Face Mask Before Or After Shower? The Right Time To Apply It

Are you always confused about whether to use a face mask before or after showering? With plenty of conflicting answers online, dermatologists say that the right usage predominantly depends on the type of mask as well as your skin type.

In this article, let’s understand which type of face mask should be used before or after a shower, and how and when you should apply it for the best results.

Highlights:

• What Sort Of Face Mask Are You Using?
• How To Apply A Face Mask Properly?
• Should A Face Mask Be Applied Before Or After A Shower?
• When Is The Best Time To Use A Face Mask?

What Sort Of Face Mask Are You Using?

With different facial masks available in the market, these can be mainly categorized into the following types based on the application, benefits and type of skin it is meant for.

1. Clay Or Charcoal Masks

These masks are mainly used for acne-prone and oily skin types. These masks contain ingredients that have properties to absorb excess sebum and decongest pores. These are often used for exfoliating skin [1].

2. Hydrating Masks

These masks mainly contain nourishing ingredients and come in creamy or gel textures. These are mainly meant to treat dry and sensitive skin.

3. Anti-Aging Masks

These masks come with active ingredients such as vitamin C, niacinamide [2], and other fruit extracts rich in antioxidants. These help in treating different aging signs on the skin such as fine lines, uneven skin tone, pigmentation, wrinkles, roughness, etc.

How To Apply A Face Mask Properly?

Follow the below steps to apply a face mask properly, regardless of the type of mask:

Step 1:

Use a gentle cleanser to clean your face thoroughly.

Step 2

Apply a thin layer of the facial mask all over your face and neck areas using a soft brush. Avoid applying it to your eyes and lips.

Step 3

If it is an exfoliating face mask, massage your skin gently in circular strokes for a few minutes.

Step 4

Wait for 15-20 minutes until the mask becomes dry. In general, masks for oily skin are meant to be left for a shorter time while anti-aging and hydrating masks need to be left for a longer time.

Step 5

Use lukewarm water to rinse off the facial mask. You can also use a soft washcloth for easier cleaning.

Step 6

After half an hour, follow up with your normal skincare routine which includes the steps of toning, applying serum, moisturizing, and sunscreen application.

Should A Face Mask Be Applied Before Or After A Shower?

Face Masks To Be Applied Before Shower

Anti-acne, cleansing and exfoliating masks such as clay, charcoal, or mud masks are better to be applied before showering. After exfoliating and leaving the mask for a few minutes, a lukewarm shower can be used to remove the mask. This will easily help eliminate dirt, sebum, dead skin, and other contaminants from the skin pores.

Face Masks To Be Applied After Shower

A warm shower opens up the skin's pores and makes it ready to absorb the active ingredients present in facial masks. Hence, hydrating and anti-aging masks which require your skin to absorb the ingredients deeply, need to be applied after showering.

Also, applying these masks after showering helps to trap the moisture in the skin, making it feel softer and plump after removing the face mask.

SkinKraft Tip:

Regardless of which facial mask you use, always clean the face before applying the mask.

When Is The Best Time To Use A Face Mask?

There is no hard and fast rule about the time of using facial masks and they can be applied at any time of the day. However, when you apply hydrating and anti-aging face masks before showering, the active agents present in the masks are likely to get washed off when you shower later. This reduces the beneficial impact of these masks on your skin.

So, it is better to apply hydrating face masks in the morning as they can enhance your skin glow for the rest of the day. Similarly, you can apply exfoliating face masks at night before bedtime.

Wrapping Up

• While there is no fixed time for applying any face mask, much depends on your skin type and the kind of mask you intend to use.
• When you are applying a hydrating or anti-aging face mask, it is better to do it after showering.
• When you are applying an exfoliating or an anti-acne mask, it is better to do it before showering.