The best face masks for aging skin are quick treatments that can help address fine lines and uneven texture. Plus, who doesn’t love a little at-home treatment time to yourself?
These masks contain hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, squalane, and ceramides, which are great for barrier support in mature skin types, says Rachel Nazarian, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology in New York. She recommends looking for ones with retinol, bakuchiol, or peptides, which can help stimulate collagen production and are great as a part of an antiaging regimen.
Here, we spoke with dermatologists to get their recommendations, and put over a dozen to trial. We tapped Glamour testers between the age of 30 and 60 to share some the most effective ones. Our top pick is the Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask because it plumps and softens skin post-application. Unlike others, you can wear it overnight, which Dr. Nazarian says gives you the most benefits out of antiaging ingredients. But we also found drugstore options, eye patches, and hardworking collagen-boosting formulas.
The best face masks for aging skin, at a glance
How we tested
We tested face masks for aging skin by evaluating ingredients, texture, application, and overall efficacy. The best ones had derm-approved antiaging ingredients like retinol (to improve cell turnover) hyaluronic acid (for hydration), peptides (to support collagen production), and antioxidants like vitamin C (to prevent further hyperpigmentation). The ones we chose were convenient and fun to apply, and didn’t strip the skin barrier after removing. All of the ones we chose made a noticeable difference, whether it was revitalizing dull skin, clearing our pores, or restoring hydration.
Best Overall: Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask
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Dr. Nazarian recommends the Biodance overnight face mask because it stays on the face longer than the others on this list. You can wear it for up to eight hours (or until it turns from white to translucent) and it doesn’t budge. This Korean face mask is packed with collagen (to soften lines), hyaluronic acid (to hydrate), and niacinamide (to even out skin tone and discoloration). With age, skin tends to get drier, so these ingredients help improve hydration, which in turn will help boost skin elasticity and soften deep creases.
Testing notes: “I remember seeing people use this all over my FYP,” says Glamour contributor Sarah Y. Wu.“They’d take it off and have immediate glass skin. I can now confirm that’s not a filter; you leave it on for so long that it really traps the moisture in your skin. I rarely have the patience to do a many-hours-long face mask, but the nice thing about the hydrogel is that it comes in two pieces that cling to my face. That means I can wear it while working and still chug coffee without the mask falling off. The most impressive thing about this is that by the time it turns clear and I take it off, my skin doesn’t even feel damp anymore but somehow still has that glassy glow.”
Best Drugstore: L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Anti-Aging Overnight Mask
The triple-power overnight mask is one you can pick up at your local drugstore, which makes it convenient if you’re on the go or traveling and need a quick brightening fix. It combines dermatologist-recommended ingredients like retinol, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C to plump, and retinol to exfoliate and brighten, and it can be worn overnight for brighter skin by the morning.
Testing notes: “When testing this out, I really had to apply a lot to give the kind of coverage I expect in a mask. Having said that, even with a very heavy application, I did not experience any sensitivity on my skin, eyes, or nose. My skin looked calmer and brighter post-application,” says Glamour tester Helen Bonzulak
Best for Over 50: 111Skin Y Theorem Bio Cellulose Facial Mask
Centella asiatica is blended with licorice root in this formula to help address creases, crepiness, and dullness, which makes this pick excellent for mature skin. “Licorice root helps decrease the production of the melanin in your skin with certain enzymes, which can be great for hyperpigmentation,” says Dr. Nazarian.
Testing notes: “The luscious-feeling bio-cellulose mask clung to my skin immediately, and it was pretty easy to slip on. After the 20-minute treatment, there was extra serum left in the packaging for me to apply on my face and let soak in, after which I continued my skin care routine. I will definitely be using this again as a luxe and relaxing treat, as my skin seemed to drink it right up. While it’s a bit pricey, there are five masks in the box, which makes the cost per use a little less of a sticker shock,” says Glamour contributor Charlotte Twine who has mature skin.
Best Collagen Mask: Rael Collagen Face Mask
This collagen sheet mask blends collagen, wheat, and licorice to hydrate the skin and minimize spots of discoloration. It leaves skin soft and bright after use and is particularly great for dry skin types that could use a boost of hydration in the winter.
Testing notes: “The Rael mask felt instantly cooling on my skin—a nice treat on the 90-plus-degree day I tested it. It stayed put perfectly while I worked at my desk (no drips!), making it easy to multitask. Afterward my skin felt smooth, was noticeably more hydrated, and even looked brighter. The cooling sensation lingered for a bit, too, which I loved. It did leave a slightly tacky finish, but nothing that would stop me from using it again,” says Glamour contributor Brigitt Earley.
