Using cosmetic face masks is an easy and fun way to take care of your skin. Made with powerful ingredients, these masks come with nourishing properties that are essential to skincare. When applied on a regular basis, a cosmetic face mask will leave your skin feeling smooth, silky, and healthy-looking.
Most cosmetic face masks are simple to use because they come with detailed instructions on how to apply them. However, what we should do after using the product can sometimes be confusing. You may not know how to remove the mask, or you may have questions about washing your face afterward. This is especially true if you are trying out a new type of mask, which may have unique aftercare instructions.
Are you wondering what to do after a cosmetic face mask? It all depends on the type of mask you want to use.
Sheet masks
Sheet masks are among the easiest cosmetic face masks to remove. They are made from a thin sheet of paper or cloth soaked with a formula that moisturizes and nourishes the skin. When it’s time to remove your sheet mask, peel it off gently and throw it away.
Don’t wash your face. Instead, massage the serum that remains on your face onto your skin. If there was not a lot of serum left after removing the mask, you can moisturize your skin with an oil-free moisturizer to seal in the active ingredients of the mask.
Peel-off masks
Peel-off masks usually have the texture of a gel. As you can guess by their name, you are supposed to peel them off your face. After you have applied the mask to your face, you have to wait until it’s completely dry before removing it.
The mask’s instructions should tell you how long you have to wait. When it’s time, grab the edge of the mask on your forehead, and gently peel it off by pulling downwards. You can then apply a moisturizer if you want to.
Cream masks
Cream masks are usually designed to give your skin a nice moisture boost. Depending on the texture of your cream mask, you might be able to simply remove it with a soft tissue before massaging the excess moisture onto your skin.
If your cream mask appears too thick to be removed with a tissue, you can remove it with a washcloth soaked with lukewarm water. You can then apply a moisturizer to seal in the moisture.
Gel masks
Gel masks have a different texture than cream masks, but some of them can also simply be removed by a paper tissue. However, there are other types of gel masks that will require you to gently wipe off your face with a washcloth soaked in lukewarm water.
When you finish applying the mask, gently rub your hands over your face with more lukewarm water. Doing this ensures that you get every last bit of the mask off your skin. You can then apply a moisturizer to end this skincare routine properly.
Clay masks
Clay masks are made from clay, and they are ideal for oily or acne-prone skin. You will start by applying a thick cream to your face, but as it dries, the clay will solidify and will need to be washed off.
You should be able to remove your clay mask with a washcloth and some lukewarm water. Gently rub the washcloth on your face and follow with a few splashes of water to make sure there is no clay left on your skin. Afterward, you can finish with a moisturizer.
Mud masks
Mud masks are similar to clay masks, even though both can be designed to bring different benefits to your skin. Read the instructions on your mud mask to know how long you have to keep it on.
When the time is up, wash it off with a lukewarm washcloth, or with your hands. Make sure you have completely removed the mask from your face. Finish with a moisturizer to shrink your pores and seal in the moisture.
Charcoal masks
Charcoal masks are formulated with activated charcoal, which can remove dirt, toxins, oil, and impurities from your skin. Some charcoal masks are meant to be peeled off your skin. Unfortunately, this process can hurt so it is not recommended for everyone.
If your charcoal mask is not a peel-off mask, wash it off with a warm washcloth. When you have completely removed the black substance from your skin, apply a gentle moisturizer.
Overnight masks
If your skin is very dry and damaged, it can be repaired with an overnight mask. These masks are designed to work their magic while you sleep, so you have to remove them when you get up in the morning.
Some overnight masks can be gently peeled off, while others have to be washed off with a lukewarm washcloth. You should be fine with simply cleansing your face the way you do it every morning.