Face masks and ampoules can bring a whole new level to your skincare routine, but how exactly should you use them, and what do they bring to your regimen? Here, we’ll cover all this and more. This is the ultimate guide to face masks and ampoules, so you’ll know what an ampoule is, how to use face masks and their properties, and where to add these products into the layers of your skincare. Whether you could benefit from a hydrating face mask or a purifying one, or from one of the many different ampoules for skin, we’ve got you covered so that you can decide on the best skincare for your complexion.
In this guide, we’ll be covering:
Clay face masks
Sheet face masks
Overnight face masks
Gel face masks
Foaming face masks
An ampoule is a highly concentrated liquid product that is formulated to address a specific skin concern, whether that be acne treatment or discolouration. Usually, their consistency is thinner than a serum, and the active ingredient content is higher than a serum too.
The word ampoule comes from the French ‘ampule’, which refers to the jar in which the product was traditionally stored; ‘ampoule’ used to mean just a liquid medicine, but now the term has made its way into the world of skincare. An ampoule bottle will commonly only contain enough product for a single application, as they are very intensive treatments.
How often to use an ampoule
If you want to bring ampoules into your regimen regularly, then use them once per week. Designing a skincare routine can sometimes seem confusing, as you need to work out how to order and arrange all of the products you want to include. And so, where should you use an ampoule in your skincare routine? Ampoules are optimal for when your skincare needs a boost, or when you want to include an extra product to combat a specific skincare issue.
There are ampoules for everything, whether that be a boost of hydration or fewer in fine lines — you might want an advanced firming ampoule. To analyse what your skin might need, you can check out our guide on skin types, and to discover the benefits that ampoules with antioxidants can bring, read our guide on antioxidant skincare benefits.
An ampoule’s high concentration means you might see results faster than if you simply used a serum, making them great for when you’re feeling a bit under the weather or have been working longer hours than usual.
How to use an ampoule in your skincare routine
An ampoule should be applied after cleansing the skin, and before any other products are applied. This is because it is the treatment step of your routine, as opposed to the hydration or moisturising steps, and so it’s best applied with no layers between the ampoule and your skin. It’s important to read the specific instructions on your ampoule of choice though, as for instance some are made with micro-spicules that are able to penetrate the skin better over a moisturiser, and should therefore be applied after any moisturising steps.
Face masks provide more intensive skincare treatments to really target your skincare concerns, whether that be needing more hydration or cleaning pores to prevent acne. If you’re wondering whether it’s worth including a face mask in your regular skincare regimen, the chances are it is: there is plenty of variety to choose from and so there is bound to be a face mask perfect for your complexion. And as a bonus, having a face mask can be a fantastic way to add some luxury to your week and make yourself feel like you’re having a mini at-home spa treatment.
The type of face mask you need depends on your skin type and what you’re aiming for in your regimen. We’ll go through some of the main types of face mask below so that you can gain a better understanding of the choices on offer.
You are probably aware of some of the types of face mask already, but do you know when and how to use them, and what skincare concerns they can address? There are lots of different face masks that all bring different benefits, and can be the perfect addition to your regimen depending on what your skin type and aims might be.
Clay face masks
A clay face mask is a good addition to most skincare routines, as it cleans pores and offers some gentle exfoliation. It is a good option for those who find more intense exfoliating products (such as AHAs) too harsh for their skin, and there are different clay choices too. Green clay is best for those looking for a purifying clay mask, as it is great at cleaning pores; pink clay is a more moisturising choice for drier skin types. As this mask is quite gentle, it’s easy to include in lots of routines, such as our skincare routine for men, which offers a face mask for men as well as other high-tech products. Combined with other ingredients, clay can be a game changing ingredient: such as in this Seaweed Clay Mask.
Sheet face masks
Sheet face masks have grown in popularity in recent years, partly helped along by the interest in Korean skincare and multi-step routines. They are made of light muslin cloth soaked in intense product formulations, and are usually used to provide ultimate, lasting hydration. Typically, these masks contain lots of hyaluronic acid and other hydrating ingredients, and are another gentle addition to any skin regimen, equally suitable for those prone to acne as for those with dry skin.
Overnight face masks
These masks are specially designed to be worn overnight and removed in the morning. They are a luxurious addition to your bedtime skincare routine and can provide a relaxing end to the day as well as a skincare boost. Some masks are also designed such that rather than remove them entirely, you can pat any excess product into your skin, leaving you with an extra bit of luxury added to your morning skincare as well. These masks are used for many things, such as adding extra hydration, addressing fine lines, toning the skin, and calming irritation.
Gel face masks
A relatively new skincare technology, the gel face mask forms a translucent layer on the skin that has a jelly-like texture. Some of these formulas even contain menthol, which can bring a cooling sensation to the skin when the product is applied. These masks are used for intense moisture, but also their calming properties, so they’re ideal if your skin is irritated or prone to allergic reactions. You might also like to try a Collagen Mask to wake up your skin.
