What is the main purpose of cotton compresses in skin treatments?

The main purpose of cotton compresses in skin treatments is primarily for mask removal. Cotton compresses are used to gently lift away masks and other product residues from the skin's surface without causing irritation. This process is crucial in aesthetic treatments, as it helps to ensure that the skin is clean and that any active ingredients from the mask can be effectively absorbed by the skin afterward.

While hydration, exfoliation, and cleansing are important aspects of skin care, their functions differ significantly from the role of cotton compresses. Hydration typically involves applying moist products or serums to the skin, while exfoliation involves removing dead skin cells through physical or chemical means. Cleansing generally refers to the application of a facial cleaner before any treatments rather than during a mask removal process. Thus, the use of cotton compresses is specifically tied to the gentle removal of masks, making this function distinct and essential in skin treatment protocols.