Skin & Body Care
5 Benefits of Applying Facial Masks for Skin Care
Laura Chacon-Garbato, LME – Director, Worldwide Nutrition Education and Training January 23, 2024
Clay masks, face masks and mask sheets are some of my favorite skin care products. They’re easy to apply, fun to use and great at delivering results. My favorite thing about applying a mask is the feeling of tightened and toned skin after a single use.
What Can Facial Masks Do for Your Skin?
Both women and men can benefit from using a mask product. They’re not just for relaxation: they’re the perfect treatment to help you with your skin care concerns.
A facial mask is commonly used for:
- Hydrating and moisturizing the skin
- Removing excess oils
- Improving the appearance of your pores
- Pulling out impurities
- Helping reduce signs of aging
Another benefit to wearing a face mask is the feeling of being pampered like you’re at a spa from the comfort of your own home.
5 Reasons to Apply a Skin Care Mask Right Now
Adding facial masks to your skincare (and self-care) routine can do wonders. Here are the top benefits of using facial masks regularly.
1. Skin care rituals are relaxing and therapeutic.
Facial masks don’t just offer results that improve the overall appearance of your skin. They can also be quite therapeutic. When they’re infused with aromatic essential oils like mint and rosemary, a facial mask can lift your spirit by stimulating your senses.
Using a facial mask should be whenever you have 20 to 30 minutes set aside for “me time.” It could be doing any activity that relaxes you: watching your favorite Netflix show, scrolling through funny dog videos or drawing a hot bath. You’ll be drawn into a wonderful sensory experience that will not only relax the mind and spirit but will also leave you with fabulous-looking skin.
2. Facial masks are helpful for deep cleansing.
Sure, cleansing each day helps clean your skin by removing dirt, oil, makeup and impurities from its surface, but did you know that proper masking takes the cleansing process to a whole new level?
Only a good facial mask can help draw out impurities that hide beneath the epidermis’ top layers. Some people say their skin goes through a “detoxing” when using a mask because they notice the changes in the skin while this is happening.
Masks are incredible at providing this deeper cleansing process, which leads to an improvement in the appearance of pores that you can see and feel. Who doesn’t love that?
3. Clay masks help unclog pores.
Masking with a product that contains bentonite clay or kaolin clay helps to remove dirt and absorb excess oils. It’ll also help to remove the buildup of dead skin cells that accumulate on our skin. When you remove all the debris from the surface of your skin, it’ll help to unclog pores, too, giving you the appearance of smaller, tighter pores.
We all know that clogged pores are nothing but trouble. Dirt and impurities get trapped in your pores and get pushed deep down into the pore, where bacteria can develop. Once that bacteria starts to grow, we’ll soon get a blemish, a flurry of breakouts or even one giant pimple that will wreak havoc on our life for several days.
Regular facial masks help to keep your skin surface clean and your pores unclogged. This is an excellent reason to use your facial mask right now.
4. Facial masks encourage glowing skin.
Masks, especially those with tingly mint in the formulation, can help stimulate blood circulation. The process of the mask drying on your skin and beginning to harden – along with removing the mask – causes an expansion in the blood vessels in your skin.
This ensures an overall improvement in skin tone. You’ll be left with softer-feeling and smoother-looking skin, and you’ll also notice a radiant glow and a more refreshed appearance. So, relax, feel the tingle, breathe in the minty aroma and wait for your skin transformation.
5. Facial masks help your overall regimen.
Masking helps all of your other skin care products work more efficiently. If you want your day, cream, serum and nighttime products to be absorbed by your skin quicker and deeper, a facial mask is necessary. By masking regularly, you can ensure that your toning, hydrating and protecting products will all perform better, providing you with the results you’re looking to achieve at a much faster pace.
How to Apply a Facial Mask in 5 Simple Steps
Step 1: It doesn’t have to be messy.
If you’re going to apply a facial mask while relaxing in the tub, you don’t have to worry about making a mess. You can cover your face, neck, and throat and relax.
If you don’t have time for a bath, just take the time to pull back your hair so it’s not near your face. Be sure to wear clothing that does not cover your neck area so that you don’t get it on your clothes. The messy part could be putting it on, but once it’s on, it will dry and will be easy to remove.
Step 2: Start with a freshly cleansed face.
Use your daily cleanser to remove all the surface dirt, oils and makeup before applying your mask. This will help ensure that you receive all the benefits your facial mask was designed to deliver.
Pro Tip: Before applying your facial mask, dab a small amount of eye gel or eye cream around the eyes. This will help to protect this very delicate area from dehydration.
Step 3: Using damp hands, apply your mask directly onto your wet skin.
Remember, it’s called a facial mask for a reason. You should look like you’re wearing a mask when you put it on. Never rub the mask directly into your skin.
It should be applied like frosting on a cupcake. Be sure to avoid the eye area, keep your nostrils clear and extend the mask from your face, down your neck and throat. There’s nothing worse than a young-looking face and an old wrinkly neck, right? I always treat my neck as an extension of my face.
Step 4: Just leave it on and wait.
You can use these 10 to 20 minutes to relax, style your hair, check your email – whatever you want. Just be conscientious of the time and follow the directions on the label for time of removal. The product benefits are tied to the directions for usage. Be sure to follow them for optimal benefits.
Step 5: It’s time to remove the mask.
Masks are designed to adhere to your skin. You don’t want to be too rough when removing it. Use plenty of water and a washcloth to wash away the mask gently. Pat – don’t rub your skin dry with a towel.
It doesn’t get any easier than that when it comes to using a mask.
Pro Tip: When your facial mask has dried, and it’s time for it to come off, simply place a warm, wet washcloth over your face and hold it onto your skin for a few seconds. Repeat this a few times to help loosen up and dissolve the facial mask from your skin. This tip will make the rinse-off process much easier and gentler for your skin.
How Often Should You Use Facial Masks?
Every healthy skin care regimen includes daily use and weekly use products. You can use a facial mask once a week or up to three times a week, depending on your skin type. A normal to dry skin type should use it less, and a normal to oily skin type can use it more.
Everyone should introduce masking into their skin care regimen if they haven’t done so already. For just a few (relaxing) minutes a day, your skin will undergo a noticeable transformation that you can see and feel. You will love the way your skin looks.