Is it good for the skin to use face masks every day?
Disease description:
My wife has recently become very focused on skincare. She heard that applying face masks is good for the skin, so she has been using face masks every day. However, I'm a bit concerned. I don't know whether applying face masks daily is actually beneficial for the skin, or if it might cause any side effects.
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Wenmin
In general, applying face masks every day is usually not good for the skin.
Although face masks can provide moisture and nutrients to the skin, the skin's ability to absorb these is limited. Frequent use of face masks keeps the skin in a moist condition for extended periods, causing excessive hydration of the stratum corneum, which can make the skin fragile, sensitive, and more susceptible to external irritation and infection.
Additionally, face masks typically contain rich nutrients. If used daily, the skin may be unable to fully absorb these nutrients, potentially leading to over-nourishment, which can cause clogged pores, pimples, and acne. Long-term overuse of face masks may also damage the skin's barrier function, making it more vulnerable to environmental aggressors.
It is recommended to use face masks 2–3 times per week, which ensures the skin receives sufficient moisture and nutrients without being overburdened. Each application should not last too long—generally around 15–20 minutes—to prevent the mask from drying out and subsequently drawing moisture from the skin. After removing the mask, wash your face with clean water and apply a moisturizing lotion or cream promptly to help lock in moisture.
