The Best Japanese Beauty Face Masks, How to choose and Use.
In Japan, beauty face masks infused with rich skincare ingredients are widely loved as a special treatment for enhancing skin care. This popularity has led to a diverse range of beauty face masks on the market, each designed to target specific skin concerns and deliver effective results.
This article is for those who don’t often use beauty face masks or who include them in their skincare routine but are curious about trying Japanese beauty face masks.
We’ll cover everything from the correct way to use facial masks to how to choose the right one for your skin concerns, along with recommendations from the Japanese cosmetics brand FANCL.
1.Types of Beauty Serums
There are many serums available on the market, so it’s important to choose a productthat addresses your specific skin concerns. Understanding which ingredients areeffective for your particular skin issues can make it easier to select the right product.Additionally, if you have previously used a product with the same active ingredients andfound that it worked well (or didn’t suit your skin), you can use that experience as areference when choosing other products.
1. What is the recommended frequency for using beauty face masks? Is it okay to use them everyday?
There are various types of beauty masks, and some can be used daily. For example, moisturizing masks are often designed for daily use. On the other hand, masks that contain additional ingredients for brightening or lifting, along with moisturizing benefits, are generally recommended for use once or twice a week.
Daily use may not be recommended for some beauty masks because the high concentration of active ingredients can sometimes cause irritation with frequent application. It's best to allow some time between uses to avoid overstimulating the skin. Always follow the recommended usage frequency provided for each product to get the best results safely.
2. Morning or night? When is the best time to use a beauty face mask for maximum effectiveness?
Beauty masks are most effective when used at night after a bath.
At this time, your skin is already cleansed, and the increased blood circulation and open pores after bathing allow beauty ingredients to penetrate more easily.
If you're using a beauty mask outside of bath time, you can achieve a similar effect by using a warm towel. Moisten a towel, wring it out, and warm it in the microwave. Be careful to avoid burns, then apply the mask after warming your face.
Using a beauty mask before applying makeup in the morning is also recommended. It helps makeup go on more smoothly and gives your skin a brighter appearance. Consider adding this step to your routine on special days.
3. Where does a beauty Face mask fit in the skincare routine, and what steps should be followed before and after using it?
The most common beauty sheet masks can serve as a substitute for serum, so they are used after cleansing and moisturizing with a toner or similar product.
After using the mask, apply a moisturizer or lotion to lock in its benefits for your skin.
Other types of masks have a different order of use.
Rinse-off masks are used after cleansing, while sleeping packs are applied after completing your usual skincare routine—cleansing, toner, serum, and moisturizer. As the recommended steps vary by type, be sure to follow the instructions carefully.
Apart from the order of use, it's important to follow the recommended application time indicated on the product. Although it might seem like leaving the mask on longer would enhance its effects, using it beyond the suggested time can actually lead to dryness.
If you feel any irritation, it may mean that the beauty mask doesn’t suit your skin. In such cases, it's best to discontinue use.
4. Types of Beauty Face Mask Formats
There are various types of beauty masks available. Here, we’ll introduce the unique characteristics of each type.
Sheet Masks
Sheet masks are beauty masks where a sheet soaked in Facial Toner/Keshousui or serum is applied closely to the face. They are the most common type of beauty mask and come in a wide variety. Many are also available in bulk, making it more affordable for daily use.
Rinse-off Mask
Rinse-off masks help remove impurities while moisturizing the skin. After regular cleansing, lightly pat your face dry, apply the mask, and then rinse it off to remove dead skin cells and clear out pores.
Using this type of mask daily can be too harsh on the skin, so it’s typically recommended as a special treatment once or twice a week, especially if you’re concerned about dullness or rough texture from dead skin buildup.
Peel-off Masks
Peel-off masks are applied as a cream or gel, left on the skin for a few minutes to dry, and then peeled off. Some types are specially designed for the nose.
These masks work by adhering to impurities in the pores, allowing you to see the dirt removed firsthand. However, as they can be harsh on the skin, it’s best to limit use to once or twice a week and follow up with thorough moisturizing.
