The 8 Best Sheet Masks For Every Skin Concern, According To Beauty Experts

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A sheet mask may be the hallmark of a self-care Sunday, and good news: The ritua; is not for nothing. More than a relaxing moment, dermatologists tell Women's Health the best sheet masks are actually effective. "They work by delivering high concentrations of ingredients to hydrate and nourish the skin," says dermatologist Dr. Jody A. Levine, MD. "Since the mask is drenched in these ingredients and then placed on the skin, it creates a protective barrier on the skin and prevents evaporation of the ingredients, enhancing and locking in the benefits."

Of course, the extent of their efficacy depends on the quality of the mask you're using—including what key ingredients it's made with and even the material of the mask itself—plus how frequently you slap one on. For the best results, you'll want to use your favorite sheet mask as one part of an entire skincare regimen that includes other hero ingredients like vitamin C and retinol, depending on your needs.

Best Sheet Masks

What to consider

Key ingredients

"There is a sheet mask out there for every skin type," says dermatologist Dr. Anna Chacon, MD. "When shopping for a sheet mask, you want to look for one that matches your skin type and skin concern you are hoping to treat." For example, if you have dry skin, hyaluronic acid and glycerin are good ingredients to look for, says Dr. Levine. For acne-or oily-prone skin, look for salicylic acid, charcoal, or tea tree oil. People with mature skin should reach for wrinkle-fighting formulas like peptides, retinol, or collagen.

Material

"You should look for masks made of cotton, which is natural, less irritable, and breathable, making it suitable for most skin types," says Dr. Levine. The other worthy option? Bio-cellulose, which is made of natural fibers and able to hold a large amount of serum, she says.

How we selected

Women’s Health editors and contributors regularly test both new and noteworthy and top-rated skincare products, including sheet masks. To curate this list of the best sheet masks, we leaned on findings by our team of anonymous testers and in-house editors, plus consulted five skin experts—four dermatologists and a licensed esthetician—to find out what they recommend. Read on to shop our list of the best sheet masks for all skin types and concerns, from hydrating dry skin, to brightening, and beyond.

Ceramidin Skin Barrier Moisturizing Mask

We've tested a bunch of face masks over the past year, and our editors landed on Dr.Jart+'s formula for its hardworking formula that consistently delivers glowing skin regardless of skin type. Available in singles or a pack of five (we recommend the latter for best overall value), it's made of a fine cellulose fiber that holds a large concentration of serum to deliver as much product directly to your skin as possible.

Dr. Garshick says it works wonders on dry skin, thanks to ceramide NP, which "works to support the skin’s barrier, leaving the skin feeling moisturized for 24 hours." Glycerin further moisturizes while panthenol can actually help prevent water loss so skin looks plumper and firmer for longer. And our testers agree. So many of them say that their skin felt firmer and more hydrated after using this consistently for a month.

Read more: Best Hydrating Face Masks

Celestial Black Diamond Lifting & Firming Treatment Mask

Dr. Jason Emer, MD, a board-certified dermatologist practicing in Los Angeles, New York, and Miami, recommends masks by 111Skin, because they're made with biocellulose and come in various types to address different concerns such as brightening, firming, and enhancing luminosity.

Our editors are particularly big fans of the Celestial Black Diamond Lifting & Firming Treatment Mask for its anti-aging benefits. The mask stays put during wear and, in just 20 minutes, delivers peptides and triple-action goji glycopeptides to help improve elasticity and sculpt, plus centella asiatica to plump and blur the look of fine lines and wrinkles. The addition of diamond particles help all of these good-for-skin ingredients penetrate even deeper into the skin for maximum benefits.

Read more: Best Skin-Tightening Creams

I'm Real Sheet Mask

For those who want to incorporate sheet masks into their beauty routine, but aren't willing to splurge on a pricier pick, this 10-pack is a good bet. "This K-Beauty brand has so many types of masks, each with a different key ingredient highlighted," says Rachel Lozina, a licensed esthetician and founder of Blue Water Spa in New York. No matter which one you pluck from the fun pack of 10, she recommends keeping them in the fridge for a cooling effect. (You can do this with any sheet mask).

Users have equally positive things to say about these masks, noting they're as high quality as they are affordable. They sit comfortably on the skin, they smell great, and seem to deliver all of the skin benefits they promise. Overall, an excellent value.

