Best Face Masks for All Skin Types and Concerns: Dryness, Rosacea, More | Woman's World

One of these picks even costs as little as $4 at the drugstore

There’s nothing like the feeling of having a pampering self-care day after a long week. Running a bath, lighting some candles and turning on some calming music can do wonders for both the body and mind. But what’s a self-care day without treating your skin to a face mask? Applying a face mask will give your skin some much-needed TLC, which is especially important during the cold, dry months, and make you and your complexion feel refreshed, glowy and revived. That’s why we rounded up the best face masks for all skin types and conditions, including dry skin, aging skin, rosacea and more—and got insights from a top dermatologist.

Before you start using a face mask, you may be wondering exactly how it can help your skin.

First off, face masks are great if you’re noticing a specific problem with your skin that needs some extra attention. For example, in the fall and winter, we may notice our skin feeling drier than normal. Using a hydrating face mask can give your skin a dose of moisturizing ingredients for intense hydration that you wouldn’t get from your typical skin care routine.

Those of us with mature skin can especially benefit from using a face mask. As our skin ages, it’s common to lose moisture and elasticity, which can cause dryness, fine lines and wrinkles.

“For aging skin, masks can provide deep hydration, which is essential to maintaining elasticity and suppleness, as mature skin often loses moisture more easily. Many masks are also packed with antioxidants and peptides that help address concerns like fine lines, uneven texture and dullness,” affirms Pooja Rambhia, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. “These ingredients can penetrate more effectively during the short time masks remain on the skin, boosting the effects of your overall skincare routine.”

There are a few key factors and ingredients to look for when choosing the best face mask. For mature skin, Dr. Rambhia recommends looking for face masks that are made to help with hydration, elasticity and cell renewal. Ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid are great for this, as they both “deliver intense hydration that can help plump the skin and smooth fine lines,” says Dr. Rambhia. Labels like “hydrating,” “anti-aging,” or “firming” are typically key for mature skin, says Dr. Rambhia, and for sensitive skin, look for labels that say “hypoallergenic” or “fragrance-free.”

Further, “Masks containing peptides and collagen boosters are also excellent choices, as they support skin firmness and elasticity. Antioxidants like vitamins C and E can protect against environmental damage while brightening dull skin, a common concern as we age,” adds Dr. Rambhia.

For cell turnover, exfoliating ingredients can be great when used in moderation. “Exfoliating ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or gentle enzymes can also be beneficial in moderation to improve texture and promote cell turnover, though these should be used with care to avoid over-exfoliation,” advises Dr. Rambhia.

As mentioned earlier, face masks are not something you need to incorporate into your routine every day or night. We know adding an extra step into your skincare routine can be a hassle, which is partly why we love face masks so much—they don’t need to be done daily.

“Face masks are not a necessary or non-negotiable part of a skincare routine. However, if you are going to use them, I recommend using a face mask once or twice a week as part of a balanced skincare routine,” explains Dr. Rambhia. “This frequency provides your skin with an extra dose of active ingredients without overwhelming it, which is especially important for those with mature or sensitive skin.”

She continues, “Hydrating or soothing masks, however, can sometimes be used more frequently, depending on your skin’s needs. For example, if your skin feels dry or [looks] dull, a gentle, hydrating mask can be a quick boost. For masks with stronger exfoliating or active ingredients, such as alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or retinoids, limit use to once weekly to avoid irritation.”

Keep reading for the best face masks for mature skin, dryness, fine lines and more, with picks from Dr. Rambhia.

Vitabrid C12 Dual Mask

For mature skin, Dr. Rambhia recommends Vitabrid C12 Dual Mask, which is a hydrating and revitalizing face mask. It’s made with a blend of proprietary Peptibrid, a peptide complex, which helps plump fine lines and hyaluronic acid to hydrate and further plump. It also has Vitabrid CG and Stem Cell Complex, which gives skin a radiant glow.

Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Recovery Mask

Dr. Rambhia’s other pick for aging skin is Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Recovery Mask. This mask is formulated with vitamins A, C and E, as well as linoleic acid, which help revitalize aging skin, restore the skin barrier and protect skin from free radicals and environmental damage. It also has algae extract for moisture, pro-vitamin B5 to nourish and botanical extracts of licorice, comfrey and burdock to soothe skin.

Skinceuticals Biocellulose Restorative Mask

For those with sensitive skin, Dr. Rambhia suggests trying Skinceuticals Biocellulose Restorative Mask, which is a sheet mask that cools and soothes skin. The biocellulose fibers are infused with water to deliver that cooling effect immediately to tamp down on irritation.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrogel Mask

Your dry skin will thank you after replenishing it with Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrogel Mask. It’s under $4 at Target, and is so easy to apply thanks to its sheet mask design. It’s made with hydrating hyaluronic acid, and the gel-like texture of the serum infused into the mask feels cooling on skin.

