The 28 Best Sheet Masks for Every Skin Concern
No two complexions are exactly the same, which is why skincare regimens vary in so many ways — from the number of steps, to the ingredients included in the products. Your skin’s needs can also change depending on the season, lifestyle swaps, and age. But the good news is that the best sheet masks can be used to give your skin a healthy boost, or let you address any complexion concerns as-needed (without giving your skincare regimen a total overhaul). Whether you use a sheet mask daily, weekly, or simply from time to time, there are options to address skin woes of all kinds by choosing your active ingredients wisely — from daily de-puffing, to dryness, to post-treatment soothing, and beyond.
Top Sheet Masks for 2022
Best K-Beauty Mask: Soon Skincare Biocellulose Brightening Face Mask
Best for Lifting: Tatcha Luminous Deep Hydration Lifting Mask
Most Affordable: Nuria Beauty Defend Purifying Bubble Mask
Best Vitamin C Mask: Le Mieux Bio Cell+ Mask
Best for Redness: Joanna Vargas Twilight Face Mask
Best for Dull Skin: PerriconeMD Cold Plasma Plus Concentrated Treatment Sheet Mask
Best for Intense Moisture: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Hydrogel Mask
Best for Dry Skin: Image Skincare I Hydrating Hydrogel Mask
Best Healing Mask: Crl Peptide Aqua Gel Mask
Best Anti-Aging Eye Masks: Bioeffect EGF Eye Mask Treatment
Best for the Neck: Talika Bio Enzymes Neck Mask
Best for a Pre-Event Glow: 111Skin Y Theorem Bio Cellulose Facial Mask
Best for Hydration: SK-II Pitera Facial Treatment Mask
Best for Calming Skin: Joanna Czech Skincare The Face Mask
Best for Maskne: 111Skin Maskne Protection Bio Cellulose Mask
Best for Combination Skin: Sweet Chef Ginger + Vitamin C Fresh Pressed Sheet Mask
Best for Plump Skin: Luzern Laboratories L’essentiels Bio Cellulose Sculpting Masque
Bestfor Anti-Aging: Knesko Nano Gold Repair Collagen Face Mask
Best Mask with Retinol: Shiseido Benefiance Pure Retinol Intensive Revitalizing Face Mask
Best Luxury Mask: La Mer The Treatment Lotion Hydrating Mask
Best Vitamin C Eye Masks: Goodal Green Tangerine Vita C Eye Gel Patch
Best for Dark Circles: Kat Burki KB5 Eye Recovery Masks
Best Lip Mask: Knc Beauty All Natural Lip Mask
Best for Backside: Bawdy Shake It Butt Sheet Mask
Best for Hands: Karuna Hydrating+ Hand Mask
Best Sheet Mask for Brows: Sarah Maxwell The Brow Mask Ultimate Lifting Treatment
Best for Minimizing Pores: MMSkincare MMBalance Face Mask
Best After-Sun Mask: Emerage Cosmetics Emer Skin Intense Hydration Mask
What Are Sheet Masks?
“A sheet mask is basically an ultra-soaked, face-shaped sheet that is saturated in a hydrating serum or solution that is targeted to your specific skin concerns,” says Los Angeles-based, celebrity aesthetician Celeste Rodrigues. She explains that there are several different types of sheet masks to choose from. Some are made from materials like hydrogel, cotton, and second skin-like biocellulose, while others vary in shapes to treat the whole face, under-eyes, lips, and beyond.
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The ingredients used vary and come down to personal preference. “I personally love a biocellulose sheet mask as it feels like it really hugs the face, rather than slipping and sliding off,” Rodrigues adds. Biocellulose, which is made from ultra-fine coconut fibers that absorb and distribute the liquid, is also advantageous for heat-damaged skin, and is often recommended for a post-aesthetic procedure recovery tool to provide a cooling effect.
