Ask any beauty junkie and they’ll agree: Masking is an essential part of every skin care routine. And while it might not be something we do every day—like cleansing and moisturizing—it can be just as effective.
That said, not all face masks are the same. Some saturate your skin with moisture, some fade dark spots and brighten your skin tone, some soothe inflamed and irritated skin, while some slough off dry skin buildup for a softer, smoother-looking complexion. The latter—a.k.a. exfoliating face masks—offer all the benefits of your favorite face scrub, but without the abrasive rubbing and tugging that can leave micro-tears on your skin. For the right way to use exfoliating masks, plus the best ones out there, read on.
The Skin Care Benefits of Exfoliating Face Masks
There are countless benefits of exfoliating face masks. For one, they “get rid of dry, flaky skin,” says Dr. Debra Jaliman, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. “People should exfoliate to rejuvenate and brighten the skin,” she adds.
On top of that, “Regular exfoliation [can] help with any sun damage or skin discoloration from the summer months.” And if you’re looking for a way to up the ante on your skin care routine, exfoliation might help you do so. “When we don’t exfoliate, it leaves [a layer of] dead skin on the surface [and] moisturizers don’t penetrate [as] deep,” explains Dr. Jaliman. As a result, “Skin looks rough and dull,” she notes.
How to Use an Exfoliating Face Mask (And How Often)
Incorporating an exfoliating face mask into your routine is one thing; knowing when and how to use it is another, as every skin type (and need) is different.
“If you use a lot of makeup, exfoliating at night is important to get rid of any remaining makeup that your cleanser left behind,” she explains. In addition, those with dry or oily skin might benefit from exfoliating in the morning—especially if they use products with retinol at night. “Exfoliating in the morning is the way to go because you don’t want to exfoliate at night when using your retinol products.
Also Read: How to Properly Exfoliate Your Skin