How Often Should You Do a Face Mask?

by John Tsenekos | August 02, 2024

The allure of face masks lies in their ability to deliver concentrated skincare benefits directly to the skin, not to mention the much needed relaxation that comes with the self-care inherently nestled in the face mask routine. Yet, the question of “how often should you do a face mask?” is one that many skincare enthusiasts grapple with, especially with how many different face masks you can choose to use. Let’s try to get a little clarity on the subject, and talk about what makes a balanced and effective face mask routine.

What Is a Face Mask?

A face mask (in terms of skincare) is a product designed to deliver concentrated ingredients across the entire face, providing broad-covering benefits for specific whole-face concerns. These masks come in different forms (gel, cream, sheet, and many more) with seemingly infinite possibilities for ingredients (vitamins, fruit extracts, oils, proteins, etc.), each formulated to address specific needs including but not limited to hydration, deep cleansing, brightening, or soothing.

Benefits of Using Face Masks

Face masks offer a multitude of benefits that can support both the overall health and appearance of your skin; it all depends on what the mask is formulated to do, and with that, what ingredients it’s formulated with. Below are the most common face mask benefits, but keep in mind that there are many more that you’re likely to see as you browse online or in-store.

Hydration

Face masks can deliver intense moisture to the skin, helping to maintain a healthy, plump complexion. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid and aloe vera work to boost hydration levels, with hyaluronic acid attracting and retaining moisture and aloe vera soothing and calming the skin. Other common ingredients in hydrating face masks include glycerin, which draws water into the skin, and ceramides, which help restore the skin's natural barrier. Natural oils like jojoba and avocado oil can also provide deep nourishment and lock in hydration, ensuring the skin remains smooth and rejuvenated.

Deep Cleansing

Clay and charcoal masks are particularly effective at drawing out impurities and excess oil from the pores, leaving the skin feeling refreshed and purified. Ingredients like bentonite and kaolin clay help to absorb excess sebum and detoxify the skin, while activated charcoal binds to dirt and toxins, helping to clear congested pores and prevent breakouts by keeping skin clean.

Brightening

Masks containing ingredients such as vitamin C and niacinamide can help to brighten the skin's appearance, reducing the visibility of dark spots and promoting a more even skin tone. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that helps to fade hyperpigmentation and boost radiance, while niacinamide improves skin elasticity and enhances the skin barrier, resulting in a luminous complexion.

Soothing

For those with sensitive or irritated skin, masks with calming ingredients like chamomile and cucumber can help to reduce the appearance of redness and inflammation, providing a soothing effect. Chamomile has anti-inflammatory properties that calm irritated skin, while cucumber extract helps to hydrate and cool, which can alleviate feelings of discomfort and promote a balanced complexion.

Anti-Aging

Face masks enriched with antioxidants and peptides can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, promoting a smoother, more youthful-looking complexion. Ingredients like retinol and hyaluronic acid boost collagen production and hydrate the skin, while red light therapy masks enhance these effects by stimulating cellular repair and rejuvenation, further reducing the signs of skin aging.

Acne Treatment

Masks formulated with ingredients like salicylic acid or tea tree oil can help to target acne and prevent future breakouts, making them ideal for acne-prone and oily skin. Salicylic acid works to exfoliate the skin and unclog pores, which helps to remove dead skin cells and reduce the formation of pimples. Tea tree oil, known for its antibacterial properties, works to target acne-causing bacteria while also reducing inflammation.

How Often Should You Use a Face Mask? (Based on Your Skin Type)

In general, most people will use a face mask one to two times per week, but the frequency really varies based on what type of mask is being used as well as the skin type of the individual. For example, using a cleansing face mask two to three times a week is generally ideal for oily or acne-prone skin. Recommended usage can also depend on the individual’s environment. For example, in dry environments, hydrating and moisturizing masks that are typically used once a week may be used twice or even three times per week to help lock in much-needed water into dehydrated skin.

Oily or Acne-Prone Skin

For oily skin, applying non-comedogenic, cleansing, or nourishing face masks two to three times a week is recommended to help manage excess oil and reduce the appearance of pimples without stripping the skin. Masks containing ingredients like clay or charcoal can be particularly beneficial, as they help to draw out impurities and absorb excess sebum from the pores. Regular use of these masks can help keep the skin balanced and prevent the buildup of oil that can lead to breakouts, resulting in a clearer and more refined complexion.

