Do I need to exfoliate before using a mask?
If you’ve had a facial before, you know that it takes time and effort to achieve that radiant, baby-soft skin that you get at the spa. With a professional facial, you can expect 3 to 4 or even more skin-perfecting steps, each
designed to treat a different layer of skin.
With that in mind, when using masks at home, one wonders why we sometimes use masks without taking the time to include these extra steps. Then exfoliating before applying the mask adds a touch of luxury and gives your skin the
extra care that a professional treatment brings.
So today we will give an example to illustrate why you should exfoliate when using a mask.
Should I exfoliate before or after applying a mask?
To ensure your skin is getting the best care possible through the use of masks and other steps in your daily routine, it’s important to follow some basic skin care rules.
By this we mean that you must always make sure your skin is completely free of makeup as well as any germs or debris before applying a mask. That way, you can use a clay, mud, or cream mask to keep impurities from sticking to
your skin. This often results in clogged pores and the appearance of pimples and blackheads on the skin.
When it comes to the extra step of exfoliation, it’s best done after cleansing the skin and before applying a mask. This helps keep the face clean and removes any remaining product residue and buildup, while the exfoliating
particles slough off dead skin cells.
Then you’ll find that the active ingredients in the mask of your choice work faster and more impressively to improve your complexion, leaving it radiant, detoxified and healthy. If you want to learn more about face masks and
the benefits of different formulations for your skin, you can read my previous blog on how often to use a face mask in your skincare routine.
After removing the mask, you should apply a toner. However, make sure the formula does not contain AHAs or BHAs, as this can be too much for the skin and can lead to dryness and breakouts.
Can I apply a mask after exfoliating?
As long as you make sure the mask formula doesn’t contain any chemical peels or other strong ingredients that might stress the skin too much, this should be perfectly fine. Peel-off masks are best avoided as they cause the skin
to stretch and strip it of vital moisture and sebum.
When this imbalance occurs, the skin usually overcompensates and starts producing excess sebum to restore the skin’s natural protective barrier. This all leads to a cascade of inflammation that leads to breakouts, redness, and
scaly, dry areas of the skin.
Can I exfoliate and apply a mask on the same day?
You really can! As mentioned earlier, you should only exfoliate your skin before applying a mask if any subsequent steps in your skincare routine do not include AHAs, BHAs, or other chemical exfoliants.
Daily Exfoliating Skin Care. makeup remover. Cleanse your skin with a non-foaming cleanser. Exfoliate with a physical exfoliator or a cotton pad soaked in a chemical exfoliator. Using a Clay, Mud, or Cream Mask. Rinse skin and
use a non-exfoliating floral toner to remove any residue
Cleanse your skin with a non-foaming cleanser. Use a mask of your choice, including peel-off masks. Gently wipe skin with a cotton pad soaked in AHA toner Apply a generous amount of serum containing hyaluronic acid or
niacinamide. eye cream. Moisture Cream. Daily SPF (mornings only)
To get a better idea of which procedure is best for you and your skin type, you can try both procedures and see how your skin looks and feels. Once you find the right daily routine, you’ll find that your skin looks better than
ever: clogged pores are cleared, the texture feels and looks smoother, and blemishes or breakouts are visibly reduced.
What should I do after wearing a mask? After using the mask, you should continue with the rest of your skincare routine. Of course, remember to add active ingredients that nourish, protect and rejuvenate your skin to keep it at
its healthiest.
You’ll find the following ingredients should work for your skin type. If you find that your skin type is drier or more sensitive, it’s best to consult your doctor or dermatologist to be on the safe side.
As always, we strongly recommend that you perform a 24-hour patch test on any new product or ingredient you are adding to your routine for the first time. This will help you avoid rashes or irritations caused by ingredients that
are too strong and irritate your skin.
Vitamin C (also known as ascorbic acid and L-ascorbic acid). These active ingredients are most effective at moisturizing and nourishing the face, balancing and restoring calm to the skin’s outer layer, which is often damaged by
free radicals such as pollution, UV rays and other environmental factors. We have linked a dedicated blog post for you to learn more about all the skin benefits of using the above ingredients.
Hope we’ve answered some of your questions about exfoliating with face masks today. It would be such a shame not to take the extra time to get a spa-like facial at home! If you try one of the many Procoal face masks you’ve
purchased for yourself, don’t forget to tag us in your mask selfies on Instagram!
