Face masks purport to solve a huge variety of skin issues, from helping reduce signs of aging to improving the appearance of pores to removing dead skin cells and more. So how effective are they, really?

The short answer is yes, face masks can truly provide benefits when used properly. The longer answer expands upon this: in order to get the most from your mask, you need to choose the right one for you, and you need to know how often to use it.

In choosing a mask, it's important to know what your specific needs are, as well as if your skincare rituals will accommodate this choice.

Face masks are similar to other skin care products in many ways, treating similar conditions and providing comparable rewards. The primary difference is the delivery method: while most skin care products are designed to be rinsed off immediately or rubbed in to the point of invisibility, masks are typically intended to be applied in generous amounts, often to the entire face, and left to sit for an extended period of time. 

This wait time is an important part of the masking process. Face masks are occlusive, which technically means they "block" your face, creating a physical layer of beneficial ingredients that stay on the skin for a long time. As a skin care vehicle, this makes masks especially potent. (For this reason, not all products are intended to be used daily. Be sure to learn proper use before you embark on your skin care regimen.)

Face masks can serve many different functions, with most products targeting a particular area of need. Some are intended to be used regularly, while others are designed for only occasional use. (For this reason, it's imperative to look at the instructions on the package before use.)

Masks are able to:

• Enhance skin feel and texture
• Soothe acne-prone skin
• Reduce signs of aging, such as wrinkles and fine lines
• Dissolve dead skin cells and clear congested pores
• Moisturize and hydrate your skin
• Restore skin elasticity

The list could go on and on. For more information about the specific targeted uses of masks and which ones might be most useful for you, read on. 

An enormous variety of face masks can be found on the market, not only in terms of benefits but also in terms of ingredients, recommended use, and even the manner in which you put it on your face. There are mass-produced face masks and DIY face masks, cream-based masks and gel masks, clay and mud masks, and more. A mask may take the form of hydrating sheet masks that you lie flat on your face and exfoliating masks that you apply with your fingers and peel off. 

When seeking a face mask, it's generally best to start with the skin care need you're looking to address, rather than singling out an ingredient in advance. By focusing on your area of concern, you'll direct yourself toward the ingredients that will be most useful. A charcoal mask, for example, is a great choice for a cleansing mask, as charcoal has been shown to help the skin detox. 

Starting with your skin type can be a good way of determining which face masks will suit you best. There are plenty of excellent masks for every type of skin, and many also tackle key skin concerns that may be more specific. 

Choosing a product according to your skin type will help ensure that whatever you use won't irritate your skin. This is important to keep in mind, because masks are designed to stay on your face a long time. 

Those with dry and dehydrated skin should seek out hydrating products. Oftentimes these are cream-based, with a feeling similar to moisturizer. These work to revive dry skin cells, restoring moisture and nutrients back into the skin. 

Those with oily skin will most appreciate a gel-based mask. The best way to describe the feel of gel is that it is similar to jelly, which a more lightweight quality than the feel of a cream-based mask. Many gel masks include astringent ingredients, such as berry extracts, which work to minimize oil and tighten the appearance of pores. You can apply your favorite gel-based mask by massaging it into your face in large amounts, allowing it to sit for around twenty to thirty minutes to allow it to absorb. 

A clay mask is another good choice for those with oily skin, especially those who are hoping to treat acne. Clay and mud have been shown to be excellent ingredients for extracting oil buildup from the skin – so effective, in fact, that users are often warned not to let their masks sit for too long. Indeed, clay and mud masks are best used sparingly, since they are so effective. Be sure to follow the instructions if you choose to use face masks like this.

Those with combination skin have a variety of options – it depends on what you'd most like to treat. Those who wish to moisturize and hydrate can look to cream masks, while those who primarily seek exfoliation can look into peel products. If you have combination skin, you have room to experiment. Masks can be used sparingly at first to figure out how effective they are for your skin.

If your skin is especially sensitive, you may be able to make use of moisturizing products (especially cream-based and gel-based ones), but it may be best of all to start with natural products, as these are likely to be the gentlest on your skin. Those that exfoliate – especially with microbeads and other acids to dissolve dead skin – can inflame or irritate the skin. Some masks aren't for everyone, and if you have sensitive skin, caution is an excellent choice.

If you have normal skin, you have the luxury of a good deal of choice, with the opportunity to be more adventurous than some others get to be. For example, you can try using warming products. These masks contain active spices like cinnamon and paprika that increase blood flow to the skin. 

Your skin type may not be related to your age, but there are certain concerns that people begin to face over time, thanks to more time exposed to the sun, lower amounts of natural collagen and elastin, and more. Because of this, as you get older, anti-aging masks are best designed to treat the common symptoms of aging, such as fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin. 

How often a face mask should be used depends on its key ingredients as well as your skin type. First thing's first: take a look at the instructions on the package. That's the best way to learn how often to use your product of choice. After that, proceed with caution: see how one round goes to evaluate how soon you should use it again. There are many products that are only intended to be used once or twice a week, not nightly. 

Masking may seem simple, but your face mask application technique is an important part of the process. Here's a little Face Mask 101 for those who want to make sure they're getting the most from their products. 

In most cases, you can use a generous amount of your product, applying it directly with clean hands. 

Your neck and décolleté (the area at the top of your chest, below your collarbones) are known for aging much earlier than the face due to lowering skin elasticity. Staying vigilant about applying products to these areas will help fortify and renew them in the long run.

A face mask may take several minutes to absorb into the skin, and some products will take even longer than five or 10 minutes. Relax and unwind as you allow your nutrients to sink in.

To remove the mask from your face, use a damp washcloth to wipe away your product. It's especially important to go slowly and carefully if you are using a product that hardens on your face, as this will be more difficult to remove.  

Once you are done, rinse your face with warm water, and voila! You're likely to be feeling fresher already.

Face masks are great options for those who are looking for targeted results delivered with concentrated ingredients. What's important is that you use the ones that address your specific concerns. Consider what you most want from a face mask and choose the right products to suit your needs.