10 Super Easy DIY Sheet Masks For Glowing Skin

Use these masks to tighten, brighten, hydrate, and nourish your skin!

Reviewed by Gabrielle Richens, Skin Therapist
Written by Ramona Sinha, MA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach
Edited by Eshna Das, BA, MSc
Fact-checked by Shiboli Chakraborti, MA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach  • 

Sheet masks have been among the best skin care inventions in recent times. The best part is that you can easily prepare DIY sheet masks for glowing skin at home. All you need is a couple of ingredients and a cotton facial mask sheet. Moreover, these DIY masks are cost-effective and help keep your skin plump. In this article, we will explore the benefits of DIY sheet masks and some easy ways to prepare them. Keep reading.

protip_icon Trivia
It is believed that the ancient Japanese entertainers, Geishas, were the first to apply sheet masks on their faces to enhance their skin.

Benefits Of  Using DIY Sheet Masks

Smiling woman holding a face sheet mask
Image: Shutterstock

1. They Are Hydrating

Sheet masks are made of soft cellulose fabric soaked in a DIY solution. The fabric prevents water evaporation, allowing better absorption of the solution and maintaining adequate skin hydration (1).  This helps prevent dryness and keeps your skin soft and plump.

2. May Have Antioxidant Properties

Some DIY sheet mask solutions also contain essential oils. These are pure plant oils and have antioxidant properties because of flavonoidsi  XA group of plant chemicals that help eliminate toxins from the body and skin and reduce inflammation. and phenolic acids (2). These antioxidants can prevent free radical damagei  XCellular damage caused by unstable reactive oxygen molecules that can lead to premature aging. to keep the skin healthy and may also have anti-aging effects.  

3. They Are Budget-Friendly

Buying commercial sheet masks every month may cost you a bomb, depending on the serum formula they use. However,  you can save a ton of money by using DIY sheet masks. You can buy the sheets masks in bulk and prepare the DIY solution at home. This is also environment-friendly as it reduces plastic waste.

4. They Are Customizable

Although the commercial sheet masks come with targeted benefits and formulas, you can still be allergic to some of the ingredients (like fragrances) used in them. On the other hand, DIY sheet masks are natural, and you can customize the solutions depending on your skin type and needs.

Sheet masks help improve skin hydration levels and work as an occlusive barrier. This barrier traps the ingredients, allowing them to work on your skin longer and more effectively.

You can easily find cotton facial masks online. In case you don’t, you can use wet cotton wipes instead. Wash the wet wipe, wring out the water, and cut out holes for your nose, eyes, and mouth. Sounds easy, right? Now, let’s check out how to make sheet masks at home.

10 DIY Sheet Mask Recipes To Try At Home

1. Cucumber Sheet Mask (For Calming Your Skin)

You Will Need
  • Juice of 1 cucumber
  • A cotton facial mask sheet

Method

  1. Grate the cucumber and strain its juice.
  2. Soak the cotton facial mask sheet in the cucumber juice.
  3. Refrigerate the sheet mask for 20-30 minutes.
  4. Place the sheet mask on your face.
  5. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes.
  6. Remove it and wash your face.
  7. Follow up with a serum or moisturizer.
Why It Works

Cucumber feels extremely soothing on your skin. It hydrates your skin and calms irritation, inflammation, and has moisturizing benefits. It reduces trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL)i  XRefers to the amount of water loss through the top layer of the skin, which may cause dryness. and may also regulate excess sebumi  XA waxy liquid produced by the sebaceous glands that help hydrate and protect the skin. secretion (3).

2. Rice Water Sheet Mask (For Brightening Your Skin)

DIY rice water sheet mask for glowing skin
You Will Need
  • A handful of rice (white or brown)
  • Water (twice as much as the rice)
  • A cotton facial mask sheet
Method
  1. Wash the rice and strain the water.
  2. Soak the clean rice in water overnight.
  3. Soak the cotton sheet mask in the rice water and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  4. Put the mask on your face and leave it on for 15-20 minutes.
  5. Take it off and wash your face with cold water.
  6. Follow up with a serum or moisturizer.
Why It Works

Korean women swear by rice water for their glowing complexion. It is a popular ingredient in skin care products as it has antioxidant benefits and anti-aging properties. It inhibits elastase production to tighten the skin (4).

