It's a mask...so my recommendation is: fill your sink with hot water and let your face steam for a few minutes to open the pours, then apply the mask and allow it to set and then rinse off.
when i used to be able to afford this, it was one of my fave products. i would always wash my face first and then apply it. i like to do my masks in the shower so you get the double effect with the steaming, plus less messy.
I use this and really like it. Personally, I use it in the shower as well. I wet my face with warm water and then apply it mostly in my t-zone. Then I let it sit on my nose and forehead fo five minutes then rinse. I've also used this as a scrub when I needed a little exfoliation, and it works well for that because it has little natural scrubbers.
I had a sample of this when I got a facial done at the Fresh store. They told me to wet my face and use it. I honestly think it would be abrasive if used on a dry face. It smells so yummy (I want to eat the whole thing) and it works so nicely...If I could afford it, I would totally get a full size tub...it was one of my favorite Fresh products of all the ones I've tried.