How to Apply Face Mask: Follow 7 steps

Face masks nourish and rejuvenate your skin. Whether for detoxifying pores or hydrating dry skin, the right face mask can help you get relief from various skin problems. Applying a face mask is also a great way to indulge in self-care, as it allows you to relax and pamper yourself. But what is the best way to apply a face mask? Should I use it after washing my face? Or should you apply a moisturizer afterwards? Find your answers right here.

What is a face mask?

A face mask is a cosmetic product or a homemade pack that is applied to the face for various skin care purposes. It usually comes in paste or gel form and is formulated with clay, clay, herbs, vitamins, essential oils or other ingredients that benefit the skin, says cosmetologist and skin expert Dr Jatin Mittal. Face masks are designed to address specific skin care concerns such as acne, dryness, oiliness, dullness or aging. They work by deep cleansing the skin, unclogging pores, removing impurities and nourishing the skin.

How to apply a face mask at home?

Follow these steps to apply it:

1. Wash your face

Start by washing your face with a gentle cleanser to remove any dirt, oil or makeup. This step ensures that your skin is clean and ready to absorb the benefits of the face pack. Take a clean towel and wipe your face gently.

2. Exfoliate

If you want to maximize the effectiveness of a face mask, you can exfoliate your skin before applying it, suggests an expert. Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells, allowing the face mask to penetrate deeper into the skin. Use a gentle scrub or exfoliating cleanser and massage into your skin in circular motions. Rinse and dry using lukewarm water.

Also read

3. Prepare a face mask

Follow the instructions on the packaging to prepare the face mask. It usually involves mixing dry or liquid ingredients to form a soft paste or gel. If it’s a homemade face mask, collect the natural ingredients and mix them until it forms a paste.

4. Apply a face mask

Apply the face mask evenly to your face with clean fingers, a brush or a spatula. While doing so, avoid the sensitive skin around your eyes and lips. If you want, you can also apply it to your neck.

5. Rest and let dry

After applying the face mask, relax and let it dry completely. Most face masks take about 10 to 20 minutes to dry. At this point, you may feel a tightness on your skin as the face mask dries.

6. Rinse off the face mask

After it dries, wash off the face mask. Use warm water to gently massage your face in circular motions, the dried face mask loosens and rinses off easily. Make sure all traces of the face mask are removed from your skin.

7. Pat dry and moist

After your face is clean, pat dry with a soft towel. Follow with your favorite moisturizer to replenish hydration and lock in moisture. This step helps restore your skin’s natural barrier and leaves it feeling soft, supple and nourished.

After moisturizing, you can also apply skin care products like serums or eye creams. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen if you’re going outside, especially during the day, says Dr. Mittal, as some skin care ingredients can increase sensitivity to sunlight.

While it’s tempting to use a face mask every day, using it too often strips the skin of its natural oils and can cause over-drying and irritation. Continue using the face mask once to twice a week. Also, if you are using new products and ingredients do a patch test before applying them to your entire face.