The Mini Guide to Sheet Masks

This post is a mini guide to sheet masks including what are they, why do they actually work, what’s in them, and my current favourites to buy. You can also check out my YouTube video here.

If you follow me on Instagram, you will know my love of sheet masks these past few years. I love trying new ones out, I use them a few times a week and always have on in my carry-on while traveling.

Yes, I still use traditional face masks, but a sheet mask is so easy to use. There’s no cleanup, it takes up less space, you can layer it on serums, there’s one for every skin condition or mood, there’s such fun patterns or animal print ones haha and really just so many other great benefits to these Korean skincare favourites.
You can literally buy a sheet mask anywhere now. At the drugstore, specialty stores like Sephora and Ulta, from any brand from drugstore to luxury and you can find them even at the dollar store! Yes, the dollar store carries sheet masks.

I also think its going to be a “trend” that sticks. Definitely one that I do hope does, because I love myself a sheet mask!

What is a Sheet Mask?

Simply put, it’s a mask in a “sheet” form — made of fiber, cotton, cellulose, or coconut pulp, with holes for your eyes, mouth and nose. It’s wet, cool, and usually dripping straight out of the package, because it’s infused with a liquid cocktail of hydrating ingredients.

Sheet masks are essentially an effective form of beauty sleep. They are great because it allows the skin to ‘rest’ while it is saturated in hydrating, brightening, or anti-aging ingredients and giving an extra boost to your current skin routine when you need it the most.

The difference between these and traditional clay masks are that clay really draws out excess oil, but sheet masks are providing moisture and hydrating the skin.

How Often Should I Use a Sheet Mask

You can use one a day and some people use up to six or more a day. Just depends on what you are looking for or combating against. People may use multiple sheet masks in one flight just to keep their skin hydrated and some people use a sheet mask daily. It’s whatever you are comfortable with.

How long should you leave them on for? Is there such a thing as too long?

Most sheet masks have directions for how long to leave a mask on, ranging from somewhere between 10–20 minutes.

How do I know which one to pick?

Don’t get too weighed down by decision fatigue. The good thing about sheet masks is that they are great for a variety of skin types and come in a lot of price points, ranging from luxury to “why is this so cheap?”

By design, the majority of sheet masks are intended to be hydrating or soothing so there is very low risk for any adverse outcomes. If you’re looking for hydration, hyaluronic acid, a scientifically proven ingredient that draws water to the skin is often included. For brightening, you’ll often see Vitamin C and kojic acid.

Sheet Mask Best Practices

Use morning, night, or whenever. They’re great for all times of the day because they don’t take much time, they’re disposable, and you don’t have to wash your face after.
Start with a fresh face. It’s best to start with a clean base, so washing your face and then toning is always a great practice. It helps prep your skin to absorb the amazing ingredients that will follow in the next step.
Set a 20 minute time limit. With other face masks, you might try to keep them on for as long as possible so you can really see the effects. That’s not necessary with sheet masks. Don’t sleep in it. If you keep the sheet mask on your face after it becomes dry, it starts to have the opposite effect and will draw moisture away from your skin.
Skip the post-mask products. Some sheet masks are very thick, while others are watery and absorb quickly into your skin. If it’s watery and your skin gets dry throughout the night, then I recommend putting on a moisturizer on afterwards. But if the mask is very thick, it’ll feel like a lotion on your skin after you remove it—and you can just rub [the mask liquid] in without supplementing with another moisturizer.

Do you have any favourite brands or sheet masks? Share! Because I will try them out haha.