Bonus Skincare Tip: For additional help managing pimple-prone or oily skin, consider using a Blue and Red Light Therapy device specifically for pimple treatment. Blue Light has been shown to help target acne-causing bacteria, while Red Light can help reduce the appearance of redness and irritation that acne can cause!

Dry or Dehydrated Skin

For dry or dehydrated skin, using a hydrating face mask once or twice a week can be helpful for maintaining moisture levels and preventing dryness. Masks formulated with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and glycerin can provide deep hydration and nourishment, helping to restore the skin's natural moisture barrier. During dry weather conditions, increasing the frequency to twice a week can offer additional hydration and support, ensuring the skin remains supple, smooth, and healthy-looking.

Bonus Skincare Tip: It can also help to ensure that you’re using a hydrating cleanser as part of your routine, too! Some cleansers end up stripping the skin of its natural oils, which can dehydrate otherwise healthy skin and cause flaking and irritation.

Sensitive Skin

For sensitive skin, it’s generally recommended to use a gentle, soothing face mask once a week to help soothe, calm, and nourish skin. Masks containing ingredients like chamomile, aloe vera, and cucumber can help to reduce redness and inflammation while also adding hydration to the skin. Regular (but not too frequent!) use of these masks can help ensure that sensitive skin receives the TLC it needs without being overwhelmed, which can promote a calm and balanced complexion.

Bonus Skincare Tip: Keep an eye out for sensitive skin-specific masks, often advertised as having “gentle” or “hypoallergenic” ingredients; while soothing masks can definitely be beneficial, masks for brightening, anti-aging, and more are also available for sensitive skin!

Combination Skin

For combination skin, using a face mask once or twice a week can help to address the diverse needs of different areas of the face. Multi-masking, which involves applying different masks to specific zones, can be particularly beneficial. For instance, a clay mask can be used on oily areas like the T-zone to help manage excess oil, while a hydrating mask can be applied to drier areas such as the cheeks. This tailored approach ensures that each part of the face receives the appropriate treatment, resulting in a balanced, supported complexion.

Bonus Skincare Tip: While multi-masking is an excellent choice for combination skin, keep in mind that gentle masks for hydration, anti-aging, and soothing are generally suitable for combination skin types. Be careful with masks for cleansing, exfoliating, or peeling, as these may dry out the already-dry portions of your face; conversely, avoid masks made with oils or heavy ingredients for the oily parts of your face.

Normal/Balanced Skin

For normal skin, applying a face mask once or twice a week is generally recommended to maintain its natural balance and health. People with a generally balanced skin type typically have free-range when it comes to choosing different masks to target specific concerns, such as brightening, hydration, or anti-aging. Regular weekly use can help to keep the complexion looking fresh, glowing, and well-maintained.

Different Types of Face Masks

Face masks come in a variety of formulas, each designed to address specific skincare concerns. From hydrating and brightening to deep cleansing and exfoliating, the right face mask can make a big difference in achieving your skin goals.

Sheet Masks

Sheet masks are pre-soaked in a concentrated serum and designed to fit the contours of the face. They help provide intense hydration on top of whatever targeted treatment they’re formulated for. Typically, they’re applied to clean skin and left on for about 15-20 minutes depending on the ingredients, which helps the serum to deeply penetrate before removal.

Sleep Masks

Sleep masks, similar to night serums, are applied before bedtime so they can work overnight to provide benefits to the skin. They are typically formulated to provide deep hydration as well as to repair the skin, ensuring you wake up with a refreshed, revitalized complexion. These masks are usually the last step in a nighttime skincare routine, and are removed as part of the morning skin routine.

Brightening Masks

Brightening masks are formulated with ingredients like vitamin C to improve skin tone and reduce the appearance of dark spots. They can help to enhance the skin's radiance, promoting a more luminous and even complexion. These masks are generally applied to clean skin and left on for 10-20 minutes depending on the mask before being rinsed off.

Peel Off Masks

Peel off masks often come in the form of a thick, putty-like texture that will dry to form the mask layer that is then gently peeled away, removing impurities and dead skin cells from the surface. They can help to unclog pores and leave the skin feeling smooth. Typically, they are applied in an even layer to clean skin, allowed to dry completely, and then peeled off starting from the edges.

