As you look for ways to perfect your skin you may be wondering if a face mask should be part of your weekly skincare routine? While only applied 1 to 3 times a week face masks can play a vital role in helping you achieve your beauty goals. From deep cleansing to shrinking pores, acne, minimizing oil, hydrating, anti-aging, and more. Here is how to incorporate different masks into your skincare routine.
Anti-aging & Deep Cleansing Face Masks
Deep cleansing masks should be used once per week to penetrate the pores removing toxins and impurities. Clay and mud masks are best for deep cleansing and they are gentle enough for sensitive skin, just be mindful if there are additives that may irritate your skin. Clay and mud are anti-aging but can be used for every age group as both proactive and reactive skincare. Cleanse your skin as usual and gently exfoliate. If you want, you can steam your face to open your pores before applying your deep cleansing mask.
One option is the Borghese Advanced Fango Active Mud Face and Body Mask. Spread on a thin layer and leave it on for about 5 minutes. This is an ultra-hardening mask, so you don’t want to leave it on for too long. Your face will immediately feel tighter and firmer. Wash off as soon as it is dry. Follow up with a hydrating face serum or sheet face mask and a PM night cream.
Acne, Oil, & Pore Refining Face Masks
If you struggle with acne, blackheads, an oily shine, or oversized pores face masks can help. A good choice is the New York Biology Dead Sea Mud Mask as it deep cleanses, but is mineral-infused and specially formulated to meet the unique needs of acne-prone and oily skin. Cleanse and gently exfoliate, spread on a thin layer, and wash off after 10 minutes. You can also apply this mask to your back if you have back acne. Follow up with a hydrating face serum or sheet face mask and a PM night cream. To control oil and manage acne use about 2 times per week.
Brighten & Smooth Skin With A Liquid Glycolic Face Mask
Another option to consider if you don’t have sensitive skin is the Insta Natural Exfoliating Glycolic Face Mask. This mask is designed to be an at-home version of a chemical face peel. It’s a liquid, not a hardening mask. The mask peels off the first layer of dead skin leaving you with instantly smoother, softer, and brighter skin. You can cleanse your face first, but do not exfoliate as it will exfoliate for you. Leave on for a maximum of 15 minutes. Add water to skin and massage gently in circular motions after letting it set. This will activate the exfoliation process. After rinsing off follow up with a hydrating face serum or sheet face mask and a PM night cream. Use every other week, or even just once per month. More often and it may irritate your skin.
Under Eye Masks
We will talk a bit more about hydrating sheet masks and overnight masks below, but let’s first discuss adding under eye masks to the mix. Under eye masks can be applied morning or night to depuff, ultra-hydrate, and minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. You can use them every day or only one or two days per week. To optimize your skincare routine, apply a hydrating eye mask like the 24K Gold Eye Mask at the same time as your cleansing mask.
Your eye mask needs to be left on for 15 minutes, so apply and wait 5 minutes, then apply your beauty mask. Your chin and t-zone are the areas most in need of deep cleansing, tightening, pore reduction, and acne control, so feel free to apply your clay or mud masks to only your chin and t-zone. It’s one less step, saves a bit of product, and delivers your desired beauty benefits. Follow up with a hydrating face serum or sheet face mask and a PM night cream.
Hydrating And Nourishing Face Masks
Last but certainly not least, let’s discuss masks designed to nourish and hydrate your skin, which you can use after a cleansing mask or after your regular PM cleansing. This includes the growing trend in K-Beauty sheet masks, overnight mask creams, and nutrient-rich masks designed for specific skincare goals.
Your options here are overwhelming so focus on your beauty goals, which may vary by season. For example, in the winter you would probably use hydrating sheet masks and in the summer you would mix things up a bit. Use each mask as directed. Most are not rinsed off after application, but some are. Here are a few options to consider:
- Mario Badescu has a variety of skin-specific masks. For anti-aging, an option is the Super Collagen Mask. It’s left on for 20 minutes then rinsed off. Use 2 to 3 times per week.
- K-Beauty brands have mastered the art of sheet masks. To find what works best for you consider ordering the Dermal Combo Pack. It has 16 different types of face masks to meet your daily needs, so you can try a variety and find what works for you.
- For an overnight sleep mask one option is Advanced Clinicals Rosewater Hydra-Gel. Apply it to your face, neck, décolletage, and under your eyes. You will awake to ultra-hydrated and glowing skin.
I hope this helps you select the right face mask for your beauty needs!
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So many face-mask options!!