Love using sheet masks? Then get ready to deal with these 4 skin problems

If you, too, are fascinated by the Sara Ali Khans and Ananya Pandeys of the world, and love to use sheet masks like them, then beware. That’s because those masks can have adverse effects on your skin, and instead of giving you an ethereal glow they can wreck it completely.

These sheet masks have hypnotised every young woman. And why not? It looks easy to use, and as per the ad world, they are the best when it comes to nourishing your skin.

Unfortunately, the problem is that we are completely oblivious to their flaws. And that’s what we are going to reveal today. FYI, we aren’t alone in this. Even renowned dermatologist and the founder & chairman of Dr Nivedita Dadu’s Dermatology Clinic, Dr Nivedita Dadu agrees with us, and that’s why she’s here to enlighten us about all the side effects. 

Come let’s read what she has to say. 

Without a doubt, these sheet masks have side effects, admits Ms Dadu

Told ya! The thing is that we have different face sheet masks for different needs, such as to remove dead skin cells, to soothe the skin, to restore the lost shine and glow of skin, to improve the texture of the skin, to protect the skin from harmful effects of pollution and harsh climate, and most importantly, to prevent premature aging. But unfortunately, it’s not necessary that they will always be good for your skin. 

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One thing to always remember is that you must always apply face sheet masks, according to your skin type. 

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“If you have any skin issues, always take the opinion of a dermatologist before applying face sheet masks. Keeping the face masks on for a very long time may result in the formation of wrinkles, sagging of skin and enlargement of open pores,” says Dr Dadu. 

Also, don’t apply face masks too frequently, as they can make your skin dry and itchy. 

And that’s not all. Here are the four skin problems face sheet masks can cause:

1. Acne

If someone is prone to breakouts, they may experience an increase in breakouts, while wearing face sheet masks. That’s because they can trap acne-causing bacteria and sebum on the skin, leading to whiteheads, blackheads and inflammatory acne. Frictional acne can occur from contact, especially with excess usage of sheet masks or from humidity. Changing the mask type may help to move the contact point or reduce the humidity.

2. Rosacea

“The heat under a mask may cause the skin capillaries to dilate, which may worsen the rosacea. Heat and sweating can be triggers for this skin condition, which is characterized by redness, enlarged blood vessels and firm or fluid-filled bumps, most commonly on the cheeks and chin. As wearing a face sheet mask hikes the temperature of the skin, and increases sweating, rosacea-prone skin may flare up.Change to a cooler-feeling mask if possible, and reduce other facial skin heating exposures, such as hot liquids, alcohol and spicy foods,” explains Dr Dadu.

3. Dry skin

Some face sheet masks can actually absorb the natural moisture on your face that results in the drying out of the skin in the area.

4. Dermatitis

People who apply face sheet masks on a daily basis can experience a rash called contact dermatitis. In most cases, it is an irritant or allergic reaction to the mask itself. The main symptoms of contact dermatitis include an itchy rash, along with dry or scaly skin, bumps and blisters, swelling and burning.

Don’t get paranoid. Instead, keep these tips handy to avoid all the above skin problems, caused by sheet masks: 

• Don’t apply face masks too frequently, as they can make your skin dry and itchy. So, face sheet masks should be applied, once in a week.

• Try adding over-the-counter benzoyl, peroxide-containing acne washes or salicylic acid-containing acne washes to your regimen, as well as other topicals with active ingredients, such as niacinamide or adapalene to help treat and prevent acne flare-ups. Make sure all the products that you use are labeled “non-comedogenic”, so that you do not end up clogging your pores. 
• Use over-the-counter barrier creams, such as zinc oxide or petroleum jelly, or even a dressing such as duoderm to alleviate pain in these tender spots.
• You can try switching the type of face sheet mask you use, or you could even go for a short course of a topical cortisone to treat the rash, along with a heavy-duty moisturizer.
• Try applying a more heavy-duty moisturizing cream that contains ceramides to rehydrate the skin. Ceramides can help restore the skin barrier that is disrupted in dry skin. Always avoid moisturizers that contain high levels of ethanol, as that can worsen dry skin.
• Wash your face after wearing a face sheet mask, being sure to use a non-comedogenic moisturizer that doesn’t clog pores. If your face sheet mask causes new acne or makes your acne worse, then consult your dermatologist for the best way to treat your skin type.  

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• Apply an emollient. Skin irritation with face sheet masks is most common along the bridge of the nose and central cheeks, where the flexible nosepiece is secured into place. This can be minimized by using a thicker emollient, such as aquaphor, to augment skin barrier function, and provide lubrication for the junction of the mask with the skin.

So ladies, if you belong to the sheet mask fam, then you better watch out and follow these tips!