We all know the significance of exfoliating our skin regularly, keeping it moisturized, and applying sunscreen every day to maintain its firmness, glow, and overall health. That’s why we follow our regular skincare routines. However, sometimes we want to step up our skincare routines to achieve additional skin benefits. There’s nothing like a facial sheet mask when it comes to spicing up your skincare rituals. Facial sheet masks are a quick and effective way of pampering your skin and reaping instant skincare benefits.
Facial sheet masks are packed with hydrating, soothing, rejuvenating, toning, moisturizing, and brightening ingredients, tackling several skin issues. The key is finding the right facial sheet mask that can target and relieve your specific skin concerns, such as dehydration, discoloration, wrinkles, enlarged pores, and acne breakouts.
Here is our quick guide on facial sheet masks to help you make the right choice:
What Are Sheet Masks?
As the name suggests, sheet masks are thin face-shaped sheets made of soft and flexible material. The masks are infused with highly concentrated serums comprising different active ingredients and have cutout spaces for the mouth, eyes, and nose. Sheet masks come folded neatly in individual pouches, making them easy to carry and take out for one-time use. In addition, the ingredients used in the formulation of sheet masks offer different skin benefits, allowing you to choose the formula according to your skin concerns or type.
Although most of us know sheet masks after their popularity in K-beauty regimens, they can be traced back to hundreds of years ago in ancient Japan. They are believed to be invented by Japanese Geishas or entertainers, who were famed for their beauty.
Types of Face Masks
To help you make the right choice and find the best fit for your specific skin issues or skin types, here are different types of masks and their benefits:
Microfiber Sheet Masks - These are a commonly used type of facial sheet mask, and you might already have used or at least come across these sheet masks. They are designed using a super pliable microfiber fabric. Microfiber masks are the cheaper option and come with different serums.
Tencel Sheet Masks – Tencel is naturally derived from plants. It is eco-friendly and biodegradable. It has a soft texture and is lightweight, so it drapes perfectly on the contours of your face. Tencel is naturally breathable and has a greater moisture absorption than other sheet masks. It is great for all skin types and even those with sensitive skin. Different formulas can be used with Tencel Sheet Masks to aid in brightening, hydrating, firming, and calming the skin.
Cream-Based Sheet Masks - The consistency of cream-based sheet masks resembles a rich and heavy moisturizer. These masks are particularly effective for those with very dry, sensitive, aging, dehydrated, and itchy skin. The formulas of these sheet masks work to add hydration, moisture, and nourishment to the skin. You can also find lightweight cream masks for oily or acne-prone skin.
Hydrogel Sheet Masks - Gel-based facial sheet masks, well, as the name gives it off, have a gel or jelly-like texture. These sheet masks are an excellent choice for oily and normal skin types. Hydrogel masks with astringent ingredients can reduce sebum in the pores and shrink enlarged pores. Hydrating agents in gel sheet masks can replenish moisture levels to relieve a dehydrated, inflamed, and dull complexion.
Biocellulose Masks - These are made of natural material or fiber. Biocellulose has high concentrations of humectants and antioxidants that help enhance the skin barrier. Biocellulose masks ensure a higher absorption rate into layers of the skin compared to other sheet masks. These masks work better than mainstream fiber masks as they snug tightly to the skin and have a higher ability to attract and retain moisture.
At Sundree, we wanted to create under-eye masks that brighten, hydrate, and help firm the delicate under-eye area. With all the benefits bio-cellulose masks contain, we knew we had to ensure our masks were made of biocellulose. Sundree’s PEPT EYES Bio-cellulose Eye Masks contain copper peptides, white tea extract, cucumber, and CBD to help minimize the appearance of fine lines while leaving the eyes looking well-rested.
Charcoal and Clay Sheet Masks - Charcoal and clay masks mainly come under the category of detoxifying sheet masks. They are known for drawing out impurities from the pores, exfoliating the skin, and absorbing excess sebum, which is particularly helpful in treating oily, acne-prone, and inflamed skin. Similarly, charcoal sheet masks also work to purify or detox the skin by flushing out toxins, dead skin, and other contaminants from the pores.
Benefits of Using Facial Sheet Masks
Facial sheet masks come with different ingredients, which can help your skin in more ways than you can imagine. Following are a few reasons why you need to stock up on facial sheet masks:
- Promotes Hydration - No matter which formula of facial sheet masks you choose to apply, one thing that’s common in all facial sheet masks is their intense hydration properties. Most facial sheet masks are packed with humectants and hydrating agents, which boost the skin's hydration level and prevent the loss of water through the epidermis. As a result, your skin will become visibly plumper, softer, and smoother. So, if you’re worried about your skin’s dryness and dehydration, soak it in the goodness of sheet masks.
