The Best Face Masks for Every Skin Type, Condition, and Concern, According to Dermatologists

Face masks are super buzzy right now in the beauty space, but with so many brands, ingredients and labels touting benefits, it’s easy to get confused. In case you’re unfamiliar, face masks are skin treatments that aren’t absorbed like a moisturizer, oil or serum, but rather sit on the surface for a time. And, trust us, there's one out there for any skin condition you're dealing with.

So, why use a mask? “They’re purported to ‘cleanse the skin’ of impurities with oil-absorbing properties,” says Lancôme’s consulting dermatologist Macrene Alexiades-Armenakas, M.D., Ph.D. “Skin also feels smoother temporarily, which gives those who use them the sense that they improve skin texture.” But are they really worth using? They work well for some, says Armenakas. They can also be tailored to specific skincare needs, and have a long history of being used by gorgeous, stylish women.

Here, Armenakas helps us break down what ingredients and labels mean, so you can find masks to try for your skincare needs. (You can also make your own face mask for any of these 20 DIY Beauty Products to Get Pampered on Less.)