Guide to Peel Off Face Masks: Peel Off the Dirt & Reveal Clean & Smooth Skin

Face masks. The step in my beauty routine I look forward to the most. Applying a face mask on my skin means kicking back and relaxing for those 20 or so minutes it takes for it to do its magic. And since I’m always pressed for time, putting on a mask twice a week has become a much-needed wellness ritual.

One of my favourite masks are peel off face masks. They are super easy to apply, and unlike sheet masks, they don’t cost a fortune. Plus, there’s nothing like the satisfaction you get from peeling away all the dirt accumulated in your pores and the fresh and smooth skin that gets revealed from underneath. But with so many beauty trends around, you may be wondering, “Do these masks deliver any significant results?”. Here are some of the benefits peel off masks offer and tips on how you should use them for optimal effect.

What Do Peel Off Face Masks Do?

peel off face mask

They Strip Away Dirt and Dead Skin

Peel off face masks have a sticky texture that adheres to the top layer of the skin and gets inside your pores. Once the mask dries and you peel it off, all the microparticles of grime inside your pores get lifted. You can immediately notice the results by taking a look at your clean pores as well as all the dirt that has stuck to the mask. And making sure your pores are clean and unclogged helps prevent blackheads and acne.

But that’s not all. These masks also help peel off the layer of dead skin. In other words, they help exfoliate the skin so that any nourishing face moisturisers you plan to use can penetrate more deeply, which makes them even more effective. Besides making the skin look smooth and glowing, this is also helps reduce the appearance of acne scars, dryness or fine lines. Goodbye bad stuff, hello healthy glow!

They Feed the Skin with Antioxidants

Many peel off face masks on the market are rich in antioxidants which can make a significant difference to your skin’s elasticity, glow and health in the long run. These masks tend to include active ingredients such as avocado, grapeseed, cranberry, blueberry, green tea, aloe leaf extract and similar antioxidants. And antioxidants offer many benefits for your skin. Most importantly, they protect it from free radicals which cause damage by clinging to collagen and reducing the elasticity. As a result, peel off masks can help prevent or reduce the appearance of fine lines and promote a brighter, more even complexion.

They Gently Remove Fine Facial Hair

This one is an added bonus from using peel off masks. As the mask sticks to the skin, it also sticks to the fine facial hair. So, when you pull off the mask, it gently uproots the hair. This removes the peach fuzz, thus helping your skin look more polished. You will notice this effect better when you apply your makeup and there’s no visible peach fuzz peaking from your foundation. This way, you won’t need to resort to such drastic measures like shaving your face.

How to Use a Peel Off Mask?

 

Get the Right One for Your Skin Type

If you’re struggling with oily skin, clay-based masks will help to strip away excess sebum and draw out any impurities from the pores. Masks containing charcoal, salicylic acid or glycolic acid will also help to balance the oiliness. However, also check that the mask contains some hydrating ingredient such as rosemary leaf oil or glycerin so that the skin doesn’t dry out too much. Drying out your skin is a mistake that can make it even oilier.

On the other hand, if you’re more on the dry side, make sure you use a mask that contains some powerful moisturising ingredients. Some of the best peel off masks for dry skin contain vitamin E, aloe vera, glycerin, hyaluronic acid or cucumber. If your skin looks dull and tired, a mask with vitamin C can help brighten it for a healthy glow.

Apply It Before Bed

Sleep is important for the health of your skin as this is the time when the cells regenerate themselves. This is also the time when the skin is most able to absorb any topical treatments you apply. Even though you will peel off the mask entirely, some of its ingredients get soaked into the skin and will continue to work. So, after you clean your face and remove any makeup, apply the mask. Once you’ve peeled off the mask, you can use your favourite night cream or serum.

Don’t Overdo It

How often should you use a peel off face mask? Well, it depends on your skin type and the type of mask you use. In general, it’s safe to use this kind of mask one to three times a week. But if you have sensitive or very dry skin, it’s best to stick to once a week. If you use other products with strong ingredients such as retinoids, be careful not to overdo it with the mask as this can irritate your skin.

applying face mask

Don’t Leave It on for Too Long

Whether you’re using a peel off mask, gel mask or sheet mask, be careful not to leave it on too long. You should be careful not to let these products on your skin for too long as they can dry it out or irritate it. Especially, if they contain fragrance or other strong ingredients. Most masks should be removed 20 minutes after application. However, once you feel that the mask has dried or your skin feels tight, take it off gently.

Don’t Pull Too Aggressively

Peeling the mask off is really satisfying, but when you do so, be careful not to pull too hard. Start to peel the mask off slowly from the sides. You will know you’ve removed it properly if the mask comes off in one piece.