However, as Boston-based board-certified dermatologist Dr. Ranella Hirsch, points out, sheet masks can be wasteful. This is reason why shoppers take heed of the materials used as well as the brand’s sourcing practices. As such, you can find organic and biodegradable sheet masks, hydrogels made from plants and seaweed, and even reusable masks to cut back on waste.
Do Sheet Masks Really Work?
“The idea behind sheet masks is that you create a somewhat more potent effect by the occlusion of the mask,” Dr. Hirsch says, describing the way the concentrated serum is held onto the surface of the skin by the sheet. Plus, as New York-based, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Kavita Mariwalla explains, “Moisture and occlusion always help make ingredients absorb into the skin better, and that is essentially what sheet masks do.”
For the most part, they do seem to work — at least, the ones tailored to your skin type and concern can. “I would say they really work because you are occluding these amazing, liquid serums into the skin for ten to fifteen minutes,” Rodrigues says. “The skin becomes more hydrated, brighter, more firm, and glowing. From what I have seen and experienced myself, I give them a thumbs up.”
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Soon Skincare Biocellulose Brightening Face Mask
Best K-Beauty Sheet Mask
Type: Biocellulose
Ingredients: Arbutin, niacinamide, glutathione, algae, hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid
Number in pack: 5
Special features: Cruelty-free
Dr. Rahi Sabarziha, a Beverly Hills-based specialist in integrative aesthetics, recommends these K-Beauty sheet masks for brightening. Arbutin, Niacinamide, and glutathione all illuminate the skin and work to improve discoloration over time. Simultaneously, algae and hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid hydrate and plump the skin. “After one use, my mature skin looked radiant and felt amazing,” writes one reviewer.
Soon Skincare Biocellulose Brightening Face Mask
Tatcha Luminous Deep Hydration Lifting Mask
Best Sheet Mask for Lifting
Type: Biocellulose
Ingredients: Green tea, rice, algae, silk, ginseng root, and royal jelly extracts
Number in pack: 1
Special features: Cruelty-free, clean beauty
Celebrity makeup artist Katrina Klein names this Tatcha option her favorite pre-makeup sheet mask for clients. With regular use, the ingredients are designed to help target firmness and loss of elasticity in the skin. And after applying, you’ll feel an immediate boost of hydration. “I can feel my skin lifting and cooling as I wear it [and] I can still feel its effects way into the day and evening,” writes one reviewer.
Tatcha Luminous Deep Hydration Lifting Mask
Nuria Beauty Defend Purifying Bubble Mask
Most Affordable Sheet Mask
Type: Bubble mask
Number in pack: 1
Ingredients: Green tea, charcoal, glycerin, amino acids
Special features: Vegan, cruelty-free, dermatologist-tested
This affordable pick works both cleansing and rehabilitation into the equation. The purifying power of green tea infuses your skin with healthy antioxidants and reparative catechins, while detoxifying charcoal pulls out oil, dirt, grime, and micro-particles from the skin. Did we mention that it bubbles? “I love how clean this makes my skin feel,” says one reviewer.
Nuria Beauty Defend Purifying Bubble Mask
Le Mieux Bio Cell+ Mask
Best Vitamin C Sheet Mask
Type: Hydrogel
Number in pack: 4
Ingredients: Magnesium ascorbly phosphate, hyaluronic acid, peptides, marine collagen
Special features: Cruelty-free, hyaluronic acid base
Rodrigues recommends these award-winning masks which use hyaluronic acid as a base instead of water, and feature a form of vitamin C called Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (MAP). Along with the hydrophilic molecule, the mask delivers antioxidant-rich white tea extract, panthenol, allantoin and other nourishing numbers. “This mask is unbelievable! I used it after microdermabrasion and it brought down the redness and dryness immediately,” says one reviewer.
courtesy of Le Mieux
Le Mieux Bio Cell+ Mask
Joanna Vargas Twilight Face Mask
Best Sheet Mask for Redness
Number in pack: 5
Ingredients: Witch hazel water, niacianmide, arbutin, EGF, allantoin
Special features: Cruelty-free
Joanna Vargas, a celebrity esthetician, designed her Twilight sheet mask with the anti-inflammatory and astringent witch hazel water, along with the brightening ingredient arbutin, tone-evening niacinamide, and elasticity-promoting EGF. This is my favorite mask from her line; I found it to be healing following an inflammatory breakout on my skin, and a great way to incorporate epidermal growth factor into my anti-aging regimen (EGF pairs well with retinol).
