When to use a face mask in skin care routine for radiant skin

In the ever-evolving world of skincare, this question remains a constant concern: when should you use a mask in your skincare routine? To help you understand this concept, this article would guide you through this essential aspect of skincare.

Alright, picture this: You’ve curated your daily skincare regimen, diligently cleansing, moisturizing, and protecting your skin from the elements. 

But what about that extra boost your skin occasionally craves for? That’s where the face mask steps into the spotlight, offering a pampering experience that can elevate your skincare routine to new heights. 

But what are face masks all about and how do they affect our overall skincare journey as beauty enthusiasts?

What are Face Masks for skincare routine?

Face masks are essential skincare routine components that contain highly consecrated ingredients, serving a variety of purposes to enhance the health and appearance of one’s facial skin.

They are also known as topical treatments designed to address specific skin concerns. They can hydrate the skin, unclog pores, provide anti-aging benefits and so much more.

Face masks however come in various forms which fits your specific skin type or skin care needs. These includes, and not limited to;

1. Clay Masks: These masks are suitable for people who have oily skin type. It contains natural clays like kaolin or bentonite which are excellent for deep cleansing, purifying pores, and reducing excess oil on the skin.
2. Sheet Masks: Sheet masks are pre-soaked fabric masks which are precut to fit into one’s face. They are easy to use, provide intense hydration, and are infused with serums or essences and can be beneficial for a variety of skin types, but their specific advantages may vary depending on your skin’s unique needs.
3. Gel Masks: Gel masks are soothing and hydrating. They often contain ingredients like aloe vera or hyaluronic acid to calm and moisturize the skin.
4. Cream Masks: Cream masks are thicker in consistency and provide a moisturizing effect. They are beneficial for dry or mature skin.
5. Exfoliating Masks: These masks typically contain alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) to exfoliate the skin, revealing a smoother and brighter complexion.
6. Peel-off Masks: Peel-off masks help remove dead skin cells and can be especially satisfying to use. They can contain ingredients like charcoal or fruit extracts.

However, the timing of mask application is an art in itself. It’s not about slathering on a mask every day or merely following trends. 

To truly benefit from this skincare practice, you need to understand when to use a face mask in a skin care routine and why it is important to adhere to a single and effective practice.

By the end of this article, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to make informed decisions that lead to healthier, glowing skin.

When to use a face mask in skin care routine 

In general, the timing for applying a face mask depends on the type of mask and the guidance provided, especially by an esthetician. However, as a rule of thumb, it’s advisable to apply face masks after cleansing your facial skin to ensure it’s free from impurities and excess oils that may clog your pores.

Face masks often contain active ingredients that require thorough absorption and to maximize their effectiveness, it is important to apply them to clean skin, as this ensures that the mask’s contents can be fully absorbed.

Face mask by morning or night?

You can apply a face mask during the day or night or according to instructions from an esthetician. Here’s a simplified explanation;

Morning: You can use a face mask in the morning if you have a special event or want to give your skin a boost. However, choose a lightweight, non-comedogenic mask that won’t clog your pores.

Night: Face masks are most commonly used at night because your skin has more time to absorb the active ingredients. It is also a good time to use a mask if you have any concerns about your skin, such as dryness, acne, or wrinkles.

Face mask before or after moisturizer?

Before moisturizer: If you have dry skin type you can apply a face mask before moisturizing, as this will help the ingredients to absorb better into the skin.

After moisturizer: Some face masks, such as overnight masks, can be applied after moisturizer. It helps stabilize the skin’s natural moisture barrier, minimizing moisture loss and visibly preventing the mask from drying out your skin.

Face mask before or after shower?

You can apply a face mask before or after a shower, as each has its own significant benefits.

After shower: If you are using a wash-off mask, it is best to apply it after your shower. This will help to remove any dirt or oil that has accumulated on your facial skin from the shower.

Before shower: If you are using a leave-on mask, you can apply it before or after your shower. Note that if you apply it before your shower, the steam from the water would have opened your pores which allows the mask ingredients to penetrate deeper and work effectively.

How often should you use face masks in skin care routine

Face masks are typically not meant to produce long-term results unlike serums and other beauty products and the frequency with which you should use a face mask in your skincare routine depends on your skin type and skin condition. However, to maximize its effectiveness you can use a face mask once or twice a week and thrice at maximum.

Furthermore, choosing the right face mask for your skin type and concerns is an essential part that determines how often you should apply a mask to your skincare regimen. 

For example, if you have dry skin, you should choose a hydrating mask. If you have oily skin, you should choose a clay mask or exfoliating mask.

Here is a more specific guide based on skin types:

Dry skin: Use a hydrating mask once a week or less.

Oily skin: Use a clay mask or exfoliating mask once or twice a week.

Normal skin: Use a hydrating mask or exfoliating mask once a week.

Sensitive skin: Use a hydrating mask or calming mask once a week or less.

Also, if you are new to using face masks in your skincare routine, it is best to start with once a week and see how your skin reacts. 

You can then gradually increase the frequency as needed, but be careful not to abuse face masks, as this can cause skin irritation.

How to apply face mask step-by-step for glowing skin

Regardless of the type of face mask you are using, the rule of thumb in applying this regimen is as follows.

1. Start with Cleansing your face. 

Cleansing your face is the most important step, as it removes all the dirt, oil, and makeup from your skin, allowing the mask to penetrate deeply. However, make sure you use a gentle cleanser that is appropriate for your skin type.

2. Apply a toner (Use toner both before and after your mask).

You’ve probably heard you can only use toner after a face mask but the truth is you can use it before and after the application of a face mask in your skin care routine.

Why is this so? Applying a toner before a face mask helps to balance your skin’s pH and prepare it for the mask and also cleanses any impurities such as dead skin cells or chemicals left after washing your face with a cleanser.

After you do the mask, use toner again to refix the pH, helping your skin to absorb its sebum, and giving it a good saturation of the active toner ingredient.

3. Apply the face mask. 

Use a brush to apply a thin, even layer of the mask to your face and neck, avoiding the eye area. If you are using a sheet mask, simply place it over your face and adjust it to fit.

You can decide to apply a face mask without a brush by using your fingers to spread the content of the mask into your face and avoiding your eyes and lips areas.

4. Relax and let the mask work its magic. 

Most face masks should be left on for 10-20 minutes, depending on the type of mask. During this time, relax and let the mask do its thing. You can read a book, listen to music, or just take a nap.

5. Rinse or peel off the mask. 

Depending on the type of mask you applied, once it is dried completely, rinse it off with warm water.

If the mask is to be peeled off, soak a clean towel in warm water and apply it gently to your face. This will loosen the mask’s grip, and you will be able to peel it off easily.

Be sure to remove all of the mask residue from your skin.

Use a moisturizer after applying a face mask 

Should you moisturize after a face mask? Yes, applying a moisturizer after using a face mask helps to lock in the hydration and nutrients from the mask. It also helps to protect the skin from the mask chemical and environmental stressors.

Is it okay to use a face mask everyday?

No, don’t use a face mask everyday in your skin care routine. If you do, you can risk your skin of irritation and can as well dry out your skin. It is best to use a face mask once or twice a week.