Do facial masks work, and should I add one to my skin care routine?
Last time you shopped for skin care products, you might have noticed facial masks seem to be everywhere. Facial masks are marketed as products that can help improve your skin tone, texture, and health, depending on the ingredients. They can be fun to use, but do you really need to add a facial mask to your skin care routine?
Read on for answers from the skin experts, board-certified dermatologists.
Do facial masks actually work?
Yes, facial masks can help you address some skin concerns. Dermatologists have found that facial masks can help moisturize and strengthen your skin barrier, and help combat signs of skin aging.
Because facial masks cover your skin and you don’t wash them off immediately, the active ingredients have time to absorb into your skin, says board-certified dermatologist Lauren Fine, MD, FAAD.
However, dermatologists say facial masks can’t replace treatment for diseases and conditions such as eczema or acne. Instead, they can help provide a boost when used correctly, alongside your regular skin care routine and your treatment plan.
Should I add a facial mask to my skin care routine?
Masks can be a great addition to your skin care routine to calm your skin or boost hydration, depending on the ingredients in the mask. They are great for a bit of calming self-care! The facial mask you choose depends entirely on your specific skin needs.
─ Oyetewa Asempa, MD, FAAD
Facial masks can be added to a skin care regimen to offer a more targeted therapy for a specific skin concern. However, a facial mask is not a replacement for your skin care routine.
─ Lauren Fine, MD, FAAD
How to choose the right facial mask
With so many options to choose from when shopping for a facial mask, it may feel overwhelming. Dermatologists suggest choosing a facial mask with ingredients that address your skin care concerns, including:
Facial mask ingredients for dry or sensitive skin
Hyaluronic acid, which helps lock in water to keep your skin hydrated.
Ceramides, which help strengthen your skin barrier.
Glycerin, which can help smooth and soften your skin.
Colloidal oatmeal, which can soothe irritated skin.
Green tea extract, to help reduce inflammation.
Facial mask ingredients for oily or acne-prone skin
Chemical exfoliators to unclog pores and improve skin texture. Look for:
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), like lactic acid or glycolic acid.
Beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), like salicylic acid.
Lightweight moisturizing ingredients, including aloe or hyaluronic acid, which help prevent overdrying from the acne-fighting ingredients without adding extra oil.
Niacinamide, to help reduce shiny skin and acne.
Clay, like kaolin or bentonite, to help absorb oil and soothe irritation.
Facial mask ingredients for anti-aging benefits
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), like lactic acid or glycolic acid, to improve fine lines and wrinkles.
Vitamin C, an antioxidant that helps brighten and firm skin.
Peptides, which help create collagen and elastin for younger-looking skin.
Bakuchiol, to help improve sun damage and even out skin tone.
Moisturizing ingredients, like hyaluronic acid, because keeping your skin hydrated can help it look younger and smoother.
Which ingredients should I avoid in a facial mask?
Some facial mask ingredients may do more harm than good, depending on your skin concerns. Dermatologists say to avoid facial masks with these ingredients:
Fragrance, which may irritate your skin or cause an allergic skin rash.
Essential oils, which may be too strong to apply directly to skin, and may cause irritation or allergies.
Rubbing alcohol, which can dry out your skin.
Physical exfoliants, like walnut shells or apricot kernels, that can cause small tears in your skin.
Strong exfoliating ingredients, like certain strengths of AHAs or BHAs, if you have sensitive skin.
Dr. Fine also suggests avoiding redundant ingredients in a facial mask, or ones you already use in other skin care products. For example, if you already use a product that exfoliates your skin as part of your skin care routine, “adding a mask with similar ingredients may trigger dryness and irritation.”
Could a facial mask damage my skin?
Yes. If you use a mask with irritating ingredients or apply it too often, your skin may end up feeling worse.
“Using masks with the wrong ingredients for you can lead to irritation, dryness, or even breakouts because they can damage your skin barrier, leading to worsened skin health," says board-certified dermatologist Oyetewa Asempa, MD, FAAD. “Especially exfoliating masks. If you use them too often or have very sensitive skin, they can cause irritation.”
Dr. Asempa also notes that if you have an allergy to an ingredient in your facial mask, it could cause contact dermatitis, a type of eczema.
When using facial masks, gently apply them to your skin using your fingertips.
How can I add facial masks to my skin care routine?
Follow these dermatologist-approved facial mask tips to safely add a mask to your routine:
Test a new facial mask on small areas of skin first to help prevent reactions. Some skin care lines or stores offer samples you can test before you buy the full-sized product. Dermatologists recommend following the tips: How to test skin care products.
Follow the instructions on the facial mask’s label. This tells you how long the mask should stay on your skin. According to Dr. Fine, leaving a facial mask on longer than intended or using it too often can cause side effects, like irritation. The label may also include other tips to help you get the best results.
Choose the right ingredients for your skin concern by checking the list on the label. How to choose the right facial mask [anchor link to above section] or ask your dermatologist for recommendations.
Avoid facial masks with active ingredients you use in other skin care products to avoid irritating your skin, particularly if you are already using retinol or acid-containing products.
Immediately wash off a facial mask if you feel itching, burning, or stinging. This could be a sign of skin irritation or an allergy.
Continue your regular skin care routine, which should include moisturizing, cleansing, and protecting your skin from the sun. “Facial masks can be fun and relaxing, but they aren’t a substitute for your daily skin care routine,” notes Dr. Asempa. Apply your moisturizer after washing off your facial mask.
Partner with a board-certified dermatologist if your skin feels worse after using a facial mask. Dermatologists can help diagnose the underlying cause of a skin issue and provide treatment, if needed. You can locate a board-certified dermatologist in your area at Find a Dermatologist.
Images
Image 1: Courtesy of Oyetewa Asempa, MD, FAAD
Image 2: Courtesy of Lauren Fine, MD, FAAD
Image 3: Image property of the American Academy of Dermatology
References
Omar AS, Umar SB, Arya H. The Science of Skincare: Exploring Products, Ingredients and Skincare Routine. Int J All Res Educ Sci Methods. 2024;12(5):4604–?.
Saeed HAM, Yang H. The versatile world of cosmetic facial masks in skincare: Fabrication, properties, and future directions: A review. J Drug Deliv Sci Technol. 2025;108.
Wang Y, Cao Y, Huang X, et al. Short-term skin reactions and changes in stratum corneum following different ways of facial sheet mask usage. J Tissue Viability. 2024;33(4):831-839.
