We all know face masks rules; first, wash your face, apply the mask, and wait for a few minutes as it dries, and rinse or peel it off. Indeed, it seems obvious and simple.
However, there is a lot about face masks that you need to take into consideration; from selecting the right face mask for your skin type to the method of application.
If you’ve settled on your preferred face mask, you need to know how to use it properly especially it is going to be your first time. Also, if you’ve been masking for quite some time, don’t be surprised to realize that you’ve been doing it the wrong way.
Here are some of the common mistakes you are probably making with your face masks or likely to make.
Not Considering your Skin Type
It’s super important to understand your skin type before you can choose a mask. Most women use face masks not intended for their skin – a mistake which can lead to other complications including redness, over-drying or acne flair-ups.
Skin types are categorized into three: oily, combination, dry, and sensitive skin.
If you have oily skin, clay and mad face masks are the best options as they help keep the production of sebum at bay as well as remove dirt and impurities.
Combination skin is balanced, usually with an even tone. By using the wrong mask, you are doing more harm to your skin than good. In this case, you need to choose masks that can soothe, hydrate, and absorb excess oil without irritating the skin.
You can also try double masking which is a good option for people with combination type of skin. So, choose masks depending on your skin concerns, for instance, you can use one solely for removing excess oils while the other for treating acne. Whichever the choice you make, the general rule of thumb is never to use any masks that contain harsh or skin-aggravating ingredients. Moreover, following a skin care routine that’s non-irritating can help you avoid inflammation or sensitivity.
Dry/sensitive skin exhibits a feeling of tightness or harshly reacts to the use of products with certain ingredients. Not all face masks are best suited for dry or sensitive skin.
One of the common mistakes that people with dry or sensitive skin make is choosing face masks that contain lots of oils. This is the last blunder you want to make because face mask with excess oils can leave your skin greasy, and it can be a good way of introducing acne causing bacteria into your skin.
The solution is purchasing alcohol-free and highly hydrating masks. Also, choose gentle formulas that don’t leave your skin excessively dry or inflamed.
Masking before Cleansing
Face preparation is an entire process on its own and should be taken seriously to achieve better results. Skipping skin cleansing phase or applying a mask before prepping your face can lead to undesirable results.
To get the best out of your facial masks, gently cleanse your face with soap and water or any face cleansing product. This helps to unclog your pores which in turn gives the face mask a higher probability of penetrating into the skin and acting as expected.
Other face prep procedures that can be followed include the use of steam to dilate the pores, and mild exfoliators to enhance the absorption of the face mask ingredients into the skin.
Leaving your Face Mask On for Too Long
Having a face mask on for a longer period does not guarantee potency or efficacy. In fact, the effect may be negative, for instance, irritation, redness or having trouble peeling off a clay mask that had stayed on for too long.
These products have well-outlined directions on the best way to use them, and the right amount of time to leave them on. Set a timer if need be.
However, if you are using clay masks, it should be rinsed off the moment you smile and feel it cracking. Also, these face masks tend to change color as time passes by to a lighter shade, an indication that it’s ready to be rinsed off.
If there’s no specified time, rinse or peel off the mask after 15 – 20 minutes.
Not Rinsing your Face Properly
Proper rinsing of the face is another important step to achieving a soft and radiant skin. In most instances, you may splash water on your face a few times then pat dry. When you do it wrongly, you are leaving residue, impurities, and dirt on your pores. Clogged pores can harbor acne causing bacteria or hinder oxygen from penetrating your skin thus preventing your skin from healing and fighting infections.
To get the best results, rinse your face multiple times using lukewarm water and soap. Using a soft wash cloth, make small and circular motions ensuring you cover all areas of your face. Splash cool water onto your face to help close the pores. Finally, apply a gentle moisturizer to combat dryness.
Inconsistent Use of the Face Mask
Consistency is crucial when it comes to the use of face masks. Depending on the type of product you’re using, the eventual outcome may be much better when you follow a face mask routine. This routine increases the probability of achieving a smoother, younger, and more even-toned skin.
The frequency of masking depends on your skin type, and some other factors including, the time of the year and the weather. Clay face masks should be used at least once or twice in a week. Hydrating masks, on the other hand, can be used on a daily basis. However, combining the two masks doesn’t hurt as they give you skin a healthy and smooth look.
Finally, the benefits of using face masks are undeniable. Different skin concerns like acne and blemishes, blackheads and visible pimples can be prevented or even treated by these products.
From homemade face masks to the commercially produced products, the resultant effect is a relaxed, and shiny skin.
However, this is only the case when you use the products in the right proportions, for the specified periods, with the right tools, and for the right skin type.
The mistakes you make when using face masks are easy to avoid. If you take your time to follow the direction we’ve outlined, you are on the right path towards achieving a smooth, healthy, and gleaming look.
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