How to choose a skin care face mask

There’s nothing that says “spa day” — or “spa-at-home day” — like lying back with a face mask. Luckily, there are hundreds of masks on the market aimed at just about every skin care need. Does someone need to moisturize dry skin? Treat oily skin? Use a gentle touch? Don’t worry — it’s all covered. (Literally!)

But with so many styles and formulations, finding a good fit can feel overwhelming. So where is the right place to start? Well, thanks for masking.

This guide can help people figure out what to look for and how to target many skin concerns. There are products across a variety of different face mask styles. Maybe someone will find a match that works for them, so they can lie back and let the goodness soak in.

In this article:

Face mask types and uses for skin care

Skin care face masks embrace a wide range of products, with options aimed at most skin types. They can target particular skin concerns, including blackheads, dark spots, dry skin, sensitive skin and certain types of acne.

Masks have also taken on a dazzling number of forms. There are sheet masks that can help moisturize skin, clay masks that help absorb excess oil, peel-off formulas that exfoliate and night masks. And that’s just a sampling.

A skin care mask can really help the face, explains Jeannette Graf, a dermatologist and assistant clinical professor at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine in New York City. “Face masks can be an effective way to deliver important ingredients and benefits to the skin in a way that can be gentle,” she says. “A face mask that is well-formulated can certainly help with and improve skin by brightening, firming, purifying or soothing.”

Paraben-free face masks

Parabens are used as preservatives in a wide range of beauty products. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continues to review published studies of parabens’ safety. At this time, there is no information showing that parabens used in cosmetics have an effect on human health.

But sometimes, cosmetics can cause contact dermatitis, leading to a burning or stinging rash.

One mask to consider is Burt’s Bee's refreshing face mask with cucumber. It's made with ingredients of 99 percent natural origin to help replenish lost moisture. 

Vegan face masks

For those looking to go plant-based with their skin care routine, a vegan face mask is a good match. If a product is vegan, it means it was not tested on animals and it doesn’t contain any animal by-products, including common ingredients such as beeswax and lanolin.

If someone is after a hydrating experience, they might check out Vitamasques iced watermelon sheet mask, which includes hyaluronic acid to help hydrate and soothe the skin.

Face masks for acne

For those struggling with acne, face masks may be a great option because many formulas have active ingredients that can help target blemishes. These ingredients may include retinol, which can help improve skin pigmentation, texture and tone.

For a milder option, Rael Beauty Clear retinol chin mask is dermatologist-tested and suitable for sensitive skin. This is a two-step sheet mask treatment formulated with retinol, ceramide, niacinamide and vitamin B5; it is designed to help manage hormonal acne on the chin.

Anti-aging and revitalizing face masks

To help manage the most common signs of aging, fine lines and wrinkles, Dr. Graf recommends keeping skin moisturized. “It is important for a plumper and dewy appearance,” she says.

The Neutrogena Hydro Boost hydrating mask is formulated with hyaluronic acid to provide skin with moisture. For best results, people can use this peel-off mask after cleansing and allowing the sheet to sit on their skin for 15 to 30 minutes.

Another option is the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift triple power intensive anti-aging night face mask. It contains hyaluronic acid, retinol and vitamin C to help firm and brighten the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines.

Oil-free face masks

Many oil-free face masks may also be noncomedogenic — that is, less likely to clog pores and lead to breakouts.

The By Nature Fresh Mix Sheet Mask is made with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and aloe vera. Experts suggest seeking out these ingredients in face masks as a lightweight moisturizer if anyone has oily or acne-prone skin. Plus, they help prevent overdrying from the acne-fighting ingredients while keeping excess oil in check.

Face masks for dry skin

If someone is on the other end of the oily spectrum and struggles with dry skin instead, a hydrating face mask can help give skin a swift dose of moisture.

Dr. Graf recommends looking for masks that contain ingredients that can restore the skin’s moisture barrier and lock in hydration, such as fatty acids, glycerin and hyaluronic acid.

A product that fits this description is the LOOPS Weekly Reset Rejuvenating Eye Mask, which includes hydrating glycerin. 

Face masks for dark spots

Some may choose Burt's Bees brightening gel sheet mask with vitamin C to help brighten their natural complexion in only 10 minutes. Made from 100 percent coconut bio-cellulose and naturally fermented coconut water gels, this mask adheres closely to the skin, staying in place without slipping. 

Another choice is the Rael Beauty brightening vitamin C facial sheet mask, featuring pomegranate and citrus fruit extracts that promote radiant, brighter and even skin tone. 

Face masks for blackheads

Blackheads (along with whiteheads) can be addressed with recommended acne medications. A person can buy a retinoid or adapalene product without a prescription. Benzoyl peroxide washes can also help get rid of the excess P. acnes bacteria on the skin. It’s worth visiting a dermatologist, who can help customize the most appropriate regimen for specific skin types and goals.

Neutrogena Clear pore cleanser mask features ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide, glycerin and water. To use this mask, people can wet their face and spread the product evenly over their skin, then let it sit for about five minutes. Some may experience a cooling feeling as the mask penetrates deeply to help manage oil and shine. 

How to use face masks

When using face masks, it’s important to follow the product’s specific guidelines.

“I recommend always following directions when using a face mask,” says Dr. Graf. “For example, if you leave one with active ingredients on for too long or use it too often, it can irritate the skin and damage the skin barrier.”

Here are some answers to some of the most searched questions about these products:

How often should a person use a face mask?

It depends on the face mask a person is using. It is important to follow each face mask’s instructions and packaging to ensure proper use.

Do face masks expire?

Yes, face masks do expire. “Just like all skin care products, face masks have an expiration date,” says Dr. Graf. “Make sure to check the expiration date on the packaging. Skin care products also often have a period-after-opening (PAO) symbol on the packaging to let you know how long the product can be used after opening.”

The PAO symbol is a small icon of an open jar with a number followed by M (month) or Y (year). This number indicates how long a product remains usable after it is opened. For example, 9M means that someone can use the product for up to 9 months after they open it.

Although PAO symbols aren’t required on U.S. cosmetics, they’re useful for tracking product freshness. If the symbol happens to be on a product, dermatologists recommend people note when they open each item. Here are the typical guidelines for some cosmetics:

• BB creams, blush, eyeshadow, lip products: 6M (6 months)
• Concealer: 1Y (1 year)
• Liquid eyeliner: 3M (3 months)
• Eyeliner pencils, mineral powders: 3Y (3 years)
• Lip liner, lipstick, brow powder: 2Y (2 years)

Can someone wash their face after a face mask?

Someone can almost always wash their face after using a face mask. It’s important to follow the product’s directions. Some labels might say that face washing is not needed after use (serum-infused sheet masks can fall into this category). Typically, though, a person would want to wash the mask off after the allotted time.

Furthermore, no matter the mask type, skin should be cleaned and dried before application. And hands should be clean, too, before applying a mask.

Should someone moisturize after a face mask?

Generally, someone can moisturize after using a face mask. Everyone can continue their skin care routine as usual, including applying a moisturizer. One with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher during the day is a plus.