Foaming face masks
Foaming face masks usually provide a deep cleanse, making them the perfect choice for after a workout or run, as well as a go-to product if your skin is feeling congested. These products are also called bubble masks, as they bubble up when applied to your skin to create a foam-like texture on your skin. While this provides a fun novelty, it’s also thought that the oxygen-filled bubbles can help to boost your circulation, thereby giving an effect similar to an oxygen facial. This can help your skin look brighter as the increased circulation contributes to keeping your skin healthy, as well as brighten it. For more information, check out our guide to brightening skincare.
When you come to use face mask, it’s important to apply it the right way. Different face masks need different methods of application to work their best on your skin, so here we’ll run through how to apply the different types of face mask.
How to apply a clay face mask
If you’re wondering how to apply a clay face mask, it’s really very simple. Cleanse your face as normal, and then instead of drying your face, cover it in a thin layer of the clay. As your face dries, the clay will dry too. Follow the instructions on the mask as to how long it should be left on, and then wash the mask off with warm water.
How to apply a sheet face mask
Applying sheet face masks is also very simple. Cleanse your face as usual, and then take the mask out of the packet, unfold it, and place it on your face so that the eye, nose and mouth holes align with your features. Follow the packet instructions for how long to keep your mask on, and then take it off. You won’t need to cleanse after most sheet masks, as the hydrating formula will continue to soak into your skin. You can simply apply the rest of your skincare on top.
How to apply overnight face masks
Overnight face masks vary a little in their application: some are applied instead of your usual night time skincare, but many are applied over the top of it. Whichever you choose, cleanse your face thoroughly as normal and then ensure you allow enough time for the mask to begin to soak in before you go to bed, as this will save it rubbing off onto your duvet.
How to apply a gel face mask
Gel masks are very simply to apply: just spread an even layer of the formula over your face, using either your hands or a face mask brush. Then leave the mask on for the amount of time indicated on the packet, and enjoy the intensive skin hydration and antioxidant effects.
How to apply foaming face masks
Foaming face masks are part of the cleansing process, but you should still apply your usual cleanser first to ensure that the mask can reach the deeper layers of your skin unobstructed by makeup or the day’s impurities. If your bubble mask is in sheet for, take the mask out of the packet, and lay it on your skin as you would with any other sheet mask. For cream masks, apply a thick layer gentle using a face mask brush for even application. Then, wait for the bubbles to form, and leave the mask on for the amount of time instructed on the packet.
Often, it’s tempting to oscillate between using a face mask every night and forgetting about your face mask products for the whole month. The ideal routine, however, is in between this. While the amount you should use a face mask varies somewhat based on your skin type and the concerns you’re trying to address, there is a general guide for each type of face mask that rings true.
- Clay face masks: Apply these up to three times per week. More than this can dry out your skin, but most people can benefit from applying a clay face mask every few days as the cleansing and exfoliating properties of these products are gentle and natural.
- Sheet face masks: While it’s tempting to do sheet face masks as often as possible because they feel so luxurious, it’s not necessary to do them more than once or twice per week. If they contain active ingredients and are not just hydrating, once per week is plenty.
- Overnight face masks: How often you use overnight face masks depends on your skin type and the ingredients they contain. A hydrating overnight mask can be used up to three times per week, but ones containing exfoliating ingredients or retinols should be used at most twice per week, as it’s important to give your skin time to rest and hydrate.
- Gel face masks: Most gel masks can be used three times per week. They are typically very hydrating and gentle, so can be a good moisturisation boost throughout the week.
- Foaming face masks: Foaming face masks are typically a deep cleansing step, so they should only be used once per week at most. Alternatively, you might prefer to use one occasionally if your skin feels congested, or you’ve had a particularly heated exercise session.
One of the potentially confusing aspects of incorporating face masks into your skincare routine is that these products should be applied in a specific place in the order of your skincare. When going to do a face mask — of whatever type — you should first cleanse your skin using your usual cleanser. Then, apply your face mask. If you’ve applied an overnight mask, then you’ll be leaving it on until the morning, but otherwise how long to leave the face mask on for will vary, so follow the time stated on the packaging. The manufacturer will best be able to tell you how long the mask should be left on for, but it will usually be between 10 and 30 minutes.
When you are ready, take off the mask in the way that is recommended by the manufacturer. This might be by peeling, or more commonly it will be by washing off with water or cleansing with your usual cleanser. Once you’ve made sure no product is left from the mask, you can complete the rest of your skincare routine as normal. So, if you’re wondering do you do skincare after a face mask, the answer is a resounding yes: a face mask is an extra step you can slot it at any time.
If applying the mask in the morning, follow your morning skincare regimen, or follow the night time version if you’re applying your mask before bed. It’s worth noting that face masks are usually easier to bring into your night time routine because they might contain layers of moisturising product that take a number of hours to soak into your skin. This is however not the case with foaming and clay masks, which offer more cleansing properties are easier to add to a morning routine.
Use face masks and ampoules to add an extra touch of luxury to your skincare routine, and a moment of spa treatment throughout the week. This guide will help you find the right face masks and ampoules to really target your skincare concerns and bring that extra stage to your skincare routine. For plenty more skincare tips and guides, check out our blog.