There’s a reason why face masks are shorthand for self-care—it’s because they really work. In order to get the most out of a mask, however, you have to choose one that caters to your complexion.
If your skin type is dry, you’ll want a mask that offers a serious hydration boost. According to Dr. Michele Green, a board-certified dermatologist in New York, ingredients to look for include:
- Hyaluronic acid, which holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water and helps the skin retain moisture
- Glycerin, a skin barrier-supporting humectant that draws water to the top layer of your skin, creating a smoother, less flaky appearance
- Aloe vera, a fast-absorbing, anti-inflammatory ingredient that’s loaded with vitamins A and C, which help to heal and brighten skin
- Glycolic acid, a gentle exfoliating acid that helps to slough away the buildup of dry, dead skin cells
- Colloidal oatmeal, which according to Dr. Green “bind[s] to the skin creating a shield against irritation while locking in natural moisture”
- Ceramides, lipids that are naturally found in skin and help replenish and lock in moisture
- Vitamin E, a fat-soluble antioxidant that protects skin from oxidative stress, boosts collagen and elastin production and minimizes inflammation, redness and rough texture
Whichever mask(s) you choose, Dr. Green reminds us that, for best results, they should be used alongside a solid dry skin care routine, and should be used two to three times a week.
“While there are many benefits of using face masks, they work best when combined with proper and consistent skin care,” she concludes. “If a product works and makes your skin look and feel great, that is the best thing you could ask for.”
Now that you’re up to speed on what makes an A+ face mask for dry skin, keep scrolling for a few of our faves. Fair warning that you may want to add more than one to your cart.
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Buy now with Dermstore Hyaluronic Acid Overnight Mask
Buy now with free deliveryDon’t have the time (or energy) to apply a mask and wait to rinse it off? This leave-on overnight mask will quickly become a go-to. It’s made with hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, which sinks deep into skin to deliver its hydrating benefits, and sodium hyaluronate, which attracts and helps hold moisture in the skin.
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Buy now with Dermstore Hydrating B5 Mask
Buy now with free deliveryDesigned to be worn for 10 to 15 minutes, this hyaluronic acid-infused face mask will pump up the moisture on the spot. And, since it’s formulated with reparative vitamin B5, it will help restore texture and smooth out your complexion as a whole. Win-win.
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Buy now with Dermstore Hydra-Intensive Cooling Masque
Buy now with free deliveryThis mask soothes dry skin with hydrating hyaluronic acid, calming aloe vera and anti-inflammatory rosemary-leaf oil. What’s more, it contains resveratrol, which helps to smooth, hydrate and brighten skin, so it boasts anti-aging benefits, too. Best of all, it only takes five to 10 minutes to work its magic.
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Buy now with Dermstore Snow Mushroom Reishi Masque
Buy now with free deliveryMushrooms are becoming more and more popular in skin care. Here, ultra-hydrating snow mushroom and antioxidant-rich reishi mushroom are paired with firming paracress extract, which, together, work to moisturize skin and minimize the appearance of wrinkles.
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Buy now with Dermstore Cucumber Gel Mask
Buy now with free deliveryThis gel mask is a bestseller for many different skin types, including dry. With aloe vera at the forefront, the rinse-off mask is a miracle worker when it comes to soothing and hydrating dry skin—even after procedures like waxing or peels.
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Buy now with Dermstore Ultra Smart Pro-Collagen Aqua Infusion Mask
Buy now with free deliveryMade with sodium hyaluronate (essentially a deeper-acting form of hyaluronic acid), this collagen-promoting face mask hydrates skin from the surface to its core and works to address anti-aging concerns at the same time. What’s more, it’s made with the brand’s ULTRA SMART Aqua Shuttle Technology, which slowly releases a hydrating, encapsulated blend of algae and humectants to help strengthen the skin barrier and prevent future moisture loss.
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Buy now with Dermstore Manuka Honey Hydrating Gel Mask
Buy now with free deliveryThis gel face mask is made with manuka honey, a soothing humectant that draws moisture to the skin. In addition, prickly-pear extract helps to fight off free radical damage while the brand’s Saccharide Complex strengthens the skin and adds to the overall moisture-enhancing properties. Put it on, let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes and rinse it off for immediately dewy results.
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Buy now with Dermstore Nourish Rehydration Mask with BioPeptide Vitamin B3
Buy now with free deliveryPeptides and vitamin B3 are the heroes of this hydrating face mask. Where the peptides work to address dry skin texture concerns, vitamin B3 strengthens the moisture barrier and prevents water loss. The result? Dewy, hydrated skin in just 15 to 20 minutes.
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Buy now with Dermstore Supreme Moisture Mask
Buy now with free deliveryThis best-selling face mask can be used for 15 to 20 minutes for an instant moisture boost or left on overnight for even deeper hydration. It’s formulated with hyaluronic acid, vitamin B3, barrier-supporting squalane and soothing grape and rose damask water, which all lend to a healthy, hydrated complexion after use.
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Buy now with Dermstore Melting Moisture Mask
Buy now with free deliveryThis balm-to-oil face mask is a dream for dry skin. It’s made with hydrating micro algae, vitamin E-rich linoleic acid, and the brand’s Melting Point Complex, all of which work together to soothe and restore skin, leaving a dewy, hydrated complexion in their wake.
