Sheet masks have become all the rage in the Korean skin care world which has made it’s way all over the world. I reviewed 100 Percent Pure’s sheet masks and accidentally fell in love with them. I say accidentally because the sheet mask habit can get mighty expensive. So you guessed it, I’ve decided to stop splurging on this fun beauty trend and make DIY sheet masks at home for a fraction of the cost. Now, with a few simple ingredients, we can enjoy a sheet mask anytime we want!
Of course I’m DIYing sheet masks recipes because like with every other beauty product, store bought sheet masks can be packed full of questionable and unpronounceable ingredients.
What is a Sheet Mask?
A sheet mask is rumored to have originated in Japan when Geishas would soak leftover silk from their robes in flower water to hydrate and beautify their skin. Since then the popular Korean beauty movement has adopted it and sheet masks have spread like wild fire throughout many parts of the world.
A sheet mask is typically a thin piece of cloth (usually cotton) with eye, nose and mouth holes. Each mask is individually packaged and comes soaked in a serum. Sheet masks then lay on top of your skin for 10-20 minutes while the serum soaks into your skin.
Once the 20 minutes is up, the sheet mask is tossed and your skin feels incredibly soft and hydrated.
Immediate visible results typically come from a sheet mask due to the concentration of moisture that is in direct contact with the skin for a prolonged amount of time.
Benefits of Sheet Masks:
The biggest benefit of using sheet masks is hydration!
I love juicing and think of juicing as an alkalizing, nutrition packed concentration of hydration for my body.
Using sheet masks is the same but for your face. Sheet masks deliver a large amount of hydration and nutrition to your skin. Nothing is stripped or taken away, only goodness is delivered. A sheet mask is soothing to your skin and leaves it healthy and replenished.
Sheet masks don’t typically boast huge anti aging power. They are not meant to exfoliate. However, you’ll be surprised at how instantly plumping this form of skin care can be.
I got a pack of 100 plain, dry sheet masks meant for DIY on Amazon for $10. Find dry sheet masks HERE.
Always wash your face before applying a sheet mask. This will ensure better absorption as well as not trap dirt and sebum under the mask. I also like to use a super anti aging and nourishing face oil afterwards. The mask will help your moisturizer absorb better!
More DIY Masks for Hydration:
- Cucumber Oatmeal Mask
- Brightening Turmeric Mask
- DIY Dry Skin Mask
- Dry Anti Aging Clay Mask
- Matcha Blueberry Mask
DIY Sheet Mask Ingredients:
- Aloe Vera Gel
- Witch Hazel
- Glycerin
- Hyaluronic Acid
- Botanical Extracts (green tea, goji berry, licorice root, willow bark)
- Wrinkle Defense Complex
- Essential Oils
- Squalane
- Cucumber Juice
- Citrus Juice
- Watermelon Juice
- Carrier Oils (rosehip seed, pomegranate, vitamin E, baobab, marula etc.)
- Rice Water (learn how to make it HERE)
- Green Tea
- Chamomile Tea
- Floral Waters (rose, lavender, helichrysum, chamomile etc.)
Basic DIY Sheet Mask Recipe:
- 1/2 TBSP. Aloe Vera Gel (find it HERE)
- 1/2 TBSP. Rose Water (find it HERE)
- 1/4 tsp. Glycerin (find it HERE)
- 1 drops Lavender Essential Oil (find it HERE)
Directions:
- Wash your face.
- Add all ingredients to a bowl and stir.
- Soak your sheet mask in the bowl until it is totally saturated.
- Gently squeeze excess moisture from the mask so it doesn’t drip while on your face.
- Apply the mask to your face, pressing it into every part of your skin.
- Let set for 20 minutes.
- Remove sheet mask and throw away.
- That’s it-Don’t wash your skin!
- A face oil may be applied once the skin has soaked in the moisture of the sheet mask.
Pro Tip: Make sure your ingredients are cold or store your sheet mask liquid in the fridge for a few minutes. A cold sheet mask not only feels good, it also de-puffs the skin!
A Word on Glycerin:
Glycerin is an important ingredient for DIY sheet masks. It’s a humectant meaning it helps your skin retain moisture as well as attracts moisture to your skin. Glycerin is sticky so it can only be used in small amounts. It is what leaves your skin feeling tacky yet super moisturized after a sheet mask.
However, some people can be sensitive to glycerin, myself included. Too much glycerin will make my skin red and hot. It goes away after 10 minutes or so and is not a big deal but it’s nice to know which ingredient caused a reaction for future DIYing reference.
Glycerin should be used with a bit of caution but it’s a phenomenal ingredient to keep on hand. If you’ve never tried it, be aware you could be sensitive to it.
Making Sheet Mask Solution in Bulk:
If you end up liking the recipe you concoct, you could make a large bottle to store in the fridge for regular sheet masking! However, you will want to address the bacteria issue if you do this and find a preservative to add to your solution. I suggest using THIS preservative. It’ll take a little math but you’ll want it to be 2% of your product. So if you were to make 8 ounces of solution, just add 1 teaspoon of preservative.
Like most DIY Skin Care, DIY sheet masks can be as simple or as complicated as you choose. You could soak your mask in a bowl of rose water and that’s it. Or you can formulate a mixture of botanical extracts, make hyaluronic acid and add a blend of essential oils. The nature of a sheet mask is going to help concentrate whatever has soaked into it permeate the skin. So a 1 ingredient sheet mask is still going to deliver loads of hydration!
Sheet masks are a fun way to pamper your skin. Since this addictive habit can get so expensive, making sheet mask formulas at home can be incredibly effective and enjoyable! Plus, you’re making sure you aren’t getting any yucky ingredients.
If I’ve peaked your interest in sheet masks and would rather just buy them pre made, I recommend 100 Percent Pure’s sheet masks-they have several options and they are all made with clean ingredients! I also recommend THIS detoxing mask from Alba if you’re looking for a little more than hydration.
xx, Jenni
P.S. I always joke that my products and recipes aren’t tested on animals just little girls until now… Just kidding-I photoshopped a mask on Winston-LOL! They look like a very strange serial killer family!
