Dry Skin Saviors: My Favorite Sheet Masks and Cream Masks for a Hydrated Glow

How often do you use cream and sheet face masks in your routine? In the past, I always tried to avoid them, substituting one-time use with something less convenient, but what I thought was more effective. Well, let’s just say I learned something new! Dry, flaky skin sometimes yearns for a moisture miracle, especially on days when you introduce new active ingredients into your skincare (like retinol or niacinamide), or when the weather is extremely cold or hot.

To address this, today I’ll share with you my favorite cream and sheet face masks from the affordable brand Balea. We’ll also be comparing what formulas work best for dry skin. Let’s take a look!

My Favorite Hydrating Face Masks for Thirsty Skin Days

My all-time favorite masks come from one of the most popular and the most affordable skincare brands called Balea. I talk about it on my blog all the time, sharing my thoughts and pictures of various products by this brand. If you’ve never heard about Balea, I recommend you check out my Balea Hair Mask review, where I share the story behind the brand.

Let’s start with the masks from the thumbnail! Balea’s Happy Macarons sheet masks come in two adorable variations: blueberry and strawberry. Packaged in pastel lavender and pink sachets, these masks are perfect for those who love cute skincare products. They include hyaluronic acid as a key ingredient, making them ideal for a pre- or post-skincare hydration boost.

Next up – Balea’s Feed Your Skin Cloth Mask with a refreshing watermelon fragrance. Formulated with glycerin and sweet almond oil, this mask seals in moisture with its rich, oily serum. Plus, it smells delicious – what more could you ask for? Only for the adorable snout printed on top of your sheet mask.

So, to the next two masks: Balea Be Cute Tuchmaske with a cute deer and tiger printed on them. Of course, a cute print with an adorable animal won’t make our sry skin more radiant, but it definitely makes your mood better. The formulation is similar to the previous Balea mask: water mixed with skin-hydrating ingredients and natural oils.

There are so many different cream masks by Balea that I love! Of course, the hyaluronic acid-based one is my favorite, but the skin-warming face mask was a pleasant discovery. I used it on a cold winter day and my skin felt so nourished and warmed afterward. Of course, the sweet scent of shea nuts adds to the good sensation!

Sheet Masks vs. Cream Masks

Dry skin can be a constant struggle, requiring a thoughtful and nourishing skincare routine to maintain a glowing and healthy complexion. It is recommended to use a face mask on those especially ”thirsty skin days”. Of course, the two most popular options available for us are sheet masks and cream masks. They are affordable, cutely packed and so easy to use! But what works best for the dry skin?

Sheet Masks for Deep Hydration:

Instant Moisture Infusion: Sheet masks are saturated with a concentrated serum, allowing for an instant infusion of moisture into the skin. The sheets create a barrier, preventing the serum from evaporating quickly and ensuring prolonged contact with your skin.

Convenience and Ease of Use: Sheet masks are incredibly convenient, offering a mess-free and fuss-free application. The pre-soaked sheets are ready to use, making them a perfect on-the-go solution or a quick pick-me-up at the end of a long day.

Cooling and Refreshing Sensation: Many sheet masks have a cooling effect on the skin, providing a refreshing sensation. This can be particularly soothing for dry skin that may feel tight or irritated.

Cream Masks for Intensive Nourishment:

Rich and Luxurious Formulas: Cream masks are known for their rich and luxurious formulations. Packed with emollients, oils, and other nourishing ingredients, these masks provide intense hydration and often have a thicker consistency than sheet masks.

Customizable Application: Cream masks offer a more customizable application, allowing you to control the amount applied and target specific areas of concern. This flexibility is beneficial for individuals with extremely dry patches or specific areas that require extra attention.

Extended Duration of Use: Unlike sheet masks that are typically left on for a shorter duration, cream masks can be left on for a more extended period. This prolonged contact with the skin allows the rich formula to deeply penetrate and address the deeper layers of dry skin.

On bad skin days, when my skin feels flaky and dry, and nothing seems to make my foundation go on flawlessly, I turn to a power couple: a double face mask treatment. I start with a cream mask formula, followed by a 10- to 15-minute hydrating sheet mask.

Ultimately, the choice between sheet masks and cream masks for dry skin depends on your individual preferences and skincare goals. For days when my skin just needs a little hydration boost, sheet masks work wonders. The thin, lightweight tissue acts as a barrier, locking in hydrating serums and preventing moisture from escaping. This allows my skin to absorb the maximum benefits!

two Balea Happy Macarons Sheetmasks surrounded by small marshmallows

How to Use Sheets Masks for the Best Results?

To truly unlock the full potential of a sheet mask, it’s crucial to use it in the right way. Here are a few useful tips and tricks to amplify the benefits and make sheet masking a truly transformative experience.

Step #1: Start with a Clean Canvas

Before applying a sheet mask, make sure that your neck and face are thoroughly cleansed. This step helps remove any impurities, excess oil, or makeup residues that might hinder the mask’s absorption. Use a gentle cleanser suited to your skin type to create a clean canvas for the mask to work its magic.

After you’ve done washing your face and neck, don’t wipe your skin dry. Instead, use a thin paper towel to remove access water, but leave your skin damp.

Step #2: Choose the Right Sheet Mask

Sheet face masks come in various formulations and target many skin concerns: hydration, brightening, anti-aging, and more. Select a mask that addresses your specific needs and skin type. My personal favorite – hydrating and nourishing masks. Whether your skin craves moisture, radiance, or a soothing effect, picking the right sheet mask sets the foundation for a successful skincare session.

Be mindful of the recommended duration for wearing the sheet mask. Typically, most sheet masks advise leaving them on for 15-20 minutes. Avoid exceeding the suggested time, as leaving the mask on for too long may lead to reverse osmosis, causing the mask to absorb moisture from your skin.

Step #5: Adjust for a Perfect Fit:

Sheet masks come in one-size-fits-all designs, but every face is unique. Take a moment to adjust the mask for a snug fit, ensuring optimal contact with your skin. Smooth out any air bubbles or creases, particularly around the nose and eyes, to ensure even distribution of the serum.

* Quick Tip: Don’t waste the sheet mask serum! Once you remove the mask, don’t let the remaining serum go to waste. Gently massage any excess product into your skin, neck, and even the back of your hands. I also like to scoop up any remaining serum from the package, before throwing it away.

Follow Up with Your Routine:

Sheet masks are a wonderful addition to your regular skincare steps but should not replace them. Follow up with your regular skincare routine, applying toner, serums, and moisturizer as needed. This helps seal in the benefits of the sheet mask and provides comprehensive care for your skin.

When to Use the Sheet Mask in a Skincare Routine

Nighttime was made for a thorough skincare routine! This is a great time to use a hydrating or nourishing sheet mask, as your skin has more time to absorb the ingredients while you sleep. Look for masks with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or ceramides.

Both cream and sheet face masks are high in active ingredients, so you don’t have to be using them daily. Depending on your skin’s current mood, use them 2-3 times a week. If your skin is tired or dull, a sheet mask can help to revive it. Look for masks with ingredients like vitamin C, antioxidants, or green tea.

woman with animal sheet mask on her face

Final Verdict…

Dry skin can be such a drag, but with the right masks, you can keep it feeling hydrated and healthy. These masks have been lifesavers for my skin, and I know they can make a difference for yours too. So next time you’re feeling like your skin needs a pick-me-up, reach for one of these masks and enjoy a little pampering session!