Sheet Mask Benefits for Face: When to Use & What to Do After Applying One

Sheet masks are face-shaped fabric sheets soaked in nutrient-rich serums, designed to deliver targeted skincare benefits in a short amount of time. They're an easy, mess-free way to hydrate, brighten, or soothe your skin, making them a go-to for quick skincare pick-me-ups and pre-event prep.

Sheet masks come in a variety of materials to cater to different skin needs and preferences:

• Cotton Masks: Soft and breathable, perfect for daily hydration.
• Bio-Cellulose Masks: Made from fermented coconut fibers, these adhere closely to the skin and allow for deeper absorption of ingredients.
• Hydrogel Masks: With a cooling, jelly-like texture, they soothe the skin while locking in moisture more effectively.

Each type offers a unique feel and finish, but all work to nourish and revitalize your complexion.

Incorporating sheet masks into your skincare routine can deliver instant results and long-term skin health. Here are some of the key benefits: Intense Hydration: Delivers a concentrated dose of moisture, leaving your skin plump, dewy, and refreshed. Brighter Skin: Infused with brightening ingredients like Vitamin C or niacinamide to help even out skin tone and add radiance. Soothing and Calming: Perfect for sensitive or irritated skin — ingredients like aloe vera or chamomile help reduce redness and calm inflammation. Anti-Aging Support: Many sheet masks contain anti-aging ingredients like collagen, peptides, or hyaluronic acid that help smooth fine lines and improve skin elasticity. Convenient and Mess-Free: No rinsing or washing required — just peel it off and pat in the excess serum. Great for travel or quick pampering sessions. Skin Barrier Repair: Helps restore and strengthen the skin's natural barrier with nourishing and restorative ingredients like ceramides and panthenol. Great for Pre-Makeup or Post-Treatment: Use before makeup for a smooth, hydrated base or after treatments like exfoliation or facials to calm and replenish the skin.

Sheet masks are versatile and can be used to target specific skin needs at the right moments. Here are the best times to reach for one: Before Special Events : Use a sheet mask to give your skin a quick glow-up before weddings, parties, or important occasions. After Sun Exposure : Perfect for soothing and calming sun-stressed skin, especially if your face feels dry or irritated. Before Makeup for Extra Hydration : A hydrating mask creates a smooth, plump base that helps makeup apply better and last longer. At Night for Overnight Repair : Let your skin soak in nutrients and recover while you sleep by applying a sheet mask during your evening routine. Weekly Skincare Maintenance (1–3 times a week): Incorporate sheet masks into your regular routine to keep your skin consistently nourished, hydrated, and healthy.

Here's how to use face sheet mask in your skincare routine for maximum benefits. Below is the ideal, expert-approved skincare routine with sheet masks:

If Korean beauty gurus are to be believed, simply washing your face using a face wash is not enough. They encourage you to double cleanse, which means you start with removing all traces of makeup using an oil-based cleanser such as the Lakme Absolute Argan Oil Radiance Rinse Off Cleansing Oil and then use a foaming face wash such as the Pond's White Beauty Mineral Clay Instant Brightness Face Wash Foam to get rid of any residual impurities that the cleansing oil may have missed.

Next step is to exfoliate your skin using a gentle exfoliator such as the Dermalogica Gentle Cream Exfoliant. This helps unclog your pores by eliminating impurities and provides deep cleansing. This will ensure that the serum from your sheet mask sinks deeper into your skin.

Using a toner right before a sheet mask is a secret not many people know of. Using a toner such as the Lakme Absolute Pore Fix Toner 60 ml before applying the sheet mask ensures that your skin absorbs all the goodness the sheet mask has to offer. It also soothes the skin and calms inflammation.

When to apply sheet masks? After you're done prepping your skin, it's time to use a sheet mask. Smoothen out the sheet mask on your face in such a way that it sits on your face without any bubbles. Leave it on for no more than 20 minutes. Once the time is up, remove the mask and pat the excess serum into your skin. Ps. If you're looking to add instant glow to your dry and dull skin, you can try the hydrating St. Ives Glowing Apricot Sheet Mask.

Maximize the benefits of your sheet mask by following these simple post-mask steps: Pat in the serum, don't wash it off: Let your skin absorb all that goodness — gently tap the remaining essence into your face and neck. Lock it in with moisturizer : Seal in the hydration and nutrients with a good moisturizer suited to your skin type. Follow up with the rest of your skincare routine : Apply spot treatments, eye cream, face oils, or SPF (if it's daytime) as needed. Avoid layering too many actives : If your mask already contains potent ingredients (like Vitamin C or acids), keep the rest of your routine simple and soothing. Enjoy the glow : Your skin will feel refreshed, plump, and ready — whether it's for bed or a flawless makeup day.

Sheet masks are truly a skincare game-changer, offering a quick and easy way to combat several skin issues. By adding them into your skincare regimen after cleansing, exfoliating, and toning, you're maximising their benefits. Keep trying different sheet masks to find what works best for your complexion. With regular use, you will be well on your way to achieving a clear, radiant complexion. If you have any additional questions about sheet masks or are looking for personalised advice, it's advisable to consult a dermatologist or healthcare professional.

Here are some frequently asked questions about incorporating sheet masks in your skincare routine answered by the expats:

A: It completely depends on your complexion's needs. If your complexion is feeling extra dry or dull, you could utilise a sheet mask 2-3 times a week. Generally, once or twice a week is usually more than enough. Watch your complexion and adjust accordingly.

A: While it may seem like leaving it on longer would give you additional benefits, it can actually have the opposite effect. Once the mask begins to dry, it can remove moisture out of your complexion. Therefore, it's best to stick to the suggested time on the packaging.

A: No, definitely not! The whole point of using a sheet mask is to deliver a direct dose of serum to your complexion. Patting the excess serum into your skin enables it to fully absorb. Washing it off right away would negate the benefits.

A: Unfortunately, no. Sheet masks are conceptualised for single use. Reusing them could introduce bacteria to your complexion, which could possibly lead to acne or irritation.

A: This completely depends on your preference. Several individuals enjoy using them at night as part of their evening skincare regimen, enabling the serum to work its magic while they sleep. However, you could also use them in the morning for an additional boost of moisture before applying makeup.

A: Yes, absolutely! Chilling your sheet masks could offer a calming and cooling effect, which is particularly beneficial for an irritated or inflamed complexion.

A: This depends on your skin type and issues. There are sheet masks for hydration, brightening, soothing, and more. Choose sheet masks with ingredients that target your specific concerns. For instance, if your skin is sensitive, make sure to choose masks that are for sensitive skin and free of irritants such as fragrance or alcohol.