Skin Deep

Do sheet masks really work on the face? Are they worth the money?

Sheet masks, which are applied to your face, consist of fabric soaked in serum.
Sheet masks, which are applied to your face, consist of fabric soaked in serum. TNS

Sheet masks are one of the latest skincare trends, ranging from around $2 to $20.

They consist of a fabric sheet that has been soaked in a serum, which can contain any number of ingredients. People often ask if these sheet masks really work and if they are worth the money.

Sheet masks are not going to be a fix-all for your skincare problems, but they might make your skin feel a little softer or look a little brighter that day. However, in some instances, sheet masks could make your complexion worse. So before putting one on your face, here are some important facts to know.

Most sheet masks are not designed for a skin type

When you use any topical product, it is important that its ingredients are a match for your skin type. Otherwise, you could end up making dry skin drier or oily skin break out more. If you have very sensitive skin, you might want to stay away from most drugstore sheet masks, since many common fragrances, dyes and other ingredients can make sensitive skin sting, burn or flush red. If you have fairly resistant skin, you might be able to get away with trying different masks.

Don’t expect long-term results from sheet masks

You might get a boost of hydration or radiance right after using a sheet mask.However, any topical skin treatment is going to take several weeks of regular application to have any long-term benefits. So don’t be disappointed if your skin doesn’t have the same dewy glow tomorrow.

Sheet masks aren’t a magic fix

If you have acne, dry skin, redness or other skin concerns, picking up a sheet mask isn’t going to be a magic fix. You are better off talking to a dermatologist to find out your skin type, then get a customized skincare regimen that you can use daily to see real results over time.

Bottom line

If you want to indulge in a spa day at home and maybe get an extra glow for the day, using a sheet mask is fine. Just make sure it doesn’t contain any ingredients that you know your skin reacts poorly to. For longer-term results that target specific issues like acne, rosacea, eczema, or others, see your dermatologist.

For more skincare tips and advice from Dr. Leslie Baumann, be sure to follow Baumann Cosmetic on YouTube, or follow @BaumannCosmetic on Instagram or Facebook.

Get unlimited digital access
#ReadLocal

Try 1 month for $1

CLAIM OFFER