Sheet masks: Do They Live up To the Hype?

Sheet masks are the face-shaped fabric of sheets soaked in a nutrition-packed solution called serum. The sheet is made up of different materials like paper, fiber, or gel. A sheet mask is only used once and it is individually packaged, making it fast, convenient, and easy to use. 

The ingredients that are in a sheet mask are often very similar to those in a cleanser, toner, serum, or moisturizer. As with those products a sheet mask can have obvious effects on the skin.

The effects of sheet masks are ephemeral. As the skin hydrates, it appears better, but that’s a short-lived improvement that fades away as your skin goes back to its natural state.

Generally speaking, sheet masks are like a drink of water for the skin. That means you won’t be thirsty again.

How to use sheet masks?

The procedure is very easy. Apply the mask to the face. leave it for 20-30 minutes. Take it off. You can apply it whenever you want throughout the day or week. If you are busy or doing some chores sheet masks are great because you can apply them while cooking, cleaning, or watching Netflix.

The best thing about sheet masks is you don’t have to wash them after applying them.

The sheets are one-size-fits-all, but every face is not the same size or shape. It is recommended to start from the forehead and pat it softly as you move down the face. Line up the holes for the eyes, nose, and mouth. After applying let it sit for some time.

How do sheet masks work?

The sheet is fully soaked with a concentrated serum that contains many beneficial ingredients like vitamins, hyaluronic acid, etc. The ingredients are in the water phase as dissolved.

The sheet blocks quick evaporation of the water phase. It extends the time frame for the ingredients required to penetrate deep into the skin.

Over the course of 15-20 minutes, the serum that’s infused in your mask’s formula works to deeply hydrate and nourish your skin.

Benefits

The serum in the mask is filled with various vitamins that won’t dry out the skin as compared to paste-type masks. Some sheet masks brighten and make your skin firm. Sheet masks are easy to use.

Sheet masks detoxify the skin. Unclog the pores and pulls out all the pollutants from the skin. Charcoal masks draw out all the trapped impurities and reduce the size of large pores.

Brightening sheet masks restore the radiance of the skin, infuse new life into the skin, and brightens a dull complexion.

How to choose?

One should choose the right ingredients don’t let the fancy covers of the mask distract you from checking the back of the cover for the ingredients. It is vital to choose a mask wisely as per your skin.

If you have dehydrated skin choose a mask that has hyaluronic acid, glycerin, lecithin, and propylene glycol.

For those with oily skin, it is recommended to use clay masks.

For dull skin, go for brightening agents like vitamin C, azelaic acid, and kojic acid.

If you have sensitive skin then go for herbal ingredients such as aloe vera, green tea, etc.

Are there any negative effects?

The purpose o a sheet mask is to nourish, not exfoliate or cleanse your skin. As compared to paste-masks sheet masks are not that effective for exfoliating or cleaning.

Moreover, Serum from low-quality sheet masks evaporates quickly even before it gets soaked into the deeper layer of your skin.

Currently, researchers are using sheet masks made with high technology to avoid those problems.

Masks provide softness and a dewy glow to the skin that only lasts for some time.

The bottom line:

The sheet mask can provide a temporary boost but at a greater financial and environmental cost than serums.

If you want to look super hydrated and plump before going to an event go for a sheet mask. But, it is not necessary to step into one’s routine.