This is by design, according to Cho. “Korean skin care rituals often feature masks because they provide an instant glow after use,” she says.
Should I use a sheet mask or a face mask?
It depends on your personal preference. Sheet masks are especially good for hydration. “Sheet masks are soaked in serums that provide intense hydration,” says Dr. Chang. They’re individually packaged, precut sheets infused with a high concentration of active ingredients, meaning they can offer immediate, if temporary, results.
However, some ingredients, such as clay and albumin, don’t lend themselves to sheet masks, since their intention is to clarify rather than hydrate. In that case, a traditional rinse-off face mask might be preferable.
What to look for in a Korean face mask
First, there’s the format of the mask: It may be a sheet mask, sleep mask, or one that you rinse off after 10 or 15 minutes, depending on the formula. The choice is partly a matter of personal preference, as well as your goal, since some types of masks are better at addressing certain concerns. “Given the widespread use of face masks in Korea, there is an extensive selection of masks to choose from, with masks targeting a wide range of skin concerns and containing a variety of ingredients,” says Dr. Chang. “This allows for customizability and personalization.”
Then, consider the ingredients. “Korean skin care companies are constantly researching ingredients and formulas so there can be something for everyone—literally,” says Dr. Lolis. That means there are an array of ingredients to address concerns like large pores, dark spots, sensitive or inflamed skin, fine lines, wrinkles, and overall skin health, she says.
To that end, the right ingredients can (and should) be tailored to your individual concern. “For those with dry skin, I recommend hydrating and skin-repairing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, snail mucin, beta-glucan, ceramides, and rice extract,” says Dr. Chang. Meanwhile, those with acne-prone skin should consider ingredients like honey, tea tree oil, and green tea. Niacinamide, vitamin C, peptides, and ginseng are ideal for those concerned about signs of aging. And finally, “for those with sensitive or inflamed skin, I recommend Centella asiatica, green tea, and niacinamide,” she says.
How often should you use a face mask?
Frequency depends on your lifestyle, budget, skin concerns, and goals. Ultimately, “the key is to listen to your skin and choose masks based on what it needs: hydration, soothing, or brightening,” says Cho.
Sheet masks can be used daily (although that may depend on the ingredients), whereas sleep masks “can be used as often as a night cream: two to three times a week or nightly if it’s a gentle, barrier-focused formula,” she says.
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