Should your next mask be a clay, a cream, a gel, or perhaps a formula marked with an “exfoliating” tag? If you’re new to using masks, you may overthink this question. A mask is just one part of a simple skin care routine, and no single mask can address every skin concern. When you’re starting, try using a mask that responds to the immediate state of your skin and leave your other skin care steps as basic as possible.
If your skin looks oily, use a clay mask. Clay masks are also appropriate if you think product has built up on the skin or if the skin in the T-zone requires deep cleansing. If you use a clay mask, don’t leave it on for too long, don’t apply it all over the face if the cheeks are sensitive or dry, and don’t use any other strong skincare step when using a clay mask. Don’t cover your whole face in clay if it already feels tight.
If you are unsure if your skin needs clay, start with a cream mask. Cream masks are good for dry or tight skin. A cream mask can also be used if you’re unsure if the skin needs to be deeply cleaned or if the skin needs more hydration. Adding more cream is not always better, though; you might find it difficult to remove a thick layer of cream mask, and your skin might feel too “heavy.” Test applying a thinner layer, then take a moment to notice your face’s overall temperature and comfort levels after removal.
Use extreme caution when using an exfoliant (also called a resurfacing product) mask while practicing beginner cosmetology. Be extra careful using anything with words such as “enzyme,” “resurfacing,” “brightening,” or “peeling” on the label. Before applying such a product, check your face to see if it’s currently red, inflamed, sensitive, dry, or irritated. If it is, then don’t use the product; don’t use a scrub, potent ingredient, or several types of masks at one time. Learn how to be careful and smart about what product you use, rather than “how much” your face can “take.”
Before you even pick a mask up off the shelf, make a decision. Write a sentence about how your skin looks currently: “It’s oily around the nose and T-zone but dry around the cheeks,” or, “I’m not sure; it seems dull.” Choose one type of mask and pick out one reason why that mask will work. Wash your face with a cleanser and wash or disinfect any tools (or use a disposable spatula and facial brush). Use a small amount of product, and time it conservatively. When you’ve removed it, take a moment to think about how your face feels after using it, then make a few notes about your skin-care routine.
How you remove the mask also matters. A properly selected product can still feel harsh on the skin, and removing it with too much friction can feel worse. Use damp cotton pads or a soft towel in small motions. If the mask has hardened, soften it first to make sure you’re not pulling it off the face. Keep an eye on the areas surrounding the nose, lips, and cheeks, as you might press harder on those areas without realizing it. If your skin turns red when you remove a cosmetic product, you may be rubbing too hard.
A well-selected product usually helps simplify the rest of your skin care routine. Ideally, you won’t need to use three different types of serum, an extra exfoliating product, or two types of masks to make sense of what happened after you use the product. Wash and cleanse your face gently with your first step, choose and apply one mask, remove the mask, and follow up with a simple moisturizer and make a few skin-care notes. When you’ve tried this out, ask yourself, “Did the product do everything?” No. Instead, ask, “Was this what I expected based on what I noticed, and did my face feel comfortable when using it?”