Facial sheet masks are a great way to pamper yourself minus the hefty spa fee and are increasingly popular among young women today because they’re convenient and provide immediate results. Sheet masks contain are thin cotton or fiber sheets that have are soaked with concentrated amounts of serum or essences. They are pre-cut to fit the contours of your face with holes in the lips, eyes and nostril regions. Different masks serve different purposes such as moisturizing, whitening, exfoliating or hydrating so pick your masks based on your skin’s needs.
To use these sheets, you peel open the sachet, remove the mask and unfold it. Peel off the plastic sheet before applying the mask to your face and make sure to flatten out all air bubbles. This process creates a temporary vacuum environment which isolates your skin from the outside air. For a more effective treatment, have a hot shower prior to using the mask to open up your facial pores to help your skin absorb the serum better. You can try popping a few in your refridgerator because nothing spells relax more than a chilled sheet mask after a long day out!
Its advised that you use sheet masks as an addition to your skincare routine once or twice a week but there are women who use them on a daily basis! No harm in that but sheet masks can be quite expensive for everyday use, they range from RM3 to RM22 per sheet (based on mask prices in Watsons and Guardian). Whenever there’s an event or important function you need to attend, pop on a sheet mask before you put on your makeup and your face will feel fresher and brighter plus the moisture will help your warpaint stay on better.
Although sheet masks suit most skin types, Here are some different types of sheet masks along with tips to help you choose which one will suit you best:
Purifying Sheet Masks
These masks help to clear your face of oil and acne causing bacteria. It decreases redness upon use and can help control the excretion of excess sebum.
Hydrating Sheet Masks
Dry skin as we all know leads to premature aging so having supple skin is the key to youthful looks. Hydrating sheet masks keep your skin moisturized and hydrated hours after use.
Exfoliating Sheet Masks
Cleansing is an important step in our routine but exfoliants help to rub off skin cells that have already hardened on the surface of your skin leaving soft baby skin that you won’t be able stop touching. Dead skin removal also helps your skincare absorb better and your makeup glide on smoothly.
Anti-Aging Masks
To help counter premature aging, try masks that contain Collagen, Coenzyme Q10, Ceramide and Hyaluronic Acid as they help to rebuild skin cells and enhance skin’s health by increasing moisture retention capacity resulting in firmer, healthier and younger looking skin.
Nourishing Masks
Skin masks infused with ingredients such as red wine, aloe, natto (a type of Japanese bean) and are packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to help nourish the skin to help protect you agains free radical damage while repairing your skin at the same time.
Though you may be tempted to try out the different types of masks in the market, always ensure that the mask you use fits your skin requirements and needs. For example, a hydrating mask will do wonders for dry skin but using it on your oily skin can worsen sebum secretion.
Also take note of the expiry date of your masks and do get your masks from a reliable source because like most things, there are imitations of these products at a Don’t compromise your skin for a bargain too good to be true. Do your research, try to buy a pack or two to test before buying in bulk because not everyone will suit certain products well.
Image credits to araphoenix.com
