How often should you use a face mask?
Face masks can be effective and help certain skin conditions/different skin types. Using face masks alongside a regular skincare routine can help maintain healthy skin. Face masks can address specific skin concerns, such as dehydrated skin, clogged pores or oily skin and impurities. However, for maximum results, it is crucial to apply them correctly. This section will include guidance on applying different types of face masks correctly.
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Find out how often you should be using the following types of masks:
- Hydration masks
- Charcoal masks
- Clay or mud masks
- Sheet masks
- Peel-off masks
- Sleep masks
- Korean masks
Frequently asked questions on using face masks.
So how often should you be using a face mask as part of your skincare routine?
Some masks can be used as part of a daily skincare routine, while others are best used once a week, or perhaps even less regularly. In fact, how often you use a face mask will largely depend on three separate factors. These are:
1. Your skin type, for example, whether you have dry, combination, or oily skin. If you are unsure of your skin type, read our guide to the five main skin types.
2. The ingredients in the mask.
3. The type of mask that you’re using.
For example, masks containing active ingredients such as salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid can result in irritation and dryness when used frequently, especially if you have sensitive skin. On the other hand, using a hydrating mask can provide daily relief from flakiness, especially if you have very dry skin.
You can read more about choosing face masks for dry skin here. Different masks work best when used with different frequencies. Let’s take a closer look:
Hydration masks
Hydration gels and moisturising cream masks are usually water-based, which means that they’re typically very mild and very caring for the skin. They’re less likely to cause irritation and can be used daily if required. However, keep in mind that these masks are very hydrating, and if you have oily skin or combination skin, daily use may clog the pores or cause acne. Once or twice a week may be enough for some people
Recommended Product:
Clarins SOS Hydra Refreshing Hydration Mask 75ml
- Deeply quenches for skin that is supple, refreshed, smooth and toned
- In 10 minutes, the skin is moisturised, plumped and radiant
- Dry algae tissue mask
- Ideal for dehydrated skin with a dull complexion, feelings of tightness, lack of softness, dehydration fine lines
Price: €40
Charcoal masks
A charcoal mask contains activated charcoal that draws impurities such as chemicals, dirt, and bacteria out of the pores. However, the charcoal can also draw out the skin’s natural oils which help to maintain hydration, so it’s important not to overuse this type of mask. If you have oily skin, you should be able to use a charcoal mask once a week, but it’s best to apply just once a month if you have very dry skin.
Recommended Product:
7th Heaven Charcoal Face Mask
- Enriched with Birch Leaf, Witch Hazel & Charcoal
- Draws out impurities
- Soothing & calming formula
- Leaves skin feeling smooth & clean
- Peel off mask
- Removes deal skin cells
Price: €2.15
Clay or mud masks
A clay mask is highly absorbent and is excellent at removing excess oil and sebum from the pores. If you have very oily skin, most types of clay masks and mud masks can be used on a daily basis, although you may find that it’s not necessary to use the mask this often. However, masks containing any exfoliating ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid should be used a little less often; about once a week.
Recommended Product:
L'Oreal Paris Pure-Clay Detox Mask 50ml
- Enriched with Black Charcoal
- Creamy texture
- Cleansing mask
- Draws out impurities
- Relaxing fragrance
Price: €12
Sheet masks
A typical sheet mask, such as a Korean face mask will usually include three beneficial skincare products: hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and antioxidants. All of these ingredients are safe to use, and many sheet masks can be used daily if needed; however, you should leave a few days in between applications for oily skin. Just keep an eye out for masks containing any active ingredient, which should be used just once a week to reduce the risk of irritation.
Recommended Product:
Oh K! After Sun Face & Neck Sheet Mask
- This mask is soaked in the nourishing essences to lock in moisture
- Delivers a boost of skin hydrating ingredients
- Shaped to fit the face and neck
Price: €5.35
Peel-off masks
Recommended Product:
Montagne Jeunesse 7th Heaven Cucumber Peel Off Mask 10ml
- For normal, oily and t-zone skin types
- Easy to use
- Contains Cucumber extracts
- Gently peels away dead skin cells
Price: €2.15
Many masks are removed by washing in warm water. However, peel off masks are designed to dry on the skin, creating a film that is peeled off, removing dead skin cells with it. These masks can create a brighter, fresher look, but should be used sparingly at no more than once per week. That’s because the physical pulling motion can be quite harsh on the skin, and may cause irritation, especially on sensitive skin.
Sleep masks
As a general rule, a sleeping mask should be used three times a week. However, there are exceptions to the rule. For example, if you’re using an overnight mask in place of your evening moisturiser, you could apply the mask every night. You can also use lightweight masks more regularly than heavy occlusive masks. And you may find you need a sleep mask more frequently in the drier winter months than in summer.
Recommended Product:
My Clarins RE-CHARGE Relaxing Sleep Mask
- A fresh, silky cream-gel texture that smoothes instantly over the skin
- Re-charges the skin overnight
- Skin is supple and hydrated, appearing healthy and radiant
Price: €29
Korean masks
Korean masks are made for a number of different purposes. You can find Korean masks for young skincare, for mature skin, for dryness, for oiliness, and all sorts of other reasons. The type of Korean mask will dictate how often it should be used. Many Korean masks are hydrating masks, which can be used regularly, and sometimes daily. Others contain chemicals, which should be used much more sparingly.
How Often to Use Face Masks: FAQs
How often should you use a collagen face mask?
Collagen face masks can usually be applied 2-3 times per week without causing problems.
Which face masks should you only use occasionally?
Face masks containing exfoliating ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, or salicylic acid should be used sparingly, as too much use can be harsh on the skin.
How often should you use a mask for oily skin?
Hydrating masks should be used sparingly. Absorbent masks like clay and mud can be used daily.
Can you use an oatmeal face mask every day?
Oatmeal face masks can be effective for calming sensitive skin. However, applying them more than once a week can dry out your skin.
Is it okay to use a face mask every night?
You can use an overnight face mask every night if you are using it in place of your moisturiser.
Can you re-use a sheet mask?
You shouldn’t re-use a sheet mask, as the mask has been absorbing dirt and bacteria from the skin. By reapplying the mask, you could be placing this back onto the skin.
How often should you use a lip mask?
Lip masks can be used daily, although it may only be necessary to use them once per week.
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