Masking has been an important part of skin care for generations. More recently, thanks to a craze for Korean skincare products, sheet masks have become as ubiquitous as deodorant. You’ve probably seen your lady friends use them, but if you’ve never considered using a mask yourself, you’re missing out.
Masks are ideal for men who like to use less product and are impatient when it comes to results. These are highly potent and targeted treatments that you use less frequently than other skincare products. They don’t replace a regular skincare routine, but if daily skin care is cardio, masking is an interval workout.
Most masks are designed to be used as little as once a week and even with semi-regular use can address skin issues like breakouts, dryness, redness, and oiliness. Most masks fall into five categories and which one you choose depends on the results you want.
Think of a face mask and you probably conjure an image of a fancy lady with cucumbers on her eyes and a face covered in mud. That’s the OG mask—the clay mask. They use ingredients like mud, clay, and charcoal to deep clean pores and cleanse skin in a way that your facial cleanser can’t. As the mask dries, it sucks dirt and grime from inside your pores like a vacuum. And can help control shine and breakouts.
Wash your face but don’t dry it completely. While your skin is still damp, smear an even layer over your face avoiding your eyes and mouth. Let it dry for around 20 minutes. It may feel tight—that’s okay. Wash it off with warm water using your hands or a washcloth. Finish up with a moisturizer.
Like clay masks, peel-offs are designed to get rid of buildup deep down in your pores. They use sticky ingredients called polymers that attach to grime and pull it out when the mask is removed. They’re effective at getting rid of blackheads and controlling shine but can be risky since leaving them on too long can damage your skin barrier. Always follow the directions on the package, and don’t leave the mask on for longer than advised.
Wash and dry your face, then apply a thin, even layer of the gel. Avoid your eyes, mouth, eyebrows, and any facial hair. Let the gel dry for the amount of time noted on the bottle (usually around 15–20 minutes), then gently peel it off. Use warm water to clean away any remnants. Follow with a moisturizer to minimize irritation.
An exfoliating mask will get rid of dead skin cells on the surface of your skin, which can lead to a brighter complexion and help reduce signs of aging. Unlike scrubs, which require you to do the work with your hands, exfoliating masks use acids to break the bonds between dead cells. They require little effort and only need to be used once or twice a week.
Remember that even though they’re gentle, these masks still contain acids. Read the directions before using one for the first time and start with a clean face. Some masks stay on for a set amount of time (around 20 minutes) while others are designed to be worn overnight. Whichever one you use, follow with a moisturizer.
Sheet masks can be credited with the current masking renaissance, thanks to social media stardom; they look hilarious but also really work. The idea is simple: single-use, disposable masks usually made of paper soaked in serum. As the sheet sits on your face, it creates a barrier that allows the serum to absorb into your skin quickly without evaporating into the air. Sheet masks come in thousands of varieties and most are gentle enough to use every day but once or twice a week is enough.
After washing your face, tear open the package and unfold the mask. The mask will have holes for your eyes, nose, and mouth. Align these to your face and smooth it down. Keep the mask on your face for around 15–30 minutes, then take if off and throw it away. Gently press any remaining serum into your skin.
When daily moisturizer isn’t enough to heal dry skin, like in the depths of winter or after spending the day at the beach, a hydrating mask will bring it back. They’re usually a gel or cream and will have ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe, and other botanical extracts. Unlike other masks, they can usually be worn for longer periods of time and used more frequently, even every day if you have especially dry or irritated skin.
After cleansing, apply a liberal layer to your face, avoiding your eyes. Leave the mask on for the amount of time directed on the bottle. It may not completely dry, but when time is up, wash it off with warm water. Optional: Finish with a moisturizer for extra hydration.