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| Using a facial sheet mask 15 minutes a day can help you get healthier skin. / Graphic by Cho Sang-won |
By Rachel Lee
There is a popular saying that having flawless skin is purely a genetic game of chance.
But such perfect skin, often meaning firm, glowing and blemish-free, might be impossible and even those lucky to be born with better skin than others need consistent effort to keep their skin healthy due to the changing environment and health conditions.
I was one of the lucky ones to have fairly good-looking skin, thanks to my parents. But it doesn't necessarily mean I didn't care about my skin, I was rather more obsessed with it _ every person is unique, and I became increasingly sensitive to lack of sleep and environmental effects, including yellow dust, since about five years ago.
Through a process of trial and error, I now know what brands of skincare products feel the most comfortable on my skin.
If you can afford professional skincare treatments at fancy beauty salons, it will be great because it definitely helps to achieve the goal of "flawless skin." But this costly option is not the only way to improve the skin unless you have skin diseases that need to be treated by a dermatologist.
In Korea, using a facial sheet mask every day became a ritual among the beauty-conscious about six months ago as "self-care" started becoming trendy.
As a beauty addict, I have been trying this daily facial sheet mask regime for over six months with brands ranging from the country's affordable skincare names to the world's leading manufacturers.
The result was more than I expected _ one applied everyday has left my skin much more hydrated, firm and soft. My efforts have paid off.
After having used more than 50 products, I found out that prices don't make much difference _ it is more about understanding your skin type _ dry, sensitive, oily or blemish-prone _ and getting the right product. If you are not sure about your skin type, it is a good idea to think about what you wish to focus on, such as wrinkles or brightening overall tone.
One of the products I would recommend for all skin types is Rose-Lace Corset 4D Lifting Mask by Corcell. Unlike the usual fabric used for sheet masks, Corcell's products for face and neck use spandex and cotton, which makes it easy to tightly hold on the face like a body corset.
I tend to use a sheet mask in the morning before I go to work so that my skin is deeply hydrated all day long, so it's important that products do not make my hair messy and greasy. Corcell is not applied to any of that and gives you moisturizing, lifting and firming effects with high-end lifting ingredients Peptide and Volufiline, well-known for targeting sagging skin.
For an upcoming "special day," CNP Laboratory's two-step Intensive Brightening Treatment Mask is the one for you. Ingredients like the Pearl extract make the skin tone brighter while moisturizing and firming. An ampoule is applied before using the mask.
What I liked about the product is the sheet is thicker, making it hold tighter on the skin.
Ultimately, the more effort you put into your skin will mean you will wake up to healthier skin. And 15 minutes a day is worth investing.
