Featured Image Source
The older I get, the more I seem to face a heavy impasse: I want to prioritize my skin care, but I’m too lazy to put in the work.
At least when it comes to bedhead, a hot air brush can tame my tresses in one spectacular fell swoop. But to exfoliate, rehydrate, and regenerate younger-looking skin? The multi-step routine just sounds exhausting from the start.
If only we could give ourselves a facial in our sleep, am I right?
Well, my friends, I have magnificent news: an overnight face mask can do practically just that. Instead of staying up all night to slather lotions on our skin, we can skip ahead a few steps and let the magic happen while we snooze.
Ready to wake up to more glowing, radiant skin? Read on, because we’re about to bring out your best beauty sleep ever.
What Is An Overnight Face Mask?
Imagine the refreshing feel you get from your favorite face mask – then think even better and more moisturizing. “An overnight mask, also known as a sleeping mask, is super-hydrating skin cream designed to be applied to the face all night,” says Anna Chacon, M.D., a board certified dermatologist. “It is created to help nutrients penetrate more deeply as you sleep. It also serves as a barrier that blocks out dust and dirt that might get into your pores at night,” she explains.
This barrier mitigates moisture loss that would otherwise happen while you sleep, says Ghanima Abdullah, a long-time cosmetologist and beauty consultant. There are many reasons why your skin might dry out overnight: you don’t drink enough water for your skin to effectively flush out toxins; you toss or turn in cotton pillowcases and sheets; or your hair brushes against your skin and absorbs its moisture. “Central cooling and heating also dry out the skin, as can sleeping under a fan,” Abdullah adds. “Overnight face masks help stop that moisture loss.”
One extra benefit of an overnight face mask (as opposed to one you might apply during the day) is that you’re not putting makeup over it, explains Abdullah. “Most people like a matte look to their skin, and that sucks all the moisture out from under, doing some serious damage to your skincare routine,” she points out. “So you’re piling on the good stuff with your morning routine, then using bad stuff on top of it, which seeps into the skin. Overnight face masks have time to work while you sleep before you start getting ready again in the morning,” she says.
How To Choose An Overnight Face Mask
As with most beauty products, there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to overnight face masks. Instead, you should consider the specific needs of your skin type and desired outcomes, explains Jessica Fenn, a master esthetician and skincare educator. Dry skin types should seek out ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, plant-based oils, and honey. If you have oily skin, look for ingredients like niacinamide, salicylic acid, and clay, she says.
Interested in a face mask with anti-aging properties? Find products that contain ceramides, squalene, fatty acids, and collagen. Hyperpigmentation issues? Seek out retinol, vitamin C, and kojic acid. And if you have problems with acne, look for ingredients like salicylic acid, alpha-hydroxy acids, vitamin C, and sulfur, Fenn recommends. (There are other common ingredients that work serious magic on all skin types, of course, like rice extract, niacinamide, and centella asiatica, among others.)
Feeling overwhelmed with all your overnight skincare options? Don’t worry – we’re here to help you find your most fitting face mask match. Below, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 best overnight face masks for every skincare need!
-
Best Overall: Laneige Cica Sleeping Mask
-
Best For Dry Skin: Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask
-
Best For Oily Skin: Farmacy 10% Niacinamide Night Mask
-
Best For Acne-Prone Skin: Neogen A-Clear Soothing Overnight Mask
-
Best For Sensitive Skin: Cicarepair Tiger Grass Sleepair Intensive Mask
-
Best For Anti-Aging: Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate Moisturizing Face Oil
-
Best For Skin Plumping: Bioelements Plump Start
-
Best For Dark Spots: Shiseido White Lucent Overnight Cream & Mask
-
Best For Rest And Repair: Dermalogica Overnight Retinol Repair
-
Best Budget: Olay Masks Overnight Gel Mask
The Best Overnight Face Masks
Best Overall: Laneige Cica Sleeping Mask
It’s no wonder Marie Claire picked this hypoallergenic mask as one of the best night masks on the market – and our experts loved it, too! “It contains cica [centella asiatica] that calms inflammation while healing blemishes; squalene and shea butter to moisturize and nourish; and fermented yeast extract to make each ingredient even more beneficial,” Dr. Chacon explains.
Best For Dry Skin: Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask
This super-hydrating mask helps your skin soak in moisture for up to 72 hours! “It has hyaluronic acid and avocado butter to keep your complexion supple and plump,” Dr. Chacon says.
Best For Oily Skin: Farmacy 10% Niacinamide Night Mask
This niacinamide night mask contains vitamin B3 to smooth and refine oily pores, all while supporting the protective moisture barrier. Plus, antioxidant-rich blueberry seed oil evens skin texture and tone, improving the appearance of dull skin.
Best For Acne-Prone Skin: Neogen A-Clear Soothing Overnight Mask
This acne-treatment mask soothes your inflamed skin while preventing future breakouts and blemishes. The salicylic acid formula helps control sebum production and unclog pores, while centella asiatica calms and nourishes your skin overnight.
Best For Sensitive Skin: Cicarepair Tiger Grass Sleepair Intensive Mask
Specially formulated for sensitive skin, Dr. Jart+’s intensive sleep mask contains a soothing blend of centella asiatica, herbs and minerals, a moisturizing humectant, and probiotic ferment. An Allure Best of Beauty winner, it can reduce redness and revitalize in a single use!
Best For Anti-Aging: Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate Moisturizing Face Oil
This anti-aging mask packs in essential oils like lavender, squalane, and evening primrose to reverse wrinkles and enhance skin elasticity. It’s also free of harsh chemicals like silicone and alcohol, so your moisture will be locked in way past midnight.
Best For Skin Plumping: Bioelements Plump Start
Collagen is key in this intensive plumping night mask that can save your skin from a dull or sunken look. No matter what your skin type, this face mask has you plumped and covered, and it’s even vegan and cruelty free!
Best For Dark Spots: Shiseido White Lucent Overnight Cream & Mask
This anti-hyperpigmentation cream combines healing acids and root extracts to reduce the appearance of dark spots, discoloration, and signs of aging. It does double duty to brighten your skin and diminish fine lines from dryness.
Best For Rest And Repair: Dermalogica Overnight Retinol Repair
This retinol face mask accelerates skin repair and renewal, while peptides and vitamin C improve skin tone and texture. And your purchase includes a bonus buffer cream to help your skin adapt to the retinol!
Best Budget: Olay Masks Overnight Gel Mask
This budget-friendly face mask will keep your skin happy and hydrated for under $10. Vitamins B3, E, and hyaluronic acid work together to nourish deeply, keeping your skin going and glowing for up to 24 hours. Plus, the honeysuckle scent will have your skin smelling as fresh as it looks!
Do you have a favorite overnight face mask? What results have you seen in your skin? Share your experience in the comments below!
Keep Scrolling For More Articles On The Latest Beauty And Skincare Trends:
