, Vitamin B3 targets the first stage of acne (sebum oxidation) to prevent acne from developing, rather than controlling bacterial growth6.
Collagen is a protein that forms the matrix that keeps skin firm and plump. When skin loses collagen, wrinkles develop. Collagen increases skin’s elasticity and density, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines. Collagen also helps the targeted delivery of other therapeutic molecules to damaged skin7.
Green Tea (Camellia Sinensis) Extract is an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-aging ingredient that soothes skin, and decreases the appearance of sun-damage. Green tea extract contains high concentrations of polyphenol antioxidants. Polyphenols help prevent cellular damage from free-radicals related to pollution, smoking, eating unhealthy foods, and as a byproduct of normal metabolism8. In fact, a recent study shows that a 30 day topical application of green tea extract resulted in noticeably firmer and smoother skin9.
Ginger Root (Zingiber Officinale) Extract has a long history of medicinal uses. Ginger is well documented to have anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties that control the aging process10. Ginger extracts contain antioxidants that reduce redness, acne, and inflammation11.
Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza Glabra) Extract contains licochalcone, a molecule that helps control oil production, and helps calm and soothe acne-prone skin.
Red Seaweed (Chondrus Crispus) Extract is naturally high in minerals and vitamins. It contains vitamins A, E, and K, and protects against UV rays.
Carob (Ceratonia Siliqua) Gum is extracted from the bean pod of the native Mediterranean Ceratonia Siliqua tree. It moisturizes and tightens skin, and gives the mask a luxurious texture.
Schizandra Chinensis Fruit Extract, also known as the Chinese 5 flavor berry, repairs damage caused by the elements, and helps soothe inflammatory skin conditions.
Japanese Goldthread (Coptis Japonica) Root Extract produces a main component, berberine, which helps skin reduce skin sagging, swelling, and cellulite.
Asiaticoside is an extract from the medicinal Centella Asiatica plant. It increases the synthesis of collagen and connective tissue, resulting in firmer skin.
Propolis Wax is a resinous mixture that honey bees produce to build their hives. Its antibacterial and antifungal properties are effective against acne.
Tamarindus Indica Seed Gum a natural polysaccharide that moisturizes and smoothes the skin, and gives a pleasant velvety texture to the mask.
Peptides (Palmitoyl tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7) are amino acids that stimulate the regeneration of collagen, which helps improve the appearance of wrinkles and rough skin texture.