3.Green Tea Sheet Mask (For Detoxifying Your Skin)

Shot of green tea bag and bowl filled with green tea paste
Image: Shutterstock
You Will Need
  • 5 green tea bags
  • Water (as required)
  • 2-3 drops of lemon juice
  • A cotton facial mask sheet
Method
  1. Steep the green tea bags in hot water for 15-20 minutes.
  2. Let the concoction cool down before adding the lemon juice.
  3. Soak the cotton facial mask in the tea and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes.
  4. Put the mask on your face and leave it on for 20 minutes.
  5. Remove the mask and wash your face.
  6. Follow up with serum or moisturizer.
Why It Works

Green tea is rich in polyphenols and antioxidants. It reduces irritation and acne and helps detoxify the skin (5). Citric acid from lemon juice helps to remove dead skin cells and has a regenerating effect on new cells. It also has an antioxidant effect that helps to prevent UV damage.

4. Seaweed Face Mask (For Nourishing Your Skin)

You Will Need
  • Japanese nori seaweed sheets (easily available online)
  • 2 green tea bags
  • 1-2 cups of Water
Method
  1. Steep the green tea bags in hot water for 15 minutes.
  2. Let it cool down and pour it into a plate.
  3. Dip the seaweed sheets, one by one, in the tea to moisten them. You will need 3-5 sheets, depending on their size.
  4. Place the sheets on your face. You can tear them up to adjust the size for your nose and mouth area.
  5. Leave them on for 15-20 minutes.
  6. Remove and wash your face.
  7. Follow up with a serum or moisturizer.
Why It Works

Marine algae (seaweed) are widely used in cosmetics. They are rich bioactive compounds that nourish your skin and keep it healthy (6).

5. Rose Water And Glycerin Sheet Mask (To Tighten Your Skin)

DIY rose water and glycerin sheet mask to tighten your skin
You Will Need
  • 1 tablespoon of rose water
  • 1 tablespoon of glycerin
  • 1 cotton facial mask sheet
Method
  1. Mix the rose water and glycerin and soak the cotton sheet in it.
  2. Place the mask on your face.
  3. Leave it on for 20 minutes
  4. Take it off and wash your face after 15-20 minutes.
Why It Works

Glycerin has a hydrating effect on your skin, and rosewater exhibits anti-inflammatory effects and can reduce UV-induced inflammation and free radical damage to keep your skin healthy (7), (8).

6. Witch Hazel And Tea Tree Oil Sheet Mask (For Acne-Prone Skin)

You Will Need
  • ¼ cup of witch hazel
  • ¼ cup of distilled water
  • 3 drops of tea tree oil
  • 1 cotton facial mask sheet
Method
  1. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl and soak the mask in it.
  2. Place it on your face and gently press down.
  3. Leave it on for 15-30 minutes.
  4. Take it off and wash your face after 15 minutes.
  5. Follow up with serum or moisturizer.
Why It Works

Tea tree oil and witch hazel have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties (9), (10). They help prevent acne and keep your skin clear and healthy.

7. Aloe Vera And Chamomile Sheet Mask (For Hydrating Your Skin)

You Will Need
  • ½ teaspoon of fresh aloe vera gel
  • 1-2 drops of chamomile essential oil
  • 2-4 tablespoons of brewed green tea (made using 2-3 green tea bags)
  • 1 cotton facial mask sheet
Method
  1. Mix all the ingredients and pour the solution into a glass plate.
  2. Place the facial mask on the plate and let it soak the solution for 15 minutes.
  3. Put the mask on your face and leave it on for 15-30 minutes.
  4. Remove the mask and wash your face after 15 minutes.
Why It Works

Aloe vera has a hydrating and moisturizing effect on your skin. It is rich in amino acids that keep your skin healthy (11). This sheet mask helps soften your skin.

8. Honey And Rosehip Seed Oil Sheet Mask (For Aging Skin)

You Will Need
  • ¼ cup of distilled water
  • ½ teaspoon of honey
  • 5-6 drops of rosehip seed oil
  • 1 cotton facial mask sheet
Method
  1. Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and mix well.
  2. Soak the cotton facial mask in the mixture.
  3. Place the mask on your face and leave it on for 15-20 minutes.
  4. Remove the mask and wash your face with cold water.
Why It Works

Rosehip seed oil contains phenolic compounds like carotenoids and tocopherols that prevent oxidative stress and slow down the skin aging process. It has anti-inflammatory effects and can calm inflammatory skin issues like eczema and dermatitis (2).

9. Chamomile And Lavender Sheet Mask (For Calming Your Skin)

DIY chamomile and lavender sheet mask for calming your skin
You Will Need
  • 1 tablespoon dried chamomile flowers (you can also use chamomile tea as an alternative)
  • 1 cup of water
  • 2-3 drops of lavender essential oil
  • 1 cotton facial mask sheet
Method
  1. Boil the water and steep the chamomile flowers in it for 5-10 minutes.
  2. Let the tea cool down. Add the lavender essential oil to it.
  3. Soak the cotton sheet mask in the solution and refrigerate for 10 minutes.
  4. Squeeze out the excess liquid and place the mask on your face.
  5. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes.
  6. Remove it and wash your face with cold water.
Why It Works

Lavender has a therapeutic effect on your skin and is excellent for healing wounds (12). Moreover, it calms your senses and leaves your mind and skin feeling refreshed.

