From sheet masks that contain snail essence to gold sheet masks, the skin-care industry is filled with full masks, eye masks, and others meant to improve the appearance and health of the skin, reduce the signs of wrinkles, and provide incredible results with a single treatment.

What is a sheet mask?

A sheet mask is a thin material that is soaked in a moisturizing serum or other ingredients. Some of the typical ingredients you might find include:

  • Green tea
  • Aloe vera
  • Tea tree oil
  • Salicylic acid
  • Vitamin E
  • Glycerin
  • Cucumber
  • Additional vitamins and minerals

What is a sheet mask used for?

While hydration is the key benefit to the average face mask, there are other reasons to use them.

  • Can be used to refresh dull skin.
  • Can be used to soothe irritated skin.
  • It may have anti-aging benefits.
  • Provide a spa-like experience in your own home.

Which sheet mask is best for hydration?

Most sheet masks do give a boost of hydration by their very nature, the best will deliver deeper moisturizing and penetrating serums that are easily absorbed by the skin to continue working even after the mask has been removed.

  • Farmacy Coconut Gel Mask, $6 available at Sephora
  • SK-II Pitera Facial Treatment, $139, available on the SK-II website
  • Neutrogena Moisturizing Benefits Hydro Boost Hydrating Facial Mask, $3 available on the Neutrogena website
  • Kiehl’s Instant Renewal Concentrated Mask, $32, available on the Kiehl’s website
  • Clarins Super Restorative Instant Lift Serum Mask, $25, available on the Clarins website

When you purchase a sheet mask at any of the merchants with links included above, you can earn cash back rebates of 1% to 5% or even more through Swagbucks.

And if you join Swagbucks as a new member (which takes about 30 seconds), you can earn a free $10 Amazon gift card with your first purchase of $25 or more at a featured merchant. There are over 10,000 eligible merchants, including Sephora, SK-II, Neutrogena, Kiehl’s, or Clarins.

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Do hydrating sheet masks work?

Yes, hydrating sheet masks really do work to provide extra moisture to your skin. They work in two ways: actively and passively.

Actively the sheet masks provide benefits by allowing certain ingredients to be applied to the surface of the skin to moisturize, soften and promote cell turnover for smoother, softer skin.

Passively, the masks will prevent moisture from being removed from the surface of the skin by evaporation. Your own moisture is locked in place while the additional serum or other ingredients will be absorbed by the skin at the same time.

Can I use sheet masks every day?

In many instances, you can use a sheet mask every day. Unless you have super sensitive skin or acne-prone skin, you can use most hydrating sheet masks every day.

  • Do not use a mask that contains harsh ingredients including glycolic acid every day unless directed by a dermatologist. You will find glycolic acid or similar ingredients in masks that are labeled as anti-aging
  • Stop using your face mask if there are any signs of irritation including redness, excessive dryness, burning, itching, or flaking.

Keep in mind that sheet masks should not be the only part of your face care routine. Sheet masks should not replace daily cleansing and sun protection.

How often should I use a hydrating sheet mask?

Only you know your personal needs for moisture and what your budget can handle. You can use a sheet mask every day as long as there are no issues with your skin.

  • Ask a professional to recommend products based on your skin type and skin’s needs.
  • Ask for advice from peers with skin that you admire. A friend’s personal favorite may or may not work well for you.
  • Experiment with several brands and types of masks to see what kind of results you get.
  • Create your own face mask using a very thin piece of cotton or other thin sheets of material, coconut water, and other ingredients.

Do you need a moisturizer after a sheet mask?

Most skincare experts agree that you should still apply your usual moisturizer after using a sheet mask. The average routine should include:

  • Cleansing and toning .
  • Applying the mask.
  • Applying the moisturizer serum or face cream.
  • Smooth the products down the neck to care for the skin there as well.
  • Take special care to moisturize the delicate skin around the eyes.

What do you do after a hydrating sheet mask?

After removing your sheet mask, your first step should be to gently rub the serum into your skin, down your neck, and tap it around the eyes.

Never rub product around your eyes. All applications of serums or other products should be tapped gently into place using the lightest touch of your finger. This is very delicate skin that is easily damaged.

There is nothing wrong with working the serum down the neck and to the chest if there is enough to do so. There are hydrating sheet masks that are designed for use on the chest that are also worth the time.

Do sheet masks cause acne?

The sheet mask itself will not actually cause acne but it could increase the risk of it in people with acne-prone skin.

The mask traps bacteria, dirt, and excess oils on the surface of the skin which can lead to breakouts. Good cleansing and toning before the mask should remove most of the bacteria and oil but may not be enough.

Some masks may rub the skin and cause what is called friction acne. This has been seen more frequently because of people wearing masks while outside their homes due to the pandemic. It has become so common it is called “maskne”

Any ingredient that can irritate the skin may also increase the risk of a breakout.

Are sheet masks good for acne? 

There are some sheet masks that are designed to help reduce facial irritation, breakouts, and blemishes. These typically reduce the excess oil produced by the skin and can soothe any of the inflammation that may lead to redness.

Masks that contain salicylic acid may help reduce oils in the skin but may be too harsh for sensitive skin and can lead to dryness or peeling

Stop use of any mask that increases your breakouts, causes additional skin problems, or just does not give you a pleasant experience. A face mask is supposed to be a treat for your skin, not a punishment.

Bottom line on choosing the best hydrating sheet mask

A face mask is not 100% needed for proper skin care but it sure feels nice to pamper yourself every now and then. There are so many brands with different ingredients, scents, and benefits, that you might be tempted to experiment with all of them. Unless you have super sensitive skin or allergies, give the ones that interest you a  try and when you finally find one that works well, make it a part of your overall skincare routine.

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