Sheet Masks Versus Cream Masks: Which Is Better?

I love masking as part of my skincare routine because it’s one of the easiest and quickest way to infuse your skin with antioxidants and skin loving nutrients. Whether it’s a sheet mask, cream mask, or clay mask, masking on a weekly basis is not only good for your skin but it’s a great way to stay consistent with your self-care routine. 

But the choices are overwhelming when it comes to what kind of mask. So in this blog post I’m going to reveal the differences between; traditional cream masks and it’s trendier, younger cousin sheet masks, and DIY masks. 

The Different Types of Masks

1. Charcoal Masks and Clay Masks 

Both charcoal and clay have unique absorbent properties and are designed to help loosen grime and makeup from large, clogged pores. They are ideal for those with oily and combination skin.

The result: shine-free skin that is not dried out. Oil-absorbing face masks can be extremely beneficial for excessively oily, clog-prone skin or a shiny T-zone (nose, forehead, and chin).

Tips: Charcoal and clay masks feel quite tight as they dries so it’s vital that they include emollients and soothing agents. Problem skin can be very sensitive so avoid skin irritants such as menthol, alcohol, eucalyptus, mint, and fragrance (both natural and synthetic fragrance is a problem for skin).

Why It’s Oh Special: Farmacy Bright On

• You can see it working! Bright On changes color as it transforms the appearance of your skin. As you massage it into your skin, vitamin C capsules burst, turning from lavender to green, and releasing powerful brightening and clarifying benefits for instant results.
• Skin-perfecting multi-tasker. This dual-action formula helps detox and brighten without drying or breaking you out. It’s suitable for all skin types and will never strip. Fruit-derived AHAs gently resurface skin, creating a virtually poreless finish and leaving skin feeling smoother and softer.
• Naturally detoxes. Mineral-rich (and food-grade!) kaolin and bentonite clay help remove excess oil and impurities and visibly reduce the appearance of pores.
• Refreshes + cools. Aloe and a special blend of superfoods help cool, soothe and moisturize skin.

2. Hydrating masks 

Regardless of what your skin type is, if your skin is dehydrated a hydrating face mask can help your skin hold moisture longer. There are also overnight masks, which may cause you to forego your regular nighttime moisturizer, but those with very dry skin may still want to double up and use both.

Why It’s So Special: Farmacy Honey Potion Hydration Mask

• Hydrates with honey. Pure and sourced from U.S. farms , the honey blend delivers skin-loving moisture, nourishment and antioxidants.
• Supports skin renewal. Healing honey, soothing propolis and amino acid-rich royal jelly help cure dry skin and give it the support it needs for younger-looking skin and a dewy glow. Essential B vitamins smooth skin while glycerin attracts moisture.
• Luxurious spa experience. This rich, hydrating mask warms and transforms into a rich cream when massaged to soothe and revitalize skin.
• Easy, mess-free application. An ingenious magnetic spatula attaches to the lid, which means you won’t lose it, and application will always be hassle-free and hygienic.
• Proven results. 100% effective! After 2weeks of using this warming facial mask three times a week…
  • 100% of women noticed a younger appearance and a smooth, more glowing complexion.*
  • 100% of women noticed an increase in moisture and felt their skin was more nourished.*
  • 97% of women noticed a clearer complexion.*
  *Actual results may vary.

3. Brightening masks 

Brightening face masks are designed to improve the appearance of uneven skin tone and bring radiance to a dull complexion. They are typically loaded with brightening ingredients, such as arbutin, licorice, bearberry, vitamin C, tranexamic acid, and niacinamide.

The result is improved skin tone and glowing skin.

I recommend Farmacy Bright On as shown in #1 above.

4. Gel masks

Gel masks typically have a soothing and cooling effect and are ideal for dry and sensitive skin types that need hydration. Gel masks are infused with collagen and antioxidants that offer complete rehydration of the skin. 

Why It’s Oh So Special: Rose Face Mask

This fresh classic gel face mask drenches skin with rosewater, cucumber extract, and aloe vera gel to instantly cool and calm, while a blend of teas helps to brighten. Porphyridium cruentum, a hydrating microalgae extract, maintains moisture levels for soft, supple skin. Plus, it smells like fresh roses.

• Pure rosewater is notable for its soothing and toning properties.
• Cucumber extract and aloe vera gel help soothe the skin and have an immediate cooling and calming effect.
• Porphyridium cruentum, a hydrating algae extract, helps retain moisture.
• Antioxidant-rich green tea helps to brighten and protect.
• Benefits and Proof

• • 100% reported healthy-looking, supple skin
  • 93% felt their skin was moisturized, softened, smoothed, and soothed
  • 93% noticed a cooling and calming sensation
  • 90% said it nourished and visibly improved the appearance of their skin
  • *in-vivo test

5. Exfoliating masks

The purpose of an exfoliating mask is to slough off dull, dead skin cells and purge deep-seated dirt in your pores using hydroxy acids (like glycolic and lactic acids) and fruit enzymes (typically from papaya and pineapple). In addition to being considered a gentle,exfoliating masks typically contains natural skin-brightening properties, giving you that J-Lo glow. 

