Sheet masks are one of my favorite at-home spa skin care recipes to make. For those of you who may not have heard of them before, sheet masks are a skin care treatment that uses a piece of fabric soaked in a solution that is intended to bring a host of benefits to the skin. They can be found in just about any store that sells skin care products, but they come at the price of additional preservatives for shelf stability and single-use packaging. They also range in price, with the inexpensive ones including less than natural ingredients and the expensive ones being well...expensive! This is why I opt to make my own.

 
They are shockingly easy to make and are customizable for all skin types and needs. Sheet masks often feature hydrosol, herbal infusions, skin care oils, vegetable glycerin, and in my home spa, raw honey from my apiary. The key to a good sheet mask is to craft it so the mixture of water-based ingredients and oil-based ingredients is balanced.

Watery ingredients like hydrosols, herbal infusions, and vegetable glycerin are light and help to evenly coat the cloth. They are also easily penetrable and absorbable in the skin. In this recipe, I called upon rose hydrosol which is gentle and refreshing. I will also sometimes use cucumber hydrosol if I'm seeking an even gentler mask experience. I also added vegetable glycerine because my dry skin likes this inclusion. Vegetable glycerine is a humectant, meaning it helps the skin retain moisture.

So, why include oil-based ingredients? Well, they help to offer longer-lasting hydration and staying power after removing the mask. In this recipe, I used one of the most luscious oils I keep in my skin care oil collection. Pomegranate oil is a thicker oil that has a special affinity for dry skin. It also contains punicic acid, which according to studies, helps to enhance collagen synthesis. Because this oil is thick, some may wish to combine it with another of their favorite skin care oils. Some good choices might include cranberry seed oil, rosehip seed oil, or tamanu oil.

The final ingredient is one that holds a special place in my heart. Honey is an incredible skin care ingredient that contains abundant antioxidants, enzymes, and skin-loving nutrients. I also keep bees and have a deep connection to them. I use their surplus honey as part of my self-care and do so with great reverence for them.

* A reminder to opt for local honey whenever possible. Not only is more beneficial to you as a part of the ecosystem contained in the honey, but it also supports your local beekeeping community.

Without further ado, let’s get started!

Crafting a Sheet Mask

First, it’s important to use the right fabric when making your sheet mask template. It’s best to use natural materials that absorb well and that are light enough to not require a lot of liquid that may be wasted. My favorite materials are lightweight cotton or linen.

You can craft your own template by draping your fabric over your face and tracing an outline of your face. Then, draw the eye and mouth holes along with the nose slits. Keep in mind you want the mask to sit on top of your nose but not over the nose holes (for obvious reasons). Next, cut the template out and rinse the fabric before using it to get rid of any rogue fibers.

If you would prefer to use our downloadable mask template, you can find that here! 

Moisturizing Sheet Mask Recipe for Dry Skin

Ingredients

• 3 tsp. organic rose hydrosol
• 1/2 tsp. raw local honey
• 1/2 tsp. organic vegetable glycerine
• 10 drops organic pomegranate oil

1. Warm all ingredients on low heat and stir until the honey is dissolved. This should take no more than about 30 seconds to warm since there's a small amount of liquid.
2. Add dry fabric mask to pan and squeeze liquid into mask.
3. Remove mask from mixture and lay over clean face.
4. Relax for 10 to 15 minutes to let liquid sink in.Occasionally press into face. 
5. Remove mask, then gently massage fabric over face and neck to help liquid finish absorbing into skin.
6. You can rinse face or leave it on. Do not wash off with soap. 
   
   

Pro Tips

• If you are omitting the honey, you don’t have to warm the mixture, but I like it warmed anyway. 
• Masks are ideal when made with lightweight, natural (absorbent) fibers. I like cotton best.
• Rinse out and air dry your mask after each use to keep clean. It can be washed with your other laundry, but it’s recommended to use dish soap to remove oils before adding it i with other clothing.

Want the downloadable sheet mask template?

Find it Here!

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