Korean beauty trends have gone worldwide, and chances are, everything’s happening in K-beauty-sphere will be followed by the rest of the world. The BB creams, CC creams, multi-step skincare routine, two-toned ombre lips, are things we believe you’re already familiar with.
And also sheet masks, most of you probably have been using them for their cooling sensation effects and the various claims they offer; like moisturizing, brightening, even treating your fine lines. Plus, not to mention the trend of posting selfies with a sheet mask on, that is followed not only by your friends but also by your favorite celebs.
“I woke up like this!” said the singer of ‘Someone Like You’ in her Instagram caption.
Self-care comes first apparently not only applied to women, but also to men.
In this case, it’s also applied to Chris Pratt.
Due to its popularity, most of you maybe wonder a lot about it and start to ask yourself questions, whether it’s suitable for your skin type, whether it’s worth the cash you spend, and other countless questions.
By this piece of writing, we summed up some commonly asked questions about A to Z sheet masks in particular.
Q: How to apply sheet masks correctly?
A: The one-size-fits-all sheet masks proportions could be very tricky, because not every face have the same size or the same shape. A little reminder, we obviously don’t have the same face as Angelina Jolie’s gorgeous face. And we understand that it could be hard to cover every corner of the face. A little tip, begin at one end maybe start at the forehead, and line up with the eyes so you don’t get an air pocket. And because it is very slick, it’s best to lie down while they work their magic.
Q: What are the virtue of using them? Do they work exactly like what they claim to be?
A: There are hundreds of types of sheet masks sold in your favorite drug stores that claim different results like lifting, preventing acne, hiding fine lines, but as stated by a NY-based dermatologist, Debbie Palmer, we can only count them for hydration. But one of their biggest benefits is that they deliver products deep into the skin in a concentrated way, according to the director of laser and dermatology at The Mount Sinai Hospital in NYC, Heidi Waldorf.
Furthermore, “they also create a barrier which means they physically seals in the active serums underneath,” added NYC dermatologist Dr. Dendy Engelman.
Q: Can sheet masks replace serums?
A: Sheet masks, is actually a thin cotton sheet soaked in nutrition-packed liquid like serum, but too bad, they don’t replace serum that you use daily. In fact, according to Debbie, daily usage can get pretty pricey, and the hydration actually won’t last more than a day. They won’t exfoliate or cleanse deeply but in spite of that, most are packed full of vitamins, amino acids, and minerals.
Q: How long we should apply sheet masks?
A: When it comes to sheet masks application, longer isn’t always better. The rule is to leave them on for 20 minutes max — enough to deliver their key ingredients but just right before the masks start to dry. A strict warning, never sleep with them on, because when the mask dries out, it will start sucking moisture out from your skin.
Q: I have a sensitive skin, is it safe for me to use sheet masks? To whom it works best for?
A: Christine Chang, primary care physician in Newton-Wellesley Hospital, stated that it is safe for sensitive skin, but it’s better to look for sheet masks that are free of potential skin irritants like synthetic dyes, synthetic fragrances, and paraben. And it’s not only about the serum, try to avoid sheet masks that are bleached.
For you who have acne-prone skin, you still can use sheet masks but Debbie Palmer suggests not to use it while you’re suffering from breakouts and acne. It’s because using sheet masks can increase the temperature of your skin, from an average of 89,6 to 98,6 degrees. The downside is, increased temperature can increase the bacteria count on the surface of the skin, that will likely cause acne. It’s better to test the mask on a section of your face, preferably the side of your cheek. Check and if new blemishes appear the next day, you better not use the full mask.
references:
Womenshealthmag / Huffington Post / NYPost / Bustle
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