10 Reasons To Use A SheetMask
If you’re looking to give your skin an anti-ageing boost then a sheet mask is the absolute beauty go-to, offering a huge oomph in powerful ingredients in potent quantities. They have been all over the media ever since Korean Beauty became more well-known abroad, however many people are still trying to find out what reasons they should have to use them. Well read on for our list of the benefits of a sheet mask.
1. Serum For The Skin
Sheet masks main ingredient is a healthy load of serum, which gives it its liquid texture, as it should be completely soaked through. Whether its reducing fine lines or evening tone, a serum has a very high amount of active ingredient, something you don’t often see in a moisturiser or a cleanser.
2. Convenience
Unlike face masks or lotions, a sheet mask is perfectly cut to match your face, with slips in it to make any minor alterations you might have. This means the liquid is distributed equally (stopping any confusion when applying) and it can easily be thrown in the bin afterwards.
3. Hydrating The Skin
The sheet mask will tuck onto the skin, holding the liquid close to the skin like a cocoon. This prevents the liquid evaporating as well. Dry skin is one of the most common issues and a sheet mask is the ideal skincare item to tackle this problem. You have the high quantity of hyaluronic acid to thank for the hydrating boost, among other ingredients.
4. Pick The Right One For You
Different sheet masks will have different focuses and ingredients, so you can pick the one that matches your skin type and requirements. You could pick a collagen boosting one, one that targets acne or one with a huge amount of anti-oxidants present.
5. Quick Results
The time a sheet mask should be on the skin will vary based on the product, with many around the 20 minute mark, but the results are fairly instantaneous following the completion of wearing the mask. You also don’t need to wash off the ingredients, so they will carry on working on the skin. You will have smoother skin, it will be softer and will look rejuvenated.
6. Treating Acne
Most people who suffer from acne jump to the completely wrong products, utilising items with ingredients which can aggravate the issue further. For this reason I want to highlight that while sheet masks can be highly beneficial, you need to be aware of a few things. Firstly, you want to avoid salicylic acid. You should also look for one that has calming ingredients, like aloe vera or algae, as these are great at dealing with skin irritation. They are have anti-inflammatory properties, which can certainly help.
7. Brightening The Skin
Oh don’t we hate ageing! One of the sad tell-tale signs of ageing is the facial skin starts to look a bit dull. Well a sheet mask can help to brighten the skin back up and balance the skin tone, bringing you closer to that youthful glow you used to have as a youngster.
8. Relaxation
Taking 20 minutes out of your busy schedule for a bit of personal time, with a sheet mask on and relaxing to music can do a world of good. Stress can cause havoc to our skin, our body and our mind, therefore we recommend setting the mood for when you’re about to apply the sheet mask, so you won’t have to move a muscle for the time it is applied. But make sure not to fall asleep with it on!
9. Easy Travelling
While most beauty items can be a nightmare to take with you on holiday or around with you, a sheet mask won’t make any mess as it is in a sealed pack for a one-time usage. They take up barely any room in your bag and can be disposed off straight away after each use. They can also go into your hand luggage when getting on a plane.
10. Give Your Skincare A Boost
You might feel like your skin is dry or is in need of something a little different, but you’re happy with your skincare routine and don’t want to risk a ‘flare up’. Well a sheet mask can be a great option to add a little va va voom to your skin appearance and health without the risk of causing an outbreak.
DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C?
It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life.
What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin?
Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition.
Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes.
If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider.
What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin?
Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity.
Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C.
Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post.
Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C?
Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster.
This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster.
While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin.
It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin.
Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning?
Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance.
You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather.
Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.