I recommend Farmacy Bright On as shown in #1 above.

6. Sheet masks

Sheet masks has been a big trend is the last five years popular popularized in Korea.

Sheet masks work with all skin types based on the formulas they contain. They are perfect for those who have busy schedules, are too lazy to wash off their masks and prefer a hassle-free application.  Sheet mask are shaped to fit most faces. You simply apply the sheet mask on your face and voila you’re done! 

The result is a deeply hydrated and dewy look.

Tip: Scoop out excess product and apply onto the sheet, your neck and decollate. That’s why I never multi-task when using sheet masks because when standing up they do slide down. Never rinse after removing your sheet mask.  Simply wipe and finish off with your favorite natural moisturizer. 

Why’s It’s Oh So Special: Farmacy Coconut Gel Sheet Masks

• Hydrates with coconuts. These coconut water-infused gel masks hug the contours of the face better than conventional sheet masks for intense hydration, exceptional comfort and enhanced delivery of essence.
• Anti-aging. Antioxidants help support collagen, promote an even complexion and fight free radical damage for healthier-looking skin.
• Hydrating Mask
  Extraordinary moisture.With the ability to hold up to 1000 times its weight in water, hyaluronic acid binds to skin to deliver intense moisture. Cucumber extract helps to maintain moisture levels and calm skin by reinforcing its natural barrier function.
• Brightening Mask
  Instant radiance. Brightening formula revitalizing dull looking skin with purple broccoli extract and clarifies with antioxidants, chlorophyll, vitamins and minerals. Vegan-friendly plant-based collagen is known to help visibly firm and promote a more youthful looking appearance.

7. DIY masks

DIY masks are typically homemade. They are made with all natural ingredients straight from your fridge or pantry. They’re a lot of fun to make too. Why not try this DIY glowing face mask. It’s great for sensitive skin too like mine.

Since these ingredients are fresh, they degradate when they get exposed to air and bacteria so make sure you them within an hour of mixing. I personally throw out what I don’t need. Better to be safe! 

DIY Cacao and Papaya Face Mask Recipe For Glowing Skin

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon of cacao powder
• 1/4 papaya (pureed)
• 1 tbsp. aloe vera gel

Instructions:

• Cleanse face.
• Simply add all the ingredients into a clean bowl and stir.
• Apply on skin with clean fingers and leave on for 10 minutes.
• Rinse off with lukewarm water.
• Apply your favorite serum and moisturizer.

Why It Works:

• Aloe Vera is filled to bursting with vitamins A, C, E, B1, B2, B3, B6 and B12 which means it’s radiance-boosting, skin-soothing and hydrating properties are pretty much unrivalled. 
• Papaya is packed with exfoliating enzymes that will dissolve dead skin cells.
• Cacao powder has powerful antioxidants and they also protect the skin from hyperpigmentation.

Which is The Most Cost Effective Mask?

Cream masks are typically more cost effective than sheet masks. Remember in life things that are designed for “convenience” or to save you time typically cost more especially because of the packaging. There is no excess packaging with cream masks like you would see with sheet masks. It also depends on the brand name. ☺  DIY’s are not necessarily inexpensive as well especially if they call for ingredients like avocado. Hey avocadoes can sometimes cost $2 a piece while the sheet mask I use costs me $1 USD.

Which Has More Active Ingredients

Sheet masks typically have 2 to 3 active ingredients – the rest is water and preservatives. Cream masks tend to have a variety of more active ingredients, including clays and can combine water and oil actives for a complete skin treatment. 

Which Type of Mask Should You Choose?

I personally use both because of my lifestyle and whatever my skin might need. I always use cream masks during my serious at-home spa facial days and sheet masks during the week when I need a pick me up or a boost. 

Summary

Whether you’re a sheet mask girl, prefer it in a jar or a DIY person as you can see there’s tons of choice for every skin problem. Remember that masks are just one of the steps in a spa facial. If you want to have healthy, glowing skin all year round you’ve got to stay consistent with your skin care routine, exercise, hydrate, and limit dairy, wheat, and sugar. Get glowing ladies!

Disclosure: All products featured on my blog are independently selected by Anna Bennett. Please note that some of the products above are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you decide to make a purchase after clicking through the link. I have personally purchased and used these clean beauty products because they simply work, not because of the small commissions I make. Please do not spend any money on these products unless you feel you need them or that they will help you achieve your skin, beauty, and health goals.