Selena Gomez Turns Heads With Bizarre Public Skincare Look, but Do Sheet Masks Actually Work?
Selena Gomez was photographed in Beverly Hills wearing a white sheet mask beneath a black face covering. TMZ reported that the singer and actress was walking to her car on Wednesday, 7 October 2026, apparently after a facial. Dermatologists say sheet masks can temporarily improve skin hydration, but their benefits have limits.
Gomez Steps Out in Beverly Hills Wearing a Mask Over a Mask
The 34-year-old was pictured in dark sunglasses, a loose light sweater and baggy dark sweatpants, with her hair parted in the middle and tied back. TMZ said she was enjoying a rare afternoon off during a break in filming Only Murders in the Building, which has been in production overseas.
The outing follows her recent honour as the first recipient of a Beauty Impact Award for mental health advocacy. Gomez said at the time that she loves getting older and is not looking back.
Do Sheet Masks Actually Work After Selena Gomez's Outing?
The short answer from skin specialists is yes, with caveats. New York dermatologist Dr Jane Yoo says the result is a measurable improvement in hydration and surface smoothness, though not in the way marketing suggests. She describes masks as a hydration boost rather than a treatment, and says they should not replace daily moisturiser, sunscreen or proven active ingredients.
Dr Ee Siew Li, a consultant dermatologist at Assunta Hospital in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia, takes a cooler view. She says sheet masks mainly provide surface hydration, and their effects depend on the ingredients and formulation. They should not be assumed to deliver active ingredients to deeper skin layers.
In her opinion they are not an essential part of a skincare routine.
Sheet masks should not be relied on to treat acne. Dr Yoo says some formulations containing centella asiatica may temporarily calm redness and irritation, but this is not the same as treating acne itself.
Risks, Limits and How Often To Use Them
Allergies are the main safety concern. New York dermatologist Dr Carmen Castilla says she has encountered contact allergies associated with sheet masks, including reactions linked to fragrances and parabens.
She notes that her clinical experience may not reflect the experience of all users. Hydrating masks are 'an additive, not a replacement to your skin care routine', Castilla adds, and a moisturiser should follow.
Dr Ee also notes that bulk packs of sheet masks may require preservatives to help prevent microbial growth and maintain product stability after opening. Some users become fixated on so-called glass skin and wear masks nightly without considering what their skin needs, she says.
Frequency advice varies. Dr Asmi Berry, cited by Today, says masks boost hydration and help deliver active ingredients, but should be regarded as a short-term solution. Dr Yoo suggests two to three times a week for chronically dry or dehydrated skin. Masks are single use, which also makes them less environmentally friendly, according to dermatologists consulted by Zocdoc.
Sheet masks can be a useful addition to a skincare routine, but they are not essential. Dr Ee says there is nothing wrong with using them for self-care, provided they suit the user's skin and do not cause irritation.