Joanna Vargas Twilight Face Mask
PerriconeMD Cold Plasma Plus Concentrated Treatment Sheet Mask
Best Sheet Mask for Dull Skin
Number in pack: 1
Special features: Cruelty free
Vitamin C, firming copper tripeptide, and barrier-supportive phospholipids deliver an intense brightening serum via PerriconeMD’s proprietary liquid crystal delivery system, which ensures that the antioxidants and anti-aging ingredients remain locked into the skin. “I love using this in the morning while I drink my coffee, it makes my skin feel awake, refreshed, and super hydrated and glowy,” says one reviewer.
PerriconeMD Cold Plasma Plus Concentrated Treatment Sheet Mask
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Hydrogel Mask
Best Sheet Mask for Intense Moisture
Type: Hydrogel
Number in pack: 12
Ingredients: Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, tremella extract
If your skin could use a quick burst of hydration, these affordable sheet masks will do the trick. Each mask contains hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid to aid with absorption into the dermis, as well as tremella mushroom extract which also attracts water. The overall effect is plumper and seriously hydrated skin. The mask works best if you follow it up with a water-based moisturizer. One fan writes, “A little difficult to apply, but worth it in the end!”
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Hydrogel Mask
Image Skincare I Hydrating Hydrogel Mask
Best Sheet Mask for Dry Skin
Type: Hydrogel
Number in pack: 5
Special features: Aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, red algae extract
These masks from Image Skincare are soothing, brightening, and hydrating, with the ability to be transformative on dry or dehydrated skin. Aloe, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and red algae extract are just a few of the moisture-infusing ingredients to lavish your skin with moisture and barrier support. The brand is also beloved by celebrity esthetician Cynthia Franco. “Love these masks. My skin feels so hydrated and stays dewy all day,” says a reviewer.
Image Skincare I Mask
Crl Peptide Aqua Gel Mask
Best Healing Sheet Mask
Type: Hydrogel
Number in pack: 5
Ingredients: Peptides, hydrolyzed collagen, plant stem cells, sodium hyaluronate
Using Transdermal Cosmetic Delivery (TCD) technology, CRL’s mask releases its active ingredients into the skin over the course of ten to twenty minutes. This is ideal post-peel, microneedling, or laser because it reduces the recovery time for the skin. “This mask has been a staple in my aesthetic practice for the last 11 years,” writes one reviewer on Amazon. “This mask actually ‘feeds’ the skin nutrients and hydration.”
CRL Peptide Aqua Gel Mask
Bioeffect EGF Eye Mask Treatment
Best Anti-Aging Eye Masks
Type: Hydrogel
Number in pack: Set of 4
Ingredients: Epidermal growth factor concentrate
The way these award-winning eye patches work is that you apply the concentrated serum to your under-eye area, and then place the hydrogel mask over it. This “imprinting” process is what helps the anti-aging ingredient — the brand’s proprietary synthetic form of epidermal growth factor derived from barley seeds — to penetrate into the skin. There, it can help to promote collagen and elastin production over the long-term. Make these best-sellers a part of your long-term regimen for the most pronounced anti-aging effects.
Bioeffect EGF Eye Mask Treatment
Talika Bio Enzymes Neck Mask
Best Sheet Mask for the Neck
Type: Biocellulose
Number in pack: 1
Ingredients: Glycerin, centella asiatica, hydrolyzed collagen, enzymes
With complaints of “tech neck” at an all time high, who isn’t looking for some anti-aging defense? With glycerin and barrier-supportive centella asiatica to add moisture, plus hydrolyzed collagen and enzymes to seal in the hydration, Talika’s neck mask promises to boost elasticity over time. “I’ve been using them for about a year now. With regular use [weekly] and a great neck cream at night, I see positive result,” writes a reviewer.
