Do Sheet Masks Really Benefit You?

In 2018-19, we saw everyone wear sheet masks and brag about their collections. From sheet masks made out of Tomatoes, to sheet masks made out of Hyaluronic Acid, the fad was real, and has still spilled into 2023.
But are these really of any benefit to you?
Sheet masks can be great short-term solutions for minor skincare issues like dry skin patches or inflammation or redness when used in tandem with other skincare products.After all, they are very much a part of K-Beauty’s 10 to 15-step routine, which means they work best when included in your skincare routine, rather than being used as a standalone treatment option.
"The biggest drawback of sheet masks is that they are only a one time use product and not too environmentally friendly. Some companies are now coming up with biodegradable masks but the packaging still remains non biodegradable. Plus, if you are looking for a sheet mask to work like a single, miracle, overnight solution, chances are, you are wasting your money, because whatever temporary effects they do show will go down the drain the very next day, when your skin is exposed to the dust, pollution and the Sun," Dr. Manasi Shirolikar, Consultant Dermatologist
If you already are using a serum or essence with an ingredient that is the same as that in your sheet mask, thinking it would be double the benefits, you are wrong. And when you use a sheet mask with the same ingredient as the one you used earlier, you probably will notice no difference at all in your skin.
Finally, if you try and check how cost effective a sheet mask is, the answer is that it really isn’t. In fact, it can work out to be far more expensive than investing in a serum or essence with the same ingredient, especially if you plan to use a sheet mask on a weekly or bi-weekly basis.
However, here are two ways in which you can get a sheet mask to work for you, and bring you some benefits:
1. If before an event or a party, you feel that your skin is dull and dehydrated, and in need of a boost of plumpness and hydration, you can use a Hyaluronic Acid based sheet mask right before you get dressed and do your make up. This will help your skin look better than before, but will only last about enough for you to make it through the night (or the event).
2. You can also consider carrying a hydrating sheet mask on a long flight. We all know that the aeroplane air does tend to dry your skin out. A sheet mask can help add hydration back into your skin. Plus, it is small enough to not interfere with the liquid limit that one is allowed in a cabin bag, and is a better option than carrying a 30ml serum.