How are sheet masks different from cream masks?
Masking is a great way to amp up your skin care routine. In addition to daily cleansing and moisturizing, a regular mask regimen can be a complement to your skin care routine. Masking can infuse your skin with moisture. Whether it’s a sheet mask, cream mask, or clay mask, a mask formulated with antioxidants can help protect and nourish your skin. Plus, there’s a relaxing bonus: Masks help us take time out of our busy schedules to zen out for a few extra minutes, all in the name of great looking skin. Let’s look at the basic types of masks you’ll find on the shelves:
Sheet Mask
Sheet masks are serum-soaked paper masks, typically made from natural fibers. Designed to fit your face, a sheet mask is often formulated to nourish your skin with moisturizing hyaluronic acid and antioxidants. To use, lay your sheet mask flat on your face using the eyes, nose and mouth cut-outs as a guide. The serum will help keep it gently in place on your skin. After about 15 minutes, simply remove and toss! Then, follow with a moisturizer to help seal in the benefits.
Cleanser Mask
Some masks don’t simply nourish your skin, they also act as cleansers to lift away dirt and impurities. Garnier SkinActive Clean+ Pore Purifying 2-in-1 Clay Cleanser/Mask can be used as a purifying cleanser or mask depending on the amount of time you leave the product on your skin. For a mask that helps deep clean your skin, wet hands and face and spread a thin layer of product on your face, then leave on for five minutes. For a daily cleanser, simply massage the cleanser into wet skin and rinse with warm (not hot!) water. Whether you use it as a mask or as a cleanser, the charcoal extracts in the formula act like a magnet to help draw impurities. Make sure to follow up with a moisturizer.
Cream Mask
Cream masks come in many forms: Kaolin masks, antioxidant masks, masks designed to brighten, hydrate, reduce the appearance of wrinkles or help fight blemishes. Choose the mask that best addresses your skin concern, then spread a thin layer on your cleansed face. Leave on for a few minutes and rinse off, following with a moisturizer.
Sleep Mask
Imagine a sleep mask as a thicker-formulated moisturizer, typically meant to deeply nourish your skin throughout the night. Sleep masks are especially useful in winter months or when skin is exposed to harsh, dry air, such as on an airplane. Garnier SkinActive Miracle Anti-Fatigue Sleeping Cream is formulated with hyaluronic acid to help hydrate the skin. Apply this cream nightly to clean skin — you can even use it after you’ve done a sheet, cleanser, or cream mask — and be sure to cleanse your face again in the morning.
