One object - Separate shaders? (Vray) What would you recommend?

Fluffy_hug_of_death

Hi!
I'm making a 3D character and I've just started UV unwrapping when it hit me.... I want to use different shaders on this character.
I have 2 screenshots 1- showing the general character geometry 2. showing the separate objects making my character.
The main issue is the middle section (2).
I want to use the Vray SSS shader on the face and hands, and a standard Vray mtl on the coat and jacket... so how should I do this?
Can I combine the shaders and then use a mask for the bits that I want to use the SSS shader and another mask for the standard material?
Or should this be separate geometry?

Is there a standard for this? Sorry it might be quite a basic question... Previously I've selected certain faces I want to apply shaders to when I want multiple shaders on one object but I'm pretty sure this isn't recommended.

Thank you for any help!  

throttlekitty

A material per object is the "best" way to work in maya. I'd go for per-face assignment for this character over a masked layered material personally, if only for the simplicity. Per-face materials can have problems in Maya, it's a long-standing issue, but nothing you need to truly avoid either.  It's kind of frustratingly random, but 90% of the time it's fine.

Fluffy_hug_of_death

@throttlekitty Thank you for the advise! Really appreciated