Take one look at any celebrity Instagram account and you'll probably see a sheet mask. They're the latest skin care trend, but are they as effective as the professional grade formulas used by estheticians in the treatment room? Read about sheet masks vs. professional masks below.
Depending on the brand you use, sheet masks can have some benefits (like hydration). However, sheet mask can't replace professional masks. Even the best sheet masks are usually doused in a "one-trick" serum-based formula that can't multi-task with additional exfoliation or deep-purging benefits.
The majority of sheet masks don't contain high quality ingredients either. They are often loaded with artificial fragrances, dyes, and other filler ingredients that have no skin benefits (and can even harm your skin). Always read the labels on anything you put on your skin:
If the product contains synthetic fragrances, 'parfum', artificial dyes, parabens, phthalates or DEA, it's not a high quality product that can truly help your skin.
Professional masks, on the other hand, contain high quality ingredients that work together to benefit your skin. They also come in different forms (clay, cream, etc) and can tackle more skin concerns than sheet masks do.
Highly trained and licensed estheticians don't use mass market sheet masks because there are professional products that will tackle their clients' concerns more effectively – like these:
Collagen Rehab: An ingenious fusion of collagen-supporting amino acids, softening mango and moisture-builders that rehabilitates aging, lined and exhausted skin.
Radiance Rescue: A white truffle, caffeine + murumuru butter creme face and eye mask that's a stimulating, instant-radiance treatment to rescue skin worn down by age, stress and lifestyle.
Kerafole: A deep purging facial mask that purges pores and reveals fresh, radiant skin with natural exfoliators.
Ultra-Rich CremeTherapy: A super-emollient creme mask that delivers a swift surge of ultra-rich moisture to transform dry and aging skin.
Restorative Clay: A pore-refining facial mask to vacuum up oil and improve texture with active natural clay.
Amino Mask: A gentle, effective 15-minute acne mask that treats breakouts and allows the skin to heal.
Pro tip: Just because sheet masks usually have serum-based formulas doesn't mean they can replace traditional serums either. Sheet masks aren't meant for everyday use, while high quality professional formulas often are. They are also limited in which concerns they can actually tackle.
Perhaps the biggest negative when it comes to sheet masks is that they are often not designed for oily skin or acne prone skin. Sheet masks for oily skin or for acne prone skin can actually increase bacteria on the surface skin, which can cause breakouts (1). If you suffer from either of these skin concerns, skip sheet masks and opt for professional masks that target your specific concerns.
Regardless of how much buzz a product gets, you should always read the ingredient list and use what is right for your true skin type.
You can't double or multi-mask with sheet masks like you can with professional masks. This limits how specific you can be with your at-home skin care. Multi-masking is particularly beneficial for those who have different concerns on different areas of their face (like an oily, congested t-zone and dry skin on the outer section of the face).
You can't double task either when it comes to sheet masks. Some masks are very slick so they tend to slide off your face, forcing you to lie down or lean back to prevent them from falling off. You also can't use a sheet mask overnight because they will fall off. Certain pro masks can be, like Collagen Rehab, which can be left on overnight as an intensive hydrating treatment.
It may feel like a bargain when you buy sheet masks, but they usually end up being pricier in the long run. A cream, clay, or other professional mask can last you many months, as these formulas are so concentrated, and the ingredients are so active that only a small chickpea size of product is needed. When you break down the cost per each mask session, professional masks are almost always more cost effective.
That depends on what you mean by 'work'. Depending on the brand, sheet masks can have some benefits (like hydration), but even the best sheet mask can't replace professional masks. Most sheet masks a "one-trick" product that can't give you additional benefits, like clay, cream, and other types of masks can.
Sheet masks are trendy because they are fun and different, but they shouldn't replace professional skin care formulas and methods. They have potential to become better, but for now stick with what's proven to work.
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