Different Types of Facial Masks for Glowing Skin

Sheet, clay, gel, enzyme, overnight — which facial mask actually fits your skin?

Facial masks are often the first thing we reach for when our skin starts looking tired, dull, or just a little flat. 

What trips most of us up is that not all face masks do the same thing. Some are great for hydration, others help smooth texture or wake up lackluster skin, and a few are really meant as an occasional refresh — not something you’d use all the time.

This page brings the main types of facial masks together in one place, so you can quickly see what each one is meant to do and choose the kind that actually helps your skin look more refreshed and alive. 

As a certified facial fitness specialist, I’ve tried nearly every type over the years and learned that results depend far more on which mask you use and how you use it than on the brand itself.

This guide works as both a quick reference and a deeper walk-through—so you can skim to find the right mask, or read on to understand how each one fits into a weekly routine.

Quick look: Face mask cheat sheet

Not sure which mask is right for your skin?

Here’s a quick chart showing what each type of face mask does and who it’s best for. Scroll down for deeper explanations, usage tips, and examples of when each one works best.

ABZ Tip: For combination skin, try multi-masking—use a clay mask on oily areas (like the T-zone) and a hydrating mask on dry spots like cheeks.

Now that you’ve seen a quick overview, let’s look at why face masks are so effective—and how each one helps your skin look firmer, smoother, and more radiant.

Benefits of using a face mask

Facial masks aren’t just a luxury—they’re one of the easiest ways to refresh and nourish your skin.

Top Benefits:

• Boosts Hydration – Sheet and gel masks deeply moisturize and plump.
• Unclogs Pores & Absorbs Oil – Clay and peel-off masks absorb oil and debris.
• Exfoliates Dead Skin Cells – Enzyme and peel-off masks smooth dull skin.
• Brightens & Evens Out Skin Tone – Masks with vitamin C, pearl powder, or fruit enzymes reduce dullness.
• Delivers Powerful Ingredients – Unlike creams, masks stay on longer, allowing deeper penetration.
• Improves Product Absorption: Prepping skin with a mask helps serums and moisturizers work better.

Used regularly, masks keep your complexion balanced and give tired skin an instant boost.

When to use a face mask in your skin care routine

Not sure when or how often to mask? Use this quick-reference chart to plan your weekly routine. Face masks stay on longer than creams, so your skin actually has time to soak in the good stuff.

ABZ Tip: Morning masks hydrate and prep the skin for makeup, while evening masks detoxify and renew. Most masks work best 1–3 times a week, depending on your skin’s needs.

How to use facial masks (a simple 3-step routine)

Here’s what a simple mask routine looks like:

Cleanse, apply your mask, rinse, moisturize, and SPF—easy as that! This quick visual helps you see how every mask fits into your skincare rhythm.

Now that you’ve got the basic routine down, let’s look at what makes each type of mask unique and when to use it.

Top 7 popular types of facial masks

Let's 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

Sheet masks are single-use cloth masks soaked in serum that flood skin with hydration and soothing ingredients. Best for dry, dull, or sensitive skin when you want a quick “glow boost” with minimal irritation.

Once applied, sheet masks press concentrated serums into the skin, helping boost hydration and radiance quickly.  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

Overnight masks are leave-on, cream-based treatments designed to deeply hydrate and support skin repair while you sleep. Best for: dry, aging, or mature skin that needs extra nourishment, softness, and moisture retention.

While you sleep, overnight masks help seal in moisture and support skin repair, improving texture and reducing dryness by morning. Just be prepared for some sticky pillowcases. Consider placing a towel over your pillows on mask nights!

3. Gel

Gel masks are lightweight, water-based masks that cool, soothe, and hydrate the skin without feeling heavy. Best for: sensitive, irritated, or inflamed skin—especially when redness, heat, or tightness is an issue.

Gel masks are often used to calm irritation, reduce redness, and refresh skin that feels overheated or stressed.

4. Clay

Clay masks are thick, mineral-rich masks that absorb excess oil and draw impurities out of pores. Best for: oily, combination, or congested skin—especially when shine, clogged pores, or breakouts are a concern.

Available in shades like green, grey, or brown, clay masks work by binding to oil and debris on the skin’s surface…

5. Peel-off

Peel-off masks are gel-based masks that dry on the skin and lift away dead skin cells and surface debris when removed. Best for: dull or congested skin—but use with caution if you have sensitive, dry, or easily irritated skin.

Peel-off masks begin as a thick gel that dries on the skin, helping lift away dead cells and debris as the mask is removed. Use them cautiously if you have sensitive skin, as they can be drying.

6. Enzyme

Enzyme masks use fruit- or plant-based enzymes to gently dissolve dead skin cells and brighten the complexion without harsh scrubbing. Best for: dull, aging, or sun-damaged skin—but use sparingly to avoid over-exfoliation, especially if your skin is sensitive.

Enzyme masks come in two types:

Enzyme masks come in two main types: DIY at-home formulas, which can vary in strength, and store-bought options that offer more predictable results.

If natural masks are your thing, see how enzyme facials work—and try my DIY recipes.

Enzymes can 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.

7. 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!

If you want step-by-step recipes and ingredient variations, I walk through those in more detail in my Homemade Skincare Recipes guide.

Bonus: DIY Masks you'll want to try!

These glow-boosting recipes are easy to make and backed by time-tested ingredients. Whether you’re targeting breakouts, dullness, or dryness—these are my go-to homemade face masks from my Homemade Skincare Recipes & Beauty Hacks collection:

•  Pearl Powder Mask – Boosts glow and firmness. I mix it with honey or yogurt when my skin looks dull.
• Turmeric Scrub-Mask – A multitasker that brightens and hydrates.
• Oily Skin Mask – Balances oil and calms inflammation with gentle natural ingredients.

You’ll find the full recipes and variations in my Homemade Skincare Recipes guide.

How to choose

If your skin’s pretty balanced, you can use a variety of masks and rotate them through the week. But if you deal with dryness, oiliness, or sensitivity, it’s best to pick masks that target those specific concerns.

Building a face mask routine that fits your skin helps you get better results—whether that’s extra hydration, calming redness, or keeping oil under control.

ABZ Tip: Not sure if you’re making a masking mistake? Check out my list of common face mask mistakes to avoid.

Match your mask to your skin type

Match your mask to your skin type:

• Oily, clogged pores, or acne-prone: Clay or charcoal masks absorb oil and unclog pores. Try this oil-absorbing homemade mask.
• Dry, aging, or sensitive: Sheet, overnight, or honey-based masks provide moisture without irritation.
• Combination: Try multi-masking—use clay on your T-zone and a cream mask on drier areas.
• Brightening: Look for vitamin C, niacinamide, pearl powder, or fruit enzymes like papaya.
• Signs of aging: Seek ingredients like AHA, retinol, ceramides, or peptides.
• Redness or inflammation: Gel and sheet masks with aloe or green tea help calm the skin.

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 take a little trial and error. Start with weekly use and see how your skin responds. With patience, you’ll discover what works best for you.

ABZ Tip: Always patch-test new products, especially if your skin tends to be sensitive.

Takeaway:

Face masks are one of the easiest ways to refresh and nourish your skin. From the instant hydration of sheet masks to the deep cleansing power of clay, each one offers unique benefits.

Now that you know what each type does, which one will you try first? Whether you’re after glow, moisture, or a little lift, the right mask can transform your skincare routine.

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