Facial Treatment Mask

Dr. Levine loves the sheet masks by SK-II, because they're packed with vitamins, amino acids, and minerals that provide deep hydration for the skin. They're suitable for all skin types, but Levine notes they're particularly rejuvenating, as they specifically target signs of aging like dullness and uneven tone and texture, as well as loss of firmness and elasticity.

Everyone who tries these masks seems to love them: The brand has won countless awards for this product. Users say the masks is thick, soft, and bursting with serum. Some even reported instantly firmer, glowing skin. In other words, this luxury mask is worth its weight in gold.

Read more: Best Dark Spot Correctors

Vitamin C Lactic Biocellulose Brightening Treatment Mask

Our editors are huge fans of Dr. Dennis Gross. From his LED face mask to this brightening sheet mask, the doctor can do no wrong. Dr. Chacon is a fan, too, calling out this product as a powerful skin brightener worth your attention. The biocellulose masks pack a punch of vitamin C and lactic acid, which work in tandem to protect skin from environmental aggressors and boost collagen production. Importantly, the ingredient list also boasts niacinamide, a skin-soother that tames any redness for more radiant, glowing skin.

"I'm not big on sheet masks, but this is one I find myself reaching for over and over again," said one tester. "It's soft and packed with serum, and like all of the vitamin C-rich products Dr. Dennis Gross makes, my skin is noticeably smoother and more vibrant looking after each use."

Read more: Best Vitamin C Serums

Instant Magic Facial Dry Sheet Mask

No, it's not a mistake that this sheet mask comes out of the package dry—that's exactly what makes it so unique. Dry sheet masks are simply waterless to deliver the active ingredients straight onto skin. This one uses niacinamide in combination with sea fern extract, shea butter, mango butter, and avocado oil to help nourish your face, says Dr. Garshick. It also contains firming peptides that work to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Users say the results are "unbelievable," specifically pointing to the hydration benefits, noting skin felt smoother and looked more vibrant instantly. And even though it's pricey, you can technically use it more than once. The brand recommends popping it back in its original packaging to use again.

Biocellulose Restorative Mask, 6-Pack

"Sheet masks are especially effective post-procedure to calm the skin, since they help push active ingredients into the skin more effectively," says Dr. Emer. If this is what you're looking for, opt for a soothing face mask, like this one. "It's especially helpful for dry, sensitive, or post-procedure skin, as it helps to provide a protective barrier and replenish moisture," says Dr. Garshick. In our experience, we found that it’s cooling and soothing on the skin, providing immediate relief.

Users agree, noting these sheet masks are particularly good to use after irritating in-office treatments like microneedling and Morpheus8. Some testers say they noticed significantly less redness and improved recovery time after incorporating these face masks into their healing routines.

Ultimate Recovery Bio-Cellulose Mask

"This hydrating mineral sheet mask contains hyaluronic acid, zinc, and rockweed algae extract in addition to purslane to boost moisture and soothe the skin," says Dr. Garshick, noting the biocellulose mask is especially durable, which helps ensure serum settles into all areas necessary.

Users say these face masks are basically an IRL filter for your skin. They instantly hydrate, leaving skin looking both firmer (fewer fine lines and wrinkles!) and more awake. Some report soothing benefits, too, noting the mask reduces any visible redness and improves skin tone and texture overall. For best results, use the 15-minute mask weekly.

Meet the Experts

• Dr. Marisa Garshick is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City and Englewood, NJ and clinical assistant professor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medicine.

• Dr. Jody A. Levine, MD is a board-certified dermatologist in New York.

• Dr. Anna Chacon, MD is a board-certified dermatologist in Miami.

• Dr, Jason Emer, MD is a board-certified dermatologist practicing in Los Angeles, New York, and Miami.

• Rachel Lozina is a licensed esthetician and founder of Blue Water Spa in New York.

How do sheet masks work?

"Sheet masks work by treating your skin with a mask that is soaked in serum," explains Dr. Chacon. You place the mask directly on your face, let it sit for the recommended time while the product is absorbed by your skin, and then—in most cases—toss after use. The serum can range in ingredients, and you pick which one you want to apply to your skin based on your skin type and desired needs and skin concerns. "The specific benefits vary based on the ingredients—for example, some help soothe, some brighten, and some decongest," says Dr. Garshick.

Are sheet masks really effective?

Sheet masks do really work to boost hydration and brighten the skin, but it's important to remember they are only one component of a skincare routine, says Dr. Garshick. Not to mention, they can range in effectiveness, depending on what ingredients are being used and potency of the ingredients, adds Dr. Chacon.

Shop more of our favorite beauty products for your face

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