The lazy girls facial...Sheet Masking!

Have you ever wondered why celebrities always look so youthful and dewy? Their skin always seems to look so hydrated and healthy. The secret may lie in sheet masking which is now the in thing.

Several bloggers of Asian origin endorse it as their secret to ageless, flawless skin. Women around the world are now adapting this simple, painless and highly effective beauty procedure.

Exactly what is sheet masking?

A sheet mask is a cloth or paper saturated in skin loving ingredients such as hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin, and caffeine to minimize swelling and irritation. The mask is made out of materials such as cotton, silk, pulp, or kelp. Like other skincare products, there are a variety of flavors such as honey, aloe vera, coconut, green tea, and Shea butter.

How do they work?

Sheet masks are usually individually packed. If you are fortunate enough to buy some, slip one out of its packaging and put it on clean skin. Keep it on for 10 to 60 minutes depending on the type. Most sheet masks do not need rinsing. When you are done, just massage any excess product into your skin.

There are sheet masks for various skin issues such as acne care, anti-aging, soothing irritated skin, brightening, moisturizing and balancing oily skin. You can use them as often as daily or monthly, depending on your needs and budget.

Apart from having a healthy diet, these masks are the most effective way to hydrate your skin. Sheet masks are really effective because as the sheet rests on your face, it forces the antioxidants and vitamins to mingle with your skin, resulting in maximum penetration.

DIY Sheet Masks

If sheet masks are not readily available in your area, you can make them using a few simple ingredients, such as flat cotton pads, tissue, or rice paper, and serum or essential oils.

? For acne prone skin, mix 1/8 cup of distilled water with three drops of tea tree oil and 1/8 cup of witch hazel. Soak a tissue, rice paper, cotton pad or silk cloth in this liquid. Apply on your face and relax. Remove the sheet and massage any excess ingredient into your skin.

? For hydration, mix half a teaspoon of fresh aloe vera with half a teaspoon of rosehip oil, half a teaspoon of glycerin, and a little distilled water.

Sheet masks are best used overnight on clean skin. They complement a strong beauty regimen which comprises of twice daily cleansing and moisturizing and regular exfoliating treatments. They are available in big beauty supply shops.