You may have heard about it at some point: “A Pack A Day” skincare routine—meaning using one sheet mask a day—has been all the rage among Korean celebrities and their fans. Some may ask, “Why so diligent?” But in reality, “A Pack A Day” was formed for the lazy girl who can’t take the time to go through a full-on skincare routine day and night. But the effects are not to be looked down upon: the following morning, you will see the results of hard work and effort.

So… Is It Actually Good For My Skin?

It depends on your skin type and the active ingredients in the facial mask. Cheaper facial masks contain purified water and plant extracts as their main ingredients, so they’re not so much about improving your skin drastically, but about applying moisture through the contact between the mask and the skin.

Mid to high-range facial masks, sleeping packs, wash-off packs containing large amounts of adenosine, Niacinamide, and Vitamin C can cause irritation and break outs if excessively used, so it’s better to only use them 2-3 times a week. When it comes to sleeping packs and wash-off packs in particular, some contain salicylic acid and citric acid which melts away the keratinocyte in the outer most layer of your skin, so it’s better to use them once in a while as well.

The best way to go about “A Pack A Day” routine is to pick and choose products based on your skin condition. It’s good to assign a specific type of pack or mask to each day of the week to construct a solid skincare routine.

I’m Sold! How Do I Do It?

• Follow the instructions. I know, it sounds silly. But they are written on the product packing for a reason. To avoid unwanted skin trouble, follow the instructions!
• A gentle exfoliation or a deep cleansing before applying a sheet mask can be helpful. The outer layer of the skin is tougher than you think so unless you clear away the dead skin cells, it can be difficult for the essence to be fully absorbed deep into your skin.
• If you have a steam towel, you can use it before applying a sheet mask to open up your pores for better absorption. If you don’t have one, you can just fill your sink with hot water and let your face contact the warm steam for a couple of minutes.
• Use a toner first! Bringing your skin back to its natural pH level is a very important step of preparation for the skin to take in all that good nutrition from a facial mask.
• Sheet masks should not be kept on for longer than as directed on the instructions. If you go past the time and wait until the mask starts to dry out, the essence in the mask and on your skin can evaporate into the air and actually leave your skin drier than before.

Too busy and lazy to go through the typical 10-step Korean skincare routine? Try putting on “A Pack A Day”—quick, easy, and definitely worthwhile.

Happy Masking!