Collagen Masks Have Gone Viral On TikTok – Here’s What Makes Them Worth The Hype

The secret to glass skin, revealed

By Charlie Colville

1 week ago

By now, we’re all well aware that collagen only spells good things for our skin. But, when combined with hydrating ingredients in a sheet mask, this beauty ingredient only gets better. So, what exactly makes a collagen mask good for your skin? And which ones are worth investing in? We ask the experts.

How To Find The Perfect Collagen Mask

What Is Collagen?

Before searching for a collagen mask, it’s important to understand why collagen is important for overall skin health. ‘Collagen is a protein found in the body that plays a crucial role in the structure and function of various tissues,’ explains Dr Jinah Yoo, a consultant dermatologist and the founder and medical director of MAYLIN x Dr Jinah Yoo Dermatology.

‘In skin, it plays a part in providing structural support, repairing tissue and supporting wound healing,’ she continues. ‘It is also responsible for maintaining the skin’s elasticity and firmness. As we age, collagen production decreases, leading to looser, less elastic skin. This is why we may look for a collagen boost in our skincare routine.’

What Are The Benefits?

With this in mind, collagen presents a lot of benefits when it comes to our skin. ‘Collagen in skincare can support smoothing the skin, hydrating it to ensure it’s more resilient and able to heal itself, and overall can enhance skin’s texture,’ says Dr Yoo.

Some other benefits include:

• Skin elasticity

• Hydration

• Improved skin barrier

• Plumper skin

• Firmer skin

• Protection

• Smooth texture

• Glowing skin

What Is A Collagen Mask?

With this in mind, a collagen mask can be a handy tool in your beauty routine to improve your skin health and appearance. ‘Collagen masks are often found in bio-cellulose sheet form, containing moisturising agents that help hydrate the skin,’ says Dr Yoo. ‘This can lead to a plumper, more radiant complexion and temporarily reduce the appearance of dryness and flakiness.

‘They are a great hydrator for at-home use for something more intensive, instead of a heavier moisturiser,’ she continues. ‘And sometimes can be applied post-treatment in clinic to support hydration uptake and calm the skin.’

How To Apply A Collagen Mask

It’s recommended that you apply any sheet mask to clean skin. Dr Yoo lays out the steps below:

1. Apply a collagen mask to a clean face.

2. Leave on for around 15 minutes.

3. Remove, then pat in any remaining serum left on the skin.

‘You should use a mask after cleansing to ensure better absorption of ingredients, and pre- moisturising,’ she adds. ‘Think in a layered approach; thinnest to thickest formula. If you leave the serum on, apply your moisturiser to skin whilst it is still damp to almost “seal” everything in.’

How Often Should You Use A Collagen Mask?

While you don’t need to use one everyday, it’s recommended that you make a habit of fairly regular use. ‘Using a mask weekly is ample for most people,’ suggests Dr Yoo.

Can You Reuse A Mask?

Don’t be tempted. ‘For hygiene reasons, it’s best to discard a mask after use,’ says Dr Yoo. ‘And, if you can source one, opt for one created from bio-degradable materials.’