We’ve all tried everything – from herbal treatments and masks made at home to clay masks, peel offs and high-end skin creams — to maintain our youthful look or rather to slow down the arrival of those dreaded wrinkles. But the ideal skin regimen should be quick, easy and with tangible results.

It seems the Korean beauty industry with its facial sheet mask, known more commonly as the K-sheet mask, may have found the answer. The face mask is doused with serum, has a gel-like consistency and can be applied easily.

The concept of daily hydration is gaining popularity in different parts of the world and it has become part of many celebrities’ beauty regimes. And the K-sheet masks seem to deliver the desired hydration without much fuss.

K-sheet face masks are all the craze, but which one should you use? A guide to the different kinds of face masks and how to apply them

The masks are packed individually which means they are fast and convenient to use. They boost hydration, are non-abrasive and make the skin radiate in a few minutes.

K-sheet masks are available in varied materials like non-woven, cotton, hydro gel and bio cellulose, and are all infused with serum and provide micro-nutrients. They contain ingredients such as spring water, vitamin C, chamomile, seaweed, vegetables, fruits, aloe vera, and sakura extracts which refresh the skin.

K-sheet masks cater to all skin types and provide hydration, oil balancing, whitening, firming and softening. Depending on the serum absorption rate, they can cost as little as 500 rupees or as much as 4,000. But which face mask to use? As with any consumer product, there are many to choose from. We give you a guide to what’s best for you based on your needs:

Bio cellulose mask

Made hundred percent with coconut jelly; this mask will permeate the skin and has the capacity to retain moisture for a long time. The structure of this mask resembles our skin and fits well on the face. It’s best used for healing wounded skin as it gives a soothing and cooling effect.

Hydro-gel mask

These are in the form of a thin gel and adhere well to the skin. The mask is infused with organic vegetable and fruits, and its jelly-like concentration helps the gel penetrate deep into the skin. Mostly they come in two separate parts for easy application.

Fibre mask

These are made of non-woven material and the texture feels like paper. It evaporates quickly as compared to other types due to the gaps between the skin and mask.

Cotton mask

They are made of pulp material, and have a finer texture and better absorption than the fiber mask. It’s adherence to skin is less than that of hydro-gel masks.

Eye masks

They are used along the contouring of eye and help to elevate puffiness, dark circles and reduce wrinkles.

Lip mask

They nourish dry and flaky lips and reduce fine lines.

Application of K-sheet masks

K-sheet masks are used after cleansing and toning the skin. All of them are shaped to fit the face — one size fits all. After opening the packet the film side is applied on the face. However, the best way to apply the sheet is to start from the forehead and pat it down by lining the holes for the eyes, nose and mouth. Apply it for 15 to 20 minutes. The excess serum should be gently massaged into the skin. Then pat it dry or rinse with warm water. The mask should never be reused.

The mask is not only beneficial to the skin but is also environmentally friendly as it is biodegradable.

Go ahead and pamper yourself. By giving yourself a few minutes you can make your skin look brighter, hydrated and refreshed — just like a model.

Published in Dawn, Sunday Magazine, October 9th, 2016