Face masks are one of the little pleasures in life — like buying sparkly cocktails or unzipping your high waist jeans once you get home. But do face masks even do anything? We know that they feel great and give you some hardcore luxurious feelings. I mean, just think of the usual tradition that involves a face mask. Not many of us slap it on as we’re rushing around, trying to get out the door.

It’s a pampering kind of experience. Usually candles are involved, or a glass of wine. You’re usually in your most favorite sweatpants, and plans were probably (excitedly) cancelled, meaning you have nothing to do all evening but sloth around and finish all the frozen food in your freezer.

But with all the different types of masks we use — from the clay and mud varieties, to the sheet and creme options — do any of them actually work? Do they really deliver on their promises? I mean, sure, the mud on your face might be from a volcano in Iceland, but will it really tighten your pores and sweep the dirt away? To investigate, dermatologists sounded off. If you’re wondering if face masks really work, read ahead!