By Josephine Agbonkhese 

Every skincare junkie understands that using a face mask as part of regular skin care routine is immensely beneficial to the skin. This is because face masks can help address specific skin care concerns such as dullness or excess oil, plus, they are also pretty relaxing— but that is, if you’re doing it right. 

Certain face mask mistakes such as the following, could keep you from reaping the benefits of this magical beauty product, and learning to identify them might be all that is needed to achieve the clear, glowing skin you desire.

1. Not considering your skin type

It’s important to pick a face mask that suits your skin type; otherwise, you might miss out on the benefits of masking. For example, dry skin can do with a hydrating sheet mask while a mattifying clay mask will do wonders for oily skin. Also, have your breakouts got worse or are your pores in need of deep cleansing? 

You just need to consider all of these before masking.

Photos: 

Simple Hydrating Sheet Mask

Hollywood Style Mineral Clay Mask

 2. Not cleaning your hands and face beforehand 

Applying face masks with dirty hands and on a dirty, oily face is a big no-no. You should apply a face mask to clean, dry skin; so, make sure to cleanse your skin first and pat dry— or wipe with a cotton pad dipped in cleansing water.

Otherwise, you could be layering a face mask on top of dirt and bacteria.

Dirty hands and face can transfer germs and bacteria to your mask, which can further contaminate the skin on your face. You can also consider applying with a flat brush.

Photo: 

Model washing face 

 3. Using too much or too little

As with many other beauty products, the amount you use is key. Applying too little won’t let you reap all the benefits and applying too much can irritate the skin. Just find a balance. Usually, it’s best to apply one even layer over clean, dry skin for best results.

 4. Wearing it on for too long

Unless you’re using an overnight mask, you should avoid leaving the product on your face for too long. This can irritate the skin and cause redness and sensitivity. Make it a rule of thumb to follow the instructions given at the back of the packaging to the letter.

 5. Not moisturising after masking 

Another masking error is believing that masking can replace other steps in your beauty routine. 

Whatever you do, always remember that masking isn’t the last step in your skincare routine and can never be. Post-masking steps involve a good moisturiser. Once you take off your mask, apply a light hydrating moisturiser to seal in all the moisture and active ingredients delivered by the mask. Otherwise, masking might result in dry skin. 

Photo:

Simple Kind To Skin Hydrating Light Moisturiser.

Olay Night Moisturiser.