Here’s How To Use A Face Mask The Right Way

Why Should You Use a Face Mask?

We know how expensive professional facials can be. That’s why we’re so obsessed with face masks! Face masks serve as an easy yet intensive skincare treatment that can be done in the comfort of your own home, making them one of the best ways to take your skincare routine to the next level.

Sometimes you just need to treat yourself, whether that means having an extra scoop of ice cream, splurging on that new makeup palette you’ve been eyeing, or just taking a nap. Your skin deserves a treat once in a while, too. Whenever you feel like your skin just needs a little extra TLC, throw on a face mask to bring your skin back into balance.

But let’s pause for a moment. There’s a lot you need to know before getting started. There may be several questions going through your mind: Which face mask should I use? How often should I use a face mask? How do I even use a face mask? Don’t worry, we’re here to help!

What are the Types of Face Masks?

There are many different types of masks, with each one having different benefits for the skin. The choices can be overwhelming, but keep reading to learn the different types of masks and find out which one is the best fit for you.

Clay Masks

Our skin is exposed to a variety of environmental pollutants like urban dust and smoke on a daily basis. Add in oil, bacteria, and sweat and you’ve got the perfect combination for a breakout. Clay masks are a solution to all that gunk because they draw out impurities from the skin, absorbing oil and dirt that may have been left behind after cleansing your face. Clay masks also help tighten and exfoliate the skin and minimize the appearance of pore size, so anyone with oily skin or acne-prone skin will benefit most from this type of mask.

Bentonite clay is one of the most popular types of clay and it can be found in both our Clarifying Masque and Hydrating Masque. Our Clarifying Masque contains tea tree, aloe, micro-silver, and Floralux from chlorophyll. It’s the perfect deep pore detox and is designed to help battle blemishes, visibly reduce redness, purify pores, and even skin tone and texture. Regular use of this masque can help you achieve a clearer, smoother complexion.

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Our Hydrating Masque is best suited for those with dull, dry skin. It’s made with an invigorating blend of coconut, bergamot, and sandalwood, which will help hydrate your skin and leave it nourished, softer, and smoother after just one use.

For help with brightening and exfoliating skin, try our Brighten Up, Sunshine masque made with pineapple, coconut, vitamin C, apple, and avocado. This multi-tasking masque also moisturizes skin to leave it soft and smooth thanks to hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, and detoxes skin from daily stressors.

The fun thing about clay masks is that you can apply more than one at once! This is known as multi-masking and is a great way to treat your skin to some well-deserved (and maybe overdue) TLC. Multi-masking allows you to give each area of your face what it needs so you can look and feel your best.

Mud Masks

On the surface, mud masks are pretty similar to clay masks. Mud masks usually have a clay base but are also rich in minerals, salts, and other natural elements that help keep skin healthy. Many of these masks are made with mud from the Dead Sea, which contains salt and magnesium to help strengthen the skin’s protective barrier and improve elasticity.

Like clay masks, mud masks draw out impurities to leave the pores clean and clear but because they’re water-based, they’re more effective in hydrating the skin.

Overnight Face Masks

Ever heard of a night cream? How about a night mask? Overnight face masks are a game-changer because unlike other masks, which are typically worn then removed or washed off, overnight masks are meant to be left on while you sleep. They’re typically loaded with ultra-hydrating and ultra-nourishing ingredients, and have a creamy consistency so you can simply apply it before going to bed and wake up to healthy, glowing skin. Your body naturally enters repair mode as you sleep, so adding an overnight face mask to your routine helps give your skin an extra boost.

You can find plenty of overnight masks made with formulas designed to help restore moisture to the skin, prevent fine lines and wrinkles, and more. Those with dry or mature skin will benefit the most from overnight masks.

Sheet Masks

This type of mask involves single-use sheets made from a certain material, like fiber, cotton or hydrogel. They have holes for the eyes, nose, and mouth so you can easily align the mask with your face as you smooth it down. Sheet masks are an easy addition to your skincare routine since there’s a plethora of options to choose from. The mask itself works as a physical barrier to help seal in all the ingredients, allowing your skin to bathe in and absorb all the goodness. There are sheet masks for every skin type and concern, including blemish control, hydration, brightening, and firming.

When removing a sheet mask from its packaging, you’ll notice that it drips due to being soaked in skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid or vitamin C. You can take this extra serum and smooth it onto your neck. Simply apply the mask, let it work its magic for the recommended time period, then remove to reveal your fresh, glowing skin. Easy application, easy clean-up! If your skin tends to feel dry after using a mud mask or clay mask, sheet masks may be a better option for you.

How Often Should You Use a Face Mask?

After learning all the amazing benefits of using a face mask and the different types of masks available, it’s hard not to buy them all and treat your skin to an at-home facial every day of the week. But when it comes to face masks, it’s possible to overdo it, which can hurt your skin rather than help it.

So with your skin’s health in mind, how often should you use a face mask? The recommended frequency will ultimately depend on your skin type and the type of face mask you’re using.

• Sheet masks and overnight masks: These masks are gentle enough to use every day.
• Mud masks and clay masks: Should be used up to two times a week to avoid drying out the skin.

However, remember that everyone’s skin is different, so keep a close eye on how your skin reacts while and after using a face mask. Depending on your skin, you may need to use face masks less frequently.

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How to Properly Use a Face Mask

Using a face mask might seem straightforward, but it’s always best to educate yourself on proper technique when it comes to skincare. Avoid the common face masking mistakes so you can maximize your mask’s effectiveness and follow these steps:

1. Use on a Clean Face

A skincare routine should always start with a freshly washed face. Face masks are meant to nourish your skin, not clean it, so cleanse your skin properly using your favorite gentle face wash before applying your mask. If using a toner, this step should go before your mask, too.

2. Apply Using Clean Hands

This step is particularly important if you are using a clay mask. Avoid spreading oil, dirt, and bacteria from your fingertips to your face by washing your hands right before application or using a clean brush. You can pin or tie your hair back to allow easier application and avoid applying masks to the delicate eye area.

3. Follow the Instructions

All masks should be left on the skin for a specified amount of time. For our Clarifying Masque and Hydrating Masque, you should leave it on for 20-30 minutes but be sure to read the instructions of any mask you choose to use. Some people mistakenly believe that if they leave a mask on for longer than directed, it will work even better. However, leaving it on for too long can actually cause adverse effects on the skin like dryness when using a clay mask.

4. Rinse Thoroughly

Sheet masks and overnight masks don’t require you to wash your face after removal, but you do need to wash your face if using any other type of mask. Rinse off your mask, making sure to remove every last bit of it. You can also try soaking a small towel in lukewarm water and gently wiping off the mask. By using a towel, you don’t have to leave the faucet running while you rinse your face, thereby saving water.

5. Follow Up With Moisturizer

After removing your face mask, you may already notice softer, smoother, glowier skin, but you’ll definitely need to use the mask consistently to truly improve your complexion in the long run. Just like all other skincare products, consistency is key! Once your face is clean, continue with the rest of your skincare routine, making sure to layer your products in the correct order to maximize the effectiveness of each one.

Abby Vinas

Abby Vinas has long been an active member of the holistic health community, advocating in favor of its benefits to both our physical and emotional well-being. Her commitment to leading a healthy lifestyle has made her an authority on self-care practices. Abby is passionate about fitness, nutrition, and proper skincare, and is also an avid lover of avocado toast and dog-petting.