Different Types of Facial Masks for Glowing Skin: How to Choose the Right One for You

A Beauty Guide: Benefits of Sheet, Clay, Peel-Off, Gel, Overnight, DIY and Enzyme Skincare Masks

by: Linda Robison / Facial Fitness Specialist @ ABZ

With so many different types of facial masks out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. How do you know which one is right for your skin and when to use it?

Don’t worry, we're here to help you navigate the world of skincare masks!

As a certified facial fitness specialist (and skincare enthusiast), I’ve tried nearly every type of beauty mask to help you find the perfect one for your skin’s needs.

Benefits of a face mask

Facial masks aren’t just a luxury—they play a crucial role in maintaining healthy, glowing skin. Depending on the type of mask you choose, you can target hydration, exfoliation, deep cleansing, and even anti-aging.

Here are some of the top benefits of using facial masks regularly:

• Boosts Hydration – Sheet and gel masks deeply moisturize and plump the skin.
• Unclogs Pores & Absorbs Oil – Clay and peel-off masks help remove excess oil and debris.
• Exfoliates Dead Skin Cells – Enzyme and peel-off masks gently remove dull skin.
• Brightens & Evens Out Skin Tone – Masks with vitamin C, pearl powder, or fruit enzymes help reduce dullness.
• Delivers Powerful Ingredients – Unlike creams, masks stay on longer, allowing deeper penetration.
• Enhances the Effectiveness of Your Skincare Routine – Prepping your skin with a mask can help serums and moisturizers work better.

Quick look: Face mask cheat sheet

Quick overview: This chart highlights the key benefits of 7 popular face masks. Scroll down for detailed info on each one.

ABZ Tip: If you have combination skin, try multi-masking, apply a clay mask to oily areas (like your T-zone) and a hydrating mask to dry areas.

Now that you know the benefits of each mask type, let's explore how they work and when to use them in your skincare routine.

How masks work

Ever wonder how those gooey concoctions actually work their magic on your skin? Let me break it down for you in a way that won't put you to sleep!

Face masks are like superhero boosters for your skin. Unlike sugar scrubs that help get rid of clogged pores and dead skin, beauty masks form a barrier that locks in essential ingredients, allowing them to penetrate deeply and work their magic.

Imagine your skin as a sponge—masks help it absorb nutrients more effectively than creams or moisturizers that can evaporate or rub off easily. 

Using masks regularly is like giving your skin a workout. They help keep your complexion clear and balanced, tackling everything from dryness and dullness to pesky breakouts and clogged pores.

When to use a face mask in your skin care routine

Mask Type	When to Use	Frequency	Best Applied
Sheet Mask	Morning or before special events	1–4 times weekly, as needed	After cleansing, before moisturizer
Gel Mask	Morning or anytime skin needs soothing	1–3 times weekly	After cleansing, before moisturizer
Clay Mask	Night	1–2 times weekly	After cleansing, before moisturizer
Peel-off Mask	Night	Once weekly	After cleansing, before moisturizer
Enzyme Mask	Night	Once weekly	After cleansing, before moisturizer
Overnight Mask	Night (leave on overnight)	2–4 times weekly	Last step in evening skincare routine
DIY Mask	Morning or Night	1–2 times weekly	After cleansing, before moisturizer

Here’s exactly how and when to use a face mask for maximum benefits:

1. Apply your face mask after cleansing but before moisturizing: Masks work best on clean skin and help your other skincare products absorb better.

2. Morning vs. Night:  For morning, hydrating masks (sheet or gel) are ideal for instantly glowing, plump skin or before special events. At night, deep cleansing and exfoliating masks (clay, peel-off, enzyme) work best 1–2 times weekly, at night, to remove impurities and renew skin.

3. How Often to Mask: Typically, use masks 1–3 times per week. Always follow individual mask guidelines (see the detailed routine chart below).

4. Multi-Masking (for combination skin): Use different masks simultaneously on different facial areas. Example: Clay mask on oily T-zone and hydrating mask on dry cheeks.

ABZ Tip: Always follow up a mask session with a suitable serum or moisturizer to lock in benefits and hydrate your skin.

