Facial masks are a fun, rejuvenating addition to a balanced at-home skincare routine. They can target problem areas and transform your bathroom into a spa for a few minutes (plus most of them look super cute on the ‘gram.) 

Glow up your regimen with this primer on the 3 basic types of mask. 

Clay Masks

Clay or mud masks help minimize pores, exfoliate, and basically deep clean your skin. Masks with ingredients like activated charcoal or bentonite clay are especially terrific for sucking all the bad stuff out of your skin. 

You can also use clay masks to spot-treat sections of your face. Go nuts and use one kind for your t-zone, one kind for your chin, and a whole other kind for your forehead—it’s colorful and amazing for your skin. 

The only downside is, these masks can be a bit drying so make sure to give your face a quick spritz of toner or a little pat of moisturizer once you remove the mask. It’s also a good idea to have a dedicated face towel to use post-mask with since some mud masks can leave residue that stains fabric. 

Sheet Mask

A massive thanks is due to the K-Beauty movement for bringing this beauty hack to the western mainstream. Thanks, babes! 

Sheet masks deliver quick, luxurious moisture. Sure, they make you look like Hannibal Lecter but they give you lamb-soft skin. This is why they make excellent travel companions (the moisture part, not the Hannibal part) and slipping a sheet mask into your travel bag is a great gift to your future jet-lagged self. 

Cop some anti-inflammatory benefits by storing your sheet masks in the fridge for a bit. Applying that cold mask to your travel or work-weary face not only feels amazing it’s also great for your circulatory system. Another chic addition to this routine is to use a face roller over the mask. This encourages lymphatic drainage and some sources say it’s the key to reducing fine lines and wrinkles. There’s no science to confirm that claim but we’ll tell you this much, it feels exquisite. 

Peel-Off Masks

These masks are excellent for getting all the benefits of a clay mask without the messy cleanup process (or for looking like Patrick Bateman just to keep this bizarre theme rolling!) Peel-off masks can help remove blackheads and other impurities in one quick, satisfying swoop. Like clay masks though, they can leave your skin a little dehydrated so be sure to replenish that moisture as soon as you remove this mask. 

All of these masks can be used as an occasional (read once a week) supplement to your routine. They should be applied between the serum and moisturizer step, though certain sheet masks can serve as the final step in your process because they pack a powerful rejuvenating punch. If you have sensitive skin, try the mask on the top of your hand first, and if you need more guidance schedule a quick digital consultation with your skincare Pro.