Facial masks have long been an important part of a beauty regimen. While the masks themselves are helpful to cleanse and moisturize the face, the ritual of applying the mask and allowing it to work can also be relaxing and stress-reducing – and thus beautifying.

Beauty experts recommend that you use a facial mask at least once a week. But different women have different beauty requirements, so they need different kinds of masks.

A Mask Defined

A facial mask is simply a substance you smooth on the surface of the face and leave on for a period of time. Often, it’s made of a heavy clay or gel-based compound to keep it stuck to your skin and prevent it from sliding off. Most masks can be used for any skin types, although masks with a heavy clay base can sometimes irritate especially dry or sensitive skin. When you’ve brought home a new type of mask, always try a bit on a small area of the face or neck to check for sensitivity.

Once applied, leave on your mask for the prescribed amount of time, then gently rinse it down the drain with plenty of warm water.

What It Should Do For You

Most face masks offer two benefits. The first is to deep-clean your skin. The second is to deliver much-needed moisture to the cells. A mask’s deep-cleaning action removes any oil build-up from deep within the pores, as well as trapped dirt. A mask will also whisk away dead skin cells that collect on the surface of the face which can sometimes clog pores, leading to possible blackheads, whiteheads, and inflammation.

The mask binds with dead skin cells and removes them from the surface of your skin, leaving behind a fresher, healthier layer. The result is that your skin looks radiant, and the appearance of small facial wrinkles is reduced.

How to Apply It

If you choose to go to a spa for a facial, there’s usually a gentle and oh-so-relaxing facial massage included. You can replicate this at home!

First, start by cleansing your face with a quality facial cleanser and warm water. Warm water is important, because it helps open the pores so the mask can begin to clean.

After washing and rinsing with the warm water, begin gently massaging the face in small circular motions. Don’t use a lot of pressure, but do press firmly.

Be careful not to stretch the skin -- simply massage. Move systematically over the face until it’s completely massaged. Now, add the mask to the tips of your fingers and apply uniformly over the surface of the face, using the same circular technique. This will stimulate facial circulation and allow the mask to work deeply in the pores.

After you’ve applied the mask, lie down and relax for fifteen or twenty minutes. Follow the directions, as some masks are designed to be worn for longer or shorter periods. While relaxing, be sure to pamper yourself with soft music or scented candles.

When time’s up, gently wash off the mask with warm water. Be careful not to rub at the skin -- just rinse gently. Follow the warm water rinse with a cool rinse to close the pores, and prevent oil and dirt from entering.

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