How Often Should You Do a Face Mask?

Face masks have long been a skincare staple, and for good reason—they pack a potent punch as a skin treatment. Plus, they’re fun to use. But, when it comes to applying your favorite skincare treat, one question regularly arises: How often should you do a face mask?

In this article, we’ll help you find the best mask for your skin type and determine the ideal frequency for applying face masks to enhance your skin's radiance.

Introduction to Face Mask Routines

Using face masks in skincare isn’t a new practice. In fact, they’ve been applied for thousands of years. But masks have really been trending within the past few years, thanks to the rise in self-care and more intensive skincare routines.

Sure, you can have an effective skincare regimen without including face masks. Consistent routines that include the basics—cleansing, moisturizing, and SPF—go a long way toward improving the health of your skin. However, additional steps, including serum and other treatments like masks, can take your skincare to the next level.

Face masks come in various forms and are usually meant to be applied, left to treat, and then removed. Because of this, the ingredients in masks typically have a stronger concentration than other skincare products.

The Science Behind Face Masks

When asking, “How often should I use a face mask,” one of the most important things to consider is the active ingredients in your mask. Because face masks deliver concentrated treatments to your skin, you often don’t want to use them daily.

Some common ingredients found in face masks include:

• Hyaluronic Acid: Cream and gel masks often contain deep hydrators like Hyaluronic Acid to hydrate without heaviness. While every skin type can use these masks, they’re especially beneficial for dry skin, sensitive skin, or even sun-damaged dehydrated skin.
• Charcoal: This heavy-hitting ingredient helps remove impurities and absorb oil, making charcoal masks best for oily skin and acne-prone skin.

Determining Your Face Mask Frequency

When determining how often you should do face masks, there are a few factors to consider, including your skin type, your individual skin needs, and the kind of mask you’re using. Some masks are best used once per week, while others can be used more frequently, up to 3 times per week.

If you have oily or acne-prone skin: Your skin may benefit from more frequent use of a detoxifying or clay mask, up to three times a week if your skin isn’t easily irritated.

If you have dry or sensitive skin: These skin types require less frequent use and should focus on applying hydrating or soothing cream masks. But, if you’re using a mask with a hydrating, gentle formula, you may be able to use the face mask daily.

Types of Face Masks and Their Uses

Just like the rest of your skincare routine, the type of masks you use can be customizable to your skin’s needs.

Here are just some of your options:

• Clay Masks: These masks are one of the most popular types. These formulas utilize different kinds of clays to draw out impurities to absorb excess oil and give your skin a deep cleansing.
• Hydrating Masks: Best for dry skin, a hydrating mask like our Moon Silk Mask, provide intense hydration to your skin and help restore the skin barrier.
• Exfoliating Masks: If you’re looking to improve skin texture, these masks work to remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover for smoother skin.
• Charcoal Masks: Perfect for acne-prone and oily skin, charcoal masks work to detoxify the skin by drawing out impurities and excess oil, leaving your complexion feeling balanced and clarified.

Incorporating Face Masks into Your Skincare Routine

Once you’ve found your favorite mask formula, it’s time to integrate your new treatment into your regular skincare routine.

To do this, you’ll first need to consider the other elements of your daily regimen. For instance, if you use serums with actives, and your new mask also has ingredients that could react with your serum, you won't want to use both products on the same day. Not spacing out these treatments could render your skincare products ineffective, or worse, cause damage to your skin or skin barrier.

If you’re beginning to use a new mask with active ingredients, start with an application once a week on a day when you won’t use any other harsh products. Also, don’t forget to regularly moisturize your skin to avoid over-drying.

When using your mask, it can also be helpful to use a facial mask brush to ensure you aren’t over-applying or getting uneven application. (Plus, it keeps the process mess-free.)

Customizing Face Mask Use for Various Skin Needs

Another advantage of using face masks is that you can address specific skin concerns in different areas of your face by tailoring your application. If you have combination skin or are dealing with more than one skin concern, you can apply different masks to different areas of your face for targeted treatment.

You should also consider adjusting your mask usage based on season or environmental conditions. For example, if it’s winter or you spend a lot of time in a heavily air-conditioned area, you may want to treat your skin more gently and apply hydrating masks frequently.

The Role of Face Masks in a Holistic Skincare Approach

Applying a face mask doesn’t have to be just another step in your skincare routine. Use this time as part of your self-care rituals by treating application as a practice in relaxation. Using a soothing mask in a tranquil setting (try dimming the lights or putting on soft music) can create a spa-like experience at home that feels like a treat instead of routine.

COOLA's Approach to Enhanced Skincare with Face Masks

At COOLA, we think about the health of your skin holistically. From skincare to SPF, we craft formulas that are packed with good-for-your-skin ingredients, so your skin gets all the benefits.

Explore our face masks to help level up your skincare routine for the health of your skin.

Now that you know how often you should do a face mask, hopefully you’ll find it easier to integrate them into your routine. Incorporating face masks into your weekly regimen at the best time allows you to take your skincare routine beyond the basics, helping you achieve healthy skin by letting it reap the benefits of these potent treatments.