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Image: Shutterstock Are you always confused about whether to use a face mask before or after showering? With plenty of conflicting answers online, dermatologists say that the right usage predominantly depends on the type of mask as well as your skin type. In this article, let’s understand which type of face mask should be used before or after a shower, and how and when you should apply it for the best results. Highlights: What Sort Of Face Mask Are You Using?With different facial masks available in the market, these can be mainly categorized into the following types based on the application, benefits and type of skin it is meant for. 1. Clay Or Charcoal MasksThese masks are mainly used for acne-prone and oily skin types. These masks contain ingredients that have properties to absorb excess sebum and decongest pores. These are often used for exfoliating skin [1]. 2. Hydrating MasksThese masks mainly contain nourishing ingredients and come in creamy or gel textures. These are mainly meant to treat dry and sensitive skin. 3. Anti-Aging MasksThese masks come with active ingredients such as vitamin C, niacinamide [2], and other fruit extracts rich in antioxidants. These help in treating different aging signs on the skin such as fine lines, uneven skin tone, pigmentation, wrinkles, roughness, etc. How To Apply A Face Mask Properly?Follow the below steps to apply a face mask properly, regardless of the type of mask: Step 1:Use a gentle cleanser to clean your face thoroughly. Step 2Apply a thin layer of the facial mask all over your face and neck areas using a soft brush. Avoid applying it to your eyes and lips. Step 3If it is an exfoliating face mask, massage your skin gently in circular strokes for a few minutes. Step 4Wait for 15-20 minutes until the mask becomes dry. In general, masks for oily skin are meant to be left for a shorter time while anti-aging and hydrating masks need to be left for a longer time. Step 5Use lukewarm water to rinse off the facial mask. You can also use a soft washcloth for easier cleaning. Step 6After half an hour, follow up with your normal skincare routine which includes the steps of toning, applying serum, moisturizing, and sunscreen application. Did You Know? Aging causes loss of bone mass, even in the face. This causes your face to shrink with aging [3]. Should A Face Mask Be Applied Before Or After A Shower?Face Masks To Be Applied Before ShowerAnti-acne, cleansing and exfoliating masks such as clay, charcoal, or mud masks are better to be applied before showering. After exfoliating and leaving the mask for a few minutes, a lukewarm shower can be used to remove the mask. This will easily help eliminate dirt, sebum, dead skin, and other contaminants from the skin pores. Face Masks To Be Applied After ShowerA warm shower opens up the skin's pores and makes it ready to absorb the active ingredients present in facial masks. Hence, hydrating and anti-aging masks which require your skin to absorb the ingredients deeply, need to be applied after showering. Also, applying these masks after showering helps to trap the moisture in the skin, making it feel softer and plump after removing the face mask.
When Is The Best Time To Use A Face Mask?There is no hard and fast rule about the time of using facial masks and they can be applied at any time of the day. However, when you apply hydrating and anti-aging face masks before showering, the active agents present in the masks are likely to get washed off when you shower later. This reduces the beneficial impact of these masks on your skin. So, it is better to apply hydrating face masks in the morning as they can enhance your skin glow for the rest of the day. Similarly, you can apply exfoliating face masks at night before bedtime. Wrapping Up
1. Clay facial masks: physicochemical stability at different storage temperatures, November-2007 https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1468-2494.2007.00391_5.x 2. Topical niacinamide reduces yellowing, wrinkling, red blotchiness, and hyperpigmented spots in aging facial skin, September-2004 https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1467-2494.2004.00228.x 3. Changes in the Facial Skeleton With Aging: Implications and Clinical Applications in Facial Rejuvenation, May-2012 Is it better to use a face mask in the morning or night?Should I use a face mask in the morning or night? They can be used at any time of the day. However, if you're using a mask that exfoliates or clarifies your skin, then it's best to use that at night. But if you're using one that hydrates the skin, then you should apply it in the morning to give your skin an added glow.
What is the best time to put face mask?So, it is better to apply hydrating face masks in the morning as they can enhance your skin glow for the rest of the day. Similarly, you can apply exfoliating face masks at night before bedtime.
Is it healthy to do a face mask every night?For hydrating, gentle formulas, such as cream and gel masks, you can experiment with using the face mask daily. If you're using an exfoliating or purifying formula and you're starting to see raw skin or light irritation, it might be best to decrease your frequency to once per week or once every few weeks.
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