What’s the deal with sheet masks?
If you’re wondering why your favorite celebrities have been sporting the oddest of looks lately, you’d be forgiven for not knowing that the somewhat creepy, phantom-of-the-opera-style trend is actually all in the name of beauty. We’ve been applying masks to our faces since our teen sleepover days, typically found in a sachet of thick clay that was destined to get all over your best pajamas as you applied it. But this new face mask craze is certainly a little… different! So where did it come from? And is it even good for you? Read on to find out more…
1. They started in Korea
Like all good beauty trends these days, this one originated in South Korea, and whilst they’ve only recently hit the big time they’ve actually been accessible outside of Asia for a few years now. Created to maximize the benefits of a skin serum in a short period of time, these masks are perfect for city dwellers, and we’ve even seen them getting used whilst people are working at their desks! You might not be ready to brave the look outside of your home, but ultimately they’re the best quick fix for thirsty or tired skin.
2. They're more moisturising than cleansing
Whilst regular face masks tend to be for detoxing or cleansing the skin, sheet masks are a little different in that they are generally for injecting your skin with maximum hydration. The cotton sheets are loaded with a serum-based formula, so whilst they won’t exfoliate or cleanse deeply, most are packed full of vitamins, amino acids, and minerals. So even though they take the form of a mask, if you enjoy the fresh feeling you get after applying a regular face mask you’ll probably want to keep both in your beauty routine.
3. There's more types than you know
We’ve covered that sheet masks favour hydration, but that doesn’t mean the range isn’t huge. The classic sheet mask is white, but you can get some with active ingredients that change their colour, like black charcoal or gold infused masks. Whilst the ingredients will differ between masks, you can also get sheets to focus on particular areas. Want to rejuvenate tired eyes? Try under eye sheet mask patches. There’s even lip masks for dehydrated mouths! So even if your skin isn’t typically dry, there’s probably a sheet mask for you.
4. Best on the go
Sheet masks are perfect for busy lifestyles. With normal masks or heavy treatments, you’ll have to wash rigorously after using them and you might even end up needing to wash your hair. Not so with sheet masks – you just wear for up to half an hour, peel off and carry on as normal. They really couldn’t be a better travel companion, and we’ve taken to applying ours on every flight to ensure our skin doesn’t suffer the typical dehydration effects of flying.
5. They're not a replacement for your regular skin care regime
These handy masks are amazing at allowing ingredients to achieve a deep penetration of the skin, leaving your face feeling glowing and delightfully plump after using. But don’t be fooled! Even a sheet mask every day shouldn’t replace your usual skincare routine. There’s no such thing as a quick fix in beauty, and whilst we love a little pick-me-up, don’t let your skincare habits drop off in favour of laziness. Indulge in a sheet mask a couple of times a week, before going to a special event or for some self care at the weekend, but incorporate it into a well rounded routine for best results.
