Why You Need A Mask Routine

I’m not going to mask the truth here, you probably aren’t using face masks to their fullest potential. I will also not mask the fact that I enjoyed that pun. In my past life where my skincare routine didn’t control my life, I used masks reactively. If I had a breakout on the way or in full swing, I’d slather on a clay mask and stomp my feet when it took days to clear up. If I had a big party that weekend, I’d throw on a “glow” mask that Thursday and hope for a radiant entrance. A cold winter day might see a hydration mask to ease redness. You get the picture. But what my former self and a lot of innocent people out there are missing is that masks should be a proactive staple in your routine in order to get the maximum benefits and overall better skin.

It wasn’t until I met one of my first clean beauty loves, the Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask, where I understood the power of a mask routine. In the directions, she tells you to use the mask 2-3 days in a row and then taper to 2-3 times per week. "Would my face fall off from so much exfoliation? Is this a greater conspiracy to use more product? Or, will I get that glow the reviews all talked about?" Intrigued, I obliged. After 3 days in a row leading up to my birthday weekend, I was asked one of the nicest questions I’ve heard from a friend, “Did you get botox?”. Ohhhh heck yeah. With that being enough for me to sell my soul to the pretty green jar of Tata Harper, I continued using the mask the recommended 2-3 times a week consistently, and what I found was not just a glow but a realization of what a steady mask routine can do to your skin.

My skin is combination, with larger pores and hormonal (and some lifestyle, aka wine and pizza) breakouts. With a solid clean skincare routine in place, I thought a mask would add a supplemental benefit for a short period of time, aka a quick glow for a night or two, or a breakout fixer-upper. But what I found using a chemical exfoliation mask 2-3 times a week over the course of a few months was that my skin transformed. I slowly noticed I no longer needed my spot clearing clay (like, ever, and I used to use it nightly), I rarely had to use clay masks, and my skin had a daily glow. My pores shrank, my skin tone evened out, and I have brighter skin overall. This isn’t a pitch for the Tata Harper mask, although, it’s not not a pitch for it, but rather a story of how masking consistently can actually transform your skin dramatically when incorporated into your routine.

Finding Your Mask

Everyone’s skin is different, and everyone has different goals for their skin. I’m clearly after the glow, but maybe you are breakout prone, maybe you want more hydration, or maybe you are looking for anti-aging benefits. Whatever your skin needs are, start masking consistently to see a difference. I recommend you doing research and finding one that sounds like it will fit your needs, and that has reviews to back it up. That’s how I found my gem, and I think doing your research is crucial to not waste your time and mullah.

If you ever have questions on masks (or really, anything), feel free to reach out!!

How to Get in The Habit

Create a weekly routine, don’t go ad hoc for your staple masks. I have specific days I apply different masks, and while life may throw a happy hour or a dinner plan my way, 90% of time, it works. I do my most important masking earlier in the week, so that by the time the weekend hits full swing, you can adjust accordingly. This isn’t a be-all-end-all, just a guideline so that you get in the habit. I’ve written my routine below as a reference or idea starting point, in case that’s helpful. But with that said... Remember to adjust accordingly!

Some weeks, my skin is just NOT feeling a physical exfoliator. Totally fine! Give your skin a few days of rest. Or maybe your skin is breaking out, use your clay mask extra. Environmental factors like weather, travel, and diet will impact your skin, so pay attention, adjust, and treat your skin well.

My Masking Schedule

Sunday

To start the week off right, I use a physical exfoliator to slough off the weekend and reset my skin for the week to come. I might add in a clay mask as well, if I’m feeling it. Monday

Detox mask, I’ve been loving the Chlorophyll Mask from Cocokind and/or a purifying mask. Tuesday

Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask Wednesday

If I’m up for it, maybe a detox or purifying mask. Thursday

Either Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask or GoopGlow Glycolic Peel 15%

My Add Ons

• I don’t use a special night cream, instead, I add an overnight mask whenever I use retinol, which is usually the opposite nights as my chemical exfoliating masks.

• Sheet mask: Now theeeese you can ad hoc. I use them as a little pep in my skin for events, a hangover helper, or a Friday night treat.

• Hydrating masks: My skin is not particularly dry, and I use a hydrating serum and moisturizer. But if my skin is red or dry, I’ll add one of these where needed, and usually pause my exfoliation.

The Lineup!

Now, I know I sounded like a broken record and you’d think this post was sponsored by Tata Harper. It wasn’t, although, very open to that in the future. I’ve linked to the mask I so cherish, but I’ve also linked to the other masks in my routine, and a few recommendations.

Chemical Exfoliating Masks

• Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask, $65

• GoopGlow 15% Glycolic Acid Overnight Peel, $125

• Naturopathica Sweet Cherry Brightening Enzyme Peel, $58

Physical Exfoliating Masks

• Naturopathica Oat Cleansing Facial Polish, $62

• GoopGlow Microderm Instant Glow Exfoliator, $125

Hydrating Masks

• Youth To The People Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Mask, $48

• Josh Rosebrook Advanced Hydration Mask, $65

Detox Masks

• Cocokind Chlorphyll Mask, $19

• Follain Dual Detox Mask: Purify + Resurface, $34

• Herbivore Botanicals Pink Clay Mask, $22

• Josh Rosebrook Cacao Antioxidant Mask, $65

Sheet Masks

• Orgain Vitamin C & Revitalizing Organic Sheet Mask

• Honest Hazel 3-Treatment Eye Gels Pack, $12

To note, I have affiliations with some of these brands/companies, so could be compensated if you make a purchase! If you ever have questions, just let me know.

How do you mask and what are your favorites? Comment below!