Sheet masks have risen tremendously in popularity as the best skincare products for many people in the beauty world. It’s quick, result-oriented and provides a feel of being in a spa when the treatment is done at home. As you know, the primary benefit of a sheet mask is not just the fact that it gives your skin strong and various ingredients in one step. But what if I told you that you could level up your sheet mask experience with a home made one? Exactly, sheet masks are nothing more than a sheet of fabric soaked in a solution and then applied on the face; hence, you can prepare it from the comfort of your home, and it can even contain ingredients known and preferred by you.
In this comprehensive guide, we will be taking you through the fundamental aspect of understanding DIY sheet masks, including why you should try it, its advantages and some disadvantage you may encounter, making of the DIY sheet masks as well as how to apply them. Also, we will also discuss some guidelines by professionals in case you are planning to make some adjustments to your mask depending on your skin type. Looking to transform your skin to a healthy glow? Let’s get started!
Why You Should Choose DIY Sheet Masks?
1. This is a method that will give complete customization to suit your skin.
Well, when making your own sheet masks you get to control everything that goes into the mask which is a plus. The commercially used sheet masks are pre-made with standard concoctions that are to be used by the many. They can be useful sometimes but they can certainly not give you a solution to your skin problems. If your skin is dry, oily, sensitive or prone to acne you can add ingredients to the mask which are intended to soothe those problems.
For example, if you have dry skin, you should include such products as aloe or honey into the facial mask. If the skin is blemished, the components such as green tea or tea tree oil will help to the rescue. It is never ending and you can be the scientist who suddenly discovered a new variant of skin care product!
2. Cost-Effective Solution
It must be remembered that skincare can be costly – and I mean this especially if you are using sheet masks. Masks can cost between $5 -$20 or more for high-quality masks and when used multiply times a week, then the cost hiking as well. DIY masks are much more affordable since you are creating a mask using things that you have readily available at home or at any store and for many of them you would pay much less than for an average commercial mask.
The majority of DIY masks are made out of easily accessible and rather cheap materials such as yogurt, honey, cucumber or, green tea.
3. Avoid Harmful Chemicals
One big issue of concern particularly with many of the commercial skincare products including sheet masks is that they contain preservatives, synthetic fragrances, or other harsh chemicals known to cause skin reactions in many users. The store-bought masks usually come with preservatives required to maintain their shelf life and many of these have side effects to the skin. DIY masks, however, are free from dangerous chemicals and preservatives because you prepare them afresh when preparing for the mask. This way, you are well aware of what goes on your skin, making them better as well as natural choices.
4. Eco-Friendly Option
It does not lack environmental advantages of DIY sheet masks which we cannot ignore. Many of the commercial sheet masks are contained in a packet of plastics and usually used once making them a disposable product. If you create your own face masks, then there is a reduction of wastes such as plastic packaging which are used in commercial masks, especially those with mask sheets, or those made from synthetic materials but with cotton or fabric. Indeed it is, for your skin as well as the environment we live in.
Surprising Things You Need for Homemade Sheet Masks
That is explaining how to make a do it yourself sheet mask is as easy as pieces of cake and thankfully, you would be surprised to find that majority of the items needed are easily sourced at home. Now let me explain the list of the most necessary ingredients you’ll have to include in the lotion, how these components help your skin and how to make the right choice of the right lotion for your skin.
1. Base for Your Serum
Most of the time, it serves as the base for your sheet mask, or the liquid in which the mask will be soaked in. It forms the basis of the other ingredients and plays that critical role of bringing water and nutrients to your skin respectively. Depending on your skin’s needs, you can choose from several options: Depending on your skin’s needs, you can choose from several options:
Aloe Vera Gel: This is perfect for all skin types especially for dry, sensitive, and damaged skin as this is their best starting point. Aloe is specifically famous for its calming and moisturizing effects that are usually attributed to it. It contains powerful compounds such as antioxidants, enzymes and vitamins A and C which work to soothe the skin flare-ups as well as to hydrate the skin.
Rose Water: Rose water is gentle enough to be used on all skin types since it has no side effects on the skin and hair. It regulates the production of the skin oils, minimize redness and inflammation and is an astringent. It’s also a good source of anti oxidants that help to prevent free radical damage on the skin.
Green Tea: Green tea contains antioxidants and therefore is suitable for oily and acne prone skin. It assists in regulating the rate of LOOD production, ease inflammation and even fight acne-causing bacteria. Green tea also notes the skin against aggressions from the environment hence reducing the rate of aging.
Cucumber Juice: Cucumber juice is the best thing that can happen to one who experiences sensitivity or irritation of the skin. This is very, very moisturizing and it has a refreshing quality that can soothe puffy, irritated skin. Cucumber is also an excellent source of vitamins C and K which aids in skin illumination and besides this; it has an ability to reduce swelling.
