Quick answer
Sheet mask, clay mask, gel mask, sleeping mask — they do completely different jobs, and most people use the wrong one. Here is a simple guide to which mask suits which skin and concern.
Want the authentic one? Every product on TheSkinProof is invoice-verified.
Shop oily-skin products →Masks are a bonus, not the routine
First, the honest bit: masks are an occasional boost, not the thing that transforms skin — your daily cleanser, moisturiser, sunscreen and actives do that. With that said, here is which mask does what.
The main types
- Sheet mask — a cloth soaked in hydrating serum. Great for a quick hydration + soothing boost; leave 15–20 min, do not sleep in it. Good for all skin types.
- Clay / mud mask — absorbs oil and unclogs pores. Best for oily / acne-prone skin; rinse before it cracks-dry and moisturise after. See multani mitti.
- Gel mask — cooling and hydrating; good for sensitive, irritated or sun-exposed skin.
- Cream / sleeping mask — a rich overnight moisturiser; great for dry skin and winter. See the dry-skin routine.
- Exfoliating mask (AHA/BHA) — a wash-off exfoliant; treat it like an active — not with other strong actives the same night. See what not to mix.
Match mask to skin
| Skin / goal | Mask |
|---|---|
| Oily, clogged pores | Clay |
| Dehydrated, dull | Sheet or gel |
| Dry, tight | Cream / sleeping |
| Sensitive, irritated | Gel (cooling) |
How to use well
- 1–2× a week is plenty; over-masking (especially clay) can dry skin out.
- Always moisturise after, and never layer a clay mask + strong actives + a scrub the same day (barrier damage).
Buy verified
At TheSkinProof every product is batch-code checked against the importer invoice, with a 2× money-back guarantee. Browse verified skincare or take the 60-second skin quiz.