There are a dizzying variety of face masks available nowadays and it’s no easy task to figure out which kind to buy for your specific skincare needs and wants! The three main categories that you’ll find available are peel-off masks, sheet masks, and wash off masks (these tend to be hydrating or brightening). Each type of face mask has different skin benefits that you can take advantage of, so let’s break each of these down!
| Mask Type: | Peel-Off | Wash-Off | Sheet |
| Benefits: | Exfoliation | Varies | Hydration |
| Best For: | Anyone | Anyone | Dry Skin |
| Potential Cons: | Irritating | Messy! | Excess Waste |
Peel-Off Face Masks vs Wash off Mask Benefits
Peel off masks mainly provides exfoliation by peeling away dead skin, sebum, and/or peach fuzz, while wash off face masks can provide a wide range of skin benefits. Many wash off masks focus on hydrating formulas but you can also find products that brighten the skin, remove impurities, and many other benefits.
Who Should Use a Peel-Off Mask?
Peel-off masks are typically gel formulas that dry down to a rubbery consistency after application that can then be peeled off in portions. These are often marketed to remove “gunk” from your pores and exfoliate the skin. If the product dries down to a particularly tough texture it can actually remove hair as well which can be painful and irritating.
Unfortunately, the peel-off mask craze is mainly just a huge gimmick centered around the “dirt and gunk” you can find left behind on the peeled off mask.
The majority of what you are seeing removed with these peel-off masks is actually just sebaceous filaments and is not actually acne or dirt. Sebaceous filaments are naturally occurring in everyone’s skin and do not need to be removed! These are tiny hairlike structures that help distribute sebum throughout the skin. 1
Frequent use of these stripping masks that remove sebaceous filaments can actually permanently stretch out and damage pores and even cause them to look enlarged. This damage is extremely hard to reverse and for this reason, I generally do not recommend peel-off products. Peel-off face masks can be a satisfying end to a skincare routine once in a blue moon (seriously, who doesn’t love peeling off an entire mask in one go?) but there are far more effective and non-irritating ways to exfoliate your skin.
Benefits of Wash-Off Face Masks
Wash-off face masks come in a huge variety of formulas but the two main categories you will find are hydrating or oil reducing masks. Hydrating formulas can be left on the skin for far longer than peel off or mud masks as they don’t run the risk of drying out the skin if left on too long. Check out my favorite DIY wash off face masks recipes here!
Wash off mud or clay face masks will either stay wet on the skin after application depending on whether oils or other hydrating ingredients were used or they will dry down and then need to be be rinsed off with warm water. Clay masks are great for controlling excess oil and are best for oily skin types. They can be overly drying if left on the skin too long so they’re not the best choice for dry or mature skin.
Sheet Masks vs Wash Off Masks
Both sheet masks and wash off masks can offer amazing skin benefits but when it comes to moisturizing and hydrating, sheet masks take the lead. Sheet masks consist of a thin fabric or gel mask soaked in serum and this material helps stop the serum from evaporating as quickly which boosts skin hydration. Stocking up on Korean sheet masks is one of my biggest guilty pleasures. 😉
Sheet masks do create a lot of waste when compared to a regular wash off mask since each sheet masks is individually packaged in a plastic/tin pouch. I have found an easy (and cheap) solution to this! I picked up a silicone re-usable face mask that can be reused countless times with any wash off mask product. You just smear the face mask on extra thick and then put the silicone mask on top. This holds everything in place, stops messy drips, and slows down evaporation. Plus who doesn’t want to look like a body snatcher during their skincare routine? 😂 If you want to keeep it simple and stick with good old fashioned sheet masks, I highly recommend you check out my guide on how to squeeze out the most benefits from your sheet mask pamper session!
Should you buy a wash off or sheet mask?
You will find a far wider range of skin benefits in the world of wash-off masks. While sheet masks tend to focus on hydration, wash-off formulas can do everything from brightening, exfoliation, anti-aging, prevent acne breakouts, and more!
A word of caution, drugstore wash-off masks absolutely love to include irritating fragrances and physical exfoliants like microbeads and ground shells or fruit pits. There are a few hidden gems that can be bought at your local drug store but make sure you’re taking a close look at the ingredients!