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If you struggle with tired, dry, dehydrated skin, I feel your pain. Luckily, there's a superpower solution that dermatologists swear by to help hydrate, plump, and brighten your skin: hydrating face masks!
Dr. Reshmi Kapur, board dermatologist and founder , says, "While not essential to skin care, a face mask can help with dry skin or dry skin with low humidity in cold, dry climates." Brooklyn Dermatology in Greenpoint, Brooklyn.
Essentially, a good hydrating mask can be the next step in your skin care routine to get you closer to the hydrated, glowing skin of your dreams.
Are you ready to quench your skin's thirst? Here are the 16 best facial moisturizers for all skin types, according to dermatologists and top reviews.
Sleeping water mask
Dr. Kapoor recommends this sleeping mask if you're looking for an overnight mask that hydrates, tightens, and brightens your skin. "This overnight gel mask is formulated with squalane, which mimics natural oils and helps build the skin's barrier," she says.
The mask contains a probiotic-derived complex that strengthens the skin's moisture barrier, improving visibility, definition and elasticity. And you don't have to worry about a thick, heavy residue because squalane is especially light.
Great review: “I started using it because I had weird dryness and irritation. My skin no longer heals, but it remains a part of my daily routine because I wake up the next morning to glowing, soft skin!
Moisture Surgery™ Night Face Mask
Whether you have dry, oily or combination skin, this night mask will give your thirsty skin the moisture it needs. Simply apply before bed and the creamy formula will do wonders to restore lost moisture. It's also oil-free, so it won't clog pores.
Best review: "Now my favorite night cream - no acne, no oiliness, no irritation. Thumbs up!"
Hydro Boost Hydrating Mask 100% Hydrogel
"The key ingredient in this sheet mask is hyaluronic acid, which absorbs water molecules and holds up to 1,000 times its weight, helping to hydrate the skin," says Dr. Kapoor. The mask also contains vitamin B3, also known as niacin, which helps to lighten and brighten the skin, as well as the skin's texture for a smooth and radiant complexion.
Enthusiastic Testimonial : “I use it all the time and I love it! I live in a permanently dry state, so this moisturizer is perfect for me.
Cream face mask
It's expensive, but if you're on a budget, it's worth it! The mask deeply hydrates the skin, fights the visible signs of aging and gives it a glow. "It instantly provides intense hydration and radiance to the skin while preventing water loss," says dermatologist Aneta Reschka, MD . "It's a rich, creamy formula that can be applied as an overnight mask for a more intensive treatment," she explains. Another benefit? Prepared without disappointment.
Enthusiastic Testimonial: “After using this product, I noticed that my eye area felt more hydrated than usual with other creams. It helped reduce dark circles and even out skin tone. I will definitely keep this in my skincare rotation.
Snail Rescue High Purification Mask
If your face is dry and prone to acne, don't panic: this intensive mask will help. With microbial enzymes produced by snails, this gel-like mask helps treat acne and fight dark spots. It also removes uneven and uneven texture, leaving a smooth and shiny surface.
Best review: "I use this mask at least three times a week and can't get enough of it. It leaves my skin dewy and dries right away. Then I spray it on with rose water and it feels great."
F-Balm facial water electrolytic treatment
This overnight mask is formulated with restorative ingredients like ceramides, squalene and niacinamide, which restore the skin's texture in a coordinated manner, says Dr. Kapoor. In addition, with electrolytes, it significantly restores and renews the skin's defenses to eliminate dryness and reduce redness.
Enthusiastic review : “I love it! I use it every night and my skin is soft and glowing, plump and healthy. Use in addition to your regular routine and it stays put all night long!"
Daily face mask with green leaves
Sometimes you need a full spa treatment or at least something similar. These sheet masks have moisturizing, anti-aging and clarifying properties. With natto soy collagen extract, they stimulate the skin's elasticity, increase clarity and vitality.
Best review: "I have very sensitive skin and this mask really works! It softens and hydrates my face and best of all, it doesn't leave a sticky feeling. We recommend it!"
Hydrogel mask for relief
It's time to rejuvenate your skin with this hyaluronic acid mask, because this high-quality hydrogel facial provides deep hydration for a smoother, softer, and smoother look, says Dr. Reshka.
"Made with eco-friendly, eco-friendly materials, this mask is completely biodegradable and water-soluble, oil-free, fragrance-free, alcohol-free, paraben-free, gluten-free and hypoallergenic," she says. "It's really clean and green and clean!"
Excellent review : “Busy. I don't think my skin is this hydrated.'
Skin EssentiA hydrating clay mask
It's a versatile product that can be used two to three times a week as a moisturizing mask or gentle exfoliant, says Dr. Reshka. The formula contains Vitamin E to rejuvenate the skin's surface and reduce congestion (goodbye clogged pores!), while the creamy clay absorbs excess oil and gently exfoliates, leaving skin soft and radiant.
Happy Testimonial : “I love this product! Good as a mask or to apply to acne.'
