Discover the Best Different Types of Face Masks for Your Skin

A face mask can be used for a self-care moment to help skin look and feel refreshed. Masks can support varied skin needs, from hydration and comfort to helping skin look clearer and brighter.. But not all are created equal, and some are better suited for certain skin types and goals than others.

There are sheet masks, clay masks, hydrogel masks, and overnight formulas, to name just a few. So, which one is right for you?

This guide will explore all the different types of face masks you can integrate into your skincare routine. Learn how each works, what ingredients to look for, and which Rael mask aligns best with your specific complexion goals.

Hydrating & Soothing Masks

Hydrating and soothing masks are generally gentle, focusing on moisturization and a calming feel. 

Sheet Masks

Many people wonder do face masks expire, and while most have a good shelf life, it’s always a good idea to check before use. Sheet masks are single-use, individually wrapped, disposable skincare masks. They're made of fabric or biodegradable cellulose fiber and are shaped like a face with cutouts for the eyes, nose, and mouth.¹

Helpful for dryness or for preparing skin before makeup, a sheet mask comes pre-soaked with serums and essences containing hydrating, skin-friendly ingredients like hyaluronic acid or aloe vera. They may also contain targeted ingredients like vitamin C, collagen, or PDRN (polydeoxyribonucleotide).² If you’re having trouble deciding between a sheet mask vs. clay mask, the best option will depend on your skin’s current needs. 

Gel Masks

Gel masks are lightweight and contain water-based ingredients. They can come in the form of a cellulose sheet mask or in a small lidded tub, similar to a night cream.³

This type of mask often has a hydrating, cooling feel to provide a calming, refreshing feel and help relieve the look of dryness without any heaviness. It depends on the exact formula, but gel masks can work for all skin types, even those dealing with skin feeling sensitive or uncomfortable.

Cream & Overnight Masks

Cream and overnight masks are thicker and slightly heavier. These usually come in a lidded jar or tube, similar to a moisturizer. Some formulas can be rinsed off, while others can be massaged into the skin or applied as the final step of your evening skincare routine and worn overnight.

Best for dry or mature skin searching for a replenishing feel, this type of mask offers deeper moisturization, nourishment, and ingredients designed to help maintain the skin barrier.⁴ The formulas might contain plant oils, skin-protecting emollients, or humectants that draw moisture into the skin.^5,6

Deep‑Clean & Clarifying Masks

Masks that clean and clarify aim to refine the appearance of pores.

Clay Masks

A clay mask typically contains natural clay, like kaolin or bentonite. “It aims to help balance oily-feeling skin and improve the look of pores.⁷

As with Rael's clay mask, the best ones offer a balanced feel that doesn't leave skin feeling dry or overly tight.

Mud & Charcoal Masks

Mud and charcoal masks tend to work similarly to clay masks, but they might have a richer, thicker feel. Made with ingredients like dead sea mud, volcanic ash, or activated charcoal, they aim to help lift away surface buildup and leave skin feeling cleansed.^8,9

Targeted Masks

Some face masks are designed to support specific skin issues, like dryness, skin discomfort, or the appearance of blemishes, pores, or fine lines.¹⁰

Peel‑Off Masks

A peel-off mask has a thinner consistency. The gel or liquid formula is applied all over the face in an even layer, and then it dries down into a rubbery film. When you carefully peel off the dried mask, it can leave skin feeling softer and smoother, with a clearer-looking appearance.⁸

Under‑Eye & Spot Masks

Some masks are meant to go on specific areas of the face, like under the eyes, on the chin, across the nose, over the T-zone, or on the cheeks. These target smaller, localized concerns without affecting other parts of the face that might have different needs.

For instance, Rael has a custom-fit retinol face mask that addresses pores and blemishes on the chin. Under-eye masks might have ingredients like caffeine or collagen to help improve the look of dark circles or provide a firmer-feeling, more elastic appearance. These are good for mature skin or tired eyes that need a pick-me-up.^11,12

Exfoliating Masks

You can also find exfoliating masks that aim to brighten the look of skin and refine the appearance of pores, and provide a smoother, softer feel.

This type of mask might be formulated with AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids), like glycolic or lactic acid, or BHA (beta-hydroxy acid), such as salicylic acid.¹³ Others might contain fruit enzymes, which can offer a similar gentle exfoliating effect.¹⁴

How Often to Use Each Mask Type

Hydrating face masks, like sheet masks and gel formulas, can be used as often as every day as part of your skincare routine. Though some people might reach for them every other day or just a couple of times a week when they want extra hydration.¹⁵

A clarifying product like a mud mask may only be necessary once a week, and targeted masks can be used as needed. You don't need to exfoliate every day. So, peel-off masks and those with exfoliating ingredients can be used twice a week as part of a balanced skincare routine.¹³

It's good to build a routine and maintain consistent skincare, including a daily morning and evening regimen. But not all products need to be used every day or all over. Pay attention to how your skin looks and feels each day. Use that as your guide if you're unsure whether to use an "extra" like a face mask.

How to Use Face Masks for Best Results

Every skincare mask will have slightly different how-to instructions, but here are the general steps^15,16:

1. Wash your face thoroughly with a gentle cleanser to remove makeup, oil, and dirt.
2. Pat your skin dry with a clean cloth.
3. Apply a pH-balancing toner if you'd like (this step is optional).
4. If you're using a sheet mask, open the package and carefully unfold the mask. Apply it to your face, aligning the eye, nose, and mouth cutouts, then smooth out any air bubbles.
5. If you're using a mud, peel-off, or other type of non-sheet mask, scoop or dispense enough into your hand to cover your entire face, then apply it in an even layer.
6. Leave the mask on for the recommended time—typically 10 to 20 minutes. (Check the container or packaging for specifics on how long to keep it on.)
7. Remove the mask by carefully peeling it off or rinsing your face with lukewarm water. With a sheet mask, you can skip rinsing and pat the remaining essence into your face, neck, and décolletage.
8. Follow with a moisturizer to help maintain hydration.

Match Your Mask to Your Needs

Which type of face mask should you use? Here's a quick recap of the benefits and who each type might be best for:

• Sheet and gel masks: Sheet masks and gel formulas typically offer hydration and a soothing or cooling feel. They're good for dryness and people with sensitivity or discomfort.
• Cream and overnight masks: Best for mature skin, dry complexions, or those after barrier support, these thicker, creamier formulas are nourishing and deeply moisturizing.
• Clay, mud, and charcoal masks: These clarifying masks are designed to help lift away surface impurities and excess oil for a balanced feel. Oily or blemish-prone skin types may benefit from a weekly application.
• Peels and exfoliating masks: These masks are designed to help skin look smoother and more refreshed. Most skin types can use these, but pay attention to any discomfort.
• Targeted masks: Targeted masks can be used by any skin type when and where they're needed, like the under-eye area, T-zone, or chin. These can support various things, such as dryness, fine lines, or the look of pores or blemishes.

Many people use multiple types of masks regularly. Consider your skin's unique needs and your goals, and try different types and formulas to see what works best for you. Rael offers Cycle Synced masks to support every skin moment.

Find Your Perfect Mask

Rael's Collagen + PDRN face mask provides hydration and helps skin look firmer and more elastic.¹⁷ We also have a gauze-to-gel, post-treatment blemish recovery mask with soothing essence to help nourish and restore your skin. Beyond that, we have a clay mask, targeted chin masks, and a variety of sheet masks to support different skin needs.

Find your perfect mask match by exploring different types of face masks at Rael to discover which format and formula support your skin best today.

 

Sources: 

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