Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ll be familiar with one of the most famous Korean skincare products- the sheet mask. You know those scary Instagram selfies with people wearing face-shaped sheets over their faces? Yes, that’s what we’re talking about. Sheet masks are amazing for helping with numerous skin issues, but they’re not the only type of mask on the block. We’re going to take a look at the different types of mask available, and what skin solution they can offer you.
Sheet Mask
Benefits:
- Extra moisture & hydration
- Immediate glow with single use
- Long-term antiaging effect if regularly used
Getting back to basics, as we mentioned sheet masks are one of Korea’s most famous skincare innovations. The purpose of a sheet mask is to douse your face is the serum and prevent evaporation of the product by use of the mask. Your face will absorb more of the goodness, thus increasing results.
Sheet masks can benefit almost all skin types, and you can search for sheet masks that aim to address whichever skincare issue you’re having. Sheet masks are particularly beneficial if you have dry or dehydrated skin. If you have dehydrated skin, doing sheet masks a couple of times a week can really rehydrate your face resulting in more supple, healthy looking complexion. Similarly, if you have dry skin type, opting for moisturizing sheet masks that will give your skin the oil it needs can help prevent flaking and irritation. If you wait until it’s dry, it will start to draw moisture out of your skin and the reverse effect to what we want! In my opinion, it is consistent use of sheet masks that will make a difference to your skin in the long-term, rather than a one-off masking session.
(Pinterest)
Point Mask
Benefits:
- Targeted care for key areas of the face
- No messiness - easy to use
- Anti-ageing effect
By a point mask, we essentially mean mini sheet masks that focus on one area of your face. These are most commonly under eye masks or lip masks, and they can help with the signs of premature aging. Under eye masks work by giving that delicate area all the hydration and moisture it needs, resulting in a plumped, brightened effect. This can aid in immediately (and temporarily) reducing fine lines before an event, but in the long-term can also actually prevent these lines from deepening by keeping them plumped out. The Kosame team love the Benton Snail Bee Ultimate Hydrogel Eye Patches!
Lip masks can be an amazing addition to your skincare routine if you suffer from dry, cracking skin. They are usually a hydrogel material, and they moisturize and soothe your lips. Follow with an intense lip balm such as Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask to seal in that goodness.
Clay Mask
Benefits:
- Control sebum and oil levels in skin
- Improve skin texture
Oily skin types tend to prefer these clay wash-off options because they are perfect for reducing excess sebum and helping to smoothen skin texture. They do tend to be slightly drying and therefore not everybody’s cup of tea.
They’re super simple to use- slather over face in a thin layer, let sit for a while, then rinse and carry on with your skincare routine. One of our favorites is Dr Ceuracle Matcha Clay Pack. The formula includes premium matcha, which is powdered green tea, from Korea’s Jeju Island. Green tea is well known for its antioxidative properties and the combination with the clay helps keep skin revitalized, smooth, and clear.
However, similarly as with sheet masks, you should not wait until the clay is completely dry to wash it off! Again, this will be sucking all the moisture out of your skin, and although it can be tempting to seek that if you have excess oil, it’s not good. Even if you have oily skin, when you complete dehydrate and dry out your face, it can send it into further excess oil production as your skin naturally tries to combat the drying. Not the desired effect! If you have dry or sensitive skin to begin with AND then let the clay mask completely dry out on your face? Expect irritation and increased sensitivity. Be gentle with your clay mask usage, keeping it to once or twice a week, and remember to rinse off just when it is beginning to dry.
(#Maskselfie from Dua Lipa )
Exfoliating/Peeling Mask
Benefits:
- Reduce flaky skin
- Improve skin texture
- Softer, more radiant skin
Exfoliating or peeling masks are usually masks that include some form of natural exfoliant. You massage them into your skin, leave for a minute, then rinse. That physical exfoliation removes dead skin cells to reveal smoother skin. This can help achieve a glowing, radiant complexion and softer texture.
These products are often in tube packaging, making them super convenient and easy to use. All skin types can benefit from this type of mask although be sure not to over-exfoliate, particularly if you have dry, sensitive skin. Using a peeling mask once or twice per week should be enough.
Sleeping Mask
Benefits:
- Increased moisturizing
- Glowing skin
Sleeping masks are a fantastic product, particularly for those with dry or dehydrated skin. They are applied after the last step in your evening routine, then rinsed off in the morning. They are like a night cream, but they usually have numerous occlusive ingredients as well as emollient. This means that as well as extra moisturizing, they also form a kind of barrier on your skin, which seals in the moisture and goodness from your routine while you sleep. They can really help give skin that extra boost and result in a super glow when you wash off the following morning.
Masking is a fantastic way to complement a skincare routine and boost any results you want to see. Decide what your skincare aims are, consider your skin type, then choose your mask accordingly! Which type of mask do you prefer? Let us know in the comments below, we’d love to hear your thoughts!
Katherine Spowart from skinfullofseoul.com