Clarins’ guide to face masks

Life can get busy sometimes. The perfect antidote? A face mask. Not only do they breathe hydration and life back into dull, overworked skin, but face masks are also a perfect way to relax and unwind. What’s more, you can pop on a mask and continue working through your task list if you need to, so a busy week doesn’t have to mean your skin suffers.

Whether you need a quick, rejuvenating pick-me-up or are already using a face mask as part of your weekly routine, our guide covers everything you need to know. From how often to use a face mask to how to apply a face mask, we’ve got you covered.

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What is a face mask?

A face mask is a targeted formula that’s applied to the entire face (and sometimes neck) area.

Powered by plant-based extracts – such as Leaf Of Life, Mango and Shea Butter – our face masks effectively target specific any skin concerns you may have. The result? Skin that’s hydrated, restored and intensely nourished So, whether your complexion is oily, combination or dry, a mask will help to rebalance your skin – giving you soft, supple, happy skin day in and day out.

Masks come in various forms and textures – including gels, creams and sheet masks – and are left on the skin for anything between five and twenty five minutes.

What do face masks do?

As well as treating your skin to a splash of nourishing ingredients, face masks help to draw out impurities, leaving you with a healthy, clean complexion that’s ready to take on the day.

Face masks benefits

There are a number of reasons why face masks should be a staple item in any beauty routine. So, if you’re wondering whether face masks are good for you, here are our top five benefits that’ll have you wanting to fill up your shopping basket with them, month after month.

Benefit 1: A deep cleanse

Do face masks clog pores? Quite the opposite. Applied to the surface of the skin, a mask absorbs deeply into the pores, providing an intensely nourishing treatment that helps to remove impurities below the epidermis. The mask actually clings to the dirt in your pores, so when you wash it away, it’ll take the dirt with it. This leaves the surface of your skin super-clean, unclogged and radiant to boot.

Benefit 2: A healthy glow

As the mask dries on your face, it causes your blood vessels to expand which helps to promote blood circulation. This means that with regular use you can expect a face mask to improve your skin tone and give you an even, radiant glow.

Benefit 3: Relaxation

Face masks provide the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and carve out some time for yourself during a busy, hectic day. In fact, the therapeutic and relaxing qualities of a face mask can be just as beneficial to you as the nourishing ingredients they contain.

Benefit 4: Instant results

Whereas some beauty products require daily use for you to reap their benefits, the power of a face mask is instant. Working hard to refine pores, even skin tone and increase hydration all in one go, a replenishing mask the night before a big event is one way to ensure your skin is as gorgeous as it can be, ready for the special occasion.

Benefit 5: Target specific skin concerns

Just like moisturisers, cleansers and oils, face masks can target specific skin concerns. Whether your skin is oily, dry or combination, a face mask helps rebalance your complexion and intensely nourish your skin. To find out which mask is best for you, read our guide on finding the right face mask for your skin concern.

What’s more, you can supercharge the power of any face mask by adding a few drops of face treatment oils. Soothe dry skin with our Santal Treatment Oil, or help restore and revitalise a dehydrated complexion with Blue Orchid Treatment Oil. Want to rebalance your oily/combination skin? Give your face mask a helping hand with a drop or two of Lotus Treatment Oil – its Sacred Lotus acts as an astringent while Hazelnut extracts protect and nourish. Plant powered skin care at its best.

How often should you use a face mask?

For skin that’s as gorgeous as it deserves to be, we recommend using a face mask at least twice per week. With this regularity, your skin will be hydrated, nourished and free from impurities – making it easy to maintain a healthy, radiant glow day after day.

When is the best time to use a face mask?

Should you use a face mask before or after your shower? In the morning or the evening? At Clarins, we find the best time to use a face mask is in the evening after your bath or shower. Why? Because warm water will open your pores, allowing the mask to absorb deeply into your skin and provide the most intense nourishment. But if it’s easier for you to apply a mask in the morning before work, don’t worry – your skin will still reap the benefits.

Ultimately, your beauty routine has to work for you so choose a time that fits with your schedule.

Do face masks cause wrinkles?

No, in fact, they can actually help to prevent them. The anti-aging properties of the plant extracts found in Clarins’ masks often help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Our Extra-Firming Mask, for example, helps to visibly smooth facial features and erase signs of stress and fatigue. Working hard to restore the skin’s firmness, skin is left super-smooth and more youthful-looking.

Do face masks go out of date?

A question often asked is can face masks expire? If used as part of your regular skin care routine, your face mask should be used up long before it goes out of date. But if not, as with most beauty products, you’ll want to clear them out every one to two years. The chemicals and ingredients can begin to break down, which can cause irritation if applied to sensitive skin.

Sheet masks – such as our Super Restorative Instant Lift Serum-Mask – have an expiration date on them, so it’s easy to see if they’re past their best.

How to use a face mask

Want to know how to use a face mask properly? Read our step-by-step guide below.

Step 1: Wash your face

Face masks work best on freshly washed skin, so start your pamper session with a good cleanse in warm water. This will open up your pores, allowing the mask to absorb deeply into your skin. Perfect for removing those nasties!

Step 2: Apply cleanser

Apply your cleanser – either with a cotton pad or directly onto your face depending on whether you’re using a water-based, gel-based or foam-based product. This ensures all dirt is removed from the surface of the skin, so there are no barriers hindering your face mask’s ability to work its magic.

To give your mask a helping hand and ensure its ingredients can effectively penetrate your skin, use a scrub or exfoliant once or twice a week (or as recommended) that’s designed for your skin type

Step 3: Apply your mask

Gently apply the face mask all over your face, avoiding the eye area. A light layer of mask allows for a deeply nourishing treat for your skin.

It can also be worth ‘zoning’ multiple face masks – targeting different areas of your face with masks specific to each area’s needs. This can be particularly useful for combination skin, where you might want to soothe and hydrate dry patches like your cheeks, but rebalance an oily forehead or chin. It’s a highly effective way of addressing multiple skin concerns.

Step 4: Relax, unwind, breathe

Time to relax. You can grab a magazine, light a candle, brew a cup of tea or practice meditation.

Step 5: Wash away

Use a toner to remove your mask as water will imbalance the PH levels in your skin. We love our Toning Lotion With Camomile which will help to gently massage away all face mask residue from your skin.

Step 6: Hydrate

It’s time to allow your super-clean, nourished skin to lap up your moisturiser. For the ultimate hydrating treat, we love Hydra-Essentiel Silky Cream which uses Kalanchoe extract – a powerful natural hydration activator – to boost the skin’s natural water retention system. If you also use a serum, apply this before your moisturiser.

Want to give your skin a golden glow? Simply add some tan drops to your day cream to achieve a natural, sunkissed look.

Can you sleep with a face mask on?

If you find the relaxational powers of your face mask cause you to take a little nap, we won’t judge. But is it bad to sleep with a face mask on? Not at all. If you have very dry skin and need to up the hydration, sleeping in a thin layer of your usual face mask can help provide intense moisture overnight. By the morning, the mask will have completely absorbed into your skin, leaving it soft, supple and super-hydrated.

Even better, why not try a dedicated overnight mask – My Clarins RE-CHARGE Relaxing Sleep Mask, for example? Leaving no sticky residue and sinking straight into thirsty skin, this intensive overnight mask drenches, quenches and gives your complexion the ultimate radiance boost. It’s like eight hours sleep in a pot.