The epitome of sleepovers and slumber parties, but facial masks are more than just a reason to channel Jenna Rink while sliding Cheetos between our lips and binge-watching romantic comedies. 

Like anything else when it comes to skincare, a facial mask product can do more harm than good, so discerning consumers beware. Faulty masks can cause breakouts, rashes, and irritated skin. But with the right mask, you won’t want to wait for the next pajama night in. And experts say you shouldn’t!1

Masks are powerfully concentrated and able to contain high levels of key ingredients because chemists need not concern themselves with the homogenization of a product that’s going to be rinsed off after a few minutes — or thrown away if you use a sheet mask. Sheet masks, like SK-II Facial Treatment Mask, are single-use masks individually sealed. These masks have extra potency and punch because they’re sealed and protected from the air, which can oxidize and weaken key ingredients. A great option for sensitive skin, SK-II masks are 100% cotton soaked in a blend of vitamins, amino acids, minerals, and organic acids. Use semi-daily for ultimate comfort and intense hydration that will make you forget it’s a weekday! 

Masks can also enhance the products in your existing regimen. In fact, you can actually achieve quicker and even better results if you choose a mask with treatment ingredients that work together with the products you already use. If you treat your acne with a salicylic acid cleanser in the morning and spot treatment with benzoyl peroxide at night let’s say,  adding a sulfur-based mask will get you clearer skin quicker. Each ingredient tackles acne in a unique way. Combined, they work magic! Talk to a trusted dermatologist to find the right combination of masks and products for your goals. 

Masks help your skincare products absorb better. Using a mask that exfoliates and moisturizes will help keep your skin at peak hydration. This allows for anti-aging superstars like acids and retinoids to absorb better. Better yet, you’ll be able to use these ingredients more regularly because your skin will be able to tolerate them with less irritation. We recommend Obagi Professional-C Microdermabrasion Polish + Mask.

Masks can be problem solvers, and bring balance back to your skin. We all experience those occasional periods when our skin goes haywire, especially during seasonal changes. Masks can be like a reset button for your skin. If your oil glands suddenly kick up production, a calming clay mask, like SkinCeuticals Clarifying Clay Masque,  will dry out excess oil and give any breakouts a chance to heal. Revive dry, tired skin with a hydrating and nourishing mask, like Neova Pure Copper Mask. Quickly calm red, irritated skin with a cooling gel mask, like Peter Thomas Roth Cucumber Gel Mask. 

Masks can help you to relax, destress and recover. And isn’t this what we love about them most? Relaxing with a mask for just ten minutes can lower blood pressure and cortisol levels. Include some deep breathing to increase relaxation and trigger the release of healing and anti-aging beta endorphins. Recover with Dermalogica MultiVitamin Power Recovery Masque. 

But whether we take time to relax, or slap on a face mask for ten minutes while doing laundry, it’s all gravy. You will feel the benefits either way when you include masks in your regular regimen. Just make sure you give your household a fair warning before you get all Friday the 13th Jason on them. 

Sources: 

1Nilforoushzadeh, M. A., Amirkhani, M. A., Zarrintaj, P., Salehi Moghaddam, A., Mehrabi, T., Alavi, S., & Mollapour Sisakht, M. (2018). Skin care and rejuvenation by cosmeceutical facial mask. Journal of cosmetic dermatology, 17(5), 693–702. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.12730