Sheet masks are hands-down the most common in-home skin treatment for all occasions. Whether it’s a vacation, girls night-in sleepover or that long-deserved pamper session, boys and girls are reaching for face masks with every excuse.
What are sheet masks and do they deserve a place in your routine? In this blog we are going to dive deep and share everything you need to know about them so you can make that call yourself. We’ll be taking you through a guide for choosing the right mask, how to use them, and some tips to make the most out of your treatments.
What are sheet masks?
Sheet masks started off as the hype in Asia and in recent years are beginning to gain popularity in other countries across the world. They come in the form of individually packaged thin sheets saturated in serums, essences and all things great. Sheet masks are most commonly made of cotton but are also available in various other materials including paper, fiber, gel and more. They are designed for single-use and shaped to fit around the curves of your face to allow for serums within the masks to be effectively absorbed by your skin.
Why use them?
There are many reasons why sheet masks have become a popular facial treatment. They are easy to use, and perfect for time-pressed individuals – requiring as little as 10-20 minutes for instant results. Think of them as a facial at the spa with results in a fraction of the time, at the comfort of your own home. They can even be used on-the go; it isn’t uncommon to see a fellow passenger bringing out the sheet masks on a long flight or packing a few for that upcoming vacation. Sheet masks are also very affordable, making them a great way to keep your skin looking its best without breaking the bank.
The best time to use a sheet mask
Sheet masks can be used at any time of the day, you can use one in the shower, or even while relaxing in bed! Using a sheet mask in the evening will infuse your skin with the nutrients overnight so that you wake up with a refreshed, healthy-looking complexion. This is because it allows more time for serums in the mask to work their magic on the skin while you rest.
You can use a sheet mask as a part of your morning skincare regime to prep and prime the skin for a smoother, more flawless makeup application. Many use them as a quick pick-me-up for a boost of glow before a big event. Keep in mind though, it’s best to give the face a rinse with water for thicker formulas before applying makeup to avoid pilling.
How often to use a sheet mask
Sheet masks can be used as often as you’d like. For those looking for long term improvements, using masks regularly and religiously is a great way to do so. The frequency of mask-use also depends on your skin’s hydration needs and the climate.
If you are in a less humid location or environment (eg. air conditioning, plane travel), more regular use of face masks can help rehydrate and compensate for the loss of moisture in your skin. If your skin is particularly sensitive, it’s a good idea to gradually increase the frequency so that your skin can build its tolerance and get used to mask treatments.
Choosing the right mask
Sheet masks come in many shapes, forms, and styles with different functions and uses. It is important to listen to your skin and choose the right mask for you. The product packaging usually specifies the skin concerns it addresses but it’s also useful to know which ingredients will benefit your skin.
Acne-prone skin
If you’re getting breakouts, opt for a clarifying mask with detoxifying ingredients. They even have sheet masks with charcoal sheets that bubble up to actively draw out impurities from your pores. Whatever the need, there’s bound to be a mask for it!
Dry and Dehydrated skin
For tight skin and dry winter days, sheet masks with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin and propylene glycol will help give you that hydration boost.
Inflamed and sensitive skin
People with sensitive skin should look for words such as hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and masks that are free from dyes and parabens to avoid irritation. Centella asiatica, aloe vera and green tea are some popular ingredients found in masks for sensitive skin due to their soothing properties.
Making the most out of sheet masks
Apart from choosing the right mask and listening to your skin, it’s also very important to be using sheet masks the right way to achieve best results.
Here are some of our tips for making the most out of your sheet masks:
- Read the instructions
All sheet masks are different, hence their instructions for use may also vary slightly. It’s always best to carefully read the package instructions and follow them for use.
- Chilling them in the fridge
Leave a mask in the fridge 20-30 minutes before you use for instant cooling and soothing effects, this may also help minimise the appearance of pores! Also perfect for hot days and post-procedure angry skin.
- Clean Face
If you’ve worn makeup during the day, make sure you do a double cleanse so that your face is clean and clear from all traces of makeup and gunk from the day. We don’t want that to be transferred into our pores – yuck!
- Fitting it well
When applying your mask make sure that all areas of the face are evenly covered. Smooth all bubbles and wrinkles from under the mask, check that holes are well-aligned with the eyes and mouth and edges are smoothed around the nose.
- Choosing a good fit
Masks made with thinner, more flexible and skin-hugging materials will give you a better fit. They are able to fit better around the nooks and crannies making sure all parts of your face can be evenly covered by product.
- Longer doesn’t mean better
Don’t leave a mask on for longer than specified on the packaging. There’s only so much product your skin can soap up, and a dried-up sheet mask will start re-absorbing moisture from your skin.
- Don’t waste your leftovers
Masks that are heavily saturated in serum are always a plus, as they are less likely to dry up while on your face. After removing a mask, massage and pat the remaining serum into your skin. Leftover serum in the packet can be used on other parts of the body (especially your elbows and knees).
- Don’t stop there!
After removing your sheet mask, go ahead and finish up with the skincare products you normally use to seal in all the nutrients. This is a step skipped by many!
The verdict
So do they work? This depends on a few things.
Sheet masks can have lasting improvements on your skin’s overall complexion and appearance when used regularly – results come to those who are persistent. Formula is another important factor, the quality of ingredients and their particle size dictate their ability to be absorbed and improve the skin. Lastly, sheet masks are designed to work mainly on the outer layer (epidermis) of your skin. They are generally unable to reach deeper layers where skincare can effectively improve skin quality.
While sheet masks are with their limitations, they can be a good extension to an effective skincare regime. They are convenient, simple-to-use and affordable, making them a great go-to for instant results and ongoing skin improvements with regular use.
