Which Face Mask is Best for My Skin? A Skincare Mask Guide

There are a lot of masks out there, and it can be an absolute mission to know which one is right for your skin type and skin goals! For example, are sheet masks good for all skin types?

Is it true that those with dry skin should stay away from clay masks? Here's our guide to all the different types of masks and which skin types suit every kind of mask the best. 

Why Use Skincare Masks?

One question that you might have above all is whether or not you need a skincare mask in your routine in the first place. Masks can be a truly effective part of your skincare routine - depending on skincare ingredients - but it's true that some skin types benefit more from specific masks than others do. 

Most people enjoy masks because they're a fun way to enjoy your skincare routine, whether that looks like getting a spa-like treatment from home or just mixing up your routine a little bit! Here's our guide to some of the most common skincare masks and which skin types suit them!

When Should I Use a Mask in My Skincare Routine?

It depends on the type of mask! Masks that you wash off, such as clay masks, cream masks, and gel masks, are best used right after cleansing, so you don't rinse off your serum and toner. 

Sheet masks and sleeping masks don't need to be rinsed off right after use - their beneficial ingredients stay on the skin until the next time you wash your face.

Masks bring the best benefit to your skin used once or twice a week - this is the best balance for consistency and results!  

Sisley Black Rose Cream Mask
This creamy mask from Sisley works hard to rejuvenate skin thanks to nutrient-rich Black Rose extract.

So, Which Masks Are Best for Which Skin Type?

We'll explain what each skincare mask is best at, plus explain which skin type it's best for, in this guide to skincare masks!

Cream Masks

These creamy masks are helpful for soothing irritated skin and boosting skin's moisture levels. They're often formulated with rich, nourishing plant oils such as Shea Butter and Avocado Oil to moisturise skin and reinforce your skin's moisture barrier. 

Another way they boost your skin is with skin-soothing ingredients such as Oatmeal Extract and Aloe Vera - these ingredients are fantastic at soothing irritation and reducing redness. Paired with how cooling cream masks feel, these masks are a real treat for your skin!

Cream skin masks are best for: Dry Skin, Normal Skin, Dehydrated Skin, Redness-Prone Skin.

REN Evercalm Ultra-Comforting Rescue Mask
Soothe and moisturise skin thanks to a nurturing blend of Shea Butter and moisturisers!

Sheet Masks

Sheet masks have been made extremely popular by K-Beauty, but the truth is almost all skincare brands have these ultra-hydrating masks now. Sheet masks are made of a super-soft fibre mask soaked in nearly a whole bottle's worth of essence or serum for an incredibly hydrating skincare treatment.

This type of skincare mask helps your skin absorb hydration and any beneficial ingredients by essentially preventing the skincare from evaporating away. This locks in hydration for glowy, dewy skin!

Sheet masks are best for: All Skin Types, but especially Dry & Dehydrated Skin

Clay Masks

Formulated to absorb excess sebum, clay masks are a staple in any skincare routine for oily skin. They're a treatment that can help instantly mattify skin, reduce the appearance of pores, and tackle breakouts. They're a lifesaver for oily and combination skin, especially in the warmer months, to help regulate skin's oil production and manage pores. 

Clay masks can be drying for those with dry skin types. However, multi-masking is our top tip to getting the most out of masks for all skin types - including dry! Applying a clay mask to problem areas that need it (for example, the t-zone, forehead, and chin) while using a hydrating gel mask on the cheeks is an excellent way for drier skin to get the benefits of clay masks without necessarily overdrying their skin. 

 Clay Masks are best for: Oily Skin, Combination Skin, Acne-Prone Skin

Sleeping Masks

These masks are among some of our favourites for working while we sleep! These nurturing masks are meant to be used as the very last step of your nighttime routine to lock in all the goodness of your previous steps and to bring its own benefits to your skin.

Sleeping masks usually have an ultra-thick moisturiser texture. While you sleep, your skin is technically at its driest and most vulnerable - these thicker textures help to lock hydration into your skin, helping to make sure that your skin is visibly glowing and moisturised the next morning!

Some sleeping masks are also formulated to exfoliate and treat your skin overnight, improving skin tone, softening wrinkles, and banishing stubborn hyperpigmentation. Best of all - this all happens while you're sleeping! 

 Sleeping masks are best for: Normal Skin, Dry Skin, Mature Skin

 

Dermalogica Sound Sleep Cocoon

This sleeping mask from Dermalogica melts into skin overnight for soft, radiant skin the next morning.

Gel Masks

This is another category of wash-off mask that should ideally be used right after cleansing but before toning. Gel masks are formulated to instantly increase skin hydration plus bring a soothing, cooling feeling to your skin. 

They're typically packed with hydrating ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin, and Aloe Vera to skin a much-needed hydration boost! They're incredibly easy to use, too - slather on a layer, relax for 15 minutes, then rinse off and continue with the rest of your skincare routine. Because gel masks have such lightweight, yet supercharged textures, they're great for improving hydration of all skin types. 

Gel masks are best for: All Skin Types

Peel-Off Masks

These fun masks are often the topic of viral videos - but they're more than a skincare gimmick! When used properly, peel-off masks can help to clarify skin, decongest pores and improve skin texture. Peel-off masks are often formulated with detoxifying ingredients such as charcoal that help to absorb impurities for clearer, more radiant skin. 

Peel-off masks are best for: All Skin Types

Skincare Mask Guide

Now that you know how each mask works for skin and which skin type each kind is ideal for, we hope we've demystified any confusion around skincare masks! They're a wonderful addition to any skincare routine and target a wide range of skin concerns to help you reach your skin goals.

Or, if you're trying to create a skincare routine in the first place, try our skin analysis. You'll receive a detailed analysis of your skin type and a routine created specifically to help you target your skincare concerns!

Products Mentioned:

• Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Hydrating Mask
• GA-DE Revivalist Firming Peel-Off Mask
• FOREO Green Tea Sheet Mask
• Sisley Black Rose Cream Mask
• REN Evercalm Ultra-Comforting Rescue Mask
• Minenssey Nutritious Skin Treatment Mask
• Murad Clarifying Mask
• Dermalogica Sound Sleep Cocoon
• Kiehl's Calendula & Aloe Soothing Hydration Mask