Talika Bio Enzymes Neck Mask
111Skin Y Theorem Bio Cellulose Facial Mask
The Best Sheet Mask for a Pre-Event Glow
Type: Biocellulose
Ingredients: NAC Y2, ectoin, peptides, licorice root, centella asiatica, silk amino acids
Number in pack: 1
Special features: Cruelty-free, biodegradable
This is my personal favorite mask to use for a hydrated glow before applying makeup for a special event. The line’s prized antioxidant, NAC Y2, brightens with potent antioxidants along with calming and brightening licorice root. Then, ectoin softens and balances skin tone, while the biomimetic peptide sensamone calms and silk amino acids hydrate. One reviewer writes, “I notice a visible improvement after use — the skin looks fresher, more hydrated, plumped up, and they tend to be very soothing. Also great for the lines around the eyes.”
111Skin Y Theorem Bio Cellulose Facial Mask $32
SK-II Pitera Facial Treatment Mask
Best Hydrating Sheet Mask
Type: Biocellulose
Ingredients: Pitera?
Number in pack: 6
This cult-favorite J-Beauty mask imparts undeniable glow courtesy of Pitera?, a micronutrient-rich, fermented blend of vitamins, amino acids, minerals, and organic acids that hydrate and gently exfoliate the skin. Dr. Hirsch also names this as a pick for anti-aging, although she laments its high price point. “This is my holy grail product,” writes one Sephora reviewer. This is perhaps the most glow-inducing sheet mask I have ever tried.
SK-II Pitera Facial Treatment Mask
Joanna Czech Skincare The Face Mask
Best Sheet Mask for Calming Skin
Type: Biocellulose
Number in pack: 1
Ingredients: Bentonite clay, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, coconut oil, marine algae
Special features: Cruelty-free
Joanna Czech, the renowned celebrity esthetician, recently launched a range of skincare products that adhere to her anti-inflammatory and pH-balanced philosophy. This biocellulose sheet mask is no exception. It also purifies the pores and minimizes breakouts with bentonite clay, while amping up the skin’s hydration levels and preventing transepidermal water loss via glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and natural oils. This comprehensive approach makes it fitting for all skin types and concerns. Even if you cannot have a facial with Czech herself, this sheet mask gives you a taste of her philosophy.
Joanna Czech Skincare The Face Mask
111Skin Maskne Protection Bio Cellulose Mask
Best Sheet Mask for Maskne
Type: Biocellulose
Number in pack: 4
Ingredients: Algaktiv bioskn, algaktiv optimmunist, pixalia, tea tree oil, chlorella
Special features: Cruelty-Free
This is the best sheet mask if you are suffering from breakouts and irritation caused by “maskne.” It purifies and soothes using a gentle formula that harnesses biotechnology-developed ingredients alongside classic botanicals, like chlorella and tea tree oil. Meanwhile, the smaller shape of the chin mask allows you to avoid treating areas that don’t have pimples and therefore don’t need the harsh actives. “This product worked wonders for my skin, 100% recommend,” writes a reviewer.
111Skin Maskne Protection Bio Cellulose Mask
Sweet Chef Ginger + Vitamin C Fresh Pressed Sheet Mask
Best Sheet Mask for Combination Skin
Type: Biodegradable microfiber
Number in pack: 1
Ingredients: Vitamin C, turmeric, ginger
Special features: Vegan, cruelty-free, biodegradable
For a brightening boost that sticks to your budget, Sweet Chef provides a hearty dose of antioxidants like vitamin C, along with the anti-inflammatory and redness-reducing powers of turmeric. With consistent use, you will experience a major dose of radiance, plus a more even skin tone. Because it utilizes botanicals from organic foods, you will also receive microbiome support, courtesy of the food’s prebiotics. “It felt so good on my face [and] left it nice and hydrated and brighter,” writes a reviewer.