Tula Instant Skin Reviving Mask

This pick is one of our favorites for dry skin, Tula Instant Skin Reviving Mask. It also has a cooling gel texture, and its prebiotic and probiotic complex helps to balance and smooth the skin. It’s also formulated with prickly pear to soothe and hydrate, ceramides for moisture, Rose of Jericho (a desert plant) that revives and hydrates, desert lime which helps with texture and hyaluronic acid to hydrate and plump.

Neutrogena Clear Pore 2 in 1 Facial Cleanser/Face Mask

We love a product that is a multi-tasker! Neutrogena Clear Pore 2 in 1 Facial Cleanser/Face Mask is just that, a multi-tasking superhero that can be used as a daily cleanser or as a clay mask for those who struggle with acne (hello, menopausal breakouts)—and Dr. Rambhia approves. It has 3.5% benzoyl peroxide which helps fight off acne, as well as kaolin and bentonite clay for oil and shine control. Best yet, it costs around just $12 at the drugstore.

The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque

Another great budget buy, The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque costs around just $14, and is great for treating acne. Its salicylic acid helps treat breakouts as well as exfoliate dead skin cells for a smoother, more radiant complexion.

SkinCeuticals Clarifying Clay Mask

Dr. Rambhia recommends SkinCeuticals Clarifying Clay Mask for those with oily skin as its kaolin and bentonite clays help to unclog pores, balance oil production and rid skin of impurities. Even more, its 2% mixed fruit extracts—malic, lactic, tartaric, citric and glycolic acids—exfoliate dead skin cells and its aloe and chamomile calms and soothes.

Paula’s Choice Oil-Absorbing Mask

For a more budget-friendly option, we recommend Paula’s Choice Oil-Absorbing Mask. Its mineral clays help control oil production and refine pores, while its ​​sea whip and oatmeal soothes skin.

Revision Skincare Pumpkin Enzyme Mask

Pumpkin isn’t just great in pie… it’s also a superstar in skin care! Dr. Rambhia likes Revision Skincare Pumpkin Enzyme Mask, which is a scrub and mask in one, allowing for physical and enzyme exfoliation. Its pumpkin enzyme and pumpkin and cocoa micro-exfoliating powders slough away dead skin cells, while the gold Brazilian clay detoxifies and controls oil, the bixa orellana seed extract protects skin from environmental stressors, and its blend of glycerin, jojoba esters and squalane moisturizes and hydrates.

Caudalie Pore Minimizing Instant Detox Mask

Another amazing face mask that will help enliven dull skin is Caudalie Pore Minimizing Instant Detox Mask, a pick of Dr. Rambhia’s. Its antioxidant-rich grapes help limit sebum oxidation which can cause blackheads, its pink clay tightens pores and removes impurities and its caffeine smooths and illuminates skin.

Laneige Bouncy + Firm Radiance Boosting Sleeping Mask

A face mask that works while you sleep? Sign us up! We like Laneige Bouncy + Firm Radiance Boosting Sleeping Mask, which hydrates and revives dull skin due to its Hydro-Melt Glow Capsules, hyaluronic acids and green tea probiotic lysate. It’s also great for aging skin, as it helps with firmness and elasticity thanks to its Peony & Collagen Complex and peptides.

Allies of Skin Rhassoul & BHA Antioxidants Purifying Mask

This mask, Allies of Skin Rhassoul & BHA Antioxidants Purifying Mask, is packed full of purifying and reviving ingredients. It has six different protective antioxidants (vitamin E, pomegranate seed oil & extract, acai fruit oil, grape seed oil and blueberry fruit extract); rhassoul, kaolin and bentonite clay which clarifies skin; mandelic acid to enliven the complexion; ceramide NP for moisture; and Manuka honey for its antibacterial and moisture retention properties. All of these will give dull skin a needed boost.

Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Sensitive Skin Serum Face Mask for Redness

Rosacea can be frustrating to say the least to tackle, but there are face masks that can help! Dr. Rambhia’s pick is Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Sensitive Skin Serum Face Mask for Redness. This sheet mask is made with tiger grass extract and madecassoside to moisturize, soothe and calm skin, as well as tiger grass complex, allantoin and niacinamide to nourish and support the skin’s barrier.

For more skin care tips and tricks, click through these stories:

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Tretinoin vs. Retinol: Learn Which Product Works Best for Women Over 50 to Firm and Brighten Skin

How To Use Facial Oil: 5 Hacks for Women Over 50 That Help You Look Youthful and Radiant

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