Organic face mask with deep moisture
Combined with coconut water, fig fruit and ice fungus extract, this ultra-moisturizing face mask is your gateway to soft, smooth skin. Plus, you can expect maximum results as organic ingredients penetrate deep into the skin's surface, reducing signs of aging and promoting a healthy glow.
Great review : "This mask is the best thing I've found for my face. It keeps grays at bay and gives me a nice glow at the same time. I use them a lot. People can tell the difference. It's helped me a lot with the "weather."
A super hydrating night face mask
An unscented face cream with squalene to lock in moisture and strengthen skin barrier? Eat Less This vegan mask provides intense hydration to restore tired skin and prevent excessive moisture loss. It also contains ice glycoprotein to maintain moisture balance and reduce skin breakouts.
Great review: “My face has never felt so soft. I apply this cream every night as a cold cream and wake up with baby soft skin. I will buy again."
Drink Up™ Intensive Moisturizing Night Face Mask
Enriched with ice water, hyaluronic acid and avocado oil, this ultra-hydrating overnight mask provides instant and continuous hydration for 72 hours. It is suitable for all skin types and as an added bonus you can also use it as a mask or hand moisturizer on dry and thirsty hands!
Great review : "This overnight mask does my skin good. I have very dry skin and I recommend it 100% if you do too. It's also very comfortable, refreshing and soothing on the skin, especially after a hot shower."
Water Drain Hyaluronic Cloud Mask Moisturizing Gel
This mask ticks all the boxes. A cooling gel with aloe and vitamin E to cool and refresh the skin, while the addition of caffeine helps to improve the skin. The mask works wonders to reduce redness and soothe irritated skin.
Best review: "I love this hydrating gel! The masks were so easy to apply and remove. The PTR Hydrating Gel is so easy... I put it on every day, wash it off and then PTR Hydrating Cloud Cream. My face is so happy."
Matcha mask
Ready to exfoliate, refresh and hydrate? This matcha mask is infused with shade-grown matcha, papaya and pumpkin to exfoliate skin and deliver high levels of moisture and antioxidants.
Great review: "The product does exactly what it says on the tin: great hydration and exfoliating with a scent that leaves you and your face feeling relaxed."
Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Night Mask
This night cream/mask hybrid contains vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants to lock in essential moisture and leave skin feeling smooth, radiant, and rejuvenated. It also contains squalene, which is important for maintaining moisture, and rich berries to fight depression and free radicals.
Happy Testimonial: “After using this product for over a month, fell in love. It makes my skin softer and more hydrated. It's vegan, so that's a plus for me!”
A very satisfying night mask
Get ready to wake up to soft, hydrated skin because this highly hydrating mask packs a punch. With antioxidant-rich shea butter, glycerin, reishi mushroom and cloudberry, this cream-gel mask rejuvenates stressed skin and soothes redness.
Interesting testimonial : “This product is real. I use it as a night moisturizer when my skin is stressed during the day/week. And the next morning I woke up with smooth and soft skin. The compliments are unreal and the light is "amazing!"
How we picked the best hydrating face mask.
Over the course of several weeks , Women's Health editors , including contributor Andy Britovich, researched the best-selling, most popular, and top-rated hydrating face masks. Our team consulted three dermatologists and reviewed thousands of customer reviews and ratings to find the best hydrating face mask for many needs and preferences.
Meet the experts
Reshmi Kapoor, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, is the owner and founder of Brooklyn Dermatology in Green Point, Brooklyn.
Aneta Reska, MD, PhD, is a board-certified dermatologist, dermatologist, and assistant professor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College.
Ksenia Kobets, MD, dermatologist and director of cosmetic dermatology at Montefiore-Einstein Advanced Care in New York
Why moisturizing face masks?
They are also useful for people with chronically dry and dull skin, as well as for people living in dry areas and climates.
"Masks provide prolonged exposure to active ingredients to improve penetration, and using a mask before an event can help hydrate the skin's surface and increase dewy radiance ," says Dr. Kapoor.
In addition, face masks cover the skin and are highly concentrated in ingredients that bind, hydrate and balance the skin, says Dr. Reshka.
What ingredients are needed to make a face mask?
When it comes to ingredients, hydrating masks tend to be rich and creamy, says Dr. Ksenia Cobbetts, MD, a dermatologist and director of aesthetic dermatology at Montefiore-Einstein Advanced Care in New York. Look for ingredients like glycerin, phospholipids, shea butter and hyaluronic acid for hydration and hydration, she says. Opt for vitamins A, C and E for added antioxidants and rejuvenating properties, she adds. And if you want a gentle exfoliation , choose hydroxy acids and enzymes.
How often should you use a moisturizing face mask?
Unlike most skin care products, face masks can be used as needed, but once or twice a week is a good place to start, says Dr. Kapoor. Alternatively, if your skin is particularly dull, dry or flaky, Dr. Reshka adds, hydrating face masks can be used three times a week.
Remember to leave the mask on the skin for at least 10 minutes for maximum nutrient absorption.
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