Best K-Beauty: Dr.Jart+ Cryo Rubber Firming Korean Face Mask
Korean skin care is a staple in our daily routines, and if you’re looking for a product that can help beat signs of aging, we highly recommend this firming and hydrating face mask. Its star ingredient is glycerin— a powerful humectant that helps skin retain moisture, making it look bouncy and plump.
Testing notes: “Despite the fact that the application is a bit more involved and messy than I’d usually want from a face mask because I typically use them on planes, I’m obsessed with the cooling sensation of this mask and love how the jelly-like mask did not slip even a centimeter on my face. It left my skin feeling bouncy and radiant, as I’d expect from a Dr. Jart product. No one is doing it like them,” says Glamour contributor Emily Tannenbaum.
Best Clay Mask: Dr. Barbara Sturm Face Mask
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If you want to bring the spa home to you, this clay face mask has soothing aloe vera, chamomile, and kaolin clay to minimize redness, combat dullness, and improve overall skin clarity and texture. It’ll leave your skin looking plush and vibrant, and can help minimize the appearance of dark spots and fine lines over time.
Testing notes: “This clay mask is a real treat, especially if you’re looking to add vibrance back into your skin (which is must needed in this sub-20-degree weather in NYC). It’s cooling upon application and doesn’t get overly tight as it dries. It definitely feels luxe—like you’re getting a face mask done at a spa—and I noticed a difference in my fine lines looking a bit less noticeable on my forehead after three treatments,” says Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary.
Best Overnight Mask: Medicube Collagen Overnight Wrapping Peel Off Facial Mask
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Another collagen mask favorite, this peel-off mask is recommended by Margarita Lolis, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group. She says it’s one of her favorites because it combines hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides and niacinamide for a plumping, radiant look by morning. It’s also suitable for all skin types, whether you’re dry or particularly oily.
Testing notes: “It doesn’t feel tight like a clay mask, which is nice. It was very satisfying to have what looks like literal glass skin, and then peel to reveal a supersoft complexion. I like the applicator because the product is very gooey (not sticky, though), so it was easy to use,” says Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle.
Best for Undereyes: Abib Collagen Eye Patches
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If you’re looking to soften crow’s-feet and lines around the eyes, these Korean undereye masks have caffeine to wake up and depuff the area. The combination of hydrating ceramides and anti-inflammatory niacinamide also helps soothe puffiness, so you’re ready to start your day in morning.
Testing notes: “These cooling eye patches seriously wake up skin and instantly feel refreshing upon application. I used these after a long night out, and they did a great job of brightening and waking up my eyes. I continued to use them every other day for around two weeks and was pleasantly surprised to see softening in fine lines and wrinkles around my eye area,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary.
Frequently asked questions
Are face masks good for aging skin?
With the right actives and benefits, face masks can be great for aging skin, says Brooke Jeffy, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Arizona. Dr. Nazarian agrees and says that they allow for contact with active ingredients under a layer. “This process enhances the penetration of those ingredients. Additionally, many people find the process to be quite relaxing, perhaps due to the ritual aspect of it, or perhaps because it’s difficult to work with a mask on, so it encourages the need to stop and sit,” she says.
What are the most effective steps you can take in an antiaging skin care routine?
In addition to regularly using antiaging skin care ingredients and treatments like these masks, Dr. Jeffy says the most important step is to wear sunscreen daily. “After that, being sure your skin is well cleansed to remove product, dirt, oil, and pollution off the skin before bed is crucial to help your skin repair itself overnight. A moisturizer or treatment product to address specific concerns are important as well,” she says.
What do dermatologists regularly recommend for aging skin?
In addition to these skin care ingredients and treatments that can be applied at home, derms also recommend in-office lasers to improve aging skin concerns. “Lasers can stimulate large amounts of collagen and elastin fibers, repair tissue, improve texture and tone, and even decrease the risk of some skin cancers,” says Dr. Nazarian.
How often can you use a face mask on aging skin?
According to both dermatologists we spoke with, how often you use a face mask depends on the ingredients in it. “Once weekly is sufficient for most masks that are meant to stimulate collagen or decrease pigmentation, as these can be more irritating to skin when used too frequently. Those that are used for calming skin or improving hydration and fine lines are much more tolerable and can be used nightly if desired,” says Dr. Nazarian.
Meet the experts
- Rachel Nazarian, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology in New York
- Brooke Jeffy, MD, board-certified dermatologist based in Arizona
- Margarita Lolis, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group
