Source: Vogue
Give your skincare routine a zero-waste makeover
BY HASINA KHATIB
If hydrated, brighter and luminous skin within ten minutes is of interest to you, you likely have a sheet mask—or ten—stashed in your skincare arsenal. Over the course of the past few years, these masks have become a permanent guest at sleepovers and getting-ready routines alike for instantly rejuvenating dull, fatigued skin. Little surprise, then, that Korean women—always on the cutting edge of skincare-led beauty—are known to apply one as often as every day. But if you’ve ever felt conflicted about tossing away the excess serum left at the bottom, you aren’t the only one. Ahead, experts draw up a handy blueprint to make your sheet masks work as hard as you do.
What can sheet masks do for you?
After shooting into the mainstream spotlight a few years ago, Dr Shende credits the sheet mask selfies by pop culture icons, such as Bella Hadid and Lady Gaga, for making it a popular Instagram ritual in 2018. Such is the ubiquity of this skincare staple that its global market is now expected to touch $1.4 billion by 2024, according to industry forecasts. For those looking for a quick refresher, this nifty skincare saviour employs the benefits of face masks in a done-for-you sheet form. Slit a pack open, and you’ll find a face-shaped sheet soaked in a cocktail of skin-loving ingredients within.
Dr Snehal Shende, a Mumbai-based consultant at Kaya Skin Clinic, says, “Featuring key ingredients like niacinamide, vitamin C, berry and flower extracts or hyaluronic acid, the serum-dipped cellulose sheet prevents the quick evaporation of hydrating ingredients by trapping the actives, thereby providing better absorption into the skin. When used regularly, sheet masks can improve moisture levels, brighten the appearance of dull, dry skin and offer a radiant glow.” Dermatologist Dr Jamuna Pai seconds the notion. “When so many of us have been struggling to make time for self-care, sheet masks have come to the rescue as a hassle-free option that can be customised for your skin type, such as an oil-infused mask for dry and dehydrated skin,” she says.
How to use the excess serum from your sheet mask
If you have ever treated yourself to a masking night at the end of a long week, you are likely acquainted with the disappointment of facing the pool of excess serum at the bottom of a sheet mask pack that feels almost criminal to throw away. However, the skin experts would like you to know that you can make the extra serum work for you in more ways than one. Ahead, Dr Pai and Dr Shende share their favourite uses for leftover serum.Treat your neck to some TLC
The excess serum in the mask can be applied all over the body, with special attention on the neck and décolletage. This will help hydrate and rejuvenate the otherwise neglected skin below the face.Give yourself a face massage
After you have taken off your sheet mask, the extra serum can be employed for a facial massage as a quick fix for lymphatic drainage and to reduce puffiness. Top this off with a moisturiser to lock in all the goodness of the serum.DIY your own mask
The excess serum can even be used for a follow-up session the next morning. Since the formula doesn’t last under prolonged exposure to air, it is ideal to pop some cotton pads in and store it in an airtight container or pouch for use within twenty four hours.Smoothen rough patches on the arms
While the face assumes monopoly in our skincare routines, the arms can often end up deprived of nourishment. If you’re looking to smoothen rough patches around the elbows, it helps to spread some of the excess serum over the arms once you are done with the face.Mix and match
The potent serum also works as a good team player with other skincare ingredients. If you are looking to whip up your own recipe, the leftover serum can also be mixed with fuller’s earth for another masking session the next day.
