Face masks for men: what to choose and how to use them

Do men need a different face mask?

A mask does not need a men's label to suit men's skin, because skin type does more useful work than the packaging department. Men's skin tends to be thicker, and testosterone can make it oilier, but those differences do not tell you which mask your own skin needs. Dry skin can feel flaky, oily skin looks shiny, and sensitive skin can react to products with itching, redness or burning. Combination skin has oily areas, often in the center of the face, alongside drier areas such as the cheeks.3

Which ingredients should you look for?

Sheet mask or cream mask?

Sheet masks tend to focus on hydration and soothing, while cream masks often target particular concerns such as blemishes or wrinkles. For fine lines, antioxidant ingredients include vitamin C, vitamin E, resveratrol and ferulic acid. Read the ingredients rather than choosing by format alone. Fancy ingredients are not necessarily well studied.2

How to use a face mask

1. 1Test a new mask on a small area of skin before applying it widely.
2. 2Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and warm water to remove dirt and residue.
3. 3Apply the mask gently with your fingertips, following its label.
4. 4Follow the label's contact time, removal directions and frequency. Leaving a mask on longer or using it more often can cause irritation.
5. 5Apply moisturizer after washing the mask off. Continue your usual daily skincare.

For a basic men's routine, cleanse and moisturize morning and evening, and apply sunscreen in the morning. Use warm rather than hot water and pat skin dry. If you shave, use a gentle shaving cream or oil, shave with the direction of hair growth, and finish with moisturizer. Alcohol based aftershave can dry and irritate skin; a mask is not a replacement for that post shave moisturizer.3

What results can you expect?

A mask can give an immediate boost in hydration or appearance, but that effect can be temporary. Treat a mask as an extra, not a treatment for acne or eczema. If either condition needs treatment, keep following your treatment plan rather than replacing it with a mask.12

What should you avoid?

Avoid fragrance, essential oils, rubbing alcohol and abrasive particles such as walnut shells or apricot kernels. Sensitive skin needs particular care with strong exfoliating acids. Do not duplicate exfoliating ingredients already in your routine, especially alongside retinol or acid products. Immediately wash off a mask that causes itching, burning or stinging, and see a dermatologist if your skin feels worse afterward.1

Prescription and nonprescription medicines can affect skin sensitivity, so ask your dermatologist about compatibility before adding a mask if your medication affects your skin. Homemade masks are not automatically gentler. Avoid lemon juice, lime juice and apple cider vinegar because their acidity can irritate skin. Test any homemade mixture on a small area, such as the jawline or behind the ear, first.2

If you mean a protective face mask

Skincare masks and protective masks have different jobs: protective masks cover the nose and mouth to help reduce respiratory virus spread. With a beard, choose a mask that fits around it or trim the beard to improve fit. Protective masks can also cause dry, irritated skin or worsen acne. Use a mild cleanser and a moisturizer designed not to clog pores, change a wet mask, and wash cloth masks daily. Do not spray a protective mask with disinfectant.4567