Should You Cleanse After a Face Mask?
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Make no mistake: face masks are an effective (and often luxurious) part of any skin-care routine, but there can be a lot of confusion around exactly how to use them. This is especially true given the fact that there are so many variations of masks on the market to choose from, from clay formulas to exfoliating treatments to masks you can leave on while you sleep.
The first question that often comes to mind is whether you should cleanse or wash your face after using a face mask. Does that undo all the work, rinsing all the progress you've made to your complexion down the drain? Or, is it a necessary step to get rid of any gunk that might be lingering after you towel off the treatment?
It turns out, the answer has a lot to do with what type of mask you're using. If that sounds confusing, don't worry, we're here to give you the lowdown on the exact cleansing rules to keep in mind for every type of formula — from mud masks and paper sheets to overnight treatments and beyond. Check out our answers to whether you should wash your face after each type of face mask, and why, ahead.
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Should You Wash Your Face After a Clay Mask?
Innisfree Pore Clearing Clay Mask With Super Volcanic Clusters ($16)
Clay masks — like the Innisfree formula, above — do need to be washed off. They have a thick, cream-like consistency when applied, but most are then left to dry and washed off using a face cloth or muslin cloth. You don't need to use a cleanser, though. Clay masks are designed to draw out impurities and grime from the skin and once they are removed from the skin, it's best to layer on a hydrating moisturizer next.
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Should You Wash Your Face After a Sheet Mask?
Saturday Skin Quench Intense Hydration Masks ($30)
Unlike clay masks, the main purpose of sheet masks is to hydrate the skin. Sheet masks are soaked in a serum or essence that adds a big punch of moisture. You should apply to a clean, freshly-cleansed face, and once the mask has been left on for 15-20 minutes and removed, you simply rub the rest of the serum into the skin. There's no need to wash your face after using one, but for even more hydration you may want to finish with a night cream.
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Should You Wash Your Face After Eye Masks?
Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Hydra-Gel Eye Patches ($10)
Much like sheet masks, eye masks are full of serum goodness and do not need to be washed off. They can be used in the morning before makeup, in the evening, or even at the same time as a face mask.
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Should You Wash Your Face After a Mud Mask?
Honest Beauty 3-in-1 Detox Mud Mask Facial Treatment ($24)
Though it may not dry hard, meaning it could be easily wiped off, a mud mask is similar to a clay mask in that it needs to be washed off completely after use. Mud masks give the skin much more hydration than clay masks, but should still be topped with a moisturizer.
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Should You Wash Your Face After Using Overnight Masks?
Fresh Black Tea Peptide Overnight Mask ($96)
Overnight masks should be washed off, but only in the morning. These formulas are perfect for those who have dehydrated skin. Because they are designed to repair the skin while you sleep, you should wake up to a supple appearance in the morning. Cleanse your face as you would normally each morning.
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— Additional reporting by Renee Rodriguez
Tori Crowther is a freelance beauty journalist and former POPSUGAR UK editor.
Renee Rodriguez is a staff writer and social producer for POPSUGAR. She writes across all verticals, but her main areas of expertise focus on fashion and beauty content with an emphasis on reviews and editor experiments. She also produces social content for POPSUGAR's TikTok and Instagram accounts.