How to Properly Apply a Face or Sheet Mask

Sheet masks, sometimes known as Korean face masks or Korean sheet masks, are one of the most popular beauty products on the market today. Anecdotes supporting their use abound online, whether about the purifying effects of the charcoal-based mask varieties or the moisturizing powers of the more traditional serum-based kinds.

More than a few consumers have reaped the benefits of these mini-facials, but for those who haven’t, it can be intimidating to try a product as specialized as a sheet mask. Fortunately, most sheet masks are fast, convenient, and intuitive to use. If you or someone you know are thinking about trying a sheet mask for the first time, keep reading; you’ll be a pro in no time.

Difference Between Traditional Face Masks and Sheet Masks

Though sheet masks are relatively new, facial masks in general have been around for a number of years. Those familiar with the term “face mask” probably think of them as jars of clay or mud masks applied to the face in a layer that can stay in place for 15 minutes or overnight, depending on the type.

We’ve all seen that classic bit in rom-coms – the female lead comes out of the bathroom in a robe and face mask and surprises her hapless beau, who isn’t expecting the layer of goop. These products are designed to deliver a huge dose of active ingredients and offer a wide variety of benefits, but they can be messy and a hassle to use.

Sheet masks are similar to the face masks of old, but they offer several advantages that consumers have come to appreciate. For one thing, they are often prepackaged in small, single-use packets. These are easy to stow in a purse or medicine cabinet for quick access at home or on the go. Plus, these masks use a thin sheet – ranging from cotton & viscose to the ultimate in adherence, bio-cellulose – to hold the ingredients together and seal them in, meaning that they usually make less of a mess.

This variety of mask also provides a more uniform experience. Because they come prepackaged, you don’t have to worry about how much of a product to apply or where to apply it; all of that has been determined by the company ahead of time, so all that’s left is the application itself – an easy process that we’ll go over below.

Steps to Correctly Apply a Sheet Mask

The process of applying a sheet mask may seem complicated, but in practice it is quite easy to do. Here, we’ll go over the steps to correctly use one of these masks so you can maximize the advantages they bring. For the best effect, be sure to clean and dry your face before using a sheet mask.

1. Let’s start simple. Remove one sheet mask packet from the box and put the rest away; you won’t need them right now. Open the packaging.
2. Remove the sheet mask from the packet and carefully unfold it. There will likely be some leftover serum in the packaging; do not throw it away! Extra serum can be applied to common problem areas – your elbows, knees, arms, etc. After all, the compounds used in these products are meant to rejuvenate your skin, wherever it may be.
3. After unfolding the mask, you should be able to clearly see cutouts for the eyes, nostrils, and mouth. Back to the cut outs- use these cutouts to guide you as you carefully place the sheet mask over your face, taking care to match up the eye holes to the eyes, and so on. If the mask is a bio-cellulose material mask you need to peel off the protective liner from front and back of mask before you apply to your face. 
4. Gently apply brief pressure to make sure the mask as snug against your skin as possible. This will help the mask seal in the moist ingredients and prevent evaporation while ensuring the uniform delivery of ingredients across the face.
5. Sit back and relax for a bit. The time you should leave a sheet mask on can vary from product to product – consult the packaging of your particular product for detailed instructions and time frames – but you generally should not exceed 30 minutes. Do not leave the mask on overnight unless the instructions specifically say to do so.
6. After the allotted time has passed, carefully peel off the sheet mask. Start at the edges and work your inward, going slowly. Throw away the sheet mask afterward.
7. Some users recommend applying moisturizer at this point to seal in the nutrients your skin just absorbed, though this step is largely optional.

In short, just line up the holes, don’t leave it on too long, and don’t waste the excess serum. You’ll do fine.

Are You interested in launching your own Face or Sheet Mask brand?

With all the creams and masks and ointments circulating through the beauty product market, it can be difficult to choose something that fits your skin and your lifestyle. Sheet masks are often the answer to those concerns: they’re simple, convenient, and effective, providing the benefits of a facial without the cost or hassle. At Anthem United States of Beauty, we manufacture popular beauty products for companies across the globe. To learn more about how to start a skincare line with some of your very own face or sheet masks, call our sheet mask manufacturing company today at (973) 779-1982.