Now that self-care is (finally) becoming more mainstream and a priority for our daily or weekly routines, face masks are basically a must. So hopefully, you’re already using them or thinking about trying one out. We get tons of face mask related questions in our inbox, with everything from “What face mask is the best for my skin type?”, to “What’s the best time of day to use one?”. So we’re going to cover everything you need to know to get the most out of using a face mask and love it every time.
HOW TO USE A FACE MASK
You might be surprised to learn how quick and easy a face mask session can be. All it really takes is a clean face and 10-15 minutes of downtime. Here’s a quick routine you can follow to ensure you’ve prepped properly!
- Clean your face + remove any makeup
In order to enjoy all of the benefits of your face mask, you need to start with a clean canvas. Begin by washing your face with warm water and cleanser to remove any makeup. If your makeup tends to cling beyond a normal cleanser use a cotton round with micellar water to remove any remaining makeup. You can even lay a hot washcloth on your face for a minute or so which helps open up your pores. - Protect sensitive areas
You want to avoid applying the mask on your eyes and lips. But you can still use this time to show them some love. Putting moisturizer on both areas helps ensure you’re hydrating and protecting both spots from the strength of your mask. - Apply your mask
Make sure your skin is completely dry from cleansing and heating with the washcloth. If you are using a gel, clay or mud mask, you can use your hands to apply your mask. But if you want to take it up a notch, use a foundation brush to apply the mask across your face (and even down the top of your neck). This helps avoid any oils on your hands getting in the way of your best mask experience. It always feels relaxing to use the brush versus your hands. But either one will do the trick! - Relax + enjoy the moment
This will always depend on the type of mask your using and the direction provided on each. In general, you can expect to leave the mask on for about 10-15 minutes for it to work its magic. While you could still do productive things during this time, we recommend taking this moment to relax, maybe read, take a bath or meditate. If you’re using your mask in a self-care routine, mindful moments are a must. - Rinse + moisturize
Once your mask is done (and may feel super dry or tight on your skin), you will want to get a warm washcloth to rinse. Don’t be too aggressive with cleaning, so don’t pull or scrub too hard. Be patient while you wipe and let it come off gently. If you are planning on showering anyways, you can always rinse it off right in the shower or bath. Finish any mask with a hydrating mask to lock in moisture.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU USE ONE
The great thing about masks is that you get immediate benefits. Your skin will feel fantastically clean and smooth right away. But you can use a mask more consistently to get even more powerful and effective results. We typically recommend using a mask once or twice a week, depending on your skin’s unique needs.
BLEMISH-PRONE + OILY SKIN: If your skin is more oily and prone to breakouts, look for a deep cleansing and detoxifying mask. If you use it once a week and notice great results, try going up to twice a week to see if it boosts and negates the positive effects.
DRY SKIN: If you have dry skin, you will want to use a mask that exfoliates and/or boosts hydration. For your skin especially, moisturizing is critical to ensure a positive after-effect of your face mask.
REGULAR SKIN: Lucky ducks. You can be a little more experimental with trying different masks and even using them more often. Take advantage of it and try them all out to see what you like the most and how often you can incorporate them into your skincare routine!
IF YOU HAVE SENSITIVE SKIN
Unfortunately, if you have sensitive skin, not all face masks are for you. It just is what it is. However, that doesn’t mean that there are options out there for you. You can also DIY a super simple, all natural mask recipe that may be best-suited for your skin. If you’re wanting to try a face mask product, make sure you are doing it for the right reasons such as added moisture, cleansing, anti-aging or reducing dark spots. And then always always always test the mask on a small spot before trying all over your face. If you feel anything close to a burning sensation, remove the mask immediately. Allergic reactions are possible, especially with sensitive skin.
OUR BEST FACE MASK FOR MOST SKIN TYPES
If we had to recommend one mask for the most types of skin, our Dead Sea Mud Mask would be the clear winner. This blends the power of Dead Sea mud, activated charcoal, bentonite clay and shea butter for seriously great skin. Benefits of this mask include:
- Detoxifies + exfoliates
- Removes deep oil + toxin buildup
- Full of anti-aging properties
- Reduces the appearance of acne scars
- Hydrates + soothes
This is a must-have face mask that will leave your skin feeling unbelievably smooth and supercharged!
