A mask is a concentrated dose of something for a short time. That makes it a supplement to a routine rather than part of its foundation — and it is why frequency matters more than which one you buy.

The main types

Clay and mud — absorb oil and surface debris. For oily and congested skin. Once a week at most, and only on the areas that need it. Whole-face clay on combination skin over-dries the cheeks.

Hydrating and sheet masks — a concentrated hydration layer. The gentlest category. Two or three times a week is fine, and daily is possible if your skin likes it.

Exfoliating masks — acids in a mask format. These are an active, not a treat. Once a week, and not in the same week you are increasing a retinoid.

Cream and nourishing masks — essentially a very rich moisturiser. Good for dry skin in winter. One or two times a week, or as an overnight layer.

Overnight masks — a sealing layer applied last at night. Once or twice a week for dry skin.

The rule that matters

More often is not better. Masks concentrate whatever they contain, and the categories that feel most effective — clay and exfoliating — are the ones that damage the barrier when overused.

If your skin is tight, red or newly reactive, the mask you added is the first thing to suspect.

Multi-masking

Different masks on different zones at once. Genuinely useful for combination skin: clay on the T-zone, hydrating on the cheeks.

Takes no longer and avoids the usual compromise of treating the whole face as whatever the T-zone is.

How to use one

  • On clean skin, always
  • Follow the stated time. Leaving a clay mask on until it cracks dry is a common mistake — the drying-out phase is when it starts pulling moisture from skin rather than oil
  • Rinse with lukewarm water
  • Moisturise afterwards, without exception

What masks cannot do

They do not produce lasting change. The effect of a hydrating mask lasts a day or two; a clay mask reduces congestion temporarily. Nothing applied for fifteen minutes weekly outperforms what you do twice a day.

If your routine is not working, the mask is not the fix.

The honest place for them

Pleasant, occasionally useful, entirely optional. Anyone whose cleanser, moisturiser and sunscreen are right does not need one — and anyone whose basics are wrong will not be rescued by one.

For the daily foundation, see the skincare section.