Facial masks: what you should and shouldn’t do
Facial masks have become a go-to product for home care. They are easy to use and produce amazing results. But are you sure you’re using your favorite facial mask correctly? Here you can learn more about what to look out for when using facial masks.
Find the right facial mask
Focus on what you want to achieve with your facial mask. It’s designed to help your skin look its best. Does your skin feel dry right now? Opt for a nourishing and hydrating facial mask. Do you have skin imperfections? Opt for a facial mask with soothing, anti-inflammatory ingredients. Always listen to how your skin feels and looks to get amazing results.
Don’t ignore your skin type and how it’s feeling right now. Typically, you have oilier skin, but it can still be dehydrated. Finding the right facial mask for you at this point will work to your advantage in the long run.
Before you apply a facial mask
Don’t use a facial mask if you’re wearing makeup. Using a facial mask while you’re wearing sunscreen, makeup, and moisturizer can clog your pores, leading to possible breakouts and inflammation.
Cleanse your face thoroughly before applying a facial mask. You can use your usual cleansing and toning routine. As an extra step, you can also apply serum before applying the mask so that the skin absorbs all the ingredients faster.
Applying the mask
Smooth the mask to any face shape to ensure that the mask fits securely. You can even pull up the outside of the mask to create a long-term lifting effect on the face. If you are a man with a beard, you can always trim the mask so that it covers your beard neatly. Just place the remaining cloth around your neck.
Don’t forget to remove the usual plastic wrap on the mask so that you can easily remove it. Leaving the plastic wrap on the mask can irritate the skin and prevent the skin from properly absorbing the serum and ingredients.
Residue
Don’t discard the mask packaging before checking for any residue.
Apply the residue from the packaging to your neck, shoulders and back of your hands.
Time
Keep the mask on for the right amount of time. It is not recommended to sleep with a sheet mask on because when the sheet mask dries, it absorbs moisture from the skin back into the sheet mask. A good way to make the most of the product is to turn the mask to the other side midway.
Don’t forget to check how long you’ve left the mask on, as it varies from mask to mask. Most of the time it’ll take 15 to 30 minutes. You can remove the mask while it’s still wet. Don’t be tempted to reuse the mask as it could transfer bacteria to your skin.
Removing the Mask Sheet
Don’t wash your face after using the mask as this will wash off all the wonderful ingredients you just applied!
Apply any remaining serum to your face, neck and décolleté, and apply the mask to dry areas of your body like your knees or elbows before discarding.
What to do afterwards?
After removing the mask, continue with your skincare routine, such as eye cream and night cream.
Don’t end your skincare routine with a mask. You may feel like your skin is already getting enough pampering, but a moisturizer will help preserve all the benefits of the mask’s ingredients.
How often do I use a mask?
Use a sheet mask 1-3 times a week. You don’t always have to use the same type. Listen to your skin and use the mask that best addresses your problem.
You don’t have to feel like you have to use a mask religiously every week. Keep your favorite mask for evening pampering or an extra boost to your skincare routine.
Use a mask in the morning.
You shouldn’t think of masks as an evening product. You can use a mask in the morning, too. Why not choose a mask enriched with vitamin C to really rejuvenate your face? Don’t forget to apply sunscreen after you’ve finished your daily routine.
Leave enough time in the morning to give your mask enough time to work. Trying to use a mask when you’re running late or busy is a waste of time.
