How to Use a Sheet Mask

Co-authored by Kaveri Karhade, MD

Last Updated: April 19, 2024 Approved

Using facial masks is a fun and relaxing way to improve your skin. While there are many different types of masks, sheet masks are becoming popular because of their easy application. These masks come as a folded face-shaped fabric sheet with eye, nose, and mouth cut-outs that’s soaked in a nutrition-packed liquid called serum, or “essence.” The sheet acts as a barrier and locks in this essence so that the mask has maximum effectiveness. If you’re interested in using a sheet mask, first choose one based on your skin type and then clean your face, wear the mask, and take steps to lock in the essence.

Part 1

Part 1 of 4:

Choosing a Mask

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Look for natural ingredients. When you’re browsing different sheet masks, check the ingredient list on the package. No matter your skin type, it’s best to go with ingredients that are natural and generally beneficial for your skin. Look for the word “organic” and grab a mask that has aloe and/or kiwi extract.
- Stay away from masks that contain synthetic dyes, parabens, and mineral oils, as these can all irritate the skin. ^{[1]
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- Aloe has moisturizing and cleansing qualities that may help to fight aging, heal sores, and reduce acne. ^{[2]
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- Kiwi extract may help with keeping your skin firm and soft.
Humectants typically do a good job with hydrating your pores and minimizing fine lines on your face. ^{[3]
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Research source} Get a sheet mask that contains humectants, such as hyaluronic acid, butylene glycol, and glycerin, to get rid of flaky skin.

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Clear up acne with a snail extract gel mask. This is beneficial to those who struggle with acne because it helps the skin retain water and also heals and soothes blemished skin. If you’re dealing with a breakout, consider looking for a gel sheet mask instead of a regular cotton one, as a gel mask may help more with acne. ^{[4]
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- Snail extract is also beneficial for those with normal skin. ^{[5]
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These masks help minimize your pores and also keep oil production under control. ^{[6]
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Get a clear gel mask to soothe sensitive skin. This type of mask moisturizes inflamed areas and is also very soothing on irritated skin. It will leave your skin looking attractively soft and dewy.
- This type of mask is especially beneficial to those with skin conditions, such as eczema. ^{[8]
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If your t-zone is typically oily but other areas of your face are dry, get a mask that prioritizes cleansing and hydrating. Look for natural ingredients, like sea kelp, that help the skin shed toxins and moisturize the skin at the same time. ^{[9]
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Often, sheet mask packages will contain information on which skin types benefit the most from the specific product. Refer to the packaging for guidance in this area.
There are a lot of different sheet masks out there to choose from. If you feel stuck between a few different ones that all seem to cater to your skin type, go online and look up reviews for each product. Go with the one that seems to have the best reviews overall.

Part 2

Part 2 of 4:

Cleaning Your Face

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1
Wash your face . Wash your face before putting the mask on so that your skin is best equipped to soak in the essence. Create a lather with a cleanser of your choice and warm water and massage it into your skin. Then rinse it off with fresh water and pat your face dry with a hand towel.
- If you have oily skin, look for a oil-control cleanser that deep cleans pores and balances pH.
- If you have dry or combination skin, get a hydrating cleanser that washes away impurities without stripping away your natural oils.
- If your skin is sensitive, try dense, creamy, foaming cleansers that balance pH. ^{[10]
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Apply toner to your face. Toner takes the cleansing to a deeper level by making pores look smaller, balancing pH, and picking up any left behind makeup or dirt. ^{[11]
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Research source} Put a few drops of toner onto a cotton ball and rub it all over your face. This will prepare your skin for the mask so that it can fully reap the benefits of the essence. ^{[12]
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- No matter your skin type, look for a toner that has aloe vera, rose, chamomile extract, cucumber extract, lavender and/or hyaluronic acid.
- If you have oily skin, get a toner that contains sandalwood or tea tree.
- If you have normal or combination skin, look for a toner that contains willow bark or witch hazel.
- If your skin is dry and/or sensitive, use a toner that contains calendula.
Carefully pull out the sheet mask and squeeze the essence into your palm. Put the sheet back into its package and use your hands to massage the excess essence into the skin on your face, neck, and upper chest. ^{[13]
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Part 3

Part 3 of 4:

Wearing Your Mask

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Carefully remove the mask from its package again and unfold it completely. Lay it on your face, making sure to match up the eye, nose, and mouth holes. ^{[14]
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Research source} Spend a few seconds pressing the sheet mask onto your skin so that it sticks and makes as much contact as possible.

