Mask… On? How & Why I Incorporate Face Masks In My Skincare Routine

We’re stuck in the house as the quarantine rolls on (cues “Miss Rona, wrap it up, hoe” tweet) and what better way to pass the time than some self-care, right? And by self-care, the girls mean face masks and bubble baths… right?

Do what you need to do, boo.

While masking seems easy enough, there are a lot of ways you can get this step wrong. Keep reading for tips on incorporating masks into your routine, and reasons you may want to in the first place!

I’m lazy. Why Mask?

Introducing masks into your routine is a great way to give your skin a concentrated pick-me-up. Like toners, I think of a mask’s function falling within one of two categories — hydrating and active.

Hydrating masks are straightforward enough — they deliver an extra drink to your skin cells, and are great for dry or dehydrated skin. They’re generally safe enough to use every day, as long as there are no exfoliating ingredients in them. I’m a fan of hydrating masks, because I’m a fan of super hydrating routines in general.

Active masks, like our serums and treatments, contain ingredients that target specific concerns, such as acne, hyperpigmentation, dullness, etc. These masks may contain ingredients like vitamin C, acids, and retinol. While all skin and its tolerance is different, I personally use these sparingly on an as-needed basis, when I feel like my regular arsenal of products isn’t quite doing the trick. For the record, my skin is very sensitive, and liable to literally act an ass if I over-exfoliate in the slightest. I’m still mastering this.

How I Use Masks In My Routine

Usually, I’ll mask once or twice a week, alternating between a clarifying mask and a hydrating mask. One of my go-to’s is the Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay mask, which I’ll usually use at the end of the week to really purge my skin of the gunk that may have settled into my pores — especially given the hours on end I spend behind dirty surgical masks at work.

If I’m using a wash-off mask, I’ll gently cleanse my face, then apply the mask before beginning my skincare routine. If I’m using a sheet mask, I’ll apply it after my toner, and before my moisturizer. Depending on the ingredients in the sheet mask, I may skip my usual serums — after all, sheet masks are basically just sheets of fibers or hydrogel soaked in serum.

Sleeping masks are becoming increasingly popular as well. I’ve tried them, but I haven’t found one that really moves me. In my opinion, sleeping masks just tend to be glorified moisturizers. Don’t get me wrong — if your skin is dehydrated and needs a boost, they can be a great alternative to traditional sheet masks if you don’t have the time to wiggle one into your routine.

Do you mask? If so, what are your favorites? Let me know!