Facial masks may be astringent, moisturizing, wrinkle-fighting, oil-reducing, deep-cleaning, pore-tightening or any combination of these. Most facial masks have a pasty, easy-to-spread consistency that dries on your face. No matter what your mask contains, whether it’s homemade or store-bought, the basic application and removal process remains the same. You can safely use most facial masks as often as once a week.
Step 1
Clean your face with your usual cleanser.
Step 2
Drape a clean towel over your shoulders to help catch any material that falls from the mask during or after application. Lean over a sink, if possible, and use a mirror to aid you with the following steps.
Step 3
Dip your fingers or a clean cotton ball into the mask and smooth it onto your face. Cover your face from hairline to chin, including around your mouth and under your nose, but keep the mask away from your eyes.
Step 4
Leave the mask in place for 15 minutes. If you tolerate the mask well for this period of time, you can slowly increase the application period to a maximum of 30 minutes over the course of the next few times you use it.
Step 5
Lean over the sink or a large bowl and gently brush the mask off your face with your fingers. You may need to moisten the mask with warm water to help it loosen.
Step 6
Moisten a washcloth with warm water and use it to wipe away any remaining traces of the mask.
Step 7
Splash your face with cool water to help close your pores. Pat your face dry.
Things You'll Need
- Facial cleanser
- Towel
- Facial mask
- Clean cotton ball
- Sink or large bowl
- Warm water
- Washcloth
- Cool water
References
- "Homemade"; Reader's Digest Books; 2007
- Spa Index: Apple Cucumber Facial Mask
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