Top 7 popular types of facial masks

In this article, we'll dive into 7 different types of skincare face masks:

• Sheet
• Overnight
• Gel
• Clay
• Peel-off
• DIY At-home
• Enzyme masks

General Application

Here's a routine for 7 common masks, listed from the gentlest to the most intense. Adjust frequency based on your skin's needs and mask type.

1. Sheet

This one-time use, paper mask is pre-soaked in serums to hydrate and brighten. They’re great for a quick moisture boost and a dewy glow.

Important Note: Some sheet masks may contain AHA or BHA. If so, follow the label's usage instructions carefully. These acids exfoliate and increase sun sensitivity, so use with caution to avoid irritation or damage

2. Overnight

Cream-based overnight masks deeply hydrate and repair your complexion while you sleep, helping to improve texture and reduce dryness.  Just be prepared for some sticky pillowcases. Consider placing a towel over your pillows on mask nights!

3. Gel

Light gel cooling masks soothe and hydrate the skin, often used to calm irritation or redness and provide a refreshing boost.

4. Clay

Clay masks come in various colors like green, grey, or brown. These thick, mud-like masks absorb excess oil and draw out impurities, making them perfect for deep cleansing and controlling shine, especially for oily or combination skin.

5. Peel-off

Peel-off masks start as a thick gel that dries and can be peeled or rubbed off. They help remove dead cells and unclog pores. Use them cautiously if you have sensitive skin, as they can be drying.

6. DIY

DIY at-home masks/scrubs let you customize using ingredients like fruits and honey.  Some scrubs also double as masks, offering exfoliation and treatment all-in one. 

ABZ Tip: Gentle exfoliation is a must for glowing, healthy skin—especially after 40!

Sugar-based scrubs offer dual benefits: let the scrub sit for a few minutes to break down dead cells, then scrub gently for extra exfoliation before rinsing. 

Check out these easy sugar scrub and exotic Korean scrub recipes!

7. Enzyme

Enzyme masks come in two types: DIY At-home, which can vary in strength and may cause irritation if not used carefully, and store-bought, which are formulated for consistent results.

Both types use natural enzymes to gently exfoliate and brighten the skin. But be careful not to over-exfoliate.

Use once a week after cleansing and before applying organic or ceramide rich moisturizers and treatments.

How to choose

Most people with normal skin can use a variety of masks. However, if you have specific concerns like dryness, or sensitivity, choosing a mask tailored to those issues will be more effective.

Creating a skincare routine with face mask tailored to your needs can address issues like oily skin, dryness, or redness effectively.

Oily, Clogged Pores, or Acne-Prone: Look for clay or charcoal masks. These help absorb excess oil and unclog pores. Check out this unusual oil absorbing homemade face mask.

Dry, Aging, or Sensitive: Sheet, overnight, or honey-based DIY options can provide needed moisture without irritation.

Combination: Try multi-masking - use different masks on different areas of your face. For example, use a clay mask only your T-zone and cream mask around the dry areas.

For Brightening: Seek out masks with vitamin C, niacinamide, pearl powder. Or fruit enzymes, like papaya.

For Signs of Aging: Look for ingredients like AHA, retinol, ceramides or peptides.

Redness& Inflammation: Look for gel or sheet mask that contain calming ingredients like aloe or chamomile.

Adjusting your routine

Don’t be afraid to mix it up. Your skin’s needs change with seasons, stress, or hormones, so stay flexible and adjust your masking choices accordingly.

Finding the right combination may require some trial and error. Start with weekly use and observe how your skin reacts. With patience, you’ll find the best mask for your needs.

ABZ TIP: And always patch test new products, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Update: Check this crushed pearl powder face mask for a truly illuminated complexion!

Takeaway:

Face masks are a fantastic addition to any skincare routine, offering a range of benefits tailored to different skin concerns. From the instant hydration of sheet masks to the deep cleansing power of clay masks, each type has its unique strengths.

Now that you know the different types of facial masks and their benefits, which one will you try first? Whether you need deep hydration, gentle exfoliation, or oil control, the right mask can transform your skincare routine.

Looking for DIY face mask ideas? Try this unique turmeric face scrub—it’s one of my favorites for reducing brown spots and boosting glow!

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