Sweet Chef Ginger + Vitamin C Fresh Pressed Sheet Mask
Luzern Laboratories L’essentiels Bio Cellulose Sculpting Masque
Best Sheet Mask for Plump Skin
Type: Biocellulose
Number in pack: 5
Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, squalane oil, postbiotics, apple stem cells
Special features: Vegan, cruelty free
This luxury beauty line uses Switzerland-sourced botanical ingredients to deliver fortified anti-aging that is suitable for clean beauty lovers. In addition to vitamin C and plumping hyaluronic acid, each mask imparts natural sources of lactic acid, anti-microbial peptides, and protective natural compounds. Though pricey, the line is a top pick among organic and luxury beauty-lovers alike. One reviewer says, “Luzern masks give a glow that’s almost as good as a facial.”
Luzern Laboratories L’essentiels Bio Cellulose Sculpting Masque
Knesko Nano Gold Repair Collagen Face Mask
Best Sheet Mask for Anti-Aging
Type: Biodegradable hydrogel
Number in pack: 4
Ingredients: Colloidal gold, marine collagen, elastin, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, niacinamide, vitamin e
Special features: Cruelty-free, cult-favorite
These cult-favorite, celebrity-beloved sheet masks from Knesko are precious little treasures that are infused with reiki energy. The star ingredient are the colloidal gold nanoparticles, which help to oxygenate the skin for healing, while also promoting cellular renewal and reducing the appearance of fine lines. “My skin was radiant and glowing. I truly feel that this mask helps turn back time,” says a reviewer.
KNESKO Nano Gold Repair Collagen Face Mask
Shiseido Benefiance Pure Retinol Intensive Revitalizing Face Mask
Best Sheet Mask with Retinol
Number in pack: 4
Ingredients: Retinol, hydroxyproline, squalane, chlorella extract
Shiseido’s two-piece sheet mask is infused with anti-aging retinol, the amino acid hydroxyproline, soothing squalane oil, and healing chlorella plant extract. Although retinol is considered the gold standard in anti-aging for its collagen-promoting effects, it can be harsh on the skin; do not use this mask more than directed. “I have tried every type of mask you can think of but this one is phenomenal,” writes a reviewer.
Shiseido Benefiance Pure Retinol Intensive Revitalizing Face Mask
La Mer The Treatment Lotion Hydrating Mask
Best Luxury Sheet Mask
Type: Biocellulose
Number in pack: 6
Ingredients: Seaweed extract, algae extract, glycerin, sesame seed and powder, etc
There is a reason that La Mer is synonymous with luxury. For a burst of high-end moisture and healing, consider the sheet masks by the ocean-inspired line. In addition to the marine extracts, there are several botanical oils and healing salts to help rejuvenate and hydrate the skin.
La Mer The Treatment Lotion Hydrating Mask
Goodal Green Tangerine Vita C Eye Gel Patch
Best Vitamin C Eye Masks
Type: Hydrogel
Number in pack: Set of 30
Ingredients: Vitamin C, vitamin E, green tangerine extract, arbutin, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid
K-beauty
Add these Goodal eye patches to your must-try lists as they have quite a fan following. Whether it is dark circles, melasma, dryness, or fine lines that you seek to remedy, there is a little somethin’ somethin’ for everyone, thanks to the hydrating, brightening, and moisture-retaining ingredients they contain. “These patches are flipping amazing! I finally found something that actually works to brighten my dark circles, reduce puffiness, plus smooth and firm the sides of my eyes,” writes a reviewer. #Need.