10. Watermelon Sheet Mask (For Refreshing Your Tired Skin)

You Will Need
  • 3-4 tablespoons of fresh watermelon juice
  • 1 tablespoon of fresh aloe vera gel
  • 1 cotton facial mask sheet
Method
  1. Mix both the ingredients in a bowl and refrigerate for 15 minutes.
  2. Take it out and soak the cotton sheet mask in it for 5 minutes.
  3. Squeeze out the excess liquid and place it on your face.
  4. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes.
  5. Remove it and wash your face with cold water after 10 minutes.
Why It Works

This sheet mask has a cooling effect and can instantly calm down sun-damaged skin. Watermelon extract contains lycopene, an antioxidant that helps to prevent skin aging (13).

protip_icon Quick Tip
Lock in the moisture after removing sheet masks by applying eye cream to prevent under-eye wrinkles and brighten the skin around your eyes.

Infographic: 5 Quick DIY Sheet Masks For Radiant Skin

DIY sheet masks have reached a new height of popularity due to their notable benefits of being pocket-friendly and customizable. It is a quick way to rejuvenate your skin and achieve that natural glow. Check out the infographic below to know more about easy homemade face mask recipes you can follow from the comfort of your home.

5 quick diy sheet masks for radiant skin (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

Download Infographic in PDF version

DIY sheet masks for glowing skin are a budget-friendly, healthier, and sustainable way of rejuvenating, hydrating, and nourishing your skin. Using homemade sheet masks in your daily skincare regimen will prevent dryness and free radicals, slow down aging, keep your skin smooth, and add to your natural beauty. The best part is you can use ingredients easily available in your pantry such as cucumber, green tea, rose water, chamomile, watermelon, or aloe vera to make sheet masks that are suitable for your skin type and address your skin issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should we store sheet masks in the fridge?

It is not necessary. However, cold sheet masks feel great on the skin and can help reduce puffiness and inflammation.

Can I wash and reuse sheet masks?

No. It is not advisable to use the same sheet mask twice.

Can I use toner before the sheet mask?

Yes, you may apply toner before putting on a sheet mask It can also be beneficial to steam your face before applying a sheet mask.

Can a 13-year-old use a sheet mask?

It is not advisable. Consult a pediatrician before using sheet masks on children. They have sensitive skin, and the ingredients in the sheet mask serum may not suit their skin.

Key Takeaways

  • Sheet masks are a cost-effective and quick way to plump up your skin instantly.
  • They hydrate your skin and have antioxidant properties that prevent damage.
  • You can make a rice water sheet mask to brighten your skin, a glycerin mask to tighten your skin, or a honey and rosehip seed oil mask to fight the signs of aging.

DIY Sheet Masks For Glowing Skin

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team


Learn how to make DIY face masks for clear, glowing, and healthy skin! Check out this video to discover all the tips and tricks you can use to make natural face masks easily at home. Watch it now!

References

Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.

  1. In vivo evaluation of the effectiveness of biocellulose facial masks as active delivery systems to skin
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7027794/
  2. Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5796020/
  3. Exploring cucumber extract for skin rejuvenation
    https://www.researchgate.net/publication/260228305_Exploring_cucumber_extract_for_skin_rejuvenation
  4. Rice Water: A Traditional Ingredient with Anti-Aging Efficacy
    https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9284/5/2/26/htm
  5. Green Tea and Other Tea Polyphenols: Effects on Sebum Production and Acne Vulgaris
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5384166/
  6. Beneficial Effects of Marine Algal Compounds in Cosmeceuticals
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3564164/
  7. The 24-hour skin hydration and barrier function effects of a hyaluronic 1%, glycerin 5%, and Centella asiatica stem cells extract moisturizing fluid: an intra-subject, randomized, assessor-blinded study
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5560567/
  8. Skin anti‐inflammatory activity of rose petal extract (Rosa gallica) through reduction of MAPK signaling pathway
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6261181/
  9. Antioxidant and potential anti-inflammatory activity of extracts and formulations of white tea, rose, and witch hazel on primary human dermal fibroblast cells
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3214789/
  10. A review of applications of tea tree oil in dermatology
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22998411/
  11. Aloe Vera: A Short Review
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2763764/
  12. Wound healing potential of lavender oil by acceleration of granulation and wound contraction through induction of TGF-β in a rat model
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4880962/
  13. Development of emulsion containing watermelon extract for skin aging
    https://academicjournals.org/journal/JMPR/article-full-text/055AE2D66886
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