Milk: Lactic acid which is present in milk has an advantage of exfoliating the skin gently by eliminating dead skin cells and moisturizing the skin at the same time. That is why it precisely suitable for people with dry or lifeless skin. The proteins contained in milk are also known to increase the skin’s elasticity making it become smooth and softer in the process.
2. Extra Ingredients for Additional Health Benefits
So once you decide on your base you can then mix your mask with additional ingredients of your choice. These are specially formulated to cater for various skin types and issues such as dry skin, dark spots, acne, and aging skin among others.
Honey: Honey contains natural moisture retaining properties which makes it pull, into the skin, moisture therefore helping in giving the skin a full look. It also has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects; hence it is perfect for use on sensitive and or acne skin.
Vitamin E Oil: Vitamin E on the other hand, is an antioxidant nutrient that is used to repair the skin from harm that results from exposure to the environmental factors. Skin brushing also has its benefits of healing and can be used with lots of advantages for people with scars or areas with hyperpigmentation.
Essential Oils: For instance, you can mix lavender, chamomile or tea tree to your homemade sheet mask for additional benefits. Lavender and camomile are good for sensitive skin because they have anti-inflammatory effects/ chamomile also reduces redness of the skin while tea tree is helpful for skin with acne because of its’ antibiotic properties. Nonetheless, contradictions of essential oils should always be used prudently and well diluted to avoid having adverse reactions on the skin.
Yogurt: Lactic acid present in yogurt acts as a natural scrub which does not harm the skin surface and at the same time nourishes it. It’s good for lightening the skin and improving on skin tones This kind of peel is good for lightening the skin and creating an even skin tone.
Turmeric: Having been proven to possess great anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric can be used to address issues such as uneven skin tone, scarring from acnes as well as skin inflammation. But please use caution when using turmeric because if left on the skin for a long time it stains the skin.
3. Sheet Mask Base
Once you have your serum prepared, you will have to look for materials to absorb the serum then apply it on your face. Below are some alternatives for creating the base:
Compressed Sheet Masks: These can be easily purchased through the internet and are specially for DIY masks. They arrive in a very small packer and when they are dipped in water or any liquid they turn to a full face sheet mask. They are portable and most of them are made of materials that are easy to recycle hence friendly to the environment.
Cotton Pads: Also, if you don’t find a pre-made sheet mask, you can use the cotton pads to achieve the same results. They can be trimmed into the form of a mask or else individual pads can be placed differently on the face region.
DIY Paper Towels or Fabric: To be more specific, there are ether thin paper towels, the use of fabric to make the masks is also possible if you want to get creative. In its simplest form, one does not need to make any complex designs, just as the material upon which it will be made can be cut in the shape of the face complete with eye, nose and mouth openings. Although it is little time consuming it is an excellent idea and a good way of coming up with a reusable type.
Still, there are certain advantages that come with homemade sheet masks.
It has become the rage to have a sheet mask because this type of skin treatment can offer a number of benefits with just one application. However, when you make your own, the advantages go even further; you can target your skin’s needs in a much better way.
Let’s break down the main benefits:
1. Intense Hydration
A routine that is well-known and popular is the sheet mask; they are recognized for their effectiveness in supplying the skin with a boost of moisture. The mask acts as a layer which the ingredients can easily penetrate deep into the skin and also locks the moisture. It’s true, masks with moisturizing elements, such as aloe, cucumber juice, honey, and others, will turn rough skin into baby soft one in 15-20 minutes. These ingredients make the skin to absorb water and trap it to ensure that the skin remains moisturized for quite some time.
2. Fairness and complexion Improvement
Sick of that dull skin you have? Ingredients such as yogurt, and turmeric, and bases such as cucumber or green tea can bleach the skin and lightens the areas that have dark spots, acne scars or hyper pigmented skin. Some of its advantages include it has got anti-inflammatory properties, which when applied to the skin, reduces inflammation, and its use also helps in depigmentation, thus giving a natural glow and clearing of blotchy skin. Also, massaging with yogurt or milk has a way of removing the layer of the skin that has turned dead thus, giving a new, fresh and young looking skin.
3. Relieves Redness and Inflammations on the Skin
For people who have sensitive skin, frequent rashes, inflammation or easily irritated skin, homemade sheet masks will be of great help. Flavours such as rose water, cucumber juice, and chamomile all reduce inflammation, which aids in treating inflamed skin that tends to be red. These wonderful ingredients are perfect to use after sunbathing, when you have outbreaks of rosacea or eczema, or when your skin simply cries out for a little tenderness after a harsh treatment.
4. Anti-Aging and Firming
Although sheet masks do not help for reversing ageing overnight, using them on a regular basis will benefit aging skin and reduce the prominence of fine lines and wrinkles as well as sagging skin.
The negative attributes of DIY sheet masks.
