10 Best Face Masks for Dry Skin, from Dermatologists

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When your skin is dry to the point of chapping and flaking (hello winter temps), your usual hydrating serums and moisturizers just won’t cut it. They may temporarily quench your skin’s thirst, but for long-lasting hydration and deep nourishment, a face mask for dry skin is the way to go. “While serums and moisturizers offer consistent hydration and protection for daily use, face masks are meant for occasional use and provide a more intense hydration treatment,” says esthetician Ian Michael Crumm, based in New York City.

But not all nourishing face masks are created equally. Read on to find out what to look for in a formula and shop some seriously hydrating, dermatologist-approved picks.

The best face masks for dry skin, at a glance:

• Best overall: Kiehl’s, Ultra Facial Overnight Hydrating Mask, $45
• Best sheet mask: Epicutis, Lipid Recovery Mask, $115
• Best for combination skin: Goldfaden MD, Skin Balancing Mask, $75
• Best for mature skin: Clarks Botanical, Deep Moisture Mask, $85
• Best for sensitive skin: Pleinaire, Skin Frosting Deeply Hydrating Mask, $28
• Best for brightening: Youth to the People, Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Night Cream + Mask, $52
• Best for skin tone and texture: Farmacy, 10% Niacinamide Night Mask, $45
• Best drugstore: Versed, Sweet Relief Overnight Barrier Balm, $18
• Best for redness: Dr. Jart+, Cicapair Tiger Grass Sleepair Intensive Night Mask, $45
• Best for intense hydration: Summer Friday, Jet Lag Mask, $45

Do face masks for dry skin work?

Yes, but it’s not that simple. Think of a face mask for dry skin as a supplement to your routine. During the winter months, especially, it should already include hydrating ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid. Your daily active treatments will do most of the heavy lifting, and your weekly or bi-weekly masking session will give them an extra boost. “Masks are a great way to treat dry skin to a boost of hydration quickly,” says board-certified dermatologist Rachel Nazarian, based in New York City.

While there are plenty of hydrating masks on the market, skincare pros recommend looking for ones you rub in and leave on (versus the kind you wash off after 10-15 minutes) for optimal results. In addition to flooding your skin with moisturizing ingredients, these formulas create an occlusive barrier on top of the skin to prevent moisture from escaping into the environment.

Disclaimer: Our editors independently select these products. While we may earn a commission if you make a purchase through our links, our selections are not influenced by commission potential.