A consistent skincare regimen is one of the best things you can do for your face. If your skin starts to look dull and lifeless, a little TLC may be all you need to rejuvenate it. There are plenty of ways to achieve this and one, in particular, is a sure fire way to make your skin radiant.
Face masks are versatile in that they pack a mean punch when combating unwanted skin troubles. But, it’s not as easy as opening up a package and then leaving it on your face for a few minutes.
There’s almost a science to it. To really soak up (literally) all of the benefits your mask has to offer, you have to keep a few simple rules in mind.
Start At The Beginning
Face masks offer several benefits as a regular part of your beauty routine. They are hydrating and bring moisture that your skin just can’t lock in.
Certain masks can also mitigate the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. The best masks also contain vital nutrients to help ensure that your skin looks great for years to come.
That said, even the best masks accomplish nothing if you use them incorrectly. When using a face mask for the first, or the hundredth time, read and follow the instructions provided on the mask. It might seem like a trivial thing, but it really makes a big difference.
Many women assume that leaving a mask on longer is better, but it’ll actually pull moisture out of your skin if allowed to completely dry. You can set a timer to avoid overexposure by simply using your phone.
You also need to choose the right mask for your skin type. If you have oily skin, a clay mask is the best choice to remove the excess. Again, you don’t want to leave it on too long or too little. Otherwise, the mask can’t do its magic for you.
If you have dry or sensitive skin, choose a moisturizing formula instead. This can help reduce skin irritation. If you’re lucky enough to have normal skin, cream masks are the best fit for you.
Don’t Forget To Prep
Putting a face mask on unwashed skin is often worse than not using one at all. Washing your face will help remove the grime of the day.
Any dirt left on your skin would be trapped by the mask and forced into your pores. This can lead to acne and other unsightly blemishes. Dirt can also obstruct nutrients and moisture from entering your pores as intended, rendering your mask ineffective.
Exfoliating your face beforehand is also a good idea. Dead skin cells act like dirt in that they can block your living cells from receiving the benefits of the mask.
If you have the time, steaming your face beforehand opens your pores and lets your mask really deep clean. There are many ways to do this, including a hot shower, using a warm washcloth, or even using a pot of hot water and a towel to create a sauna-like experience. Just make sure you don’t burn yourself in the process!
Get Creative
Many face masks are single-use, taking a bite out of your pocketbook each time you use one. But, by thinking outside of the box a little, you can stretch your dollar a little more.
For example, don’t be afraid to cut the mask to make it fit your face. Pieces that are left can be used to spot treat unwanted acne on your neck, arms, shoulders or back. If there is any serum left in the packaging, you can also squeeze it out for later use. It needs to be refrigerated and should be used within 24 hours.
ne thing you cannot do is reuse a previously worn mask. The old one is now full of the dirt and oils it removed from your skin. So, putting it back on will recontaminate your face. If you do end up with leftover serum you can apply it to a new dry mask instead.
Glow, Skin, Glow
Take your skincare routine to a new level by applying different solutions when using face masks. Your skin will gain an attractive glow and it’ll help it look young and radiant.
Of course, masks are great to add as a part of your personalized skincare routine. You can also use a face moisturizer to follow-up a facial mask. Your moisturizer has the chance to go deeper now that your pores are clean and can really up your beauty game tenfold.
