To answer some of the most frequently asked questions about sheet masks, the range of sheet masks you can get, and how to cut them, I spoke to several K-beauty experts and dermatologists to find out more.
Obsessive Reddit skincare users often consider sheet masks as ingredients, but the sheet mask material itself can make all the difference. Sheet masks act as an occlusive physical barrier that seals your skin in a blend of the best ingredients for you. Imagine saturating your skin with a temporary but effective moisturizing sleeping bag made from skincare, in which the good stuff goes in and out.
Whether salicylic acid for acne, vitamin C for fine wrinkles, or retinoids to brighten dark spots, face masks offer more concentrated doses or more intensive versions of facial mask ingredients compared to other applications. The mask captures moisture and ingredients in the skin and forms a film that hydrates, moisturizes, dehydrates, or exfoliates the skin depending on the ingredients used for the masks. In addition, the ingredients can penetrate the skin in a shorter time.
Dr. Robert Anolik, a fellow at the American Academy of Dermatology, suggests the Amorepacific Mask whenever your skin might need a little boost. You’ll find a mask that works for you and incorporate it into your skincare routine, says Dr. Ditre. If you are dealing with sensitive skin, you never know what could make your complexion stand out, so an affordable mask that you can try, which is risk-free, is preferable.
The Amorepacific Overnight Mask is brimming with hyaluronic acid to saturate dry skin in a non-comedogenic formula that does not clog pores. This moisturizing mask is perfect for strap-on times and moisturizes the skin you dream of at night.
This moisturizing face mask consists of hyaluronic acid, squalane, antioxidants, vitamin C, pear, goji acai, and vitamin E. Created by Temi Shobowale, this botanical mask is perfect for reducing inflammation thanks to its chamomile flower extract. Not only is it rich in moisturizers, facial oils, and serums, it also helps the skin retain moisture.
This clay mask contains moisturizing ingredients such as cactus blossom, pear oil, and kelp extract to nourish the skin. Alder New York’s Smooth Face Mask is a good choice for moisturizing and collagen-boosting thanks to hyaluronic acid and seaweed. A sheet mask can brighten dull skin, cleanse acne, hydrate dry skin — and it all depends on the mask you choose and the ingredients it contains.
Metal masks cost between a few dollars and over $50, so you don’t have to shell out a lot of money to buck the trend. Korean women (and some men) spend a lot of time and effort on their skincare and use sheet masks as a regular part of their elaborate skincare routine. Metal masks are made of thick, flexible paper with cellulose and a selection of fabrics such as microfiber, cotton, wool, and coconut fibers.
For sensitive skin, choose a mask with a few irritating ingredients as possible to avoid allergic reactions or worsen dryness. It is recommended to use masks only once a week for sensitive skin. Rinse thoroughly for all skin types and refrain from using face masks in case of unpleasant side effects.
Facial masks are one of the most effective methods of supplying the skin with intensive amounts of nourishing and therapeutic ingredients in concentrated form. Whether we want to reduce breakouts or treat dry areas, face masks are designed to deliver effective ingredients to the skin in a short time.
For this reason, face masks that claim to moisturize the skin are more likely to actually moisturize, says Hollmig. In theory, sheet masks use a material that traps the active ingredients in the skin and forces the skin to absorb moisture to maintain the benefits, Engelman explains. Paper masks seal the ingredients and prevent them from evaporating and penetrating the skin.
The best time to use a sheet mask is however when you want to moisturize and brighten your skin if the benefits don’t last for more than a day. Daily use can help boost the skin’s moisture content, she says.
Sheet masks are a good option if you have sensitive skin because they have fewer preservatives and can cause less irritation, says Annetta. Dermatologist Shilpi Khetarpal, MD, says sheet masks, such as Korean face masks, are good for soothing sensitive or inflamed skin after surgery or sunburn. Metal masks also tend to be more moisturizing because they distribute moisturizers evenly and absorb into the area around the paper.
