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But if you look at the directions for virtually every mask, they'll tell you to use only once or twice a week. Ignore them, says Lev Glazman, co-founder of Fresh and a self-proclaimed multi-masker (his skin care routine inspired this investigation). Unless a mask is full of acids (think: glycolic or salicylic, which can cause sensitivity), you should use it once per day, sometimes twice. "It's worth it," Glazman says quite adamantly.
"What's great about masks is that you can load them with so many ingredients, because it doesn't really matter how it looks when you put it on," he adds. Masks cocoon your skin and "cook" the ingredients, making them supereffective.
Charlotte Cho, the founder of Sokoglam, adds that sheet masks (another huge Korean beauty trend) can -- and should -- be used daily, because they're packed with potent, good-for-skin ingredients. She even has a 7 Day Sheet Mask Challenge on her site.
But like with all skin care, this isn't one size fits all. It's about customization, targeting your specific skin concerns. So, with the help of Glazman and Cho, we broke down the best masks for multi-masking -- based on your skin issue. "You can curate a calendar of sheet masks to target whatever skin concerns you have ... At the end of the week will have the softest, most hydrated and glowing skin," says Cho.
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Your Skin Concern: Acne-Prone Skin
The Why: No matter your age, breakouts are the worst. A purifying clay mask used just before a hydrating mask will detox your skin and help with breakouts, while giving skin back the moisture it needs so it doesn't become more irritated. (Pro tip: Glazman says to use the clay mask as an overnight spot treatment.)
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Your Skin Concern: Dry Skin
The Why: Hydration, hydration, hydration. Stick to sheet masks made from a hydrogel material. Cho says these are 100-percent soluble and provide more moisture than a microfiber sheet mask. These masks are pre-soaked in serums that plump and soften your skin. And when you remove the mask, you don't have to wipe away the excess product.
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Your Skin Concern: Oily Skin
The Why: Oily skin needs hydration, too. In fact, drying out your skin can cause it to rebel and create even more oil. This masking duo is an exercise in balance. The deep cleansing mask uses a blend of kaolin clay, green tea and spirulina to detoxify and unclog pores; the sheet mask contains thermal water, chamomile and black herb tea extracts that soothe and hydrate skin.
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Your Skin Concern: Dull Skin
The Why: Splash masks are just one of the many new Korean beauty trends making their way into U.S. Sephoras. This particular one is meant to be splashed -- that's where the name comes from -- onto your face while you're in the shower. It gently exfoliates and contains a blend of brightening fruit extracts and hydrating honey, and you only have to leave it on for a minute to get results. The sheet mask uses a blend of egg white and egg yolk extracts to moisturize and brighten. It's great for a relaxing treatment before bed or pre-makeup prior to an event.