Barney J. Kenet, Skin Care Specialist

Before applying a sheet mask, make sure your face is clean and dry, and avoid leaving it on for too long to prevent irritation. After removing a sheet mask, gently pat any remaining serum into your skin to help it absorb fully.
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Keep the mask on for about 20 minutes. Check the package for timing directions and follow them strictly. Most sheet masks need to be kept on for 15 or 20 minutes, and no longer. Turn on some music and lay on your back with your eyes closed while you let the mask work its magic.
- If you leave the mask on for too long, it may dry out and start pulling moisture back out of your face. ^{[15]
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- Set a timer if you’re worried you’ll lose track of time.
After the correct amount of time has passed, peel the sheet mask off by starting at the chin and pulling up. ^{[16]
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Part 4

Part 4 of 4:

Locking in the Essence

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The essence is great for your skin, so resist the urge to scrub, wipe, or wash it off of your face. Instead, use your fingers to dab in the essence that remains on your skin. ^{[17]
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2
Lock everything in by applying moisturizer. Once most of the essence has absorbed into your skin, squirt a bit of your favorite moisturizer, cream, or oil-based serum into your palm and then massage it into your face. This will act as a seal on your face, which locks the essence into your skin.
- Hydrate your skin with a serum if you have wrinkles, dullness, or dark spots.
- Use a cream or ointment if your skin is dry.
- Try using an oil-based moisturizer if you have sensitive skin.
- If you aren’t sure which moisturizer to use, go with a non-comedogenic lotion. ^{[18]
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Put sunscreen on your face. While they contain many other beneficial ingredients, most sheet masks don’t include sun protection. If you’re using your sheet mask in the morning, put a product on your face that has an SPF afterwards to protect your skin from the sun all day. ^{[19]
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- Go without the sunscreen if your moisturizer has an SPF.
Sheet masks contain ingredients that are good for your skin, so nothing bad should happen if you use them frequently. For optimal skin improvement, try using sheet masks once or twice per week. Or, simply use sheet masks as often as your skin seems to need them. ^{[20]
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Expert Q&A

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Question

Do sheet masks really work?

Kaveri Karhade, MD
Board Certified Dermatologist
Dr. Kaveri Karhade is a board certified Laser, Medical, and Cosmetic Dermatologist in the San Francisco Bay Area. Her areas of expertise are acne and hair loss. She has advanced training in injectables, lasers, surgery, and other cosmetic treatments, and has published extensive research in medical journals. She holds a BS from Michigan State University and a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Michigan Medical School. She completed her internship in Internal Medicine at New York University School of Medicine and her Residency in Dermatology at Brown University School of Medicine. Dr. Karhade is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and a member of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery.

Kaveri Karhade, MD

Board Certified Dermatologist

Expert Answer

Sheet face masks can be really helpful when it comes to hydrating your skin. So yes, they do work.

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Question

What's the best way to use sheet masks?

Kaveri Karhade, MD
Board Certified Dermatologist
Dr. Kaveri Karhade is a board certified Laser, Medical, and Cosmetic Dermatologist in the San Francisco Bay Area. Her areas of expertise are acne and hair loss. She has advanced training in injectables, lasers, surgery, and other cosmetic treatments, and has published extensive research in medical journals. She holds a BS from Michigan State University and a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Michigan Medical School. She completed her internship in Internal Medicine at New York University School of Medicine and her Residency in Dermatology at Brown University School of Medicine. Dr. Karhade is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and a member of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery.

Kaveri Karhade, MD

Board Certified Dermatologist

Expert Answer

There's more than one way to use them in a productive way, but I'm a fan of putting the mask on after you've washed your skin at night before going to bed.

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Things You'll Need

Sheet mask
Cleanser
Hand towel
Toner
Cotton ball
Moisturizer
Sunscreen

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How to Use a Sheet Mask

Steps

Choosing a Mask

Cleaning Your Face

Wearing Your Mask

Locking in the Essence

Expert Q&A

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