We all know the importance of pampering ourselves, but it won’t do our skin any good if we’re doing it the wrong way. Learn how to use face masks the right way with these five simple steps.

1. Read the Directions

You won’t get any of those great face mask benefits if you’re applying the product incorrectly. Some formulas work best when applied to wet skin, while others should be applied to dry skin. Make sure you read the directions before you start.

2. Cleanse and Exfoliate

It’s important to always apply masks onto clean skin. Slathering a facial mask onto your unwashed complexion can trap in impurities, leading to breakouts and irritation. Applying your mask to clean skin will make the formula more effective so you’ll see the best results every time.

Along with cleansing, it’s also a good idea to exfoliate beforehand, which will help boost the face mask’s benefits. Exfoliating eliminates any skin cell buildup and allows for better product absorption. We love LovelySkin LUXE Microdermabrasion Polish with Triple Sphere Technology because it exfoliates and smooths skin with bamboo, jojoba and diatomaceous spheres, giving the complexion a luminous, radiant glow.

3. Watch the Clock

Once you’ve smoothed on a thick layer of your favorite mask, it’s time to relax. But don’t lose track of time! Leaving purifying masks on for too long—usually any more than five minutes—can dry out the complexion, causing the skin to overcompensate by producing too much oil. One of our favorites is Caudalie Instant Detox Mask but if we leave it on too long, we’re sure to see a breakout in our future.

Moisturizing masks, on the other hand, can sometimes be worn to bed for prolonged skin care benefits. We love the intensely hydrating benefits of Epionce Enriched Firming Mask. The botanical ingredients work while we sleep to soothe skin and improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, redness and irritation.

4. One Mask Does Not Fit All

Long gone are the days when one mask was enough to treat your entire face. Multi-masking, also known as double-masking, allows you to treat multiple concerns at once. Do you have dryness on your cheeks and an oily T-zone? Sounds like a job for two different masks! Learn more about double-masking.

If the thought of choosing two masks seems overwhelming, Eminence makes the choice easy with their Balancing Masque Duo. This dual, two-sided treatment includes a charcoal T-zone purifier and a pomelo cheek treatment.

5. Remove Your Masks the Right Way

When the time comes to take it all off, you want to make sure you remove every last bit of mask. First, rinse your face with warm water. If the facial mask is stubborn and won’t budge, don’t scrub your skin. Simply grab a cotton ball and a little micellar water to remove any leftover residue. Once your skin is mask-free, finish the pampering session with a moisturizer to hydrate skin and seal in the benefits of your face mask. Our favorite moisturizer of the moment is LovelySkin LUXE Ultra-Rich Peptide Moisturizer because it provides anti-aging benefits, long-lasting hydration and antioxidant protection.

We want to know which masks you use to pamper your complexion! Share with us in the comments below or on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram using #LovelySkin.