Goodal Green Tangerine Vita C Eye Gel Patch
Kat Burki KB5 Eye Recovery Masks
Best Eye Patches for Dark Circles
Number in pack: Set of 4
Ingredients: KB5 Complex, plant stem cells, silk amino acids, cold-pressed avocado oil
Special features: Vegan, cruelty-free
The eyes are one of the first places to show signs of age because the delicate skin leaves them prone to unwanted puffiness, sensitivity, and discoloration. These luxurious eye patches deliver the brand’s proprietary blend of KB5 — a mix of arnica, gotu kola, lavender, calendula, and chamomile — to soothe, brighten, and nourish the undereye area. In addition to their signature complex, a cold-pressed avocado oil hydrates while silk amino acids and plant stem cells enhance the anti-aging effects. Whether you pop them on in the morning to help wake up, or you like to apply them in the evenings to help wind down after a long day, these eye patches will be a match made in heaven for weary eyes.
Kat Burki KB5? Eye Recovery Masks
Knc Beauty All Natural Lip Mask
Best Lip Sheet Mask
Type: Hydrogel
Number in pack: 5
Ingredients: Collagen, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, bitter cherry extract, rose flower oil
Special features: Clean, cruelty-free
You can use these cute lip masks as a treatment, or to help prime your lips before applying a lipstick. Collagen serves as a great plumper in that it locks the ingredients into the skin, while glycerin hydrates, hyaluronic acid plumps, and botanical oils nourish your pucker. For the best results, exfoliate your lips first to allow the plumping and hydrating ingredients to absorb. Then, follow with your favorite lip balm or lipstick for the full effect.
Knc Beauty All Natural Lip Mask
Bawdy Shake It Butt Sheet Mask
Best Butt Sheet Mask
Number in pack: 1
Ingredients: Marine algae, plant-based collagen, oat extract, chamomile
Special features: Vegan, cruelty-free
Considering swimsuit season is upon us, why not try this Bawdy butt mask? As far as butt masks go, we are most interested in this firming concoction formulated with marine algae and plant ingredients to help stimulate collagen for lift and bounce. With the incorporation of soothing oat extract and chamomile, you can give your bum a nice, relaxing break. The masks are also said to reduce the appearance of “orange peel” skin texture.
BAWDY Shake It Butt Sheet Mask
Karuna Hydrating+ Hand Mask
Best Sheet Mask for Hands
Type: Biodegradable wood pulp cloth
Number in pack: 4
Ingredients: Camellia sinesis leaf oil, shea butter, jojoba oil, algae extract
If your hands and feet tend to run dry, you are certainly not alone. Sometimes, a regular hand cream just won’t cut it, and that’s when you’ll want to reach for one of these masks. Whether it is part of your at-home manicure or simply to nourish dry hands, the formula’s shea butter, jojoba oil, algae extract, and camellia sinesis leaf oil rejuvenate the skin and keep them looking their best. Bonus: The brand also makes a hydrating mask for the feet.
Sarah Maxwell The Brow Mask Ultimate Lifting Treatment
MMSkincare MMBalance Face Mask
Best Sheet Mask to Minimize Pores
Number in pack: 1
Ingredients: Canadian willow herb, pre- and postbiotics, niacinamide
Special features: Vegan, cruelty-free
The beauty of this mask is that it treats acne gently by addressing two root causes: inflammation and the microbiome. Canadian willow herb to calm, pre- and postbiotics to nourish the skin’s microbiome (i.e., the source of skin health), and niacinamide to fortify the skin barrier and help prevent future inflammation, treat hyperpigmentation, and minimize the appearance of pores. Added perk? This mask is enhanced when used along with the line’s LED therapy device.
MMSkincare MMBalance Face Mask
Emerage Cosmetics Emer Skin Intense Hydration Mask
Best After-Sun Sheet Mask
Type: Biocellulose
Number in pack: 1
Ingredients: Regenerative peptides, hyaluronic acid, tea tree, licorice root, aloe, citrus extracts
Meet this quenching biocellulose mask that is one of the most anti-inflammatory and anti-redness treatments out there. Yet, this powerful mask is so gentle that it can be used on parched, sensitive skin after spending a long day at the beach. While it can be used anytime to reduce redness, using it after a day in the sun or even post-aesthetic treatment, like microneedling, is ideal so the calming and soothing ingredients can work their magic.
