It's so easy to use sheet masks because they've become so common in our beauty routines that it's as if they've always been there. But I must confess that even though I "thought" I knew all about them, I realized while doing this article that I had no idea of their real benefits.

I was (am) the typical person who says: "Oh my face is dry. SHEET MASK! "That's it. Moisturizing was the only use I ever had for them. But, well, let's go back to the beginning, where did sheet masks come from? There is historical evidence that sheet mask "grannies" lived in Europe in the 1500's and were pieces of raw meat that were placed directly on the face for the purpose of blurring blemishes.

Nowadays, fortunately we no longer use pieces of raw meat, but the concept of a layer that traps the nutrients so that they are absorbed directly into the skin is still there, and that is how we ended up with sheet masks. The most famous are the Korean ones, of course. 

What are they?

Basically, they are face-shaped cloths soaked in a nutrient liquid called serum. This "cloth" is actually composed of a variety of materials including papers, fibers or types of gel. What makes them different from conventional face masks is their practicality, as they need only be applied, removed and allowed to absorb without rinsing. In other words, they are quick, practical and easy to use.

How do they work? 

They bring the ingredients closer and deeper into the skin. Thanks to their materials, they prevent the evaporation of the ingredients, i.e. they make the serums penetrate the skin well and are not wasted. That is why it is recommended to leave them on for 15 to 20 minutes.

Depending on its functions, the sheet mask may contain various ingredients ranging from hyaluronic acid, aloe vera and vitamin C to less common ones such as pearl, snail slime extract and seaweed.

Although they are very good at moisturizing, that's not all they do. The masks are also packed with plant-based antioxidants, vitamins and other vital nutrients. Not only that, but each sheet mask is designed with a particular skin care need in mind.

If you want to choose your sheet mask according to the most popular ingredients, here are a few recommendations according to different skin needs:

Dry skin: hyaluronic acid.

Fine lines: antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E, resveratrol and ferulic acid.

Acne and blemishes: salicylic acid and alpha hydroxy acids (AHA).

Rosacea: niacinamide.

Blemishes and pigmentation: kojic acid (sounds weird, but it comes from rice fermentation) and licorice root extract.

Oily skin: salicylic acid.

What material to choose?

Sheet masks can be made of different materials, like these ones that I listed below:

• Microfiber: These are the most common. Their base is made of cotton fiber or synthetic cellulose fibers, such as cupro, tencel or microfiber. 

• Hydrogel: It is a lighter material with better adhesion to the skin than microfiber. In addition, they trap the active ingredients better in the skin, because they have such a good adhesion.

• Aluminum foil masks: They are king at keeping the product moisturized. The aluminum prevents the ingredients from evaporating and they stay moist even after removal.

• Biocellulose: The crème de la crème in sheet masks. They have a "second skin" effect and are made of very fine fibers coming from biorganisms. They adhere perfectly to the skin, which ensures a perfect absorption of the active ingredients they contain.

• Ampoule mask: Best known for their "flash effect", they contain a stronger concentration of the active ingredient and therefore achieve an immediate glow. 

• Clay and charcoal masks: When we see a black mask we immediately associate it with purification. They have a detox effect and are recommended for oily skin.

• Bubble mask: I know them as "the ones that make bubbles", and although the sensation has never been one of my favorites, they are known to make the ingredients penetrate deeply into the skin due to the bubbling effect. 

And well, about its application, which I think is the part we’ve all mastered:

1. Cleanse your skin.

2. Apply toner.

3. Apply serum and let's go! 15 to 20-minute mask and you are ready to shine.

Caution: Never leave them on for more than half an hour or until dry to avoid the reverse effect of the mask re-absorbing moisture from your face.