How to Sheet Mask

I got out of the habit of using face masks over Winter but now that Spring is in the air and the current situation means that we all have a bit more free time on our hands, I've rebooted the mask obsession! Here are my top tips on using sheet masks...

I’ll be the first to admit that when sheet masks first hit the beauty scene I was intimidated yet intrigued. I'd always been familiar with the skincare masks that came in tubs and tubes which you slather all over your face. Afterwards, these often involved a clean up operation of the inevitable mess left behind all over your hands and bathroom, then the annoying process of having to pick it out of your hair after washing it off…totally worth it! The idea of a single-use mask that was easy to apply and remove just didn’t compute.

I decided to embrace the trend and let me tell you, I'm now hooked. Who knew beauty masks could be so quick and easy!

What is a sheet mask?

It’s quite literally a mask in sheet form, with the sheet being made of fiber, cellulose or cotton. The sheet is soaked in a cocktail of skin-friendly serums and essences inside the packaging so that it’s fully saturated and ready for your face (the combo depends on the function of the individual mask) . It also features fun — or hilarious — cutouts for your eyes, nostrils and mouth, so you can, you know, breathe while wearing it. 

Why should I use a sheet mask?

If you find standard masks too messy, a sheet mask is a fab option. But aside from the convenience factor, sheet masks also do a wonderful job of actually making sure the serums and essences get into your skin. A lot of skincare products evaporate when you apply them — it takes time for them to really penetrate — but a sheet mask acts as a barrier that locks ingredients in, preventing evaporation, and ensures they have time to make their way deep into your skin to do their jobs.

When and how should I use a sheet mask?

While every sheet mask contains a different combination of ingredients for different results, they mainly work to hydrate, soothe and plump up skin. So if you’re feeling dry or oily — oily skin is often oily because it’s dehydrated — consider a sheet mask to moisturise your skin.

Otherwise, feel free to rock that mask day, night, mid-afternoon…whenever. Just make sure you’re starting with a clean face so your skin is better prepped to absorb all the goodness contained in the sheet mask.

When you’re ready, simply rip open the packaging, gently remove the mask (sometimes you need to unfold it) and drape it over your face, making sure to line up the cutouts with your eyes, nose and mouth. Then sit back and relax for 15-20 minutes, but no longer. If you keep it on too long, the sheet will dry out and start pulling moisture out of your skin to rehydrate itself — the opposite of what you’re trying to accomplish. When the time is up, just toss the mask and get on with your day. If you have excess serum or essence on your skin, gently rub it in for added benefits. (Some people like to save the excess serum/essence that’s left in the foil package to apply post-mask, but that’s your call.)

What mask is right for me?

For irritated skin…look for a mask that contains soothing ingredients to reduce inflammation like aloe and cucumber.

For dehydrated skin…your sheet mask should be packed with ingredients like those in Garnier's Moisture Bomb Tissue Mask which contains: pomegranate extract, hyaluronic acid and plant serum.

For congested skin…reach for a honey sheet mask with a nourishing blend of honey extracts that work to detox and clarify.

For dull skin…look for sheet mask that will gently exfoliate to remove dead skin while brightening your complexion. 

For aging skin…stock up on collagen and other plumping ingredients to provide nutrition and to smooth skin. 

Happy sheet masking! 

K x