Is daily use of a sheet mask harmful?

A sheet mask is a relatively new stage in skin care that came to us from Japan. It was local beauty gurus who were the first to think of using pieces of fabric with slits for eyes and lips, soaked in gel or serum. By fitting tightly to the face, the mask does not allow nutrients to evaporate and ensures maximum effectiveness of the components.

Thirty years ago, in elite Japanese beauty salons, fabric masks were a whole ritual: quiet music, aromatherapy, healing composition... And today we can easily apply them to our faces and continue going about our business!

Properties of fabric masks

Let's be honest: fabric masks are the beauty heroes we've been waiting for for so long. What superpowers do they have?

• Moisturizes facial skin, fights dryness and dehydration.
• They rejuvenate and have a lifting effect.
• Evens out facial tone and eliminates dullness.
• Tones and gives the skin a natural glow.
• Intensely nourishing.
• Eliminate inflammation and redness, soothe the skin.
• Cleanses pores and mattifies.
• Restores the fat balance of the skin.

It is also important that the effect of fabric masks is visible after the first use. Therefore, they can be used as an SOS tool before an important event or date!

By the way, the best fabric face masks perform several functions at once, or even all at once.

Features of the composition

The exact effect the mask will have depends on the composition of the impregnation:

• For moisturizing - hyaluronic acid, glycerin, snail mucin, lipohydroxy acids, pomegranate extract.
• To combat redness - aloe, chamomile extract, lavender oil.
• For radiant skin - caffeine, vitamin C, centella asiatica, natural pearl extract, sakura extract.
• For wrinkles – retinol, vitamin E, peptides, collagen, algae extract, colloidal gold, EGF (epidermal growth factor), antioxidants.
• Anti-inflammatory, sebum-regulating – zinc, ginseng extract, black tea extract.
• For nutrition - natural oils.
• To tighten pores and mattify (in fabric masks for problem and oily skin) – activated charcoal, clay.

Woven base material

It’s no coincidence that fabric beauty masks are called “sheet masks” (thanks, Cap!). They differ not only in the composition of the impregnation, but also in the material from which the base is made:

• Cotton is a natural fabric with good absorbency.
• Hydrogel is a non-woven material impregnated with a gel whose consistency resembles jelly. Upon contact with warm skin, the gel begins to melt, releasing the active components of the mask.
• Microfiber – fits tightly to the face, like a second skin. Pleasant to the touch, practically does not tear.
• Biocellulose is a thin fabric that can absorb a large amount of useful substances.
• Natural cellulose is a fairly dense fabric: it sticks well to the face and does not slip off.

Benefits of using sheet masks

Perhaps one of the main advantages of a fabric mask is its ease of use. Just spread the foundation along the contours of your face, giggle at your reflection in the mirror and... that's it! What other “buns” of masks will please you?

• Does not require rinsing.
• They have an immediate noticeable effect.
• Contains useful substances in concentrated form.
• They solve almost any skin care problem.
• Maximum hygienic.

What does the last point mean? It's simple: using masks in jars, we can accidentally introduce bacteria into the composition: for example, on our fingers or by accidentally leaving the jar open. In the stuffy atmosphere of the bathroom (which is where, contrary to the advice of beauty experts, we most often store skincare products), these bacteria can multiply and cause inflammation.

In the case of fabric masks, this problem does not occur to you. In a sealed package there is exactly as much product as is needed for one procedure.

PS Do not store facial cosmetics in the bathroom!

pros

Korean beautyholics use sheet masks every day and advise us, assuring that one mask a day will completely free you from an expensive and less effective daily routine and make you a queen. This is because most of these masks have a cumulative effect, that is, with each new beauty portion, the skin is evened out, inflammation goes away, and the pores become narrower.

Dermatological studies show that sheet masks work twice as well as active serums and four times more effective than traditional creams. But for all these effects to appear, it is better to use them once or twice a week.

Fabric cosmetic masks: application features

To simplify your acquaintance with fabric masks, we have compiled a small beauty dossier on them and formatted it in a “Question-Answer” format:

How long to keep the mask on? Can it be longer?

As a rule, the mask is kept for 15 to 30 minutes (this information is always on the package). You can take longer, but... why? During the time specified by the manufacturer, the skin will have time to absorb the maximum possible amount of nutrients. It simply won’t fit anymore. By the way, this also applies to ordinary masks with a cream texture.

And one more thing: you shouldn’t leave a fabric mask on overnight. During this time, it can dry out and stick either to your face or to the pillow.

Can the mask be reused?

No, you cannot reuse the mask. You don't use the same cotton pad twice, right? It's the same here. If there is a lot of excess gel left inside the package, apply it to your neck, décolleté or arms.

When to apply the mask: morning, afternoon or evening?

A sheet mask is a universal remedy that can be used at any time of the day. The only difference is that in the morning you will need to remove the remaining mask with a cotton pad. After 15-20 minutes you can start applying makeup.

How often should you use the mask?

Some masks must be used in courses: this way the effect will be maximum. In all other cases, it is better to focus on the needs of the skin. Feeling dry? Use a moisturizing mask. Does your skin need mattification? An activated carbon mask will help you.

What precautions are there?

• It is no coincidence that fabric masks have slits for the eyes: the impregnating composition is not intended to care for sensitive skin around the eyes, so you should not smear it on this area.
• It is better to store a fabric mask in the refrigerator or cool place. Despite the sealed packaging, the impregnating composition may deteriorate if exposed to high temperatures and direct sunlight.
• Cloth masks often contain exotic ingredients that can cause an allergic reaction. Test them before use.
• Fabric masks are not recommended for use on severely irritated skin (for example, during an exacerbation of acne).

What sheet masks are the most effective?

They are all effective! But you can further increase the efficiency of any mask in simple ways:

• 10 minutes after the start of the procedure, turn the mask over to the other side.
• Turn applying a mask into a beauty ritual: turn on pleasant music, take a horizontal position and calm down. This will help relax the facial muscles and enhance the effect of the mask.

How to care for sensitive skin around the eyes?

Along with a fabric face mask, use patches or special masks for the skin around the eyes. By the way, these are in the Garnier line!

Result

If you listen to your skin, then this care system will be ideal for you. Of course, you will have to spend 20 minutes more on care, but it is definitely worth it. Not a single experiment carried out by stars, bloggers or our editorial staff failed: the skin is truly grateful for such care. Firstly, it becomes less vulnerable to external irritants, and secondly, its sensitivity decreases and its tone increases. And even if you don’t completely get rid of wrinkles, the lifting effect will not be long in coming. But don't be fooled: this doesn't mean you don't need to watch your diet. The mask will provide freshness, radiance and mask inflammation, but the cleaner our body is from the inside, the better you look from the outside.

How to use a sheet mask: step-by-step instructions

Let's move from theory to practice. This beauty tutorial will be very short: just three steps to beautiful and glowing skin!

STEP 1: CLEANSE YOUR FACE

The fabric mask is applied only to clean skin. The preparation ritual includes makeup removal, cleansing gel and toner. The latter will help remove remnants of cosmetics from the face and become a conductor between the beneficial components of the mask and the skin.

STEP 2: APPLY MASK

The package with the mask should be opened immediately before use. The mask itself needs to be carefully unfolded and spread on the skin of the face. No creases or air bubbles! Special side slits will help you completely match the shape of your face.

STEP 3: COMPLETE THE RITUAL

After 15 minutes (or other time indicated on the package), remove the mask and distribute the remaining product over the skin with soft patting movements. This massage will increase blood circulation and help the skin better absorb the healing composition.

Varieties

To get the desired results, the first thing you need to pay attention to is the constituent components that are used as the main ones. Each of them has its own type of impact.

• With pomegranate extract Shows antioxidant and anti-aging effects, normalizes sebum production, provides antimicrobial protection of the top layer, increases elasticity, eliminates freckles and pigmented areas. Thanks to the high content of ascorbic acid, phytoestrogens, iron and calcium, the mask triggers the natural processes of collagen production and prevents early aging.
• Black Contains charcoal, which has pronounced cleansing properties. It literally “pulls out” various polluting particles from the epidermis, giving it a well-groomed and fresh look. They have become a real beauty trend in the fight against oily shine and blackheads. They perfectly even out the structure, making it smooth and matte.
• With aloe A wonderful solution for dry, normal and sensitive skin. Moisturizes and relieves various types of irritation and redness. Aloe extract also provides an antiseptic and astringent effect, necessary after peelings and during peeling in frosty weather.
• With collagen Masks with this component stimulate the synthesis of your own collagen, due to which the microrelief is smoothed, tone and elasticity increase, and fine wrinkles become almost invisible. The product gives the dermis elasticity and velvety. It is recommended to apply cosmetics with collagen using massage movements for deeper absorption of the liquid composition.
• Clay Cosmetics based on clay are recommended by cosmetologists to restore the normal production of sebaceous gland secretions, impart matteness and narrow pores.
  Clay does an excellent job of removing various impurities and dead cells. Thanks to these properties, they are rightfully considered the best alternatives to superficial soft peeling. After washing them off, the areas of peeling disappear, and a well-groomed and healthy appearance is not long in coming. Clay also acts as a powerful adsorbent, and therefore perfectly absorbs the contents of clogged pores, returning fresh breath to the skin.
• With hyaluronic acid It has a prolonged moisturizing and pronounced lifting effect. Hyaluronic acid perfectly nourishes and restores volume. Sometimes they are produced using fiber technology. This ensures instant contact of the active substance with the face, followed by its penetration into the deeper layers. Products with hyaluronic acid can be used in any area of ​​the face, including the periorbital, forehead, and around the eyes. The first effects of application are pleasing with a noticeable improvement in shade, the disappearance of dark circles and crow's feet.

Rating of the best sheet masks Garnier

Imagine, each Garnier sheet mask contains half a bottle of hydrating serum! How, then, to choose between one good product and another, which is no worse? To help you figure it out, we compiled our own rating of the best fabric face masks from Garnier and included in our top masks both for different skin types and for solving specific problems.

Types of masks

Sheet masks share a common principle of action and the ability to intensively moisturize dehydrated skin. At the same time, they solve a variety of problems: provide an anti-stress or lifting effect, soft peeling, nourish, tone, mattify, even out the tone and give a healthy glow. It all depends on the composition of the impregnation.

• The “Invigorating Moisturizing” mask from the “Clean Line” brand returns a feeling of tenderness and comfort to even severely dehydrated skin. It consists of 80% aloe vera extract - a natural champion in moisture retention. In combination with aqua serum, aloe eliminates tightness and flaking, smooths out fine wrinkles, provides an antioxidant effect, improves skin tone and fills it with radiance;
• The “Ideal Skin” fabric mask will help cope with the consequences of a sleepless night: signs of fatigue, swelling, dull complexion. It not only perfectly moisturizes, but helps the skin “wake up”. Volcanic water supplies cells with minerals, a refreshing “cocktail” with mint invigorates and tones. In just 15 minutes, the face looks fresh and rested again;
• A “transformative” mask with juicy cloudberries is an excellent anti-stress for the face. Antioxidants and vitamin C in the serum neutralize free radicals. Cloudberry seed oil is rich in fatty acids - the skin receives the necessary charge of moisture, quickly restores the natural protective barrier, acquires an even tone and glows with health.

Can it be reused?

Fabric masks are designed for one-time use. Even if after completion of the procedure they remain wet, you should not store them for one more time, and even more so for 2-3. The basis is an excellent nutrient medium for the reproduction and growth of pathogenic microorganisms. When used, the product contains toxic substances that are adsorbed from the skin.

If there is liquid left in the package for it, it can be used separately. To do this, take 3-4 cotton pads, moisten each one and wipe your face with light, gentle movements, pressing and stopping.

Recipes at home

Making a mask at home is easy. You need to cut an oval from undyed cotton fabric to the size of your face with holes for the eyes, nose, and mouth. Make a nutrient mixture, dip the fabric in it for 2-3 minutes, and squeeze lightly. Place on face.

For oily skin

For impregnation, prepare a decoction based on chamomile, calendula or sage. Take 2 teaspoons of plant material, pour a glass of water, put it on the stove, cook for 3-4 minutes over low heat. Then leave for 30 minutes.

For dry skin

Take 2 teaspoons of green tea without flavoring, pour a glass of boiling water, and leave until it cools.

For normal skin

Prepare:

• 50 ml milk;
• a teaspoon of kelp powder, aloe juice, avocado oil and melon seeds;
• 5 drops each of orange oil, tocopherol acetate and retinol.

The milk is slightly heated, the kelp is poured over it, and left to infuse for 15 minutes. Avocado and melon oil are heated in a steam bath to 50 °C. Pour all other ingredients into the milky-algae mass and stir.

Toning mask

For the base, take a tonic, in which the main components are hyaluronic acid, allantoin, aloe or chamomile extract.

From blackheads

To make a cleansing mask, take:

• 10 tablets of activated carbon;
• 3 tablets of the drug Ascorutin;
• 30 g gelatin;
• 100 ml mineral water;
• 10 ml peach seed oil.

Gelatin is poured with water and left to swell for half an hour. Heat without bringing to a boil. The oil is heated in a steam bath to 50 °C. The tablets are ground into powder. The ingredients are combined and stirred.