Face masks for skincare: How to fit them into your routine

What matters more than a face mask?

Start with a gentle cleanser, a moisturizer suited to your skin type and daily sunscreen. Avoid cleansers with microbeads, which can cause irritation and inflammation. Dry skin can need a more hydrating moisturizer. Use SPF 30 or higher every day, including winter.3

A ten step routine is not necessary, even if it gives the shopping basket a strong sense of purpose.1

Should you copy someone else's mask routine?

Choose skincare products around whether your skin tends to be oily, dry or sensitive, rather than copying another person's choices unchanged. Someone who tolerates a wide range of products is not a useful test of what sensitive skin can handle. This is general product selection guidance, including when considering a mask.3

How do you use a skincare face mask?

1. 1Cleanse your face with a gentle cleanser.
2. 2Apply your serum, essence or ampoule if you use one.
3. 3Use the sheet mask before moisturizer.
4. 4Follow with moisturizer.
5. 5Finish with sunscreen if this is your morning routine.

When should you use a face mask in your skincare routine?

Treat a sheet mask as an occasional step rather than an everyday obligation. The practical place for it is before moisturizer; sunscreen remains the final morning step. Adding a mask does not require adding toner, essence, eye cream and every other step in a longer routine.1

The ten step format is good marketing, but your routine does not need to complete the set.1

What should you avoid adding alongside a new mask?

Avoid introducing several other products at the same time: doing so makes it harder to identify what helps and what causes a reaction. Keep the routine gentle rather than loading it with active ingredients, which are ingredients used to target particular skin concerns.1

What if you also want to exfoliate?

For a separate exfoliator, look for ingredients such as glycolic acid. This is general routine guidance, not an instruction to exfoliate immediately before applying a sheet mask.3

Which sunscreen should finish your routine on outdoor days?

Choose SPF 50 or higher when you know you will be out in the sun, such as at the beach or while golfing. The SPF in makeup or moisturizer often is not enough on its own.3

Who should be careful with a new mask?

Sensitive skin needs care with new products, especially those containing fragrance or preservatives. Patch test a new product on your inner arm before putting it on your face. Introduce products slowly rather than adding several at once. Acne, rosacea and eczema also call for careful product selection.1

If a product leaves your face feeling tight or dry, choose something else. If you have skin problems or are unsure which products suit your skin, a dermatologist can help you choose.13