Three diverse individuals smile while wearing sheet masks. Three diverse individuals smile while wearing sheet masks.

How to Incorporate Sheet Masks into Your Skin Care Routine

Popularized in Korea and now beloved worldwide, sheet masks are quickly becoming a go-to method for hydrating skin. They offer a quick and easy way to deliver a boost of moisture. But when and how should you incorporate this step into your existing skin care routine? Let's walk through a basic routine, demonstrating where a sheet mask fits best.

A woman with her hair pulled back smiles as she applies cleanser to her face, demonstrating the first step in any skincare routine.

Step 1: Cleanser

No matter how elaborate your skincare routine, it should always begin with cleansing your face twice a day. Morning cleansing removes sweat and oils that accumulate overnight. In the evening, it's crucial to cleanse away dirt, makeup, and other impurities accumulated throughout the day. A cleanser like Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water All-in-1 effectively cleanses, removes makeup, and refreshes skin.

Step 2: Toner

Toner provides a deeper clean after cleansing, helping to remove any remaining impurities and balance the skin's pH. For oily or combination skin, toner can be particularly beneficial. Choose an alcohol-free or low-alcohol toner to avoid dryness.

A woman with red hair applies toner to her face, illustrating the second step, toning, after cleansing.
A man with a sheet mask on his face, demonstrating how to apply and wear a sheet mask.

Step 3: Sheet Mask

After cleansing and toning, your skin is perfectly prepped to reap the benefits of a sheet mask. Carefully unfold the mask and align it with the contours of your face, using the cutouts for your eyes, nose, and mouth as a guide. The sheet, soaked in a hydrating serum (often containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid), delivers intense moisture and revitalizes the skin. Sheet masks can also be formulated with Vitamin C to help protect against environmental stressors and brighten the complexion. The best part? Masks usually only need 15 minutes to work its magic, providing you with some well-deserved "me time."

Step 4: Moisturizer

After the instructed time, remove the sheet mask. To maximize its benefits and seal in the hydration, follow up with a moisturizer. A refreshing cream, like Garnier SkinActive Moisture Rescue Refreshing Gel Cream, is an excellent choice for reinforcing your skin's moisture barrier and providing ongoing hydration. Consistent moisturizing is essential for maintaining youthful, radiant skin, and the combination of a sheet mask and moisturizer creates a powerful hydrating duo.

A woman gently applies moisturizer, demonstrating the final step of the routine after using a sheet mask.