How To Use a Face Mask: 6 Mistakes To Avoid

Indulging in an at-home facial isn’t only a great way to unwind after a long day—using face mask skincare products consistently can also help keep skin concerns, such as breakouts and dullness, at bay. However, using your mask properly is key, and there are a few mistakes you may be making that could affect how effective your chosen mask is.

Ahead, we’ll share some of the most common face mask mistakes to avoid and share tips on how to ensure you’re getting the most out of your masking routine. Keep scrolling to learn how to put on a mask like a pro ahead of your next self-care night.

1. Not Choosing the Right Mask For Your Skin Type

You likely pick your face serum and moisturizer based on your unique skin type and concerns—and that’s exactly how you should go about picking a face mask, too. When shopping for a mask, choose one that’s tailored to your skin type and unique needs.

If you have oily or blemish-prone skin, for example, you’ll typically fare best with a clay mask designed to help absorb excess oil. Alternatively, you can use an exfoliating mask or peel, like the L’Oréal Paris Bright Reveal Dark Spot Exfoliant Peel, to help even your skin tone and texture. Those with sensitive skin, on the other hand, usually do best with gentle masks that help calm, nourish, and soothe (sheet masks are a great option).

Face masks for dry skin, meanwhile, are best for those seeking deep, long-lasting hydration. If your skin could use a little TLC, try the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Triple Power Anti-Aging Overnight Mask. It’s packed with vitamin C, pro-retinol, and hyaluronic acid and delivers all-night hydration without clogging pores or leaving behind a greasy feel. Over time, the creamy formula also helps smooth the appearance of wrinkles and brightens the skin.

2. Skipping Skin Prep Before Applying a Mask

Unless otherwise specified, you should always apply your face mask to clean, dry skin. We also recommend gently exfoliating before masking to help whisk away any surface debris (like dead skin) that could interfere with your mask application. For a more streamlined routine, you can combine both steps into one with an exfoliating cleanser, like the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Radiant Smoothing Cream Cleanser. The creamy formula removes makeup, dirt, and other impurities while gently exfoliating the skin to help promote a brighter, smoother-looking complexion.

3. Applying Too Much or Too Little Product

As with many other skincare products, when it comes to face masks, less is often more. Typically, you want to apply a thin, even layer of product to your entire face, avoiding the areas immediately around your eyes and mouth. How much product you need to use, however, can vary from mask to mask. Some formulas may call for a dime-sized amount; others, a quarter-sized dollop or more. Before kicking off your face mask skincare routine, read the package instructions thoroughly for guidance on how much product to apply.

4. Ignoring the Instructions on the Package

Thoroughly reading the instructions is also crucial for understanding how long you should leave your mask on. Some face masks can be left on overnight, while others—particularly those with chemical exfoliants such as alpha-hydroxy acids—should be removed after a short period of time. If you leave your mask on for far longer than is recommended, you may risk irritating your skin. Rinsing a mask off too quickly isn’t ideal either—it’s a waste of product, as you likely won’t enjoy the full benefits of the product. So read—and re-read—the instructions before getting started, and follow them as closely as possible.

5. Not Rinsing Your Mask Off Properly

How you remove your mask—and what you apply to your skin afterward—is just as important as how you apply your mask. Sheet masks are pretty straightforward: You can just peel them off, then pat the excess formula into your skin. If you’re using a rinse-off mask, though, you’ll want to be sure to rinse your skin thoroughly to remove the product and any residue. Use lukewarm water when rinsing your face to avoid drying out your skin.

Afterward, pat your skin dry with a clean washcloth and apply a facial moisturizer to help lock in hydration. We recommend opting for something gentle, especially if the mask you used contained exfoliating ingredients. The L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Skin Care Cell Renewal Midnight Cream is an excellent nighttime pick, as it delivers deep moisture and helps replenish the skin barrier while you sleep. For daytime, we love the fast-absorbing L’Oréal Paris Collagen Filler Moisture Filler Anti-Aging Moisturizer, which helps lock in hydration for up to 48 hours. Don’t forget to apply plenty of sunscreen during the daytime to help shield your skin from UV rays. The L’Oréal Paris Bright Reveal Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Daily UV Lotion helps protect against both UVA and UVB rays and brightens the skin with continued use over time. Plus, it primes the skin well for makeup, making your morning skincare routine that much easier.

6. Masking Too Often (Or Not Often Enough)

If you find yourself reaching for your face mask every night, you might want to take a beat and reassess your self-care schedule. While some masks certainly can be used daily, that’s not the case for every formula. Exfoliating masks, in particular, are best used sparingly to avoid over-exfoliating the skin.

In a similar vein, you’ll want to make sure you’re using your mask regularly to achieve (and maintain) your desired results. Of course, all masks have different directions for use. So, how often should you do a face mask? You can probably see where this is going: Read and follow the instructions on your chosen formula to ensure you’re adhering to an appropriate application schedule.

Next Up: 5 Ways You Can Remove Dead Skin Cells From Your Face

Photo courtesy of L’Oréal Paris