I can’t help but feel a little extra special when I’m sheet-masking, like a celebrity getting ready for a big event (which in my case, is getting to bed before 11pm).
But did you know that there are a few things you could be doing to get even more benefits out of your sheet mask? Find out how to boost your glow with these 12 must know sheet-masking tips!
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1. Use A Facial Massager/Jade Roller/Fingers To Boost Absorption
A great way to help your skin care products absorb better into your skin is to massage them in. That’s why I recommend using a facial massager or jade roller massaged on top of your sheet mask – not only can it help push all the ingredients in, but it feels amazing and is a great way to de-stress and boost blood circulation for some extra glow.
You can also be a little extra and try out the Foreo UFO Smart Mask Treatment Device – it’s a 90-second mask treatment that combines device-activated formulas with heating, cooling, and T-Sonic pulsations that claim to brighten your complexion, kill acne-causing bacteria or erase signs of aging based on the type of mask you use and the settings applied.
Don’t have a fancy facial massager? Use your fingers – gently pat or tap them over top of the sheet mask.
RELATED READING: The Facial Massage Tool That’s De-Puffing My Face
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2. Scan Your Face After Removing The Sheet Mask
This was a tip I read a while ago in a magazine article – I can’t remember where, I have mom-brain, ok? Anyways, the esthetician recommended scanning your face and the mask itself after removing it to see which parts of the mask had the most product left.
This review can help pinpoint which parts of your face are drier and therefore have a harder time absorbing products; you can then tailor your skin care to properly target those drier areas.
3. Properly Cleanse + Exfoliate First
Want all the ingredients to fully sink into your skin? You want to be sure you are applying your mask to properly cleansed skin, which is skin free of excess oils, moisturizer, sunscreen and makeup that can act as a barrier to the sheet masking ingredients if not properly removed.
After cleansing, gently exfoliate your skin to remove any build-up of dead skin cells that might get in the way of your skin soaking up all the goodness the mask has to offer.
RELATED READING: The Body Shop Drops of Youth Liquid Peel (the best exfoliant ever!)
4. Put It In The Right Place (in your skin care routine)
Not sure where your sheet mask fits into your skin care routine? Most people aren’t, but it’s suggested that your sheet mask should come after you:
-properly cleanse (double-cleanse if removing sunscreen and/or makeup)
-exfoliate
-apply a hydrating toner or hydrating facial mist
-apply essence (optional – sheet masks are technically already soaked in essence!)
-serum or ampoule
-and finally – it’s sheet masking time!
Not into the 10-step Korean skin care routine? Just be sure to properly cleanse and tone before using your sheet mask. Also remember to apply the mask while your skin is damp or still moist from the previous products, as this also helps boost your skin’s absorption.
RELATED READING: Why I Always Apply My Skin Care Products On Damp Skin
5. Seal In The Moisture
Once you’ve completed your sheet mask session, be sure to follow up with a good eye cream and facial moisturizer to seal in all the hydration and ingredients your skin just sucked up from your mask.
If you need a little extra TLC, top everything with a good facial oil or an overnight sleep mask.
RELATED READING: Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Sleeping Mask
6. Check The Ingredients
You should always check the ingredients in your sheet mask to ensure what’s in the mask will benefit any skin issues you may have (and not aggravate others!).
For example:
-Hydrating masks will have hyaluronic acid or sodium hyaluronate, glycerin, snail mucin extract or another humectant.
-Calming and soothing masks will include anti-inflammatory ingredients like camellia sinensis (green tea) leaf extract, aloe barbadensis leaf extract (aloe vera), oatmeal, chamomile or centella asiatica (cica).
-Brightening sheet masks are enriched with vitamin C or niacinamide or acids such as glycolic, mandelic, kojic acid or lactic acid.
-Anti-aging sheet masks will plump out fine lines and wrinkles with ingredients like adenosine.
You also want to ensure the mask doesn’t contain any ingredients that can be irritating, especially if you have sensitive skin.
RELATED READING: Skin Care Ingredients You Need To Know About
7. Use One Before An Event For Glowing Skin
Sheet masks are a great way to plump, hydrate and refresh skin fast, which is why your Instagram feed is flooded with celebrities sheet masking before they get their makeup put on for the Oscars or the Grammy’s.
Apply a sheet mask while you’re preparing for a special occasion and prepare for radiant skin you can see from space.
RELATED READING: 3 Korean Sheet Masks For Glowing Skin
8. Flip Your Sheet Mask + Wring It Out
Sheet masks are pretty much too sided, so flip the mask and put it back on before you remove it to get all the serum from the other side.
You can also wring out your sheet mask gently to remove any serum that hasn’t fully absorbed into the skin yet and apply it directly to your face, neck or chest with your hands. And don’t forget the package! Most sheet mask packaging has a ton of serum inside it leftover, so squeeze the packet and make sure you don’t waste a drop or save it for a hydration boost another day.
9. Put It In The Fridge
Need some extra cooling and de-puffing action from your mask? Pop it in the fridge (like this super cute mini-fridge from Amazon!) before your next masking session and get ready for a refreshing, cooling sensation, which also helps to reduce puffiness.
RELATED READING: Sheet Mask Testing: Klairs And Sally’s Box
10. Multi-Mask
Most sheet masks don’t cover the skin around your eyes, as this area is more sensitive, so why not be a skin care multi-tasker and throw on a good eye mask at the same time?
I recommend the Peter Thomas Roth Cucumber De-Tox Hydra-Gel eye patches – they’re pure magic! If you feel like your lips need a little extra attention, give them a good scrub and apply a moisturizing lip mask while you’re at it.
RELATED READING: These PTR Cucumber De-Tox Hydra-Gel Eye Patches Are A Must For The Sleep Deprived
Shop eye and lip masks!
11. Longer Isn’t Better
Don’t leave your mask on for more than 20 minutes. If left on too long, the mask can actually start to re-absorb some of the moisture from your skin and we definitely don’t want that. Never sleep with a sheet mask on either!
12. Enjoy It!
A good sheet mask will cling well to your face, which means you can multi-task while you’re wearing it. But can I suggest that you just sit back and relax?
Take the 15-20 minutes it takes to use up the mask and put your feet up, watch an episode of The Mindy Project or get in a quick at-home massage before jetting off to your next mission.
RELATED READING: This Muscle Stimulator From Amazon Provides A Shockingly Good Massage!
Shop sheet masks!
What sheet masking tips did I miss?
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