How to Remove Different Kinds of Skin-Care Face Masks

It should come as no surprise that we’re totally obsessed with skin-care face masks. From clay masks and gel masks to overnight masks, the options (and benefits) are pretty much endless. And we’ve been really indulging in at-home facials and face masking during social distancing. While knowing how to apply face masks the right way is key, knowing how to remove a face mask can be just as important — especially when it comes to those hard-to-remove clay masks we all love to indulge in. Keep reading for our ultimate guide to removing different kinds of skin-care face masks.

How to Remove Clay Masks

If you have oily or acne-prone skin, clay masks are a must. They not only soak up dirt and grease, but they also make for excellent Instagram selfies. One of our favorite options is the Garnier SkinActive Pore Purifying 2-in-1 Clay Cleanser and Mask. It helps remove impurities from the skin’s surface. To add some additional pampering to your skin-care routine and remove a clay mask, we like to reach for our Clarisonic Mia Prima Facial Cleansing Skin Care Device. To remove a clay mask with your Clarisonic, simply wet the brush head with warm water, press the on button, and move the brush up and down each area of your face in circular motions. Rinse skin thoroughly and follow up with a nourishing moisturizer. 

How to Remove Mud Masks

If you prefer mud masks over clay masks, you’ll find that while the benefits of each can differ, the removal process is pretty much the same. After applying a mud mask to your complexion and following the instructions for how long to leave the mask on, rinse with your hands and lukewarm water or reach for your Clarisonic. Before you start the removal process, dampen your brush with lukewarm water, then begin massaging each area in upward circular motions. Once the mask has been lifted and removed from your skin, follow up with moisturizer. 

How to Remove Sheet Masks

Perhaps one of the easiest ways to treat your skin to a mini at-home facial is with a sheet mask.  They are not only a great way to treat your skin to some TLC, but they’re also super easy to remove. To remove a sheet mask from your skin, simply peel the soaked fabric back from the surface of your skin, toss it in the garbage and gently massage any excess essence onto your face, neck and décolletté. One of our go-tos? The Kiehl’s Instant Renewal Concentrate Mask. It’s hydrating, soothing and gives your complexion a nice dewy, glow.  

How to Remove Overnight Masks

If you don’t already use an overnight mask in your weekly skin-care regimen, now is the time to start. Sleep is your skin's chance to refresh and renew itself. We love overnight masks, like the SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Masque, for their ability to help provide your skin with benefits and results while you sleep. And, the removal process can be just as easy as sheet masks. When applying an overnight mask to your skin, you generally apply a thin layer of the product to your skin, allow the mask to do its thing (according to the instructions, of course) and then use a soft tissue to remove the excess product. Once you’re left with a light film, massage the mask into your skin (like you would a moisturizer) and you’re done. 

How to Remove Peel-Off Masks

Peel-off masks can be easy, incredibly fun and super satisfying to remove. They’ve gained traction among skin-care lovers for the way they seemingly lift away grime. They’re generally gel-like in texture and glide onto the skin easily for all-over, even coverage. After applying a peel-off mask to your skin, allow the mixture to dry completely — per the instructions — before attempting to peel it off (if you don’t, the mask can be harder to remove). Then, pull up on the outside of the mask and begin to gently peel it off, starting from the forehead and pulling downwards. Be careful not to pull too quickly, as doing so can make for a pretty uncomfortable, irritating experience. We recommend trying the Boscía Luminizing Black Charcoal Mask for a detoxifying, antioxidant-packed option. 

How to Remove Cream Masks

Similar to overnight masks, cream masks can provide the skin with a burst of nourishment and are usually intended to be removed with a soft tissue. They are ideal for people with normal to dry skin who want to rejuvenate their facial skin by adding moisture. After applying a creamy mask to your skin, allow the conditioning formula to do its thing according to the package instructions, then dab off with a soft tissue. After you’ve removed the excess product, massage any leftover residue into your skin. If your cream mask requires a thorough rinse, use a lukewarm washcloth to remove the excess product and pat dry with a towel before applying moisturizer.

How to Remove Exfoliating Masks

If you were to list products you need for glowing skin, an exfoliator would probably be at the top of the list. Exfoliating face masks, like the L’Oréal Paris Pure Clay Exfoliate and Refining Face Mask, are some of our favorite multi-tasking skin-care products. These face masks generally come in clay or gel-like formulas and can provide the skin with a refreshing cleanse, nourishment and exfoliation. A mask with exfoliating properties helps slough off the top layer of dead skin cells. If your exfoliating face mask is clay-based, wait until the mask has dried, then wet your face with lukewarm water and gently massage the skin in upward, circular motions. Then, rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and follow up with a nourishing moisturizer. If your exfoliating mask is gel-based, leave the mask on according to the package directions, then gently massage the mask into your skin in upward, circular motions before removing with a lukewarm washcloth and applying a nourishing moisturizer.

How to Remove Eye Masks

Similar to sheet masks, eye masks generally consist of essence- or serum-soaked material that can be applied to the under-eye area for a specific amount of time, like the Patchology Mood Patch Eye Gels. Although not intended for everyday use, they offer a moisture “boost” to the under-eye area on sleepy mornings. To remove eye masks, simply peel back the material and use your pinky or ring finger to dab in any leftover essence. Don't forget to apply an under-eye cream, like the Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment With Avocado, afterward to keep your skin from getting taut. Under-eye skin is much thinner than the rest of your face and very sensitive.

How to Remove Gel Masks

Similar to cream masks and overnight masks, gel masks can generally be applied to the skin and tissued off. But not all gel masks are created equal. Some require thorough removal. To remove a gel mask from your skin, soak a washcloth in lukewarm water and drape it over your face. Then, gently wipe the mask off of each area of your face and follow up with a splash of lukewarm water to ensure that you got everything off. After the mask has been removed, apply a nourishing moisturizer. For an affordable gel mask, we love the Versed Look Alive Hydrating Plumping Mask. 

How to Remove Charcoal Masks

Charcoal masks are growing in popularity due to their absorbent qualities, which can help pull out toxins and dirt from your skin’s surface. If you love charcoal face masks like the Garnier SkinActive Super Purifying Charcoal Sheet Mask, but find it hard to remove them, you’re not alone. While some charcoal face masks can be tougher to remove than others, they certainly aren’t as easy as a sheet mask. We recommend removing them with a cloth soaked in warm water for efficiency and precision. 

How to Remove Carbonated Masks

Carbonated masks generally glide onto the skin in a similar manner to that of a mud mask — only once in contact with the skin, they can begin to lather into a bubble-like texture. The carbonation and fizz helps remove toxins from the pores. Think of it as a deep clean and a super-charged facial massage at the same time. To remove a carbonated face mask, you can either wipe the mask away from the skin with a lukewarm washcloth, or rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water until the mask is removed entirely.

When in doubt, follow the instructions for both application and removal that appear on your mask’s packaging. This will ensure that you are using your product the way it was intended.

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