By now, you probably know the basic components of an effective skincare routine. You need, at a minimum, a cleanser, moisturizer, and broad-spectrum sunscreen to keep your skin clean, hydrated, and protected from the sun's damaging rays. But those are just the absolute essentials. We also believe that an effective skincare routine should include products that help address your skin concerns, such as face masks.
If you're not yet using a face mask in your men's skincare routine, you may be missing out on a host of benefits. The right mask can help address your unique skin concerns and help keep your skin looking and feeling its best. Here, we'll introduce you to six of our favorite skin care masks for men, and teach you how to use these Kiehl's essentials in your routine. Read on for your guide to Kiehl's best masks for men.
6 Must-Have Kiehl's Face Masks For Men
If you're not sure where to start with masking, we're here to help. Ahead, discover which Kiehl's mask we recommend for your unique skin type and skin concerns.
For All Men's Skin Types:
Age Defender Dual-Action Exfoliating Cleanser
If you're a masking newbie, try starting with an easy-to-use, fast-acting face mask, like Age Defender Dual-Action Exfoliating Cleanser. This two-in-one cleanser and face mask for men is formulated with Moroccan lava clay and phytic acid, a mild alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from rice. The unique face wash effectively cleanses away dirt, sweat, and other impurities while helping to improve the appearance of skin's texture over time. It's suitable for all skin types and can be used morning and night as your go-to face cleanser.
Up to three times per week, you can also use this dual-action cleanser as an exfoliating men's face mask. Here's how: After washing your face, pat your skin dry and apply an even layer of the mask to your skin. After letting it dry (for around five minutes), add warm water and massage the formula over your skin to create a light, foamy lather. Rinse thoroughly, then follow up with the men's toner of your choice to remove any lingering residue.
For Oily Men's Skin:
Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Mask
Studies have shown that, on average, men's skin tends to be oilier and thicker than that of similarly-aged women.I Though having a higher sebum production does have its benefits (men, for example, are less prone to visible fine lines and wrinkles), it's also associated with several unique skin concerns, such as enlarged pores and blemishes.
To help keep your oily skin looking its best, we recommend adding Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Mask to your weekly skincare routine. This effective men's face mask for oily skin stars ultra-absorbent Amazonian white clay sourced from the mouth of the Amazon River. The award-winning formula helps draw out oil, dirt, and other impurities to help detoxify the skin. It's clinically-demonstrated to reduce skin's surface oil production by 46.7% after one application,* while continued use helps visibly minimize the appearance of enlarged pores for fresher-looking skin. Use it once per week or as needed to help refine and purify your oily skin.
*Based on results two hours after use vs. untreated skin.
For Dry Men's Skin:
Avocado Nourishing Hydration Mask
Though men are uniquely susceptible to oiliness, that doesn't mean all men have oily skin. For guys with dry skin—either due to a naturally lower-than-average production of sebum or as a result of environmental factors, like harsh weather—we recommend restoring moisture with a nourishing face mask, like Avocado Nourishing Hydration Mask.
Our creamy face mask is made with a blend of skin-friendly emollients, including avocado oil and evening primrose oil. It helps condition skin and locks in moisture to keep your skin feeling its best. Use this face mask for dry skin up to three times per week for skin that feels softer and more supple with continued use.
For Dehydrated Men's Skin:
Ultra Facial Overnight Hydrating Face Mask with 10.5% Squalane
The terms 'dry' and 'dehydrated' are often used interchangeably, but they actually refer to two totally separate things in skincare. As mentioned above, dry skin lacks an adequate amount of sebum, or oil. Dehydrated skin is that which lacks water—which means that you can have oily skin and dehydrated skin at the same time. To help combat the symptoms of dehydration, we recommend adding Ultra Facial Overnight Hydrating Mask to your nighttime skincare routine.
This nourishing face mask, made with glacial glycoprotein and squalane, helps replenish the skin's natural water reserves for long-lasting hydration. This mask can be used in three ways. One is as an overnight hydrating mask, the next is as a gentle cleansing balm, and the final use is as a quick 15-minute treatment.
For Sensitive Men's Skin:
Calendula Petal-Infused Calming Mask
While there isn't a single universally-accepted definition for what constitutes sensitive skin, it is typically characterized by redness, irritation, and feelings of discomfort. Additionally, sensitivity is generally accompanied by a disruption to the skin's natural moisture barrier. Exposure to irritants, like extreme weather or harsh skincare ingredients, can worsen the symptoms of irritation for those with sensitive skin. Though it's more common in women, an estimated 50-60% of men experience some degree of skin sensitivity.
If your skin is highly reactive and prone to sensitivity, reach for Calendula Petal-Infused Calming Mask. This refreshing gel mask is made with whole calendula petals and aloe vera. It refreshes the skin with a burst of cooling hydration that soothes the skin and helps reduce the signs of distress. When used regularly, the mild formula helps revitalize skin over time for a healthier-looking appearance. We recommend using this lightweight face mask three times per week or as needed in conjunction with your skincare routine for sensitive skin.
For Dull Men's Skin:
Turmeric & Cranberry Seed Energizing Radiance Mask
If you look in the mirror and notice that your skin looks a bit flat or dull, try adding an exfoliating mask to your weekly skincare routine. Our pick for dull skin: Turmeric & Cranberry Seed Energizing Radiance Mask. This brightening face mask, which stars antioxidant-rich turmeric and exfoliating cranberry seeds, helps invigorate dull, tired-looking skin to leave it looking more radiant. The creamy face mask also helps slough off dead skin cells to leave skin feeling softer and smoother. It's suitable for all skin types and can be used three times per week for energized, healthy-looking skin.
Ultra Facial Overnight Hydrating Face Mask with 10.5% Squalane
Calendula Petal-Infused Calming Mask
