Do you know how often to use a face mask? The answer may surprise you! Our experts cover all the basics in this Masking 101 guide, like how to mask, how often to use a face mask, the right formula for your skin concerns and more. Learn how to mask the right way.

There is much to be gained from regularly using the right facial masks for your skin type and skin concerns. Your face mask benefits totally depend on the formula you choose. For example, clay mask benefits will be different from collagen mask benefits. Depending on the formula you choose, your mask can:

It seems like you could do a mask anytime during the day, but should you do a face mask before or after a shower? While you don't always need to take a full shower before a mask, you should always cleanse your skin before masking to achieve the best results. You can also use toner or exfoliate before masking, to help the formula penetrate more effectively.

Once your skin is prepped for your mask, apply a chickpea-sized amount to your face (and neck if you desire).

Once your mask is ready to remove, rinse well with warm water. You can follow with your toner if desired, but always follow with a moisturizer.

Pro Tip: Many people glob on their masks thickly, but this is actually counterproductive. You only need a thin layer for the face mask to work – it's a waste of product to apply any more.

It's important to follow the directions on the package, because some masks have active ingredients that should only be left on the skin for a certain amount of time (like the sulfur in Amino Mask or the kaolin clay in Restorative Clay). Often, these masks are left on for 10-15 minutes to receive the full benefits from active ingredients, but it is important to follow the directions. However, there are many masks that are much more flexible too.

Have you ever put on a facial mask before bed, only to fall asleep in it? Certain masks can leave your skin feeling dry and irritated if you leave them on too long, but overnight masks can be left on however long you want – you can even fall asleep in them. These masks are often soothing, hydrating, and reparative. Here are our two favorite overnight masks:

Best Overnight Mask for Dry Skin:Collagen Rehab

This is one of the best overnight masks because it helps support collagen and elastin performance, so lines appear filled, skin looks firmer and acts years younger. Plus, it saturates skin to create a discernable moisture barrier that lasts up to 72 hours. When you remove this mask, skin looks instantly renewed, dewy and firmer. This can also double as a lip mask and left on overnight as an intensive treatment.

Best Overnight Face Mask for Glowing Skin:Radiance Rescue 

This luxurious product is a creamy mask that wakes up skin's microcirculation to reduce the look of lines and puffiness near the eyes and increase skin's elasticity and moisturization for youthful resilience and a glowing complexion. Radiance Rescue can even be applied around the eyes to brighten dark circles and smooth out crepey eyelids and crinkly texture.

It only takes 10 minutes for your skin to receive full benefits from these masks, but you can even leave them on longer.

"Both Collagen Rehab and Radiance Rescue masks are easy to use. In fact, it's okay to fall asleep in them! The masks will keep working while you sleep to firm, soften fine lines and leave the skin with a renewed luminescence."
– Teresa Stenzel, Bioelements Director of Education

Many people are confused on how often to use a face mask, but in general you should mask 1-3 times per week. However, certain masks can be used multiple days a week, like Kerafole for the Kerafole Purge. You can use your face mask morning or night – it completely depends on your schedule and your personal preferences.

To get the most out of your mask, it's crucial to choose a formula designed for your specific skin's needs. Bioelements high-performance face masks zero in on your biggest skin concerns – and they all ship free!

Now you know the basics of masking, but can you use two face masks in one day? Yes, it's called double-masking or multi-masking! Multi-masking allows you to customize your skin care and maximize the results you see. There are two ways to double mask:

• Spot-mask: Apply different masks to specific areas of your face at the same time. This will tackle individual concerns in separate areas and is particularly useful for those with combination skin.
• Back-to-back: Apply one mask first, then remove after the allotted time and apply a second mask immediately after to reap the benefits of both.

Here's some of our favorite multi-mask combinations:

Tired, puffy eyes + dull, sagging skin

Apply Radiance Rescue under the eyes and on cheeks, and Collagen Rehab over the forehead, nose and chin for a dewy, glowing complexion.

Large t-zone pores + oil

Apply Measured Micrograins + to slough dead skin and control oil, then rinse and vacuum out pores with Restorative Clay.

Lined lips, forehead wrinkles + flaky, tight cheeks

Apply Collagen Rehab over lips and on forehead to target lines, and apply Ultra-Rich CremeTherapy to cheeks for a surge of moisture.

Congestion + breakouts

Apply Kerafole to purge problem pores, then treat and clear acne with Amino Mask.

To learn more about multi-masking, click here.

If you have any questions about how to mask the right way, how often to use a face mask or any other question, let us know in the comments below. We're here to help!