The Meteoric Rise Of The Sheet Mask – Asia’s Latest Beauty Trend

In Asia, where glowing skin is synonymous with femininity, elegance and wealth, and cosmetics labs are constantly trying to outdo each other. Asians aren't as wrinkle-obsessed as Europeans, but they are, however, continually on the quest for a flawless complexion that combines brightness, even tone and a smooth texture.

From BB, CC, and DD creams to the unique Japanese skincare techniques of layering and Southeast Asian Konjac sponge, you have probably heard of them all. Well, now it's the turn of Korean sheet masks, Asia's latest beauty craze. So, what's all the buzz about?

• What are sheet masks?

Sheet masks are one of the many steps that make up the Korean skincare routine. They're made from cotton and their fibrous texture is imbued with moisturising lotion. Korean sheet masks come in face-shaped sheets with holes cut out for the eyes, nostrils, and mouth, so that they sit close to the skin. The lotions used are concentrated in active ingredients tailored to each skin type. You can also get sheet masks that treat specific zones, eyes, lips, T-zone and neck, for a more targeted approach. Practical and soft to the touch, they are sold in single-use packets.

• What are the benefits of a sheet mask?

The benefits of a sheet mask depend on the active ingredients in use. For example, the brightening actives in the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Crystal Micro Essence Sheet Mask accelerate skin renewal, refine skin texture, and minimize pores to reveal brighter, smoother, and clearer skin. The Crystal Micro Essence in the sheet mask penetrate up to 10 skin layers deep with 30x absorption power* as compared to other face masks, which helps deliver more essence to the skin and act from within. It is enriched with skin brightening actives that help to accelerate skin renewal and refine texture revealing brighter and clearer skin. Regular use of this sheet mask also helps control excess sebum production.

Using this sheet mask after using the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Crystal Micro Essence will also amplify the benefits of salicylic acid to get brighter skin in just a few days! This lightweight essence with salicylic acid gently exfoliates your skin by penetrating 10 layers deep** and with regular use, your skin feels smoother and more radiant. If you have never used salicylic acid for dry skin before, this is the perfect first step for you before you explore the other uses of salicylic acid for skincare. Also, if you are confused about how to use salicylic acid on your face follow these simple steps:

o Clean your face with a gentle facewash and apply 3-4 drops of the Crystal Micro Essence to prep your skin
o Apply the sheet mask evenly over your face and remove after 15 minutes
o Massage the leftover serum into your face and neck till it is completely absorbed.

Sheet masks are also great if you need to give your skin and instant and intense boost of hydration. The Revitalift Hyaluronic Acid Fresh Mix Serum Sheet Mask is a great way to treat your skin to the many benefits of hyaluronic acid and get hydrated and plump skin in just 15 minutes. This hyaluronic acid mask locks in the moisture in your skin to give you radiant and younger-looking skin.

But what is hyaluronic acid and how do hyaluronic acid products help the skin?
A naturally occurring substance in the skin, hyaluronic acid acts like a sponge and helps your skin retain moisture. Using hyaluronic acid for dry skin does wonders by intensely hydrating the skin, but it also benefits all other skin types.

How to use hyaluronic acid for your skin –

o Fold the serum mask packet along the dotted lines and squeeze the concentrated hyaluronic acid serum
o Mix the serum with the dry tissue mask and ensure that the fresh concentrated hyaluronic acid is fully mixed with the dry algae face mask
o Adjust the face mask to your facial contours and leave on for 15 minutes
o Massage the excess serum into your skin and enjoy plump and radiant skin

• How to choose a sheet mask?

Choose your sheet mask according to what your skin type needs and don't hesitate to use specific ones on different parts of your face. For instance, for anti-aging benefits, look for a sheet mask with salicylic acid for wrinkles and fine lines or to get rid of dead skin cells and get glowing skin, use salicylic acid for exfoliation. Whether moisturising, nourishing, firming, anti-blemish or brightening, sheet masks are a real beauty booster.

• When to use a sheet mask?

Sheet masks can be used at room temperature, steamed (to open the pores) or straight from the fridge (for a visible, radiant glow). Use the L’Oréal Paris sheet masks three times a week when the skin needs a real boost, if it's feeling dull or tight, or just for the fun of it to relax and unwind after a long day. After cleansing, gently apply the mask, smoothing out any folds. Leave it on for 15 minutes and once removed, massage the face so that any remaining lotion penetrates the skin. To increase the sheet mask's beneficial action, you can always use a face scrub beforehand to get rid of any dead skin cells.

Whether you are on the hunt for a good salicylic acid product or need to give your dehydrated skin a dose of hyaluronic acid, these L’Oréal Paris sheet masks are perfect for adopting a small part of the extensice Korean skincare routines and treating your skin at the end of a long and tiring day.

*Within epidermis in the stratum corneum layer
**30X more absorbing capacity as compared to dry tissue weight