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Let’s talk men’s face masks, shall we? And no, for once, we don’t mean PPE—we’re bringing it back to those of the skincare variety. If you’ve never dabbled in the glorious world of face masks—sheet or otherwise—now is the time to get curious. There are many reasons they’re so popular with skincare enthusiasts: they’re efficient and some offer immediately noticeable results. Think of them like a facial, without actually spending over an hour with an esthetician. Scroll down for seven recommendations—and if you want to educate yourself on which ones are best for you, keep reading.
Our Top Picks:
- Paula’s Choice Oil-Absorbing Mask ($26)
- Jaxon Lane BRO MASK: Korean Sheet Mask for Men ($28)
- Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay ($15)
- Aesop Blue Chamomile Facial Hydrating Masque ($55)
- Hetime Anti-Aging and Hydrating Sheet Mask ($8)
- Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Overnight Hydrating Face Mask with 10.5% Squalane ($40)
- Youth To The People Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Night Mask with Vitamin C ($48)
Why Should Men Use Face Masks?
The real question is, why not? If you’re going to take care of your skin, daily upkeep is important. But when it comes to a quick fix, face masks are king. Because they stay on the skin for longer periods of time (about 10 to 20 minutes depending on the mask), the active ingredients have the chance to sink in and get to work.
Face masks are also low-commitment, as many of them should only be used once or twice a week, rather than daily, making it easier to fit them into your routine.
SKIN CARE ESSENTIALS
What to Look for In Face Masks for Men
Many masks on the market target the unique needs of men—some cool and hydrate post-shave, while other sheet masks are shaped to fit around a bearded face.
When it comes to ingredients, Jan Marini, skincare expert and founder of Jan Marini Skin Research, likes skin resurfacing products for men, “in other words, ingredients that make the skin appear refined, smooth, and reflective,” she says. Men’s dermis tends to be a bit thicker and rougher than women’s, so these resurfacing ingredients are crucial to sloughing off dead skin cells, which in turn prevents clogged pores, a dull appearance, and premature wrinkles.
Marini also suggests focusing on ingredients that address years of incidental sun exposure that leads to lines, hyperpigmentation, and discoloration. Look for ingredients like vitamin C, retinol, niacinamide, lactic acid, and glycolic acid.
Sheet Masks vs. Cream/Clay/Gel Masks
Masks typically come in one of two types: sheet masks or face masks in a jar/tube (which can be cream-, clay-, or gel-based). It usually comes down to personal preference, but there are a few differences in determining what’s best for you.
Sheet Masks
Sheet masks are paper or hydrogel masks that affix to the face in one or two pieces. They typically come in a package, pre-soaked in a potent skincare solution, so all you have to do is smooth it onto your face and let it get to work. Sheet masks prevent evaporation and keep the ingredients locked into the skin for better penetration, which makes them an especially good option for hydrating.
Cream, Gel, and Clay Masks
All other face masks come in a tube or jar and are meant to be applied directly to the skin like you would a moisturizer. Though it’s personal preference, these masks feel less claustrophobic than sheet masks and allow more freedom to apply them on specific areas rather than all over the face (if you only get oily on your nose, you might only apply a clay mask to that part of your face). Overnight formulas can also be a great time-saving option, and clay varieties are great for drawing out impurities and unclogging pores.
The Best Face Masks for Men
Paula's Choice Oil-Absorbing Mask
Best Oily Skin Face Mask for Men
Notice your face getting oilier as the day passes? Zap it with a twice-weekly dose of this oil-absorbing mask. Made with a combination of natural clays and skin-soothing ingredients, it balances oily skin by drawing out impurities and debris from congested pores. If you have combination or dry skin, you can still use this mask once weekly (it won’t over-dry your skin or make it feel tight). Smooth it over damp skin, let it dry for about 10 to 15 minutes, and then use a face cloth to wash it off.
Jaxon Lane BRO MASK: Korean Sheet Mask for Men
Best Sheet Mask for Men
Sure, you don’t need to use a face mask marketed toward men, but here’s why you should: This award-winning sheet mask comes in two pieces (one for the top half of your face and one for the bottom)—if you have a beard, just use the top half. It’s also sized up for larger faces, so it’ll fit your whole face and stay in place for the recommended 15 to 20 minutes. The hydrogel material feels like a cool drink of water for the skin (store it in the fridge for an even cooler feel) and keeps ingredients locked in for better penetration.
Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay
Best Clay Face Mask for Men
This little jar of powdered clay tops nearly every ‘best face masks’ list on the internet, because it’s cheap, lasts forever, and deeply cleanses pores. It includes just one ingredient (natural calcium bentonite green clay), so you don’t have to decipher any gibberish on the ingredients list if you’re prone to irritation. That also means it’s more versatile than your average face mask. It can be used as a mask anywhere on the body, as a foot soak, or even to soothe insect bites. The only downside is that you have to make the mask by mixing equal parts clay and raw apple cider vinegar (or water) with a wooden or silicone spoon (metal causes the clay to lose its negative charge). But if you can get past the extra 30 seconds it takes, this mask is well worth your time.
Aesop Blue Chamomile Facial Hydrating Masque
Best Hydrating Face Mask for Men
When you’re in need of a cooling shot of hydration, reach for Aesop’s Blue Chamomile mask. This one’s perfect for soothing skin after shaving or to lock in hydration on a long flight—it goes on clear, so you won’t get any weird stares. It’s also super convenient because it can be left on overnight. After cleansing, slather it on generously and either wipe off the excess after 30 minutes or keep it on overnight and rinse off any residue in the morning. It won’t ruin your pillows or feel sticky—just think of it like a regular-old moisturizer that you don’t rub in fully.
Hetime Anti-Aging and Hydrating Sheet Mask
Best Anti-Aging Face Mask for Men
Hate to break it to ya, but everyone ages. Eating a healthy diet, exercising, and good sleep habits all help, but when vanity comes into play, there are sheet masks, like this one from Hetime. It’s made with natural ingredients like frankincense, green tea, and coconut water to fight visible signs of aging, tighten skin, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles with consistent use. We love that it’s shaped specifically for a man’s face—unlike others that come in two pieces, Hetime’s comes in one piece, but purposely leaves room for facial hair.
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Overnight Hydrating Face Mask with 10.5% Squalane
Best Overnight Face Mask for Men
Finding time for the gym is hard enough, and now we’re asking you to find time for skincare. This is where multitasking comes into play. Kiehl’s overnight facial mask is meant to get to work while you snooze, so you can take care of your skin with practically zero effort. Smooth on this creamy mask before bed to strengthen skin’s moisture barrier and nix dryness, uncomfortable tightness, and flakes. Use it throughout winter to soften your skin, in the summer to soothe a sunburn and prevent peeling, or whenever you feel dryer than usual.
Youth To The People Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Night Mask with Vitamin C
Best Brightening Face Mask for Men
We’ll let you in on a secret: Fine lines and wrinkles start to form when skin isn’t properly hydrated. Think of the desert—when conditions are especially arid, cracks form in the ground from lack of moisture. The same thing happens to your skin. This overnight mask restores skin’s moisture levels and irons out fine lines thanks to naturally hydrating ingredients (hyaluronic acid and squalane). It takes things a step further with the addition of vitamin C to target uneven skin tone (from aging and sun exposure) for brighter, more youthful skin by the time you wake up.
