A face mask is one of the easiest ways to give your skin a boost, but small details decide whether it works: how clean your skin is before, how long you leave it on, and what you do in the minutes after. Knowing how to use a face mask properly turns 15 minutes on the sofa into skin that looks noticeably softer and fresher.
This guide walks you through every step for sheet masks, the most popular type in the UAE, and then for clay, cream, overnight and exfoliating masks. Not sure which mask to buy yet? Start with our best face mask guide, or browse our sheet mask range.
What are face masks for?
A mask holds a concentrated layer of ingredients against your skin for longer than a normal product would sit on it. Depending on the type, that means:
- Hydration – sheet and cream masks flood the top layer of skin with water and humectants, which plumps and smooths it for a while.
- Deep cleaning – clay masks absorb excess oil from the surface and pores.
- Exfoliation – acid masks loosen dead cells for a brighter, smoother surface.
- Soothing – ingredients like aloe and panthenol calm skin after sun, heat or shaving.
The benefits of a face mask sheet are mostly short-term: hydrated, plumper, more radiant skin for a day or two. Used regularly as part of a routine, they support healthier skin over time, but they don’t replace your daily cleanser, moisturiser and sunscreen.
Before you start
- Cleanse. Masks work best on clean skin. Remove sunscreen and make-up, then wash your face gently. Our guide on how to wash your face covers the method.
- Leave skin slightly damp for sheet and cream masks; pat it fully dry for clay masks.
- Patch-test new masks on your jawline if your skin is sensitive.
- Pick your moment. Evenings are ideal: your skin has time to absorb everything, and you’re not rushing out into the sun.
How to use a sheet mask, step by step
- Optional: chill it. In the UAE heat, a sheet mask straight from the fridge feels wonderful and helps calm puffiness and redness.
- Unfold it carefully. Most sheets come folded with a protective film. Peel the film off and find the eye and mouth holes.
- Line up the eyes first, then smooth the sheet down over your nose, cheeks and chin. Press out air bubbles with your fingertips so the sheet touches your skin everywhere.
- Relax for 15 to 20 minutes, or the time on the pouch. Lie back if you can, so the sheet doesn’t slide.
- Remove it before it dries out. A dry sheet can start pulling moisture back out of your skin.
What to do after a sheet mask
This is where many people go wrong. After using a face mask sheet:
- Massage in the leftover essence with gentle upward strokes until it’s mostly absorbed. Use extra essence from the pouch on your neck.
- Rinse only if the pouch says so. Purely hydrating masks are usually left on. Masks with acids, clay or strong actives often ask for a light rinse.
- Seal it in with moisturiser. A light cream locks in the hydration the mask just delivered, especially in air-conditioned rooms.
- Sunscreen next morning, especially after exfoliating or brightening masks.
Want to know where masking fits into your full routine? See our skin care routine guide.
How to use other types of mask
Clay masks
Apply a thin, even layer on clean, dry skin, mainly on oily areas, avoiding the eyes and lips. Leave for 10 to 15 minutes, but rinse off with lukewarm water before it cracks and feels tight. Follow with moisturiser.
Cream masks
Apply a thick layer over damp skin, leave for 10 to 20 minutes, then tissue off the excess or massage it in, as directed.
Overnight or sleeping masks
Apply as the last step of your night routine, instead of or over your moisturiser. Rinse off in the morning.
Exfoliating and peel masks
Follow the time on the pack exactly; longer isn’t better. Don’t use them on the same night as other acids or retinol, and always use sunscreen the next day.
Multi-masking
If your T-zone is oily and your cheeks are dry, use a clay or clarifying mask on the T-zone and a hydrating mask on the cheeks at the same time.
How often should you use a face mask?
- Hydrating sheet masks: 2 to 3 times a week; gentle ones can be used more often if your skin is very dry.
- Clay masks: once or twice a week for oily skin; less for dry skin.
- Exfoliating masks: once a week, or as the pack says.
- Overnight masks: 1 to 3 nights a week.
Can you use a face mask every day? A gentle hydrating sheet mask, yes, if your skin likes it. Exfoliating and clay masks, no. Daily use can irritate and dry the skin.
Common mistakes
- Leaving a sheet mask on until it’s bone dry.
- Reusing a sheet mask. They’re single-use; the essence and the sheet aren’t hygienic a second time.
- Masking on dirty skin, or straight after a hot shower that left your face red.
- Using an exfoliating mask on the same night as retinol or other acids.
- Skipping moisturiser afterwards.
- Expecting one mask to fix a long-term problem. Consistency beats intensity.
A simple weekly mask plan
Here’s how we suggest using our sheet masks across a week, as printed in our korean face mask pack. Each one is left on for 15 minutes:
- Night 1 – Salicylic acid mask: to clear pores. Rinse lightly afterwards, and don’t combine it with other exfoliants that night.
- Night 2 – aloe vera face mask: to calm and rehydrate. This one is leave-on; just massage in the essence, no rinse.
- Night 4 – Turmeric mask: for brightness.
- Night 6 – Collagen mask: for a plump, smooth finish before the weekend.
- Any morning – Coffee mask: when you need to look fresher.
Use one mask per session, follow each pouch’s rinse instructions, and patch-test first if your skin is sensitive. Puffy mornings? See our tips on a puffy face.
Common questions
Should I use a face mask in the morning or at night?
Night is best for most masks. A cool, hydrating sheet mask in the morning can make skin look fresher before make-up; just follow it with sunscreen.
Do I apply serum before or after a sheet mask?
After. Massage in the essence, then apply serum and moisturiser. The mask itself already works like a serum.
Should I wash my face after a sheet mask?
Only if the pouch tells you to. Hydrating masks are left on; masks with acids or stronger actives usually need a light rinse.
What’s the best hydrating sheet mask for sensitive skin?
One with a short ingredient list and calming ingredients like aloe, panthenol or centella. Check for fragrance, and patch-test first.
How long should I leave a face mask on?
Usually 10 to 20 minutes. Always follow the pack, and take sheet and clay masks off before they dry completely.
Ready for your next mask night? Pick a mask that matches what your skin needs this week, with free delivery to every emirate and cash on delivery.
Learn more about our face masks.
Korean face mask pack
Aloe vera face mask
Salicylic acid mask