Emerage Cosmetics Emer Skin Intense Hydration Mask
The Different Types of Sheet Masks
With the ever-growing category, you can find a face mask for a specific spot or an all-over treatment.
Face Sheet Masks: Sheet masks for the face cover the entire region and typically come in one or two pieces with cut-outs for the eyes, nose, and mouth. Occasionally the mask itself will be packaged between two pieces of mesh that need to be gently removed during application. Extra serum from the package can also be applied to the neck, chest, backs of the hands, or wherever else you would like some nourishment.
Under-Eye Masks: The under-eyes pose a specific set of challenges unique to different complexions. “I am a big fan of under-eye masks because the skin there is so delicate anyway that it is easy to get ingredients to penetrate that skin in order to make a big improvement,” Dr. Mariwalla says. Some struggle with dark circles or hyperpigmentation — in which case an ingredient like vitamin C, licorice root, or prebiotics can be helpful — while others deal with puffiness, which can be eased with coolness and actives like caffeine.
Lip Masks: There are two instances when lip masks might be beneficial First, those who suffer from dry or cracking lips can always profit from additional moisture and barrier-support, says Dr. Mariwalla, noting that a lip mask is a great option, especially when it contains ingredients like hyaluronic acid and antioxidants. Yet, you can also use a lip mask to help prime and prep your pout before applying lipstick.
Chin Mask: TikTok-viral half-face masks are designed solely for the lower portion of the face and chin. They’ve become popular in the wake of “maskne” as well as the irritation caused by PPE and face coverings. These masks are fitted to the chin and jawline — areas that are prone to clogging in oilier skin types — and can include purifying and anti-inflammatory active ingredients.
Body Masks: These days, you can find treatment masks for other areas of the body, such as the hands and feet. There are even brow masks to help the eyebrows grow fuller and achieve the coveted lift.
Backside Masks: One unexpected area for a mask is the bum, featuring brightening and firming ingredients, which we expect to become more popular during the summer swimsuit season.
Sheet Mask Benefits
“Use sheet masks the same way you would approach any skincare product with active ingredients,” says Dr. Hirsch, who always advises a “less is more” approach so as not to overwhelm the skin. “As a practical matter, each mask will vary in their absorption. So the main focus is really to match the active ingredient to your skin’s individual needs.”
Dr. Mariwalla points out that, depending on your skin type, this might mean selecting a mask with serums that help with skin concerns and to look for keywords like calming, hydrating, brightening, purifying and anti-aging. Another key factor to consider is when to use a face mask. Ingredients like caffeine, vitamin C and licorice root are indicators that the mask should be used in the morning to de-puff and brighten, while others are best used in the evenings to work their regenerative magic while you sleep, similar to creamy overnight masks.
Below are common skin concerns and compromising circumstances that face masks can help alleviate.
Acne: Breakouts can benefit from purifying, de-clogging and anti-inflammatory ingredients to help quell one of the underlying causes of breakouts. Dr. Hirsch recommends salicylic acid, but advises using those masks on smaller surface areas to prevent aggravating the skin. “Sometimes clarifying and acne clearing face masks [can be] too harsh,” agrees Rodrigues.
Dryness: Dry skin can be addressed with ingredients that provide moisture, including glycerin and oils, and support skin barrier function, like ceramides and niacinamide. Dr. Hirsch is a fan of squalane oil, whereas Rodrigues identifies hyaluronic acid and seaweed extract as great picks for added hydration.
Compromised skin barrier: Look for glycerin, hyaluronic acid, squalane, shea butter and plant or seed oils, as these ingredients can be helpful to fortify the skin barrier, as they create a seal around the skin. Rough skin texture, flakiness and a feeling of tightness are telltale signs of a vulnerable skin barrier.
Calming: Anti-inflammatory ingredients are instrumental in soothing red, inflamed or irritated skin, and can improve a multitude of skin concerns, from acne to aging. Popular healers include CBD, aloe, licorice extract, ceramides, colloidal oatmeal, centella asiatica and chamomile.
