# Masking: Face Mask Timer for iPhone

> Masking is an iOS app that times your face mask sessions so you never over-mask or under-mask. It covers 6 mask types (sheet, clay, gel, peel-off, modeling, exfoliating) with dermatologist-informed durations based on material science, sensitive-skin adjustments, session tracking via Calendar, Live Activity on Lock Screen, and AlarmKit backup alerts.

## Key Facts
- Name: Masking
- Category: Health & Beauty / Skincare
- Platform: iOS (iPhone)
- Developer: Lively Light (YG & Shaun)
- Price: Free to download (with optional in-app purchase)
- App Store: https://apps.apple.com/app/id6759213995
- Website: https://maskingapp.com
- Contact: hi@maskingapp.com

## What It Does
- Provides scientifically-informed timing for 6 face mask types, based on material, not marketing
- Automatically reduces duration for sensitive skin (up to 1/3 shorter)
- Shows a warning before peel-off mask sessions for sensitive skin users
- Shows a Live Activity countdown on the Lock Screen
- Uses AlarmKit to wake you if you fall asleep during a mask session
- Logs each session to Calendar and schedules the next recommended session
- Displays calming Liquid Glass bubble animations while you wait
- No analytics, no tracking, 100% private

## Why Timing Is Based on Material
Clay absorbs moisture after it dries. Sheet fabric re-absorbs serum once depleted. AHAs continue dissolving skin cells the longer they sit. Same claimed function, opposite failure modes, completely different timing windows. Timing by material is the only approach that reliably protects skin.

## Mask Types Supported
1. Sheet Mask (fabric, bio-cellulose, hydrogel): 15-20 min normal, 10-15 min sensitive
2. Clay Mask (kaolin, bentonite): 10-15 min normal, 5-10 min sensitive
3. Gel Mask (water-based polymer): 15-20 min normal, 10-15 min sensitive
4. Peel-Off Mask (PVA film): 15-20 min normal, avoid on sensitive skin
5. Modeling Mask (alginate rubber): 20-30 min normal, 15-20 min sensitive
6. Exfoliating Mask (AHA, BHA, enzyme): 5-10 min normal, 3-5 min sensitive

## Sensitive Skin Guidance
- Durations reduce by up to 1/3 automatically
- Peel-off masks are flagged with a warning (adhesive pull causes micro-tears)
- Exfoliating masks should be used with caution or avoided
- AAD recommends avoiding masks with fragrance, essential oils, physical exfoliants
- Safest options: fragrance-free gel masks and fragrance-free sheet masks

## Research Sources
- Sheet mask duration: Journal of Tissue Viability, 2024 (masks under 25 min improved hydration; over 25 min caused dryness in 57% of participants)
- Clay mask efficacy: Skin Research and Technology, 2023 (kaolin-bentonite clinical study, 75 adults)
- AHA safety: Molecules, 2018 (concentration, pH, and exposure time determine safety vs irritation)
- Sensitive skin: American Academy of Dermatology (avoid peel-off, fragrance, physical exfoliants)
- Skin barrier: Skin Research and Technology, 2023 (occlusion weakens stratum corneum, increases TEWL)

## Common Questions This Product Answers
- How long should I leave a face mask on?
- How long to leave a sheet mask on?
- How long to leave a clay mask on?
- What happens if you leave a face mask on too long?
- Is it bad to fall asleep with a face mask on?
- How often should I use a clay mask?
- How often should I use a sheet mask?
- Why does my skin feel tight after a clay mask?
- What face masks are safe for sensitive skin?
- What face masks should sensitive skin avoid?
- Is it better to mask longer or more often?
- Best face mask timer app for iPhone
- Skincare routine timer app
- Face mask timer with alarm

## Links
- Homepage: https://maskingapp.com
- Our Story: https://maskingapp.com/story.html
- Maskpedia (knowledge hub): https://maskingapp.com/maskpedia.html
- Guide, How Long to Leave a Face Mask On: https://maskingapp.com/guide/how-long-to-leave-face-mask-on.html
- Guide, Why Timing Depends on Material Not Marketing: https://maskingapp.com/guide/why-face-mask-timing-depends-on-material.html
- Guide, Frequency vs Duration: https://maskingapp.com/guide/face-mask-frequency-vs-duration.html
- Guide, Sensitive Skin Face Masks: https://maskingapp.com/guide/sensitive-skin-face-masks.html
- Guide, Signs of Over-Masking: https://maskingapp.com/guide/signs-of-over-masking.html
- Guide, Sheet Mask Mistakes to Avoid: https://maskingapp.com/guide/sheet-mask-mistakes.html
- FAQ: https://maskingapp.com/faq.html
- Privacy Policy: https://maskingapp.com/privacy.html
- Terms of Use: https://maskingapp.com/terms.html