Why does it sting after applying a facial mask?

For many people, facial masks are a convenient and effective skin care magic weapon. There are many kinds of facial masks, and some people think that hydrating masks are the safest and can be applied every day. However, according to reports, a woman in Shenzhen applied a hydrating mask twice a day. After a period of time, her facial skin became increasingly dry, and sometimes even red and itchy.

Generally speaking, using facial masks will not cause any problems to the skin, but for some people, their skin becomes worse after using them. Everyone must pay attention to the following points.

Contact dermatitis is caused by certain substances in the mask irritating the skin, causing allergic reactions such as dry skin and rashes. However, it is difficult to identify which substance causes the allergy.

Allergic contact dermatitis is an allergen-induced immune response in the skin that usually only affects the areas of the skin that have come into contact with the allergen, and the onset is often rapid.

Irritant contact dermatitis is the most common. This nonallergic skin reaction occurs when a substance damages the skin's outer protective layer.

While some people experience a strong reaction after a single exposure, most people develop symptoms after repeated exposure to a particular irritant. If the mask contains a mild irritant, you may not feel discomfort at first, but symptoms will become noticeable if you use it repeatedly over a long period of time. In this case, the more often you use the mask and the longer you use it, the worse your skin will become.

Reminder: Any irritation or allergic reaction can cause the skin to lose moisture faster, resulting in dryness and redness, and may also cause acne.

Some ingredients in acne masks may clog pores and cause inflammation, especially for people with dry and sensitive skin. This is because these people are more prone to micro-cracks in their skin. If the mask is not used properly, bacteria remaining on the skin surface can easily penetrate the skin through the micro-cracks and cause acne.

Reminder: Do not use masks that are expired or have been exposed to the elements for a period of time, as the risk of bacterial contamination may increase.

Why does it sting after applying a mask? Some people say that the stinging sensation after applying a mask is because the skin is severely dehydrated. You should continue to use a hydrating mask until the skin is fully hydrated, and the stinging sensation will disappear. Is there any basis for this statement?

In fact, using a suitable mask will not cause tingling or rash. If your skin feels prickly after applying the mask, it means that your skin has some degree of micro-cracks and damage. When such a feeling occurs, you should stop using the mask immediately and rinse your face thoroughly; if your skin feels tight or a little itchy, it is recommended to use a mild cleanser and skin cream for skin care; if a rash occurs, it is recommended to see a doctor.

Warning: The longer these unusual sensations persist, the more likely your skin will become irritated.

Be careful when using facial masks

1. Using multiple different types of masks at the same time will expose you to more different chemicals that may cause irritation. Therefore, it is recommended to use only one mask at a time.

2. It is best to use the mask within 5 minutes after washing your face, as it absorbs best when the skin is still slightly moist.

3. It is recommended to apply the mask for 15 to 20 minutes to achieve maximum absorption.

Can people with sensitive skin or acne use facial masks? People with sensitive skin, a history of skin diseases or acne should check the ingredient list of the mask before using it to see if it contains substances that may cause allergies. At the same time, it is recommended to apply a little mask on the inside of the wrist overnight for testing. If there is no adverse reaction the next day, it can be safely used on the face.

Another suggestion is that when using a mask you have never used before for the first time, apply it for 5 to 10 minutes and observe whether the skin has any abnormal reaction; if there is no abnormality after application, gradually increase the application time next time.

Paper masks are popular among many people because they only need to be opened and applied to the face. Paper masks use closed wet sheets, which can be applied to the face to allow the ingredients in the mask to be better absorbed by the skin. However, people with skin allergies should take a small amount of ingredients from the paper before using a paper mask that they have not touched, apply it on the wrist, and store the opened paper mask in a sealed jar in the refrigerator. If there is no adverse reaction the next day, it can be used on the face.

Reminder: People with sensitive skin should avoid using facial masks if they have itching, tingling, or rashes. When the skin is in a fragile stage, it will be more susceptible to certain allergenic ingredients in the mask and more likely to have adverse reactions.