Pampering yourself with a sheet mask (along with some wine and Netflix, of course. Duh!) at the end of a tough week can easily turn a boring Saturday into a relaxing spa-like experience. Also, it is extremely hassle-free, because all you gotta do is put one on and that's that, right? NO! As it turns out, you could be (unknowingly) harming your skin because of how you use a sheet mask. Didn't mean to scare you, but here's a list of 5 common mistakes you are probably making when using sheet masks.
01Not prepping your skin
We know it is quite tempting to just plop a sheet mask on your face, relax and wait for it to do its magic. But before doing so, you need to properly clean your face as that will help remove the top layer of dirt and grime. This will allow the essence of the sheet mask to sink deep into your skin and deliver the results that you've been looking for.
02Not choosing the right sheet mask
Sheet masks come in really cute packaging, so more often than not, you'll be totally tempted to pick the one that first catches your eye. Please don't! Not all sheet masks are the same; all of them have different ingredients, benefits and uses that may or may not work for your skin type. Always take your skin type and needs into consideration before buying a sheet mask, as a little research never hurt anyone!
03Leaving it on for too long
Unfortunately, leaving the mask on for longer than the prescribed time isn't going to double its benefits; the 20-minute mark in the instructions is there for a reason. Post the recommended duration, the sheet will end up drying out. This can actually strip moisture and nourishment away from your skin.
04Washing your face after using the sheet mask
If your skin feels slightly sticky after removing the sheet mask, trust us, it is completely all right. The serum in the sheet mask contains a number of active ingredients that are meant to be left on the skin long after you've removed the sheet mask. Gently pat your face dry to remove any excess liquid, as this will give your skin a chance to properly absorb the many benefits of the ingredients.
05Ditching the rest of your skincare routine
FYI, sheet masks don't take care of everything (although we wish they did!). Therefore, it is a really good idea to follow up the masking with your regular moisturiser. This will not just keep your skin supple and hydrated, but will also seal in the essence from your sheet mask for amazing results. Image courtesy: Pinterest