- Brightens the Skin - If your primary skin problems revolve around dullness, discoloration, and lack of vitality, applying a facial sheet mask with brightening compounds can help. Facial sheet masks are the fastest and most effective way of adding an instant dose of glow-boosting ingredients to the skin. The high amount of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in sheet masks helps to enhance the overall tone and restore a healthy glow to dull, weary, and uneven skin.
- Supports the Lipid Barrier - Dry winds, harsh sun rays, cold breeze, and other environmental elements can take a toll on the integrity and health of the skin’s protective lipid barrier. A damaged lipid barrier can cause various skin woes, primarily wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. Facial sheet masks can reverse and prevent damage to the lipid barrier.¹ It reinforces the barrier by reinstating and retaining moisture, enabling the skin to better fight off oxidative stressors.
- Detoxifies the Skin - No matter how hard we try, avoiding certain internal and external factors which can clog our pores and cause irritation, redness, or puffiness is impossible. Facial sheet masks with detoxifying ingredients can clear the pores of impurities and accelerate the removal of toxic wastes, which aids in soothing inflammation and keeping the pores clear of debris, bacteria, sebum, and other pollutants. Detoxifying agents can also relieve puffiness on the face due to water retention.
- Nourishes the Skin - Even if you don’t have any specific skin problems to work on, you can add facial sheet masks to your skincare regimen to reap their nourishing benefits. Facial sheet masks are jam-packed with different nourishing compounds such as vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, niacinamide, peptides, etc., which are essential for maintaining healthy and youthful skin.² These ingredients boost collagen and elastin levels, keep the skin moisturized and hydrated, and shield against free radical damage, ensuring a healthier complexion in the long run.
- Easy to Use - Facial sheet masks are known for their convenience of use as compared to other skincare products or an elaborate skincare routine. You can achieve the benefits of serums and moisturizers from this versatile superstar. Moreover, you don’t have to measure and mix ingredients or wash off like DIY or regular clay, peel-off, or charcoal masks. With sheet masks, you can carry your all-in-one treatment in your handbag while traveling and use it any time without any hassle.
- Helps Acne-Prone Skin - No matter if you’re experiencing acne breakouts due to unhealthy habits, environmental stressors, or hormonal fluctuations, facial sheet masks can help reduce and prevent those annoying zits. Anti-acne sheet masks are formulated with soothing and acne-fighting ingredients, like aloe vera, salicylic acid, and tea tree. These masks fight off acne-causing bacteria, unclog pores, and calm inflammation due to acne.
How to Use Facial Sheet Masks?
Now that you’re well-versed with what sheet masks are, how they work, and which one will suit your skin, let’s move on to how to use them like a pro. Follow these steps for using them correctly:
- Cleanse Your Skin³ - It’s highly recommended to start with a well-cleansed face to reap the maximum benefits from the compounds in your facial sheet mask. Use a face wash or cleanser that works for your skin type.
- Apply the Sheet Mask - Next, open the pouch of your sheet mask and fit it onto your face, softly patting your way down to your chin, pressing it snugly to the skin. Sheet masks are sized to fit most face shapes, so you shouldn’t have an issue fitting them to your face.
- Leave it on: Now, let your skin soak up the hydrating and nourishing ingredients from your face mask. Leave the face mask on for 15-20 minutes or the time recommended on the packaging.
- Remove the Sheet Mask: After the suggested time, take off your facial sheet mask and enjoy hydrated, supple, and glowing skin. Don’t rinse or wipe your face. Pat any leftover serum into your skin, allowing the ingredients to work for longer.
- Use Sheet Mask Regularly: It’s recommended to apply a facial sheet mask two or three times a week or as needed, according to your skin type and problems. You can even use a sheet mask every day if needed.
Final Thoughts
Facial sheet masks are an excellent option for days when you want an indulgent skincare treat to add extra hydration and suppleness to your skin. Also, you can treat various skin problems with the help of these fuss-free face-shaped masks.
You can choose from a never-ending range of facial sheet masks to take care of your skin issues or simply pamper your skin for a special day. To reap the maximum benefits from a facial sheet mask, opt for a formula that works for your skin concerns or conditions and suits your skin type.
Citations:
- Stanborough, Rebecca Joy. (2020). ‘What to Know About Your Skin Barrier and How to Protect It’, Healthline, Accessed March 10, 2022. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/skin-barrier
- Leonard, Jayne. (2019). ‘ What to know about peptides for health’, MedicalNewsToday, Accessed March 10, 2022. Available at: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326701
- Sinrich, Jenn & Jacoby, Sarah. (2021). ‘How to Wash Your Face for Clearer, Healthier Skin’, Self, Accessed March 11, 2022. Available at: https://www.self.com/story/how-to-wash-your-face
