Lifestyle Lifestyle What is the difference between a facial mask and a facial scrub?

What is the difference between a facial mask and a facial scrub? Both are facial treatments that, when applied properly, leave skin hydrated and glowing, but we often confuse them or don't know exactly how to use them so that we can take advantage of all their properties.

What is the difference between a face mask and a face scrub?

Although most masks come with a description of what they do and how they should be used, very few tell us when to use them in our routine of broader skin care. Similarly, it's widely known that scrubs help exfoliate dead skin cells, but why do we need them and how often?

This can cause both treatments to get confused and although basically with the mask we will be able to hydrate the skin and with the exfoliant, we will eliminate dead cells, as we say, if we understand well what each thing is for, we will see how they really differ.

How and when to use a mask

It is recommended that you use a mask once or twice a week to treat your skin; however, this is more personal depending on your skin type, what works for you, and the mask you are using. Some masks specify how often they should be used, so if the instructions are there, follow them! As for when to apply your mask in relation to your other skincare products, the best time is after you cleanse, or better yet, after your exfoliation. The skin will be more receptive and sensitive to the ingredients in the mask after a scrub, which means it will be more effective at treating the skin. Similarly, after cleansing or scrubbing, the pores will be clean and unblocked, allowing the mask's active formula to penetrate deep into the epidermis.

It is also suggested that you apply your specific face mask before your night cream or serum, to help enhance the effects of both products. As our cells renew themselves while we sleep, applying a mask before your serum will not only keep your skin extra hydrated, but it could also make the serum work faster, giving it a little extra boost.

Of course, no two face masks are the same, there are different textures, times and removal methods, from "peel off" to uniform masks that are removed with a magnet. Each mask contains the correct amount of active ingredients for a specific skin concern, therefore instructions should be read carefully to ensure you are getting the correct dosage and not over-stressing your skin.

This is how you should wear your face mask:

How and when to use a facial scrub

Unless you have extremely sensitive skin, it is recommended that you exfoliate with a scrub twice a week (reduce this to once a week for sensitive skin) . Doing this every two weeks is the optimal amount of time between the buildup of dead skin cells that the exfoliator works to remove, clearing out the pores and revealing the softer, fresher skin underneath. By revealing healthier skin and removing any surface debris, including dirt, and unblocking pores, it'll be much more receptive to any products you apply afterward (like the aforementioned face mask), which means you're likely to see best results.

Generally, exfoliants are sold in gel format with small particles or grains to be able to exfoliate the skin well, although in the market we can already find some exfoliants that do not have these grains and that will be more recommended in the case of wanting to exfoliate sensitive skin .

Now let's see the steps to use the scrub correctly: