Oh sheet! 6 mistakes you might be making with sheet masks
Written By Jenny Wu on
I’ve been a big fan of sheet masks since using my first one way back in 2004, but I feel like they really blew up with the recent K-beauty trend, and now everyone and their mamas are using them.
Slap on a mask, wait, remove it, and voila! Softer/brighter/smoother/firmer skin! It doesn’t get easier then this, so how could we possibly be doing it wrong?
Before we get into the mistakes, let’s talk a bit about how sheet masks actually work. Despite what brands may have you believe, the concept is nothing new or fancy.
How do sheet masks work?
The principle behind sheet masks originates from occlusive dressings for wounds. By covering the skin and creating an artificial barrier, it causes the temperature of the skin to increase slightly, which improves blood circulation and enhances ingredient absorption.
The occlusive nature also helps the skin retain moisture (source). So for you to get the most out of your sheet mask, fit is key, as that’s what sets off the chain reaction.
Now that we know how sheet masks work, let’s get into the not-so-fun part, what we might be doing wrong:
1. Sheet masking everyday
You’re probably going “WHAT NO”, because so many Asian celebrities do this, and their bare skin looks amazing (assuming they didn’t edit their photos, which is more common than you think).
I watch a lot of Taiwanese beauty talk shows, and when it comes to sheet masks guest dermatologists always suggest using it only once a week, twice if it’s a gentle hydrating one.
A lot of the cheaper sheet masks contain preservatives pretty high up the list, some even include alcohol, not to mention all the emulsifiers, pH adjusters, and other ingredients your skin doesn’t need.
Thanks to the nature of sheet masks, your skin will increase the absorption of good ingredients and bad, and these doctors have encountered countless cases of dermatitis and other skin issues as a result of sheet masking (or should I say “crap” masking? because crappy sheet masks….get it? lol) too frequently.
Now there are definitely sheet masks out there with much better ingredients (which I suspect are what these celebrities use…) that won’t be as damaging if you use them daily. Oh wait no, it’s going to kick the crap out of your wallet, which will be painful in a different way.
2. Not paying attention to the ingredient list
It’s a good habit in general to look over the ingredients before buying any skincare product, but it’s especially important for sheet masks, and extra important if you plan on sheeting frequently.
I’ve come across too many “affordable” masks that sound promising on the front, and as soon as you read the ingredient list you find all the good stuff lumped at the bottom.
Basically anything after preservatives, which typically has a 1% limit or lower, is so low in concentration that it’s often meaningless. Add on the fact that sheet masks enhance absorption, and your skin will be drinking up more preservatives than [insert your favorite ingredient here].
Also be on the lookout for potentially sensitizing ingredients like alcohol and fragrance. You might not react to them in regular products, but it’s hard to say when you prolong your skin’s exposure to them.
3. Not paying attention to the mask material
Unfortunately this is hard to know for sure unless the material is specifically listed on the package, but ideally you want to look for these materials:
- Bio cellulose – Conforms well to the skin and is comfortable to wear, its greatest selling point is its ability to hold up to 100 times its dry weight in liquid, so the essence actually gets on your skin instead of being left in the packet. It’s also one of the few materials that won’t dry out during use! The downside is its price, but I’d rather spend money on quality over quantity.
- Hydrogel – Fits like second skin and stays, meaning you can multitask while masking and it’d totally work. It’s also more occlusive than traditional materials, which improves the efficacy of the mask. It doesn’t hold as much liquid as bio cellulose, but it’s also generally more affordable.
- Instytutum’s Flawless Skin Mask uses a collagen based hydrogel material, and it gives me seriously amazing next-day skin!
- Cupra/Bemlises – Both are cotton derived materials but feel much softer on the skin, adhere better, and can hold a good amount of essence. They’re also less expensive than bio cellulose and hydrogel.
- HelloSkin’s masks are Cupra based and they’re ridiculously comfortable. They also provide great results at a fraction of the price!
The following materials have their pros and cons, so you’ll have to decide which one better suits your needs:
- Foil Masks – By placing a second foil layer over the regular sheet mask, it can prevent the essence from evaporating and lock in the hydration. The downside is the potential discomfort and looking like the a droid for 30 minutes. They’re also not cheap.
- Microfiber/Cotton – Affordable, easy to find, and generally comfortable, but the fit can be a hit or miss. Holds a good amount of essence, though not as much as the above options.
- Lyocell/Tencel – Typically silky thin, they offer excellent fit and comfort, are affordable, and holds quite a bit of liquid considering the lightweight the material is. But because they’re so thin, these won’t hold as much essence as other materials, and they tend to dry out quicker.
- My Beauty Diary uses Tencel fiber, so if you like masks dripping with essence (literally), they’re a great affordable option!
Generally the masks with better material will advertise them like crazy on the packet, while the ones with average to crap material won’t mention a thing.
Price is also a pretty good indicator of the material used – another reason to avoid cheap, no-brand masks!
4. Sheet masking right after cleansing
Technically there’s nothing wrong with doing this, except that you’re not getting the most out of your sheet masking session.
Unless you’re using a mask with a ton of great ingredients, chances are whatever serum you’re using will contain more beneficial actives. To help your skin really absorb all those great ingredients, plus whatever goodies the mask itself contains, apply your sheet mask after your serum and before your moisturizer.
Some sheet masks now come with its own ampoule that you need to apply before using the mask in order to get the best results. Why spend the extra $$ on these 2-step masks when you can get the same glowing results by applying your own serum beforehand?
You can also apply a non-occlusive facial oil before the sheet mask, as the oils can actually act as penetration enhancers. I have a whole post about how to use and layer facial oils if you’re curious.
5. Sheet masking when your barrier is compromised
I used to think that one of the best ways to soothe a sun burned face was by sheet masking. It’s cooling and hydrating, so why not? NOPE!
A compromised barrier not only results in more sensitive skin, but also increases the chance of serious inflammations and other skin issues if you’re not careful with what you put on.
You wouldn’t force feed a sick person a 10-course meal, so don’t try to force a ton of ingredients into your damaged skin with sheet masks. This is especially the case with brightening or anti-aging sheet masks, as those ingredients are generally more irritating (think vitamin c and retinol).
Now there are some masks that are made specifically to help soothe and repair the skin, and they will explicitly include this in their descriptions.
6. Leaving it on for too long
The worst thing you can do is leave it on until it’s dry, at which point it can actually draw moisture away from your skin. Ideally the mask should still be moist when you remove it, so if parts of it has already started drying up, either re-wet it with leftover essence from the packet, or remove the whole thing.
When in doubt, just follow the instructions on the packet, which usually suggests leaving it on for 15-20 minutes, at most 30. At this point your skin will have pretty much absorbed all that it can, so feel free to remove it proceed with the rest of your routine.
I’ve been guilty of all of these myself at one point, but what’s life if not a never-ending learning experience?
If these mistakes have taught me anything, it’s that it’s better to invest in higher quality sheet masks as weekly treatments than to slap on a cheap mask daily, causing more harm than good.
Now higher quality doesn’t always mean expensive, and I shared some of my favorite affordable sheet masks if you’re looking for some wallet-friendly options!
Passionate about science-based skincare. Tested hundreds if not thousands of products since my 20's. Working regularly with brands like iHerb, Ulta, CurrentBody, and MedStar Health to share my knowledge and experience in all things beauty. Learn more.
Skin profile: 35+, dry/combination, focused on well-aging, hydration, and a healthy glow ✨
Comments & Questions
yanrula
Please don’t quit! I enjoy reading your posts and reviews a lot!
Jenny
Thank you, it means a lot to hear that :)
Shireen
Yikes on the sheet masking every day, I did that for about a year back in 2016. I do pay attention about ingredients so I'm good there and yes, I have been using sheet mask after serum too so yay me! Jenny, I wish I have words of encouragement for you about blogging and social medias but I have none. It would break my heart if you quit because I learn so much from you but on the other hand it would be hypocritical of me to say stay when I am toying with the idea of quitting myself. I do hope you stay or at least stay active on Instagram, maybe try micro-blogging?
Shireen⎜Reflection of Sanity
Linda Libra Loca
You toy with the idea of quitting yourself? Oh dear, I think I need some schnapps.
Shireen
I am, Anne and I'll know better next week. I might be getting another job (fingers crossed) and probably will get more hours and I don't know how I am to juggle blogging then. Blogging takes up a lot of time a you already know and Little Tyke now demands more and more attention, something has to give and I'm afraid it'll be the blog. I probably will still be active on IG though but we'll see.
Linda Libra Loca
Oh dear. I really, really hope you'll get the job that you wish for, but Shireen - you will break my heart. Which is for sure less important than not having time to spend with your family, especially with your kid.
Jenny
I used to do the same but after I heard what the derms said I figured better be safe than sorry so I've dialed it back a lot ????
Aw no, you're thinking of quitting too? ???? I do hope you get that new job, and as always, real life comes first so I can understand where you're coming from. I actually enjoy writing the long posts more than micro-blogging, so if anything I might quit IG first, but vacation first, decisions later!
Linda Libra Loca
The less than impressive ingredient list is why sheet masks are rare in my routine. I have only found a few that I love ingredient and result wise and those are pretty expensive.
Your post is a refreshing and honest take on a trend that has everyone running around with their faces covered, and blog posts like this are the reason why I would say: Please don't quit! I do care if you blog, and I would miss your posts a lot.
Enjoy your holiday and hopefully come back refreshed and inspired.
Anne - Linda, Libra, Loca
Jenny
Yeah there are sooo many different sheet masks out there, it's a pain trying to find ones that are affordable and give good results.
Thank you for the kind words Anne, it means a lot. I'm hoping this vacation will refresh and inspire me as well, fingers crossed!
Becky
WHERE WAS THIS WHEN I FIRST STARTED MASKING but either way I learned a lot even though I think I'm a pretty seasoned masker! I used to sheet mask almost every day the winter before this one and honestly it did my skin so good?? But that being said, I do have superdry skin that flakes off, and I noticed that my skin wasn't flaking when I was masking *that* regularly. Of course the downside is the $$ and not really being able to eat/drink/talk during that time haha :p
I totally get what you mean with blogging - I'm in that position right now too! I haven't posted since weeks ago, though I'm still (kind of) regularly commenting - I enjoy reading and interacting with bloggers, but just the whole getting things to be perfect thing on my end makes it not as enjoyable. It's very much an on and off thing for me though, I've always gone through months of consistent posting followed up by months of very sporadic posting.
Jenny
Yay I'm glad you still found it helpful after your years of masking! I think as long as you use decent masks sheet masking more often isn't as bad, except when it comes to your wallet ????
That's great that you still enjoy keeping up with other bloggers, for me I kinda shut down completely and I do feel a bit bad for missing out on all you guys' content ???? And yes, totally agree with you on the stress to create the perfect content, it definitely takes away some of the fun.
Laura @laurantaina
Love the new design!!
Really information-packed, clear and useful post! I personally sheet mask quite often as it's also me-time as well. I have dehydration-prone skin so I like the extra oomph of moisture/hydration I get from sheet masks. I've discovered many affordable yet easy-fitting and effective masks, so personally I don't feel it's necessary to drop +$10 to one-use sheet mask. I really enjoy your blog and I hope you keep posting whenever you feel like it. <3
xx Laura / Laura Loukola Art & Beauty Blog
Jenny
Thank you Laura! ❤️ I agree, there are some fantastic affordable sheet masks, though sometimes they can be hard to find with all the crappy sheet masks out there ???? I still like the occasional pricey ones for special days though!
Bambi
That's such a great and interesting post! I used sheet mask more often but lately I'm too lazy for them, I might go back to them soon but still you've posted lots of interested tips.
Bambi | www.kherblog.com
Damn something has happend and it seems like it didn't post my comment. That's such an useful post! All the tips are amazing and I agree sheet masking everyday would cost a lot. Oh don't quit, just take a break if you need but believe me stay on blog - literally thanks to your blog I've learned so many interesting facts about skincare, even today I've shared your post on Vitamin C with a friend :)
Jenny
Aw i hate it when I lose my comment too ???? So glad you liked the post, and thank you for the kind words! ❤️❤️ I hope your friend found the vitamin c post helpful!
Sabiha
I think everyone feels like that from time to time and ultimately you have to do what is right for you. That said, I love your blog and it is so informative x
www.franklyflawless.com
Demilade Aina
I would care if you quit your blog, Jenny! I never fail to learn something new whenever I come on here.Hope you enjoy your vacation!
This post has so much useful information! I don't do sheet masks all the time but when I do, I usually do them before applying my serum, I definitely won't be doing that again. What ingredients would you advise me to steer clear of when it comes to masks?
Coco Bella Blog
Jenny
Thank you so much for the kind words, the vacation is helping a lot!!
Ingredient wise I would try to look for ones that don't contain alcohol or artificial fragrances. Also it'd be better if preservatives were listed towards the end rather than the beginning of the list. Basically I try to avoid anything potentially sensitizing in sheet masks, since it has a greater potential to irritate your skin. Hope this helps!
Chrystal
Please don't quit blogging! I care and would be sad if you quit. I really like your blog, I hope you'll find inspiration to continue writing, but do what is best for you.
Jenny
Thank you so much for the kind words Chrystal, I really appreciate it ❤️
Sam Hodgett
Love your new layout Jenny and very informative post. I've never been much of a sheet masking person myself and overall prefer regular masks or bio cellulose masks. Considering that it isn't an everyday thing for me, the price tag is still reasonable.
Just like everyone else in the comments, I hope you don't quit Jenny! We learn so much from you, but I completely understand where you're coming from. The downs often times outweighs the pros, but I do hope your vacation and break will give you some needed distance, headspace and your inspiration back!
Sam Hodgett || Beauty & Lifestyle Bits
Jenny
Thank you for the encouragement Sam ❤️ The vacation is definitely helping, hopefully I'll be back to posting regularly as soon as I return ☺️
Rowena @ rolala loves
Oh this is such a great post! I think I probably made all of these mistakes when I first starting using sheet masks. I used to always try to multi-task when I would have my masks on and end up leaving them on for much longer than I should. But I stopped doing that as soon as I saw a few interviews with some Korean stars with amazing skin who said that they would use sheet mask but never leave them on for too long. I do love my sheet masks and notice a difference in my skin when I use them regularly but I do try to be conscious of the ingredients now.
I'm so sorry to hear about your recent frustrations with blogging and social media Jenny :( I for one would definitely miss you. It's obvious yu put much effort into your posts and they're always so informative and helpful. I can understand if you don't feel the joy from blogging anymore and that you may need to step back. I hope that your vacation will be a good break and maybe renew your interest in blogging again. I love the new look btw!
Jenny
Thank you for the kind words Rowena ❤️ All of these mistakes come from my personal experience, and I've definitely fallen asleep multiple times with a sheet mask on! ????
Kay (shoesandglitter)
Omg I love your new blog design!!!!!!! Your blog is honestly layout goals, if I could make mine look half as pretty as yours I'd feel so accomplished haha! And this post is actually super useful, I love using sheet masks and do so all the time, but I actually didn't know about most of these things! My number one mistake is leaving them on for too long for sure... But they just feel so good on the skin!! Super helpful hun, thanks for sharing. <3 xoxo
Kay
http://shoesandglitter.com
Jenny
Thank you so much Kay ❤️ It's funny because I only started blogging because I loved web design, yet I do the latter a lot less frequently now. I totally get what you mean by the sheet mask being too comfortable, hence why I've fallen asleep in them multiple times! ????
A Very Sweet Blog
Jenny, I hope you don't stop blogging. I learn so much from you & your posts. You're the most informative blogger I know. I learn from others, but you really teach us the in's & out's of specific topics. Take your trip. Relax and then come back & decide. Sometimes we may think we fall on death ears but it's so not the case. I also get a lot out of your Twitter posts. I took a break last week from blogging.
There's so much to consider when using sheet masks. I haven't gotten into this trend yet, because there's so much out there. I have to be cautious with my dry sensitive skin. So I don't want to mess up. LOL
http://www.averysweetblog.com/
Jenny
You are too kind, thank you so much for the encouragement ❤️
There are definitely a lot of sheet mask options out there, which can be a good but also dangerous thing. When in doubt, reading the full ingredient list always helps!
Alyssa
This is really helpful! I thought I already nail sheet masking, but it turns out I'm doing one thing wrong. I use sheet masks after I apply an essence but when I'm lazy I use it right after cleansing which happens a lot of times already. I used to be guilty of taking it off longer too but I stick to what the label suggested now :D
BTW, I love the new look of your blog :)
xx Alyssa | STYLE VANITY
Jenny
Thank you Alyssa! I used to use my sheet mask right after cleansing too, though that's not bad if the sheet mask itself as awesome ingredients!
Naya // partyparrotblog.com
This was one great post, Jenny! As always so informative and full of interesting details that are new to me. I must say cotton and foiled masks are my least favourite - the latter one in particular makes my skin itch! I also do this stupid thing with tacky sheet masks - I wash my face right after wearing them. I know it is dumb, I am washing off the serum, but I feel like whatever's left on the surface is just a product excess and the rest is probably deep in my skin already. I guess I am wrong! Always confused whether I am doing the right thing! Love the new design btw! xx
Bernadette
I'm definitely trying to get more into sheet masks so this post was perfect for me. I love how they make my skin feel but the feeling of a soggy cloth on my face isn't the best. I need to look into more hydrogel sheet masks because I like the idea of being able to multi-task when wearing them. That's the one thing I can't do with regular sheet masks.
www.themakeupaficionado.com
Olga
Oh nooooo! I love your posts so much, please don't quit!!! I love how informative your posts are and I'm always happy to see a new post of yours! For example I had no idea that it's better to use a sheet mask after my serum! Thank you so much for this informative post, I loved it! I'm really looking forward to your next post!!!
Love,
Olga from Myme
Sonia / Chanel
This was so informative Jenny! I always leave sheet masks on until they get dry but lately I have been taking them off while they're still moist. Good to know this change is for the better. I feel you the frustration I feel from Instagram really makes me never want to use it and considering I only post content from my blog because I don't really take pictures with the intention to post later if you get what I mean? Nevertheless I love your content, and your blog is so well curated! I would be sad to see you go. Maybe you should take another break? Sometimes I find not posting for awhile and finding the joy in small things makes me excited to blog later.
x,
S | Je M'appelle Chanel
Ankita Bardhan
I recently got into sheet masking and it was because your blog post, Jenny! So please don't think if anyone cares about your blog, the detailed information you share and your rants.. cos' I honestly DO CARE! You are one of the few bloggers whose posts actually encouraged me to get into skincare cos' to be very very honest here.. I used to feel a lot of lies get said on internet! I have learnt so SO much from you, whether it is about blogging or skincare and it breaks my heart to see you feel this way! I know how it feels as I have been there once, I actually feel this way about instagram right now. But taking a break does help, it worked for me with my blog so I really hope the vacation works for you! And please never be sorry for sharing your rants and outburst, it honestly helps to know and relate to you even more!
About sheet masks...ahh I did so many things wrong, leaving the masking for too long and daily part! But thank God I have sheet masked or shall I say shit masked ( :P ) only twice cos' I guess I used microfiber one and it used to make my skin feel very icky and itchy! I need to remember these points especially with checking the ingredients and the mask material! Thank you for sharing such a detailed and a really helpful post! Will say it again.. please don't quit, your posts are what actually helped young, clueless about skincare girls like me!
P.S. Sorry for such a long ass comment, I suck at writing my feelings in short.
Hope you're having an amazing vacation! :)
xx
Ankita | Real Girl Talks
http://realgirltalks.com/
Marina Rosie
I don't know why because this sounds rather cringey but I feel like I was genuinely laughing at those shit/sheet puns - how immature am I! x I love a good sheet mask, they feel so good on the skin! But, yes, I agree, you really have to pay attention to ingredients to know you're not just putting sheet on your face (mine was rubbish, I know) but I never knew that the best time was after your serum - totally going to be doing that! x
Look, jenny, I know sometimes it can be really frustrating and difficult to handle blogging (I've taken literally months off because the pressure is rather a lot) but look at how many people you're inspiring. You were one of the first people to ever comment on any of my blog posts - you symbolised hope for me, hope that people were actually reading what I put out. And, still, nowadays that hasn't changed - you're basically my blogging idol Jenny, the one I look up to. It would be a real shame to lose you because you always keep it real and you inform as well as entertain, which is actually rather a difficult thing to do.
Chin up princess,
Marina Rosie xx
https://marinawriteslife.blogspot.fr/
hena tayeb
wow that is a lot of great information. thanks for sharing. I haven't started to use sheet masks as often as I'd like but these are some great things to keep in mind when I do.
http://www.henatayeb.blogspot.com
Christine K
This was a great read - had no idea I needed to apply serum before a sheet mask! I do love my sheet masks but will look much closer at the ingredients list and type moving forward!
https://covetedbeauty.blogspot.ca/
Freja
This was so informative! I tend to stick to regular face mask instead of sheet masks because they work better for me but this really make me want to give sheet masks another try!
http://whatmakesmesmileblog.com/
Janine
I'm totally guilty of leaving the masks on too long thinking I'm adding benefits. I also never thought of putting my serum on first. This is a great post! I really feel like I learned something. Well done!
xox
Janine
http://abeautifulwhim.com
The Bandwagon Chic
I should take note of some of this
I am guilty of leaving the mask for too long.
Much Love, Jane | The Bandwagon Chic
New Vlog Entry!
Katy Long
Gosh! Thank you for point six! I always thought leaving the mask on until it was dry was the way to do it! I never even though about the material of the mask though, that's extremely interesting. I'm suffering with cery dry skin at the moment, so I was on the hunt for a moisturing mask, I'll be following your tips!
Also, I understand your fustration, particularly with social media, but I know that I and so many others love your blog! Obviously, if you're not enjoying it then do what is best for you, but I would certainly miss you!
Phoebe Whittle
So interesting! Thanks for the tips
P xx
www.phoebemw.co.uk
Amy
I've had a run of buying them purely based on cute packaging which I know is bad. I had a really awful rose gold one which stank of alcohol. I'm going to be following these tips! I always leave them on until dry, oops!
http://amyevans.co.uk - Amy
Zorica
I love sheet masks. They are a perfect way to relax and treat your skin.
xx
https://theonethattravels.wordpress.com/
Caitlin
As much as I would love to sheet mask more often who wants to spend a tonne of money? I typically only use them once a month.
||Caitlin|| https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/caitpaige-beauty-games-life-19379679
Cat L
Such a great post Jenny. Love the title! :) I'm a fan of masking in general and have only recently started incorporating sheet masks in my routines. They are game-changing!
~ Cat L.
www.CatsDailyLiving.com
Georgiana Teglas
Great post! I always put my sheet mask on after cleansing, so now I will make sure I don`t do that anymore. I do get your frustration with blogging, I quit so many times, and then came back after a couple of months. I decided that I`m not going to let stats bother me anymore, I do this for me. I`m also not trying to have a schedule anymore, cause it makes blogging feel like a chore. Now I just write when I feel that I want to share something with the world.
www.beautynerd.co.uk
Élise
is2g every time i miss a post from your blog and then come back to it, i feel like i just missed one whole college session!
i didn't know there could be this much info about sheet masks. after reading this, no wonder there are really expensive sheet masks out there, although i'm sure brand names also play a part in these price. but like for instance, innisfree has 2 lines of sheet masks and both are priced differently. i never bothered to see why it's like that but the next time i visit the store, i feel like spotting the differences. before this, i used to use sheet mask on days where i knew i wanted to use clay mask. i'm not sure if it's correct to use it like that but i never expected anything from sheet masks other than a quick pick me up and instant hydration boost. sometimes i can go on one full month without using sheet mask since i'm stingy like that. i also didn't know that the best way to use it is after serum. hmm, that's interesting.
tbh, i kind of expected pictures for each of the material hehe but that's a-okay. thanks for the free leson!
Lyosha
putting a mask after cleansing is perfect ritual to me. not too complicated and not too short. just perfect. I'm so happy k beauty happened.
jane
Pretty informative dear.
I love putting mask every week
Much Love,
Jane | The Bandwagon Chic
Velvet Blush
This was a really informative post because I want to try some more sheet masks but I don't know where to start! Also, I would have probably gone for the more affordable ones, but now I know that may not be the best choice. I honestly was starting to think people sheet mask every day going by some youtube videos I watched, I was like wow that must be expensive! Anyway, I'm rambling, great post and I'm off to read on your sheet mask recommendations x
Velvet Blush
Sakura
Thanks for the tips! I am guilty of leaving my masks for too long. >.<
MissLaven
Love this article! And I guess many of the people here in Germany which are new to sheet masking are pretty much doing all of the "mistakes". My preference when it comes to material is definetly bio-cellulose. Had the best experiences using masks like this.