While making DIY sheet masks is mostly beneficial, there are a few downsides you should be aware of:
1. Short Shelf Life
These masks as they are made from fresh natural products, they do not contain preservatives and hence will not last long. You will have to prepare them afresh each time or even if stored in the refrigerator they can only last for a day or two.
2. May Not be as Potent
Some of the commercial masks available in the market contains high concentration of active ingredients (peptides, hyaluronic acid etc.) which are difficult to recreate at home. Therefore, even if your homemade mask can be wonderful, it may not be so effective for a particular skin type or requirement.
3. Messy
Sheet masks can be homemade, and nonetheless, they tend to be messier than the store-bought masks of the type. There are some products which might drip and other that do not stick well on the skin as you intend.
4. Trial and Error
With DIY, there is some risk taking that one has to undertake. It may take a couple of attempts finding what will be ideal for a specific individual, thus trial is actually okay.
How to Make and Apply
It’s time we break it down into preparing and applying the mask.
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
In accordance with the kind of recipe you are using, blend your preferred liquid base (for instance, rose water or aloe vera gel) with the add-ons of your preference (for example honey or essential oils).
Example Recipe for Dry Skin:
About 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel
I recommend one teaspoon of cucumber juice or one tablespoon of shipment.
1 teaspoon of honey
1 Vitamin E capsule (optional).
Example Recipe for Oily Skin:
It is also advisable to take 2 tablespoons of green tea.
1 tablespoon of yogurt
Tea tree oil: ‘It is recommended that 3 drops of the tea tree oil should be applied on the affected area.’
1 teaspoon of turmeric
Step 2 – Soak Your Sheet Mask
Using your compressed sheet mask (or your homemade paper towel/cotton) dip it in your serum mixture. Ensure the mask acquires adequate amount of liquid in a way that the mask gets soaked through.
Step 3: Wash Your Face
Although, if you are going to use these masks, make sure your face is clean before applying the masks. It’s important you do this that your skin is clear to absorb all the nutrients that your mask contains.
Step 4: Applying the Mask
Put the sheet mask on your face with which you soaked it. Then spread and push gently so that it stays in place and adheres to your skin’s surface. Take a 15-20 min break while the ingredients ‘rest’ and do their job on the skin.
Step 5: Massage in the Excess Throughout the stuffing and spreading of fillers inside the mould age, it is necessary to make certain that none of the fillers extend out of the surface of the pack.
After some time wash off the mask and get rid of it (or if the one used is a cotton or any other fabric kind then it should be washed before use again). Rub the remaining amount of serum into your skin lightly with your fingers. So you do not need to wash the face after the peel unless the face feels sticky with the excess residue.
Step 6: Application Record: Follow up with Moisturizer
If you need to apply a cream, then apply the serum and after some time, apply the cream that you usually use. This step aids to lock in all the hydrations and other nutrients that may have been administered.
If you do wish to attempt DIY sheet masks, then the following are some tips you should consider taking so that you will not end up damaging your skin:
Even though DIY sheet masks are generally safe, here are a few precautions to consider.
Patch Test First: If you are using a new ingredient on your skin do a patch test especially if you have sensitive skin.
Avoid Allergens: Ignore that some people are sensitive to specific products such as oils or dairy.
Don’t Leave it on Too Long: This is because if you leave the mask on for too long your skin will lose its moisture and therefore be worse off than before. When it comes down to it, don’t go over 15 to 20 minutes.
Don’t Reuse Disposable Masks: As it is always encouraged that we all wear a mask, it is important not to use the same mask again and again. Surgical masks for instance are disposed of after use and are surfaces that bacteria can settle on.
Ingredients and Measurements Guide
Here’s a handy guide for some ingredients and how much you should use when making your DIY sheet mask:
Aloe Vera Gel: 2-3 tablespoons with most of the liquid present in it being water, wine and fruit juice.
Rose Water: 2-3 tablespoons
Green Tea: steep 1-2 tablespoons of tea and use the brewed liquid after the liquid has cooled down.
Cucumber Juice: 2 tablespoons
Honey: 1 teaspoon
Yogurt: 1 tablespoon
Vitamin E Oil: One to two capsules
Essential Oils: 3-4 drops (usually, it is applied to dilutions in a carrier liquid).
Milk: 2 tablespoons
Turmeric: 1 teaspoon especially with the aspics as its use can discolor the skin.
Conclusion
Sheet masks are amazing for your skin if done by yourself, so making them at home is great for your complexion. Who would have thought, these opaque discs are not only entertaining to create, they also serve functions such as as a moisturizing, brightening, and light sensitive skin soothers. In this case, the idea of making your own masks’ powerful incentive is the ability to select the ingredients for your skin.
Despite this, there are a few drawbacks that are associated with the cakes, for instance, short shelf life and a little mess. Well, what are you waiting for, head to the kitchen and try out your must try DIY sheet mask today.