Face masking is something everybody can do at home to keep their skin in great condition. But in order to be effective, you need to follow the rules of face masking.
The rules of face masking are simple but if you fail to adhere to them your face mask experience may not be a good one. There are, in fact, many things that can go wrong when you use a face mask. Believe it or not there are potential dangers in applying any mask to your skin if you don't take just a few precautions. The rules are really simple. There aren't many so have a read through our top tips to make sure there are none you are leaving out.
Preparation
Preparation for applying a face mask is all about cleaning your skin. A well-cleansed skin is an oxygenated skin. This is important so that your skin can absorb the goodness from the mask you use. If your skin has been well cleansed it will be open to the skin-loving ingredients in your face mask. If it's the hydrating Hyaluronic Acid you're after or the exfoliating Glycolic Acid you want, it will penetrate a really clean skin best. We recommend a double cleanse before your mask to make sure your skin is prepared.
You also need to make sure you are using clean hands. You don't want to apply your face mask along with the bacteria that build on your hands throughout the day. Make sure to wash and sanitise your paws before you use them to spread your mask on your skin.
Application
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Apply your mask exactly as it tells you to. Some masks will specify a thin layer and other will tell you to pack it on. Either way, an even distribution on your skin will make sure you get the benefits all over your face. You can use a brush for a really perfect distribution that will be even across the whole area.
Precautions
Make sure your mask is safe to use before you put it on your delicate skin. If you've had it for a while, make sure it's still in date. You might have only used the tube once before but if it's been open a long time it could be out of date. Most face masks will have a 'use by' indication on it. It might be three, six or twelve months after opening. If you have a large stock of skincare products it's an idea to write the date you open it on the tube or bottle in permanent pen so you know how long it has been sitting there. Certain ingredients lose their effectiveness over time. If it's been open too long you won't get the results you expect from it.
Always patch test your mask before you use it. It's recommended that you patch test it somewhere discreet like below your jawline or behind your ear to make sure you don't have a reaction to it. Do your patch test 24 to 48 hours before using it.
Suitability
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Finally, you can't just presume any face mask will suit your skin. different masks are aimed at different skin types. Ideally, you should get a mask recommended by a skin expert that is suited to your skin type. You might be more compatible with certain ingredients over others to ask for advice from your skincare consultant before choosing a mask.
Whats your favourite face mask?
