While there is nothing quite like laying down for a professional-grade facial, a good at-home face mask is a close second. For many beauty and skin-care lovers (myself included!), putting on a face mask after a long day—whether a sheet mask, a peel-off mask, a leave-on mask or any other such option—is a simple yet oh-so-luxurious ritual.
But, like every skincare staple, not all face masks are one-size-fits-all. Whether you’re battling acne flare-ups, dry skin, excess oil, or signs of aging, we’ve tapped the experts to reveal the best face masks for every skin type and need. Their insight, ahead.
Featured Experts
- Joel Schlessinger, MD is a dermatologist in Omaha, NE
- Daniel Schlessinger, MD is a dermatologist in Omaha, NE
- Ginger King is a cosmetic chemist
The Best Face Mask for Acne
Acne is one of the hardest skin conditions to tackle since many ingredients can cause flare-ups or further irritate the skin. For Dr. Joel Schlessinger, the best face mask for acne is afa’s Renewal Masque ($72). “While this masque is a great weekly addition to any acne skin-care regimen, it also helps minimize sun damage and fine lines while fighting acne,” says Dr. Joel Schlessinger. “Bentonite clay controls oiliness while dermatologist-developed afaLUXE™ provides gentle yet highly effective exfoliation with a non-irritating yet low pH. This combination of ingredients detoxifies the skin of impurities to promote deep penetration of exfoliating ingredients, improving the appearance of pores and uneven texture.”
The Best Face Mask for Redness and Dryness
Skin prone to redness and dryness can be hard to treat, as it’s often sensitive and reactive. According to Dr. Daniel Schlessinger, Epionce’s Enriched Firming Mask ($42) is a great option for redness and dryness as the mask “offers several advantages for skin, including deep hydration to improve dryness thanks to its lipid-rich ingredients like meadowfoam seed oil and shea butter. It also contains calming botanical ingredients like willow bark and avocado oil, making it a great choice for soothing redness and irritation. It is also fragrance-free and great for most skin types.”
The Best Face Mask for Pigmentation
When it comes to pigmentation issues, Dr. Joel Schlessinger recommends Senté’s Pigment & Tone Correcting Mask ($149). “This mask is formulated with a novel ingredient called cysteamine, which is a synthetic antioxidant that addresses unwanted pigmentation at several pathways to improve existing dark spots and help minimize future discoloration,” he begins. “It also contains Heparan Sulfate Analog (HSA), which provides deep hydration and enhances the skin’s ability to repair itself.”
Continuing on, Dr. Joel Schlessinger notes that “While it is a fairly new ingredient, multiple well-done studies have validated cysteamine’s effectiveness in correcting pigmentation, sometimes surpassing more established ingredients. Additionally, cysteamine does not need to be cycled on and off and is generally suitable for all skin tones. The ingredient does have a unique natural scent, but since this mask is washed off the face after 15 minutes, it dissipates fairly quickly.”
The Best Face Mask for Temporarily Reactive Skin
Whether it’s the elements, a new product or a cosmetic treatment, there are tons of reasons why our skin can suddenly become irritated or reactive. To treat temporary irritation, Dr. Daniel Schlessinger recommends SkinCeuticals PhytoCorrective Mask ($70). “This masque is a good choice for patients looking for a solution to rehydrate and soothe temporarily reactive skin after non-ablative in-office treatments like photodynamic therapy,” he says. “It contains a calming dipeptide to reduce the feel of heat sensitivity and a calming 9% blend of botanicals like cucumber, thyme and olive extracts to cool skin upon contact.”
The Best Face Mask for Barrier Repair
A compromised barrier can wreak havoc on the skin, so Dr. Joel Schlessinger’s recommendation for barrier repair is EltaMD’s Skin Recovery Overnight Mask ($54). “I often recommend this face mask for my patients who struggle with the effects of a damaged skin barrier, which can make skin feel itchy, look red or inflamed and contribute to acne,” he says, “It is formulated with an AA Complex comprised of three special amino acids to help with barrier repair and Chronobiology Technology that boosts skin’s natural nighttime renewal process for calmer, more comfortable skin by morning.”
The Best Face Mask for Brightening
If dull, lackluster skin is your issue, King recommends her brand’s FanLoveBeauty Reboot Face Mask ($20), as it provides “instant brightening and firming with nine steam-nine-dried black ginseng. It is moisturizing and good for acne-prone skin, too, as it contains chlorella and spirulina. Plus, it feels cooling once peeled off.”
Best Face Mask for Post-Procedure Skin
For Dr. Daniel Schlessinger, NeoCutis’ Neo Restore Post Treatment Nourishing Mask ($129) is a favorite for delicate, post-procedure skin. “This biocellulose sheet mask is specifically formulated for post-procedure skin repair after treatments like lasers or microneedling,” he explains, “I often recommend this mask immediately post-treatment to soothe inflammation and for continued at-home care to help further support skin healing. It contains proprietary peptides, hyaluronic acid and aloe leaf juice to smooth and hydrate skin and calm redness.”
The Best Face Mask for Dehydrated Skin
To restore dehydrated skin, Dr. Daniel Schlessinger opts for Eminence Organics’ Strawberry Rhubarb Mask ($59). “This masque is a great option for reviving and replenishing dehydrated skin,” he explains, “It is a lightweight cream formulation with a Botanical Hyaluronic Acid Complex, so it feels very soothing and moisturizing. It also contains strawberry, rhubarb and a booster of antioxidants to protect skin against the effects of skin-aging free radicals. This masque is one of my go-to products for patients who prefer formulas derived from organic or biodynamically grown ingredients.” (Editor’s note: This is also a favorite amongst my roommates and me for our monthly spa nights).
