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There are theface masksyou wear when you have to go outside in a pandemic.

black woman applying a creamy face mask

Consider the below a highlight reel.

So how is it that masks actually do anything?

And it’s very much by design that those actives work their magic in a matter of minutes.

Peach & Lily Super Reboot Resurfacing Mask

In this case, more isn’t more.

), but essentially, sheet masks are just that: single-use sheets enriched with active ingredients.

Since it also helps remove excess oil, charcoal is another great option for oily skin, says Kim.

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Creamy wash-off masks have a wide variety of benefits depending on the active ingredients.

But what’s the difference between a sleeping mask and a night cream?

Kim says it all goes back to you guessed it the concentration of active ingredients.

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And sleeping masks (which typically focus on hydration) are more jam-packed with ‘em than your standard cream.

Sure, they make a great photo op.

“They’re entertaining, but I don’t know if they really, truly have a function.

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“Womp, womp.

These masks “don’t really have actives,” says Kim.

You may have noticed that masks are migrating to other parts of the body.

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But, says Kim, especially if you have sensitive skin, “you could definitely overdo it.”

That said, he notes that some celebrities in Korea swear by using a sheet mask every single day.

So start slow and find a rhythm that works for you once or twice a week is pretty typical.

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Kim admits the process can be “a bit labor-intensive,” but he very much supports the logic.

So if youve got the time to mix and match, have at it.

The latter is particularly fun to apply, says Michelle.

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“It smells like cake and it looks like it has sprinkles in it.”

“But it’s super juicy and just makes your skin look and feel awesome.”

(Technically, it’s a peel, but Jenny considers the treatment akin to an exfoliating mask.

A jar of Golde Lucuma Papaya Bright Face Mask on a peach colored background

)Golde Papaya Bright Exfoliating Face Maskis another winner in Jenny’s book.

“It smells like a tropical vacation,” says Jenny.

(You cancheck out Michelle’s Instagramfor a preview.)

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The Bottom Line

If youre looking to supercharge your skin-care routine (and really, who isn’t?

), consider incorporating a mask a couple times a week.

K-beauty brands have ushered in a new era of innovation, so rest assured youll have plenty of options.

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