While facial masks might seem like a relatively recent evolution in the world of skin care, they were actually invented in 1875. Since then, facial masks (sometimes known as “beauty masks”) have completely changed the way millions of people think about skin care. In more recent years, facial masks targeting the unique skin of men hit the market. While face creams and similar products have been available to men for decades, facial masks add a new and interesting dynamic that can greatly improve your skin care routine.
But if you’ve never used a facial mask for men before, you probably have a lot of questions. For instance, what exactly does a facial mask do? How often should you use a facial mask? What are the benefits? Is there a special process to follow when applying a facial mask? Finally, where can you find the best facial mask for men on the market?
In today’s guide, we will answer all of these questions and more, but first, let’s look at the practice of facial masking to see what it really looks like:
What Is Facial Masking?
Facial masking is the practice of applying a specific type of light material or substance to your face that can have a variety of benefits for your skin. As the name implies, facial masks are designed for the face, but unlike traditional face creams, facial masks must be washed off to see the results. Facial masks also belong to a group of skin care products known as “occlusives,” which are substances or materials that cover the skin and enhance moisture retention.
In essence, a face mask is like a quick way to go to the spa in the comfort of your own home. For some men, using a facial mask is even better than using face cream, as it moisturizes while adding in a few extra benefits (though many men use both). The popularity of face masks has grown in recent years because they can even be customized to specific skin types (oily skin, dry skin, etc). Moreover, it can be a relaxing way to refresh your face while you watch TV, do chores around the house, or even take a bath!
It’s important to note that not all facial masks are physical “masks” in the traditional sense. While some products are single-use masks that you have to remove from a packet, others take the form of a cream that must be spread on the face and then washed off. The latter is usually preferable, as it’s not prone to fall off your face or dry out before you can enjoy its benefits.
What do Facial Masks Do?
Most people think of facial masks as a compliment to traditional face cream. And while this is true insofar as they both primarily hydrate the skin, facial masks also come with unique benefits of their own. Here is everything you can expect to get when facial masking:
- Skin Hydration - Facial masks, whether they come in mask form or in cream form, work to hydrate and nourish the skin. Many facial masks also contain ingredients to open the pores, which allows the hydrating benefits to reach even further into the dermis and hydrate at a deeper level.
- Cleansing - Facial masks work to cleanse the face of dirt, debris, and excess oil. However, most face masks do not function as exfoliators, so it may be necessary to use an exfoliant before applying a face mask (more on that later).
- Brighten & Refresh - A quality face mask will leave your face looking and feeling fresher than before. Certain formulations also work to brighten the skin, which is why it is often used by people who are feeling exhausted or those who didn’t get enough sleep the night before. Face masks can get rid of that “tired” look and even help you feel refreshed, revitalized, and full of energy!
- Skin Stimulation - While many facial masks are marketed as “cooling” masks, you can also find masks that provide a warming sensation and stimulation to the skin. This is most common in face masks that utilize honey as a primary ingredient.
- Calm Hyperpigmentation - When used regularly, facial masks can also reduce unsightly under-eye circles or hyperpigmentation of the skin. This is especially true of honey face masks, as they often contain traces of hydrogen peroxide, which can help lighten skin and even out discoloration.
How To Apply Facial Masks
If you plan to use a facial mask that comes in the form of a cream or paste that must be washed off, you have more freedom to apply the mask without feeling rushed. Here are the steps you’ll need to follow:
- Wash your face with a gentle cleanser to remove large dirt or debris. It is extremely important to start with a clean face so that the ingredients can get into your skin.
- Gently exfoliate your skin to remove dead skin cells and prepare your face for the mask. While this step is optional, it is a good idea, as it can make your facial mask more effective.
- Squeeze out a teaspoon of the facial mask and massage it into the skin of your face using upward motions. Make sure to spread it out evenly while avoiding the eyes (you can still apply the mask to under-eye circles, just don’t get it too close to your eyelids).
- Allow the face mask to sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Try not to touch your face or move your facial muscles a lot during this time.
- Once you’ve waited the appropriate amount of time, rinse off the facial mask with lukewarm water.
- Pat your face dry with a soft towel.
How Often Should You Apply A Facial Mask?
Unlike traditional moisturizers, you don’t need to apply a facial mask every day. However, everyone’s skin is a little different. In general, you should aim to apply a facial mask once or twice a week. If you have particularly dry skin, you might choose to apply a mask every day. Just make sure your mask doesn’t have strong exfoliating properties, as exfoliating with this frequency could begin to irritate the skin.
Best Facial Mask For Men
Are you looking for a quality facial mask for men? Do you want to hydrate your face and get all the added perks of a mask? Finally, do you want to take advantage of the natural benefits of honey? If so, Anthony’s Hydrate + Repair Honey Mask is the solution!
Our honey face mask has a proprietary formula enriched with humectants, moisturizers, and of course — honey! This means that you can benefit from deep hydration and a soothing, warming, and relaxing experience. To make our honey mask an even better choice for you, it is cruelty-free, American-made, and contains absolutely no sulfates, parabens, phthalates, GMOs, DEA, triclosan, or gluten. We also ensure that all of our creams and face masks are allergy and dermatologist-tested. So, if you’re looking for the best natural facial mask for men, you can’t go wrong with Anthony’s Hydrate + Repair Honey Mask!
Want to learn even more about facial masks for men? If so, be sure to check out the great products and solutions available at Anthony today!