Anti-aging: Common anti-aging ingredients include collagen-promoting retinol, firming peptides, and epidermal growth factor (EGF). These heavy hitters stimulate the skin cells’ fibroblasts, which speeds up the production of collagen and elastin. There are many different ways to help promote the rejuvenation of aging skin, and masks filled with these anti-inflammatory and antioxidant ingredients can mitigate environmental damage that breaks down collagen over time.
De-Puffing: If you often wake up with puffy eyes, try a cooling hydrogel filled with caffeine to give your face a wake up call. On seriously puffy days, take the extra step of using a chilled facial roller over top of the eye patch or face mask for greater penetration.
Protection: As mentioned, vitamin C is one of the most popular and protective antioxidants in skincare. It promotes collagen production to strengthen skin at the cellular level and it also plays defense against UV rays and sun damage.
After-sun care: Aloe, antioxidants, and other reparative active ingredients, like green tea can be especially soothing for skin after prolonged sun exposure. This is another instance when it might serve you to pop your face mask in the fridge before to help soothe.
Post-aesthetic treatment: Directly following an in-office laser or microneedling treatment, it is not uncommon for the practitioner to apply a cooling biocellulose mask on top of your newly vulnerable skin. Some of these are meant to be cooling and hydrating, while others are packed with actives to further the procedure’s results.
In addition to treating various skin conditions, sheet masks can also be the cherry on top of a skincare routine. Here are a few bonus effects of using a face mask, along with specific ingredients to look for.
Glowing skin: A face mask with plenty of vitamin C, which is one of the top ingredients for delivering brightness, balancing skin tone, and even mitigating free radical damage, will offer a next-level glow. A lesser-known antioxidant to support luminescence is N-Acetyl Cysteine, the bodily precursor to the ultra-powerful antioxidant, glutathione. Prebiotics have also been known to impart a dewy look, while lactic acid, a humectant exfoliant, has a well-known brightening effect.
Hydration: Celebrity makeup artists note that hydrated skin results in better, longer-lasting makeup application. You may want to use a face masks right before a big event that targets puffiness with actives like caffeine (reap bonus benefits by placing your sheet mask in the fridge beforehand), or hyaluronic acid for a dewy look.
How to Use a Sheet Mask
Depending on the ingredients in the sheet mask, Rodrigues says that they can be beneficial in your skin regimens whether used daily, a couple times per week, or simply to prep for, or recover from, an event. “I love when clients use them to prep the skin before a big shoot as they help to de-puff and hydrate the skin before makeup application,” she continues. “I personally love to use them at night when I’m winding down — after cleansing, before doing my end of night routine.” Not only is it a great way to relax, but choosing ingredients that help your skin regenerate and detox overnight syncs to the skin’s natural functions.
To apply the mask, first find a comfortable position to relax for the next twenty minutes — moving around can result in it falling off or falling out of place. Sometimes masks come encased between two pieces of mesh that you will want to remove before positioning it on the body part being treated. Once applied, you can also take the remaining serum in the packaging and apply it to your neck, décolleté, the backs of your hands, or other areas of the body’s skin.
Meet the Experts
Dr. Mamina Turegano is a double board-certified dermatologist based in Louisiana. In addition to her following of TKTK on TikTok, she has an interest in integrative dermatology and recommends functional-yet-affordable products.
Celeste Rodrigues is a celebrity esthetician based in Beverly Hills, California. In addition to working with A-listers and high profile public figures, her clients love her impressive offering of beauty tools (think: Hydrafacial, microcurrent, LED, and beyond) and her glow-inducing facials.
Meet the Author
Jessica Ourisman is a freelance beauty editor with bylines on Harper’s Bazaar, Allure, The Zoe Report, Coveteur, and more. With a Bachelor’s degree from the University of San Diego and a Master’s degree from Columbia University, she has six years of experience as a beauty writer — and a lifetime of love for skincare, cosmetics, and self-care. She is currently based in Los Angeles, but has lived and worked in New York City and Paris, France.
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