Cream Masks

Cream masks are reminiscent of a rich and nourishing moisturizer, designed to provide deep hydration and soothe the skin. They are ideal for dry or sensitive skin types, helping to restore moisture and improve skin texture. These masks are usually applied in a generous layer to clean skin, left on for 10-15 minutes as instructed by the packaging, and then rinsed off or wiped away.

Mud, Clay, & Charcoal Masks

Masks made from mud, clay, and/or charcoal are designed to detoxify the skin by drawing out impurities, toxins, and excess oil from the pores. They can be particularly beneficial for oily and acne-prone skin, leaving the complexion feeling clean and refreshed. These masks are typically applied in an even layer to clean skin, left to dry for 10-15 minutes as instructed by the packaging, then rinsed off.

Gel Masks

Gel masks are lightweight and cooling, making them ideal for hydrating and soothing sensitive or irritated skin. They provide a refreshing burst of moisture, usually with ingredients to calm redness and inflammation. These masks are typically applied in a generous layer to clean skin, left on for 10-15 minutes depending on the mask, and then rinsed off or gently wiped away.

Scrub Masks

Scrub masks combine the benefits of exfoliation and masking, helping to remove dead skin cells to result in a smoother complexion. They are ideal for revitalizing dull skin and enhancing its natural glow. These masks are usually applied to clean, damp skin, massaged in circular motions, left on for 5-10 minutes based on the mask, and then rinsed off.

Red Light Therapy Mask

Red Light Therapy masks are physical masks that are strapped to the head, as opposed to the other masks in this list that simply sit on top of the skin before being peeled, washed, or wiped off. Red Light Therapy masks utilize Red Light at wavelengths of approximately 630 nanometers to target the signs of skin aging like fine lines, wrinkles, and dullness. These masks are generally placed on clean skin, with treatment times depending on each different device.

Our Wrinkle Retreat Light Therapy Face Mask helps to promote glowing, rejuvenated, healthier-looking skin by energizing the complexion at a cellular level using a combination of Red Light and Near-Infrared Light Therapy. Just prep the skin with our hydrating cleanser, activate the device, and enjoy your 10-minute, professional-grade treatment from the comfort of home as part of your regular skincare routine up to three times per week!

Common Face Mask Mistakes To Avoid

As beneficial as face masks can be, over-usage, improper routine, or simply using the wrong mask for your skin type or concern can create new problems for your skin. Here are a few common face mask mistakes to avoid:

Avoid over-masking. From stripping the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation, to irritating skin with concentrated ingredients like retinols or exfoliating chemicals, there can be too much of a good thing.
Always ensure your skin is clean before masking. Applying masks to unclean skin prevents active ingredients from penetrating effectively, not to mention the potential for locking bacteria and other impurities into the skin during your mask session.
Choose masks suited to your skin type, and use them in moderation to ensure a healthy, glowing complexion. Using the wrong type of mask for your skin type can worsen existing issues, such as using a clay mask on dry skin.
Always follow product instructions. Each mask, even masks of the same type, is likely to have slightly different application instructions.

Signs You Are Overusing Face Masks

With the wide variety of face mask types and ingredients, if you have any questions or concerns about whether or not you are overusing your mask, or if the mask is even the right fit for your skin, don’t hesitate to consult with a dermatologist or licensed esthetician for additional guidance.

Overusing face masks can disrupt your skincare routine and lead to several noticeable signs of irritation. If you experience increased dryness, irritation, or redness, it may indicate that you are applying masks too frequently. Overuse can strip the skin of its natural oils, causing it to become more sensitive and prone to breakouts, redness, and patchiness. Additionally, if your skin feels tight or uncomfortable after masking, you may be drying out your skin, or you may be sensitive to the ingredients in that particular mask.

Conclusion

Incorporating face masks into your skincare routine at least once a week can provide numerous benefits depending on the mask, from hydration and brightening to deep cleansing and soothing. The biggest make or break for successfully incorporating face masks into your skin is making sure you’re using the right mask for your specific skin type and skin goals.

All of that said, there is one mask that is suitable for all skin types and has been shown to help visibly smooth the skin in just four weeks: our Red Light Therapy face mask! Check out our Before and After Red Light Therapy Results to see for yourself, or take our Skin Quiz to find the right device for your skin and goals.

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