How often should I use this mask and how do I fit it into a routine with other exfoliants or retinoids?

This mask is designed as a weekly purifying step — two to three times a week is the typical frequency for oily or combination skin. Apply it to clean, dry skin after cleansing, leave on for the time indicated on the packaging (usually 10–15 minutes for a wash-off clay or cream mask with BHA), then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.

Because it contains salicylic acid (a BHA) and tea tree oil, treat it as an active exfoliating treatment. If you already use a leave-on BHA toner, serum, or a retinoid (retinol, retinal, tretinoin), do not use them on the same day as this mask. Alternate evenings: for example, use the mask on Monday and Thursday, a leave-on BHA on Tuesday and Saturday, and a retinoid on Wednesday and Sunday, adjusting based on how your skin responds. If you notice persistent redness, stinging, flaking, or a tight "sandpaper" texture, reduce frequency immediately — these are signs of barrier compromise.

On mask days, keep the rest of the routine simple: a gentle cleanser, a fragrance-free hydrating toner or essence if desired, a lightweight non-comedogenic moisturiser, and sunscreen in the morning. Daytime SPF 30+ is especially important when using BHA regularly, as exfoliation temporarily thins the stratum corneum and increases UV sensitivity.