While face masks might have been seen as more of a woman’s thing in the past, that’s completely changed. As more and more men are realizing the importance of skin care, great options for both genders have been flying off the shelves. As crucial as cleansers are, it’s hard to beat the power behind a good mask, whether it’s deep-cleaning your pores or getting rid of blemishes in half the time — but that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the benefits.
Facial masks are great for a variety of reasons, as they can target a lot of issues that both men and women have. Using a face mask once or twice per week can:
- Moisturize skin
- Reduce fine lines and wrinkles
- Exfoliate and unclog pores
- Get a deep clean that everyday cleansers can’t
- Increase blood circulation in the face
- Clear acne and blackheads
- Provide general self-care that affects your mood and overall well-being
When it comes to face masks, however, it can be incredibly intimidating to pick one given all of the options out there. How do you find the mask that works best for you and your skin in between all of the lingo? There are three key considerations to think about before choosing and applying a mask:
- Look at the ingredients, particularly medicinal additives (like collagen, peptides, or hyaluronic acid) and essential oils (like olive or grapeseed,) to make sure there’s nothing that could cause allergies.
- See which special ingredients are included (such as charcoal, volcanic ash) to produce a certain effect. For example, charcoal is known to help detoxify and exfoliate the skin. A mask to reduce inflammation and redness will include more soothing ingredients, like mint.
- Read the instructions for how long to leave a mask on for as well as what you should do before or after applying it. For instance, most masks say to cleanse the skin beforehand, and depending on the strength of the products in the mask, the directions may say to do a second cleansing afterwards to ensure all remnants are gone.
Lastly, before you start lathering any mask on your face, have a routine in place to get the best results:
- Cleanse your face using warm water to open up the pores and remove any excess dirt or oil. If you put on a mask without doing this first, you could be trapping those impurities in your skin and further clogging your pores.
- Pat your skin dry with a clean towel and put on the mask as directed. Make sure to read the instructions for how long it should be on and if there are any special application directions. Avoid the eye area.
- Wash off the mask with clean hands and gently using a clean washcloth if need be with warm water.
- Use a toner and/or a moisturizer to even out pores and hydrate the skin.
Now that you know the basics of using a mask, it’s time to dive into what types of masks you could potentially be using. Here are a few top-rated ones to try out depending on your skin care needs and skin type.
Best for First Timers
Freeman Purifying Clay Facial Mask
If you’re someone new to the whole skincare craze, then these Freeman facial masks are the perfect products for you. Freeman’s smooth avocado and oatmeal clay mask are hydrating and detoxifying, making it a great mask to use regularly instead of as a once-in-a-while indulgence.
Promising Review: “I am a man that has never used any facial products. A friend suggested I try these, and all I can say is they are excellent. I wish I’d have started using them a decade ago. I have tried all of them, and they 100% are what they say. I guarantee you’ll love them all. The results made me feel and look younger.”—itscorygram
Best for Unclogging Pores
Kiehl’s Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Mask
Are you tired of having pores clogged with an excessive amount of dirt and oil? Well, put that problem to rest with this deep pore cleansing mask. It’s formulated with Amazonian white clay that cleans and detoxifies your skin by drawing impurities and toxins out of your pores. Also, the face mask reduces your skin surface oil production and minimizes your pores.
Promising Review: “I love this product! I would say it’s one of their best products for aiding in dead skin removal and cleaning out and refining your pores. I have oily skin, and it helps a lot with the breakouts. It’s great to use once or twice a week.”—cigdem
Best for Hydration
Jaxon Lane 100% Hydrogel Bro Mask
It can be a hassle using a sheet mask if you have facial hair, especially if you have a beard, because it doesn’t stay in place as it should. Luckily, this Bro Mask was designed specifically for men with a beard in mind. The sheet mask is made in two pieces, so guys with beards can use half of it. It instantly provides hydration to the skin as it is packed with several hydrating ingredients like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and green tea.
Promising Review: “You can instantly see the benefits of this mask right after you take it off. My skin felt way more firm, it had a nice “man glow,” as they say, and the texture was a lot more even. Masks are always a pain to get evenly on your face, I think that problem will always be there, but out of all of them, this one shows the most results. Huge fan!”—Ken
Best for Dark Spots
Gleamin Vitamin C Clay Mask
Are you self-conscious about the dark spots on your face? Then you should definitely give this clay mask a try. This face mask consists of yellow Australian clay, turmeric, and Kakadu plum. Each ingredient is beneficial for the skin that will even out skin tones, fade away dark spots, and heal imperfections.
Promising Review: “It’s working for me, and my skin is glowing while my blemishes are diminishing. Thank you so much for creating a masterpiece. I have been waiting so long for something like this.”—Lucretia R.
Best for Dry Skin
Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Masque
Cold weather is known to dry out your skin over time, but that can easily be solved by moisturizing your skin and using a hydrating face mask. This hydrating masque is made with glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and Lycopene-rich Tomato Seed. All ingredients are perfect for restoring moisture to the skin.
Promising Review: “I love this masque. It is so light and leaves the skin hydrated and silky smooth! I only suffer from dry patches on my forehead, but this product does the job of hydrating and eliminating them!”—Jess
Best for Sensitive Skin
Farmacy Honey Potion Face Mask
Anyone who has sensitive skin knows that you have to be very careful about which products you use on your face. However, one ingredient that is good to use on your skin is honey. Farmacy’s Honey potion mask will give you a natural glow instantly after the first use. When using, please do not be alarmed by the warming sensation on your face, as it is designed to give you a spa-like luxury experience at home.
