Avoid these common face mask mistakes
Yes, it is possible to get a face mask wrong. From not choosing the right product for your skin to over-indulging, seemingly innocent acts can become counterproductive. Whether you are using a sheet-mask, soluble face pack or a homemade product, here are the common mistakes we make.
NOT KNOWING YOUR SKIN TYPE
No matter how attractive the packaging, do not buy or use a facial product before reading the label. “While an oily skin may benefit from calamine-based packs, dry skin needs to be treated with creamy packs,” says beauty expert Richa Agarwal. “Those with sensitive skin can go for gel-based packs with higher water content,” she adds.
NOT CLEANING HANDS AND FACE
All the TLC you are indulging in is like food for your skin, and you never eat with dirty hands. “Apply masks on clean skin. Oil, dirt and product build-up form a barrier on skin and make masks less effective,” says dermatologist Bansari Davda.
LEAVING THE MASK ON FOR TOO LONG
Once dried, the pack can start absorbing moisture from the skin. You can notice the negative impact when you wash the mask and the skin is more tender or pink than usual. Same for sheet masks — as tempting as it may be to wear one and lounge endlessly, a dried sheet can begin soaking moisture from the skin. “Face masks kept on for too long may overstrip the facial oils and lead to irritant dermatitis — redness, dryness, itching. Hydrating sheet masks, kept on for too long, may cause reversal reabsorption. Keep them on only for 10-20 minutes or as indicated on the label,” says Davda.
NOT KEEPING PURPOSE IN MIND
If you’re trying to get rid of a holiday tan, a charcoal face pack could do wonders. But if you’re fighting signs of ageing, Davda recommends sheets with wine, retinol or hyaluronic acid.
TAKING MATTERS INTO YOUR HANDS
While skin maintenance can be done at home, a professional should be consulted for treating skin troubles. “People with extremely sensitive, acneor rosacea-prone skin should avoid using packs without guidance. They should consult a dermatologist first and find out what would suit their skin type and concern,” says Davda.
SKIPPING POST-MASK SKINCARE
Considering one might have over-exfoliated or left the mask on for too long, it is imperative to moisturise after. “Gently wash the mask off with lukewarm water. No harsh scrubbing. Pat dry the face. Use a ceramide- or peptide-rich moisturiser and follow that up with sunscreen in the morning,” says Davda.