Is There A Difference Between Face Pack And Face Mask?

If you’ve been following my website, you probably noticed I love these nuanced questions; questions that'll make you scratch your head and say, “I thought these were the same!” Just yesterday I wrote another post just like this one, titled “Is There A Difference Between Toilet and Bath Soap”.

I love these sorts of questions for several reasons. First, they require a bit of research; and I love doing research! I like learning new things and keeping my mind active; it makes me feel good. Second, I like helping you reach that “Aha moment” where you spot these subtle differences and join me in my quest for new information.

difference between a face pack and face mask

But, back to the topic at hand… Is there a difference between a face pack and a face mask?

You bet there is! In fact, there are several differences, and the main one is that the face mask is a setting mask, while the face pack falls under the category of non-setting masks. A non-setting mask is one that does not require a lot of time (to settle); you can just apply it to your skin and rinse off the residue. A setting mask, on the other hand, requires a bit of time to harden on your skin, so you can later peel it off along with the impurities it “picks up” off your skin!

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Face Pack VS A Face Mask – What Are The Differences Between The Two?

Benefits Of Using A Face Mask As Compared To A Face Pack

Can You Apply A Face Mask Right After A Face Pack?

Should You Moisturize After A Face Mask/Face Pack?

Face Pack VS A Face Mask – What Are The Differences Between The Two?

I love to use both face packs and face masks, there are apparent differences between the two but in my opinion, they are equally as good, fun to use and both have their benefits. Before I go into these differences, here is a general overview of a face mask and a face pack:

Face Pack: Face packs are made up of ingredients such as aloe vera, lavender, and fenugreek that penetrate the skin for instant results (that’s why it falls under the “non-setting” category). Face packs cleanse and tone the skin, and you can make them at home if you are strapped for cash. Some popular face packs you can create out of ingredients you have in your cupboard include:

Sugar and cucumber
Gram flour and curd
Lemon and honey
Honey and egg
Rosewater and sandalwood
Banana
Tomato Pulp
Honey and milk
Turmeric and mint
Lemon and strawberry

Face Mask: Face masks treat sensitive, dehydrated, red, dry or oily skin. They stay on the skin for between 10 and 15 minutes (a “setting” mask) and are made up of ingredients such as seaweed, clay, algae, aloe vera, black moor mud, vitamins, and herbs. Depending on their ingredients, face masks will do one or a combination of the following: hydrate, nourish, tone, tighten, speed up the healing process for blemishes, draw out impurities, rejuvenate or soothe skin.

There is also a misconception that clay is the only type of face mask, trust me, I’ve probably used all of them, and there are plenty to choose from:

Natural masks: They are made up of rejuvenating properties such as herbs, plants, and fruits. They revitalize dry and brittle skin bringing it back to life.
Warm oil masks: Warm oil masks are made up of vitamin oil, olive oil or almond oil. They increase blood circulation to the skin which makes it smooth and soft. Warm oil masks are fantastic for dry skin.
Cream masks: They are made up of emollient properties (a creamy like substance) that soften the skin. They do wonders for dry skin
Thermal masks: Once a thermal mask is applied to the skin, they slowly heat up. They open up the pores so the skin can breathe by warming up the surface tissue.
Peel-off masks: Yep, you guessed it... you peel them off your face! They are available in paraffin wax, plastic or gel-like substances. Some are used to stimulate the blood, and others temporarily tighten the skin. They are great for dry or mature skin.
Clay masks: Are pretty self-explanatory; they contain natural clay substances. These are great if you’ve got oily skin because they absorb all that grease without stripping the skin of its natural oils.

Here are some of the main differences I've noticed:

Face masks don’t set on the skin and face packs do.
Face masks take longer to dry, word of warning - if you are in a rush don’t use a face mask! Face packs dry immediately and give instant results.
Face masks get rid of dead skin, face packs go a bit deeper and remove impurities from the skin.
The main ingredient in a face mask is clay; this is what the base is made out of. The main ingredients in face packs depend on what you are using it for.

Benefits Of Using A Face Mask As Compared To A Face Pack

Face packs and face masks are both fantastic for the skin; depending on the amount of time I’ve got, I don’t really mind which one I use. They’ve both got several benefits, these include:

Face masks refines the skin pores and provides a deep cleanse by getting rid of dead skin, oil, and metabolic waste. Face packs remove dull and dead skin and help brighten it.
Face masks can reduce the signs of aging by getting rid of wrinkles, fine lines, and brown spots, they also make your skin smooth and soft. Face packs detoxify the skin and stimulate blood supply. They also help to remove skin blemishes, reduce the size of your pores and help keep the skin moisturized.
Face masks tighten the skin and make you look younger because they fight off free radical damage and increase collagen production. Face packs speed up the healing process if you have any sores or cracks and help to remove toxins from the skin.

NOTE: if you need help choosing the best face mask for your skin type, you can read our guide HERE.

Can You Apply A Face Mask Right After A Face Pack?

So, you’ve just read about all the benefits of using a face mask and a face pack; now you’re all excited and wondering if you should use them both in the hopes of making your skin look really awesome. Well, I’m sorry to let you down, but the answer is NO!

Applying a face mask and a face pack back to back sounds like a good idea in theory, but unfortunately, its not the smartest thing to do in practice! No matter how good something is for you, too much of it makes it bad. When you use too many products on your skin at the same time, it can strip it of its natural oil and have the opposite effect of what you are trying to do. However, you can use face masks and face packs in one day. So you can apply a face mask in the morning, and a face pack at night or vice versa.

Should You Moisturize After A Face Mask/Face Pack?

Most definitely! After the application process, you have to remove the mask or pack with warm water and a washcloth, so to really experience the full benefits you will need to apply a toner and a moisturizer to your face. This shrinks the pores and locks in all the goodness. But don’t slather too much moisturizer on or it will clog the pores the face mask or pack has just cleared.

Think about it like this: what do you do after you have washed and dried your face? Cleanse and moisture right? So just don’t forget to repeat the process.

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