September 03, 2024Skincare

Is Daily Sheet Masking actually beneficial?

Sheet masks are a game-changer in skincare, offering an easy and effective way to keep your skin radiant and healthy. With so many types of sheet masks available today, from different brands and with various formulations, it’s easy to get lost in the sea of options. In this journal, we will explore the best sheet masks for different skin types and conditions and show you how to incorporate them into your skincare routine.

What Makes Sheet Masks So Effective?

Sheet masks are infused with a highly concentrated ampoule, which helps push beneficial ingredients deep into the skin. When you apply a sheet mask, it provides better absorption compared to applying the ampoule directly from your hands. The mask acts as a barrier, locking in moisture and ensuring that your skin absorbs all the goodness from the ingredients.

Types of Sheet Masks

TENCEL Sheet Masks

Made from eucalyptus extract, these plant-derived masks are popular among Korean skincare brands. TENCEL sheets are ultra-thin, and feel incredibly lightweight on the skin.

Ceramine Chaoreum Red Mask

Ceramine Chaoreum Red Mask is very thin and soft when applied to the skin, and is rich in essence. Looks nearly transparent because of its texture.

Bio Cellulose Sheet Masks
Derived from coconut, these masks are biodegradable and environmentally friendly. They are perfect for a potent, targeted treatment.

iLomys Renew Derm Nature Mask

This mask is thicker than TENCEL sheets and is designed for intense hydration and effectiveness. Offering the best adherence to the skin and optimal absorption of active ingredients. It’s comparable to coconut jelly in texture and is ideal for pushing active ingredients into your skin. If you’re looking for strong results and effectiveness, we highly recommend this type of bio-cellulose sheet mask.

Mesh Masks
A unique type of mask that is dry upon application and activates when in contact with water, melting the active ingredients into your skin.

Ceramine Pure Collagen Mesh Mask

When it comes into contact with water, the active ingredients melt into your skin. Ceramine Pure Collagen Mesh Mask is good for lifting and anti-aging. It comes in two pieces, easier to adhere and lift up your skin.

How Often Should You Use Sheet Masks?

Using a sheet mask daily, or the "1 Day 1 Mask" trend, can actually do more harm than good, depending on your skin type and the mask's ingredients.

Situations where daily sheet masking is beneficial:

If you already have healthy skin. So instead of applying essence or ampoule, you can do sheet masking which will enhance the absorption of ingredients.
If you’re using the sheet mask with high quality ingredients.
If the key ingredients of your sheet mask are soothing and hydrating.

On the other hand, if a sheet mask contains specific functional ingredients, such as those for skin brightening or anti-aging, you shouldn't use it every day, even if your skin is healthy. These ingredients can irritate your skin with daily use.

How to Determine Which Mask Targets Hydrating & Soothing or Brightening & Anti-Aging:

While the packaging of most sheet masks will indicate their primary function, it’s essential to make a habit of reading the full ingredient list - particularly the first 5-10 ingredients, as they tend to have the highest concentration and most significant impact on your skin.

Examples of Sheet Masks for Hydrating and Soothing:

USOLAB Bio Moisturizing Hyaluron Mask

The first five ingredients of USOLAB Bio Moisturizing Hyaluron Mask include Calendula Flower Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glycerin, Guaiazulene, and Centella Leaf Vesicle - all of which are excellent for hydrating and soothing the skin. This mask is gentle enough for daily use.

Ceramine Aqua Chamaecyparis Obtusa Leaf Mask

Ceramine Aqua Chamaecyparis Obtusa Leaf Mask features a minimal ingredient list with the first five ingredients being Hyaluronic Acid, Chamaecyparis Obtusa Leaf Extract, Rosewood Oil, and Ceramide. These ingredients are known for their hydrating and skin barrier-strengthening properties, making this mask mild and suitable for everyday use.

Examples of Sheet Masks for Brightening and Anti-Aging:

USOLAB Bio Renaturation PDRN Calming Mask

USOLAB Bio Renaturation PDRN Calming Mask contains Centella Asiatica Extract, Glycerin, and Sodium DNA, which are beneficial for skin regeneration and anti-aging. This mask is recommended for use 2-3 times a week rather than daily, as its rich formula may provide too much nourishment, potentially leading to skin irritation.

BEIGIC Luminous Hydrating Sheet Mask

The first ingredient listed is Niacinamide, known for its brightening properties. This mask is best used 1-2 times a week to minimize the risk of skin irritation.

If you have sensitive skin, it’s best to avoid daily sheet masking. This is because sheet masks deliver active ingredients directly into your skin, and applying them every day could further irritate sensitive skin. Instead, we recommend using sheet masks 1-2 times a week. Also, avoid sheet masking when your skin barrier is weakened.

How can you tell if your skin barrier is compromised? Look for signs such as itchiness, flakiness, rough or dull skin, redness, frequent irritation, or breakouts. If you experience these symptoms, it may be an indication that your skin barrier is weakened.

Incorporating Sheet Masks into Your Routine:

After cleansing, apply a toner to balance your skin's pH.
Apply the sheet mask and follow the instructions on the packaging. Typically, you should leave it on for 10-20 minutes. Avoid leaving it on for too long.
Remove the sheet mask and gently pat your skin to help absorb the remaining essence.
Finish with a moisturizer to lock in all the moisture.

Can You Reuse a Sheet Mask?

If there’s excess essence left after removing the mask, you can use it on other parts of your body, such as your hands or legs. However, avoid reusing the sheet mask itself, as it may become contaminated. It’s best to use all the remaining essence within the same day.

Overall, sheet masks are an excellent addition to any skincare routine, but they need to be used wisely. By understanding the different types of masks and how they work, you can choose the right one for your skin type and condition, ensuring a glowing, healthy complexion all year round!