Beauty Breakdown: A Complete, Expert-Backed Guide To Face Masks 

Think of your everyday cleansers, serums, moisturizers, and sunscreens as the foundation for your skin care routine. Once you've got that routine down, it's time to spice things up a bit by adding extras like LED light therapy, microcurrent tools, and, of course, face masks.

Now, we all love a good face mask on a "treat yourself" day, but here's the thing: Not many people realize that your face mask should be just as personalized as the rest of your skin care. The first step? Education. 

Face masks are designed to be a special treat for your skin, used occasionally (or at least, for the most part). Some are quick, rinse-off types, while others work their magic overnight. There's a whole spectrum of options in between, catering to various skin concerns—whether you're after clarity, bounce, gleam, or tautness, there's likely a mask for it.

Beyond the obvious skin care benefits, there's a hidden reason so many people love this step: relaxation. There's just something about slapping on a face mask that makes it feel like you're taking a moment for your well-being, even if you're multitasking, getting work done with a mask in place. Maybe it's the fact that it's a once-in-a-while thing, making it feel special, or perhaps it's because most masks will slide off if you attempt anything other than lying down.

First up is clay masks, which are particularly divisive among beauty experts. Typically, these are made from kanolin or bentonite clay and also include hydrating ingredients like oils to help offset the potential drying effects. 

Some estheticians like Worden use them to absorb excess oil and "clean up" the pores, while others prefer to skip them entirely. "I am not a fan of clay masks, as most are way too drying," celebrity esthetician Renée Rouleau says. 

Some will be more gelatinous (thanks to the humectants like hyaluronic acid), while others will come in a cream form. You'll call upon these masks when your skin is feeling ashy or looking dull to breathe life back into it. You can also utilize these as a way to prep your skin for a big event or recover from a skin treatment.

Plenty of these formulas also contain antioxidants to support a brighter complexion. "Vitamin C is a great brightening ingredient, one of the best you can use," explains pharmacist and cosmetic chemist Benjamin Knight Fuchs, R. Ph.

Sheet masks, like many skin care products, are very hit or miss. "If you're sensitive, a lot of them have synthetic fragrance additives that can cause irritation or make them less efficient," Rouleau says. 

Don't have the time or patience for a face mask? Luckily, there's sleeping masks to save the day. Think of overnight face masks like a super-rich and nutrient-dense moisturizer. 

Most of these formulas will be a little too heavy to be used nightly for most skin types, making them a perfect product for those times you need to give your skin some TLC on a time crunch. 

While experts warn against ingredients like lemon juice and toothpaste, not every DIY face mask is dangerous. In fact, there are plenty of kitchen ingredients that can support skin health if you’re seeking benefits on a budget.