What are face masks and what do they do?
Face masks are like moisturizers, face oils, and serums. They are used often for hydrating and moisturizing the skin, removing impurities and pollution from your face, and for anti-aging, brightening, and exfoliating your facial skin. You might also get a feeling of relaxation.
They help in unclogging the pores of the facial skin. If the mask has Kaolin or Bentonite clay, then it will help in removing dirt and excess oil from your facial skin. Dr. Nikhil Dhingra, a Dermatologist at Spring Street Dermatology, New York, says, “Face masks can be an effective way to deliver an intensive burst of nourishing and therapeutic skincare ingredients in a highly concentrated form.”
The effectiveness of a face mask also depends on the type of face mask, your skin type, how they are applied, and the frequency with which they are used.
Types of face masks and the frequency of their use
The type of face mask decides the frequency with which you will use the face mask every day. These face masks are packed with benefits and if applied correctly, can provide positive results and boost your facial skin.
Charcoal Face Masks
If you have oily skin or you live/work in an area that has pollution, then charcoal masks could be the best option for you. They can remove impurities and excess oil from the skin. But you have to first try using it only once a week to see how your skin responds to the face mask as it can dry the skin. If your skin has a positive response to charcoal face wash, then you can use it twice a week.
Clay Masks
If you want to avoid clogged pores, clay masks could be a good choice. A study published in the Journal of International Geology Review in 2010 shows that the minerals in clay have powerful properties of absorption.
It helps in removing the excess oil, toxins, dirt, and contaminants from your facial skin. It also protects your facial skin from dead skin accumulation. If you have dry skin, then it is better to apply a clay mask once a week, since clay masks can make the skin dry. But if you have oily skin, you can consider applying a clay mask twice a week.
Exfoliating Masks
If you want your facial skin to glow, then you need to remove the dead skin cells from your skin surface. For this, you can use an exfoliating mask one to three times a week. They are a great alternative to facial scrubs. They contain ingredients like AHA, Salicylic acid, and fruit enzymes which helps in shedding the dead skin cells off your facial skin.
Overnight Masks
Overnight masks are applied at night and left overnight so that they can hydrate and moisturize your skin. You can use it two to three times a week. If you have dry skin, then you can use it more than three times a week.
Ubtan Face Mask
This Ubtan face mask not only cleanses your facial skin but also exfoliates it. It can easily be prepared at home. Just add one tablespoon of yogurt, gram flour, and a pinch of turmeric in a bowl and mix them well. Your Ubtan face mask is ready to be applied. You can put it on your face for 10-15 minutes so that it can dry. And then you can wash your face with warm water.
Fruit Face Mask
Fruit face masks are very good for your facial skin. Fruits like bananas and papaya are rich in Vitamins and potassium. It helps in reducing dark spots, blemishes, and wrinkles. It also helps in keeping your skin glowing as well as hydrated.
How to Apply a Face Mask?
Not only choosing the right face mask but also the right way to apply it will make it more effective on your facial skin. Here are the steps for applying a face mask in the right way:
Step 1: Clean your face
Before applying a mask, you should clean your face and remove all the makeup, dirt, oil, etc from your face.
Step 2: Do not mess it up
Just relax while applying and gently cover your face, neck, and throat area with the mask. Pull up your hair before putting it on and wear something which does not cover the neck area.
Step 3: Directly apply it on your skin
Do not directly rub the mask on your skin. Put it on directly and extend the mask around your face and neck area. Avoid the eye area.
Step 4: Just Wait
After applying the face mask, wait for 10 to 20 minutes so that your mask dries and works its magic on your facial skin.
Step 5: Remove it now
Use lukewarm water to remove the face mask and gently pat your skin with a cloth. Do not be harsh with your skin and rub it off. Be gentle while removing the mask.
How frequently one should use a face mask?
If you want to take good care of your skin, you should add face masks to your skin-care routine. You would not only feel relaxed by using a face mask but it will also have positive benefits for your skin. Generally, you can use a face mask one to three times a week. It also depends on your skin type. If you have dry skin, then you can use it less. If you have oily skin, then using it three times a week can be beneficial.
There are several types of face mask to choose from. It may be confusing to know your skin type and the kind of face mask that would best provide you with happy and healthy skin. Tira Cosmetics can help you here. We have a wide range of products and information around beauty and skincare. You can read our blogs to know more.
