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What is a Cream Mask?

Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel

A cream mask is a skin care product that is used to moisturize and soothe dry or irritated skin. The product is applied to cleansed skin, is allowed to remain on the skin for a certain period of time, and is then removed with warm water. Some cream masks that have a very thick consistency may require the use of both warm water and a wash cloth or cotton pads for removal. In general, a cream mask is usually left on the face for 10 to 30 minutes before it is removed. There are, however, a few cream mask products that are meant to be left on the skin overnight.

In many cases, a cream mask can be used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles in the skin. Applying a great deal of moisture to the skin is one of the most common ways of helping to plump up and reduce the appearance of wrinkles in the skin. As such, keeping the skin hydrated using a cream mask can reduce the signs of aging. Some cream masks are also formulated with ingredients that help to reverse other signs of aging, such as sagging skin and discoloration in the skin.

A cream mask should be left on the skin for a certain period of time before being rinsed off with warm water.
A cream mask should be left on the skin for a certain period of time before being rinsed off with warm water.

Cream mask benefits may also include the reduction of pores and improvement of the texture of the skin. Enlarged pores may be the result of oil, dead skin cells, and dirt clogging up the pores and causing them to stretch out. Some cream masks can help to soften the pores and dissolve anything that has been clogging them. Skin that is very dry can feel rough or uneven to the touch. By hydrating the skin, the texture of the skin can be improved with a cream mask.

Some cream masks can be applied before bed and left on the skin overnight.
Some cream masks can be applied before bed and left on the skin overnight.

The term cream mask can be a bit misleading as very few products that fall into this category actually include any dairy-based ingredients. There is a wide range of ingredients that are used in cream mask formulas. There are some that are made entirely out of natural ingredients. There are others that include collagen to help firm the skin.

There are others still that are formulated so that, in addition to hydrating the skin, they also lighten or whiten the color of the skin. There are even some cream mask recipes that can be made right at home. A quick Internet search will yield at least a dozen recipes.

Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel

In addition to her work as a freelance writer for BeautyAnswered, Diane is the executive editor of Black Lawrence Press, an independent publishing company based in upstate New York. She has also edited several anthologies, the e-newsletter Sapling, and The Adirondack Review. Diane has a B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College and an M.A. from Brooklyn College.

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Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel

In addition to her work as a freelance writer for BeautyAnswered, Diane is the executive editor of Black Lawrence Press, an independent publishing company based in upstate New York. She has also edited several anthologies, the e-newsletter Sapling, and The Adirondack Review. Diane has a B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College and an M.A. from Brooklyn College.

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Discussion Comments

fBoyle

@donasmrs-- Actually, some cream masks are left on the skin, for at least over-night.

I'm sure that those familiar with Korean skincare are familiar with this type of product. It's called a night mask. It's basically a very hydrating, moisturizing cream product that is applied before going to bed. The face is simply washed in the morning with water.

Many women have started using this type of cream these days because it works better than regular night creams as well as cream masks that only stay on the face for an hour or so. I too have used it and I loved the results. My face was so soft and supple in the morning.

donasmrs

@burcinc-- It really depends on the product. Cream masks tend to be very hydrating but many also have natural oils to accomplish this. Using it all over your face may cause a break out in some areas if you are prone to acne.

If however, you can find an oil free cream mask, I think that will be okay to use all over. Otherwise, simply apply it on those dry areas only. Cream masks don't remain on the face for long anyway. They have to be washed off or wiped off after some time.

I think it's a good idea to use this type of product to fight dryness. You are right, dry skin forms wrinkles more quickly. Keeping skin hydrated will delay wrinkles and can even prevent them.

burcinc

I've never used a cream mask before? Is this type of product suitable for combination skin. I have some dry skin patches around my mouth and nose. The other areas have combination skin (not oily but not dry). I would like to treat those dry areas. I'm afraid that I will get wrinkles soon because of them. Should I use a cream mask?

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    • A cream mask should be left on the skin for a certain period of time before being rinsed off with warm water.
      By: Darren Baker
      A cream mask should be left on the skin for a certain period of time before being rinsed off with warm water.
    • Some cream masks can be applied before bed and left on the skin overnight.
      By: Konstantin Yuganov
      Some cream masks can be applied before bed and left on the skin overnight.
    • The face should be cleansed well before a cream mask is applied.
      By: ipag
      The face should be cleansed well before a cream mask is applied.
    • In many cases, a cream mask can be used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles in the skin.
      By: Piotr Marcinski
      In many cases, a cream mask can be used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles in the skin.
    • Honey is an ingredient in some facial masks and other skin-care products.
      By: Nitr
      Honey is an ingredient in some facial masks and other skin-care products.
    • Cream mask benefits may include the reduction of pores and improvement of the texture of the skin.
      By: Picture-Factory
      Cream mask benefits may include the reduction of pores and improvement of the texture of the skin.
    • Skin care products should be classified by skin type, whether it's oily, dry, or a combination of the two.
      By: gosphotodesign
      Skin care products should be classified by skin type, whether it's oily, dry, or a combination of the two.