Sleeping Masks
Sleeping masks are ideal for those looking for intensive hydration overnight. Used as the final step in your nighttime skincare routine, they protect the skin from dryness while you sleep, leaving it soft and plump by morning.
Since they don’t need to be rinsed off, sleeping masks are perfect for busy individuals looking for an easy yet effective treatment.
With a lighter texture than night creams, they’re suitable even for those concerned about stickiness. Some sleeping masks are safe for daily use, while others are recommended for two to three times a week, so check the product packaging for the best usage guidelines.
5. How to Choose the Best Beauty Face Mask for Your Skin Concerns
We’ll introduce specific beauty masks from Japanese skincare brand FANCL, tailored to address different skin concerns. FANCL’s beauty masks are formulated without common irritants such as preservatives, synthetic fragrances, artificial colorants, petroleum-based surfactants, or UV-absorbing agents, making them gentle on the skin. Discover the beauty mask that suits your skin needs and consider adding it to your skincare routine.
5-1. Recommended Beauty Face Masks for Dry and Dehydrated Skin
FANCL’s Moisturizing Mask
For those with dry or dehydrated skin, thorough hydration with a high-moisture beauty mask in addition to daily moisturizing is highly recommended. FANCL’s Moisturizing Mask is enriched with fresh royal jelly extract and raffinose, unique moisturizing ingredients that deeply hydrate the skin. This textured sheet mask, infused with 18 ml of serum, adheres closely to the skin, helping to smooth and beautify dry, troubled areas.
5-2. Recommended Beauty Face Masks for Dullness and Pore Concerns
For those concerned about dullness or clogged pores, a rinse-off beauty mask is recommended.
Fancl's Skin Renewal Pack
Fancl's Skin Renewal Pack is a rinse-off type beauty mask which achieves supple, soft skin, an exfoliating gel mask delivering instant results. This potent formula swiftly eliminates dead cells, enhancing skin's moisture and softness. In just 5 minutes, this rinse-off mask leaves your skin smoother and plumper, primed for maximum absorption of subsequent skincare. Infused with Minerals for skin hydration, Pear Juice Extract for softening, Fresh Royal Jelly Extract for exfoliation, Rice Extract for new cell production, and Amino C for heightened moisture, this mask revitalizes and prepares your skin for optimal hydration and absorption.
5-3. Recommended Beauty Masks for Dryness and Skin Sagging Concerns
For those concerned about dryness and skin sagging, it's essential to use a beauty mask rich in collagen, hyaluronic acid, and glucosamine to deeply hydrate and restore firmness to the skin.
FANCL's Moist & Lift Mask
FANCL's Moist & Lift Mask is formulated with adaptive collagen, hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, joint collagen, and acetyl glucosamine, ingredients enhanced through FANCL's proprietary research to boost beauty benefits. The mask's sheet not only covers the entire face, including the jawline, but also allows you to lift the side wings for an ideal face line.
5-4. Recommended Beauty Face Masks for Dark Spots, Dullness, Freckles, and Skin Irritation
For those looking to prevent dullness and skin irritation from dryness, or dark spots and freckles from UV exposure, a beauty mask rich in brightening ingredients like vitamin C, in addition to moisturizing components, is recommended.
FANCL’s Brightening Mask
FANCL’s Brightening Mask, with the concept of 'Intensive Brightening Care for Radiant Skin,' is enriched with luxurious moisturizing ingredients like royal jelly extract and FANCL's unique bright polyphenols to enhance skin health. It also contains active vitamin Cα, an effective brightening ingredient, for a radiant, clear complexion.
6. Summary
Beauty face masks hold a significant place in Japanese skincare routines.
Known for their high moisturizing effects, beauty masks are popular as special care products offering various skin benefits depending on the type.
There are several types of face masks, including sheet masks, rinse-off masks, peel-off masks, and sleeping masks, each with different application methods and effects. Choosing the right mask for your skin type and concerns is essential—for example, those with dry or dull skin may benefit from specific masks tailored to these issues. When using beauty face masks, it’s important to follow the recommended application time and frequency on the product to avoid stressing the skin. For effective skincare, beauty masks should be used correctly and consistently.