One of our favorite beauty magic tricks? Popping on a sheet mask and giving our skin some extra TLC. And while many of us use sheet masks from one to two times a week already, there are some special tips and tricks to enhance the effects of these guys and leave your skin more radiant in a matter of minutes.
1. Start with Freshly Cleansed Skin
Rule number one: no makeup, no SPF, no moisturizer under it; you should always start with a freshly clean face to make sure your skin can make the most out of all the vitamins, amino acids, and minerals in these products. The right order here is to put your sheet mask on after you apply your serum or ampoule. So quick recap on the 10-step skin care routine:
– Double-cleanse
– Exfoliate
– Apply toner
– Essence—optional. Remember that sheet masks are soaked with essence, so you don’t need to additionally use one
– Serum or ampoule
– Yes! It’s finally sheet mask time!
If you don’t usually follow all the 10-steps, at least make sure you cleanse your skin and use a toner before sheet masking.
2. Keep an Eye on the Ingredients List
We too love those packs with infinite options of sheet masks, but the fact is there is not one ingredient capable of doing everything you want. Remember to check the ingredients high up on the ingredient list and see if they focus on the issue you’re targeting:
– Hydrating masks will have hyaluronic acid, glycerin, snail slime extract or another humectant.
– Calming and soothing masks will bring anti-inflammatory ingredients like camellia sinensis (green tea) leaf extract, snail bee, and aloe barbadensis leaf extract.
– Brightening sheet masks are enriched with vitamin C, niacinamide, and/or botanical ingredients such as centella asiatica extract.
– The anti-aging ones will plump out fine lines and wrinkles with ingredients like adenosine andcitrus paradisi (grapefruit) fruit extract.
When using a sheet mask is important to check that you’re putting a high-quality product on your face. If wearing a cotton sheet mask (instead of a bio-cellulose or hydrogel mask, for example), opt preferably for one made with 100% cotton so your skin can breathe. Also make sure that it isn’t bleached, which may cause you skin reactions.
3. Double Mask
Because the skin under your eyes is more sensitive and usually requires some special attention, most of the sheet masks do not cover this area. But don’t let it stop you from giving some love to this area and use an eye patch under your face mask.
4. The Right Place at the Right Time
Sheet masking is not only about taking care of your skin but about relaxing, too. If you have the chance, double its benefits by doing it while you take a bath. You’ll not only take the “relax factor” to the next level but really reap the skin moisturizing benefits as your pores are open thanks to the steam.
5. Longer Doesn’t Mean Better
The rule of thumb for sheet masks is to leave them on for 15 to 20 minutes tops—check the instructions on yours before setting your timer—and wearing them for a longer period of time won’t make the results any better. Actually, after this time the mask begins to dry and take away the moisture from your skin. For the same reason, never ever sleep with them on or you might wake up with paper dry skin.
6. Flip Your Sheet Mask
Sheet masks are technically double sided so why not flip your mask over when you’re halfway through your treatment and enjoy the cooling dose of hydration once again? A personal note here: This is especially good if you have sensitive or irritated skin.
7. Massage Your Face
…And your neck, your décolletage, your arms. As you probably already use the essence’s leftovers in the packaging on your neck, décolletage, and arms, our tip here works beyond your face: After taking your sheet mask off, massage the essence into your skin instead of patting in the extra formula. Work on gentle upward motions—from your lower neck towards your chin, from the chin and outer corner of the lips towards your earlobes and ears, from the side tips of your nose to your temples, and so on. This helps to increase the blood flow to these areas, which gives your skin an extra natural glow.
8. Don’t Stop Now
What comes after is equally important. Follow with your usual skin care routine: eye cream, moisturizer, and sunscreen.