Promising Review: “This mask was such a miracle worker, and it lasts so long. The warming sensation from the product might be a bit crazy at first. However, once you get used to the ordeal, it feels like a whole spa experience, from the smell to the feeling and face massage.”—Charles Senard
Best for Acne
Peter Thomas Roth Therapeutic Sulfur Mask
For men struggling with acne, this sulfur mask might be the miracle you need. The medicated masque is made with 10 percent sulfur, purifying Kaolin and Bentonite Clays that clears up and prevents acne. When using this mask, you might experience irritation if you are using another topical acne medication. So please only use one product at a time.
Promising Review: “This mask gave me almost instant results. I used it when I was breaking out and the redness went down almost instantly.”—Anonymous
Best for Oily Skin
Glossier Mega Greens Galaxy Pack
Having oily skin can be a blessing and curse at times. Yes, you don’t have to worry about your skin drying out, but your skin is susceptible to more pimples and blackheads. But that can be prevented when using Glossier’s Mega Greens Galaxy Pack. The mask will draw out excess oils and impurities.
Promising Review: “I’ve always wanted to try this, but I was hesitant because of some reviews. However, I’m glad I purchased it! The product size, smell, and texture are delightful. Once I started using the product, I noticed I had fewer blackheads after each use. The face mask has contributed to my skin being less oily as well.”—Ash S.
Best for Combination Skin
PCA Skin Purifying Mask
For men struggling with unclean skin, the PCA skin purifying mask is packed with red algae and French red clay ingredients for ultimate cleaning. This mask also has exfoliating properties that stimulate cell turnover, promoting clarity in the skin tone.
Promising Review: “Wonderful product! This mask gives an immediate result with cleaner and brighter skin after the first use. Also, it’s made from gentle ingredients and has a pleasant clean scent to it. This is the first product I have tried from PCA Skin, and I will continue to purchase their products.”—Verified Purchaser
Best for Nighttime Hydration
Youth To The People Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Mask
Are you looking for a mask that will do all of its glorifying magic overnight? Well, you probably want to add this Superberry mask to your skincare routine. The night cream will repair dehydrated skin, ease signs of redness, brighten and restore moisture while you’re getting a good night’s rest.
Promising Review: “Best face product I’ve ever used. Finally found a product that makes a difference! And it’s vegan. What’s better than that!?”—Ashley Flores
Best for Brightening Skin
Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask
Tata Harper’s resurfacing mask is proven to transform dull and dry skin into healthy glowing skin with a combination of ingredients. The BHA and enzyme mask restores radiance to the skin, refines pores, and softens the skin. This is the perfect mask to use when you want a luxury spa treatment experience.
Promising Review: “I hate that I love this mask so much because it’s so tiny, only 1fl oz for the price, but it’s so good. Every time I use this mask, my face looks glowing and supple. I usually do it right before I apply my nighttime skincare routine, and when I wake up in the morning, my face looks clear and so youthful. I highly recommend it! I have a combination, highly-sensitive skin, and this mask doesn’t irritate my skin.”—Lazar Petkovic
Best for Detoxifying
Honest 3-in-1 Detox Mud Mask
What better way to detoxify your skin of any dirt and impurities than with a mud mask? This 3-in-1 mud mask is perfect for any skin type. The face mask consists of Jeju Volcanic Ash and Activated Charcoal, which detoxifies the skin, removes dead skin cells, and minimizes pores. It’s also packed with manuka honey and shea butter to soothe and soften the skin.
Promising Review: “This detox mud mask worked great for me! It is compact and has friendly travel packaging so that you don’t have to worry about it spilling out and making a mess. The smell isn’t too strong, and it doesn’t dry out your face like other mud masks I’ve tried before! It is easy to clean and wash off and leaves my skin feeling soft and smooth! I’m surprised it was still moist when I washed it off my face and not drying at all! I would recommend this mud mask if you have sensitive skin because it did not irritate my skin. I also love how they are cruelty-free, dermatologist-tested, and made without harsh chemicals like parabens or dyes! Give this a try if you love or need a new detox mud mask!”—Skincarejunkie
Best Clay Mask
Sand & Sky Australian Pink Clay Mask
Are you a fan of clay masks? Well, you’ll love this Australian Pink Clay Mask. Not only will this mask detoxify your skin, but it will also help soothe any blemishes and evens out your complexion.
Promising Review: “Usually, I don’t write reviews, but this mask is wonderful. My skin is noticeably smoother, and my pores are smaller, and I’ve only used the product twice. The only drawback is how small the bottle is for the price. Other than that, I’m excited to see how my skin progresses after a few more uses of the mask.”—Eric W. Vaughan
Best for Clarifying and Soothing
Natura Bissé Oxygen Mask
Not a fan of using a bunch of products on your face? No worries, this oxygen mask is all you need for your skincare routine. The lightweight treatment instantly hydrates and purifies your skin.
Promising Review: “I love it. It’s good at cleaning my blackheads. I love using it in summer because it can control the oily area of my face. Pretty effective. This is a great product to use for anyone who has combination and oily skin.”—yingying.g
Best for Deep Cleaning
OLEHENRIKSEN Cold Plunge Pore Mask
If you’re looking for a face mask that will deeply clean and shrink your pores, then this face mask is for you. The face mask is formulated with AHA and BHA that will help improve your skin’s texture. It also contains snow lotus and alpine willowherb extracts to nourish and soothe the skin.
Promising Review: “Such an amazing face mask!”—Jenn V.
No matter what type of skin you have, it’s vital to keep it clear and healthy to prevent any clogging of pores or breakouts. So the next time you find yourself looking for a new product to rejuvenate and rehydrate your skin, choose one of these facial masks. Your skin will thank you.
