Benefits, Dos, and Don’ts of Face Masks

By Mia Clingham

As someone who struggles with irritable, decidedly imperfect skin, I have tried about every type of quick-skin remedy. In my search to find any sort of skincare routine, what has stuck with me is the use of purifying and revitalizing face masks. 

So in an effort to share some tips, here are some dos, don’ts, and benefits of face masks.

Benefits

• Face masks offer more concentrated doses of ingredients in your normal skincare routine (i.e. salicylic acid) and better penetrate your skin due to longer contact 

• They are super therapeutic and allow for a little self-care in your day (and maybe they could decrease those stress-induced breakouts)

• Specific masks target specific problem areas (dry skin, excess oil, dehydration, etc.) to allow for the intersectionality of skin problems to be individually rectified 

• Masks are a much more affordable option than facials

While face masks provide seemingly magical benefits, it’s important to use them correctly so they don’t have an adverse effect. 

Dos

• Keep them on for the suggested duration!!!

• Use with caution — you never know how a new product might affect you 

• Read the ingredients to make sure you aren’t allergic to anything within the mask 

• Check the ‘best-by date’ on the back so you don’t use an expired product (shocking, but I’ve done it) 

• Try out the mask on a small area of your face to make sure your face reacts favorably 

• Use multiple types (i.e. clay masks one day paired with the hydrating mask a few days later)

• Apply masks on a freshly cleansed face to remove dirt, oils, and impurities

Don’ts

• Use masks on irritated skin 

• Apply a face mask without washing your hands 

• Scrub a mask off aggressively or use unreasonably hot water — be gentle, your skin is fragile

Face masks are a budget-friendly addition to self-care routines. Healthy, glowing skin is easily accessible to everyone! Great places to find face masks include CVS, Target, and Sephora. I encourage everyone to add face masks to their skincare routine if used correctly and for their skin type.