The facts about Face Masks

Face masks aren’t exactly new revelations in the world of skincare, but they have received a sudden spike in popularity in recent years due to the rise of Korean sheet masks and the plethora of hilarious fail videos that have flooded the internet of people desperately trying to peel off their activated charcoal masks.

Here’s a little guide on face masks, how to use them and how to remove them so you don’t end up making the same mistakes as these guys!

First and foremost, always clean your skin before using a face mask for maximum results. Otherwise your face mask will just be lifting away your makeup, face products and your dirt and oil build-up from the day.

Clay Masks

Clay masks exfoliate and detoxify the skin, clearing the skin of any excess oils, debris and dead skin cells. They can also tighten sagging skin and refine pores.

There are several types of clay – some can be hydrating, others can be purifying – but all clay masks have similar properties.

Clay masks can be rinsed off with warm water once they have dried completely. Some clay masks may need up to 40 minutes to dry completely so don’t use a clay mask on a busy day! Be sure to only apply a thin layer or else it may not dry properly.

Clay masks should be used no more than once a week to avoid over-drying the skin.

Mud Masks

Mud masks are similar to clay masks since they are usually formulated with clay. They suck up dirt, debris and excess oils and exfoliate dead skin cells.

Mud masks tighten, detoxify and refresh tired skin, repair skin tissue and improve blood circulation. Bentonite is a key detoxifying ingredient that can be found in some mud masks.

Mud masks usually require 20-30 minutes drying time and can be used several times a week depending on the ingredients.

Sheet Masks

Sheet masks are super quick and easy and are excellent for adding hydration, nourishment and moisture to the skin.

These masks fit snuggly on the face with cut-outs for the eyes, nose and mouth.

Allow the ingredients to soak into the skin for 15 minutes before removing. If there is any excess product, apply it to other areas of the body that could use a little extra moisture.

The only downside to sheet masks is that they are single usage products, so they might not be the most cost-effective option.

Bubble Masks

Bubble masks were the second facial mask trend to blow up the internet with people rocking their plump, puffy faces.

The formula of these masks causes a reaction with the oxygen in the air which causes it to fizz up and bubble. These bubbles enable the ingredients to penetrate deep into the skin to clean out pores and blemishes and awaken tired skin. Bubble masks also tend to contain powerful free-radical fighting ingredients for added nourishment.

Bubble masks should be left on for around five minutes before rinsing off. If your skin needs some extra attention, spend 1-2 minutes massaging the bubbles to really work the product into the skin.  

Photo: ZeApollo/Reddit

Peel Masks

Removing peel masks is oh so satisfying. But peel masks are not just a gimmick!

Peel masks contain antioxidant ingredients and vitamins to rejuvenate the skin, leaving it dewy, glowing and flaw-free, whilst the peel-off motion assists in exfoliation.

Just apply a thin layer of the gel-like product, allow it to dry, then peel off with care.

Sensitive skin types should use peel masks sparingly, if at all, since they may cause irritation.

You can shop our entire range of face masks here

And if you want to have a laugh, learn all the ways how not to remove a face mask below!