We weigh in on the pros and cons of masking daily
A quick search of the hashtag #1일1팩, translated to English as #1Day1Pack, shows over 200,000 posts on Instagram, a true testament to this beauty trend in Korea where K-beauty fans are using facial sheet masks daily as part of their skincare routine.
And this is not just trending in Korea. If you’re a fan of Chinese beauty Fan Bing Bing, then you would surely know of her obsession with masking. She masks up to twice daily, and has even been spotted on the streets with a sheet mask on – wow, talk about commitment!
There may be many benefits to masking, but is it really worth the time and the effort (and of course the money)? Let’s find out!
The pros of masking daily
1) Quick fix
The essence in which a sheet mask is soaked in is often chock-full of super-charged active ingredients of higher concentrations that promise instant soothing/hydrating/brightening/anti-ageing results. Hence, picking out a mask that targets specific skincare concerns you’re facing will provide you with a quick fix to resolve your skin woes effortlessly!
2) An instant glow that lasts
Even with a full skincare routine, you may not be able to see that “glow” on your skin the next morning. But with sheet masks, they usually provide a glow that lasts for hours and sometimes, even overnight. Have an event to turn up to? A sheet mask can immediately give you a hydration boost and help your makeup last longer. Now imagine masking daily… YES! A glow that lasts for the long-term. Now, sign us up!
3) #Self-care
Many times, we neglect self-care due to our busy schedules and commitments. During the 15-minute masking time, you’re kinda forced to use this time to fully connect with yourselves, to either take a mental-break, do a self-reflection at the end of the day or just simply, rest. You may not realise it, but this moment of self-care can really have a positive impact on your mental psyche!
Are there drawbacks to masking daily?
1) Is your skin acne-prone?
With acne-prone skin, masking daily may cause your skin to be overly nourished, and result in (gasps!) more acne! The mask acts as an occlusive layer to lock in the essence deep into your skin, which may cause your pores to become blocked and your skin to be overloaded with actives which may not be compatible with your skin needs, thereby causing more breakouts.
Pro-tip: if you have acne-prone skin, try masking once a week instead.
2) Masks containing glycolic acid
Glycolic acid (a type of AHA) is a known exfoliant, and using masks with glycolic acid can be too strong on the skin, which may result in adverse reactions such as redness, irritation, dryness and even scarring. When using products with glycolic acid, it is recommended not to use them more than twice a week to prevent any skin irritation. This ingredient is commonly found in products which touts brightening and anti-ageing benefits, and we would recommend you to check the ingredient list on your mask packs before using them.
So what now?
With all the above being said, we do recommend you to try this #1Day1Pack skincare routine for yourself, as the benefits definitely outweigh the cons.
In fact, it doesn’t have to be just sheet masks; you can customise your weekly masking regime with a mix of sheet masks, clay masks, cream masks, or even eye masks, depending on your beauty concerns.
On days where your skin is looking dull and feeling parched, try the new and improved VitaLift A+ Brillage Mask from ést.lab. Already a fan-favourite before it was sold out months ago, this reformulated version is now super-charged with new actives that promise to take away signs of ageing and provide instant hydrating and brightening effects!
Plagued with maskne or troubled by your monthly hormonal breakouts? Try ést.lab’s PurClear Detoxifying Mask, a French green clay mask that contains both AHA and BHA to gently exfoliate and draw out impurities from your skin for a smoother and clearer complexion! Unlike typical clay masks that dry up your skin, this revolutionary clay mask is packed with moisturising properties to plump up your skin while resolving your acne woes. We swear it also brightens up your skin tone and lightens marks and blemishes!
If you’ve been pulling all-nighters, whether for work or to binge-watch your favourite drama series, the OptimaLift A+ Eye Contour Mask has got you covered! This eye mask, unlike most eye masks in the market which only provide two small pieces for your under eyes, covers your entire eye area, and even comes with a flap for your eyelids, giving you the most bang for your bucks!
The OptimaLift A+ Eye Contour Mask targets multiple eye woes in just 1 pack and will, in 28 days, with daily diligent care:
- De-puff eye bags, reducing their volume by 28%
- Reduce dark circles by 40%
- Improve fine lines and wrinkles depth by 38%
- Lift eyelids by 5%
So many masks, so little time! Kick-start your masking regime today with our top recommendations and it’ll be the best skin-vestment you’ll ever make!
In Good Hands,
Estetica
