Is a Sleep Mask The Same as a Night Cream?
When it comes to beauty products, there seems to be a new buzz word every other week. From jelly masks to 7 skins toners there are endless trends making waves on social media.
In 2024, K-Beauty is soaring to new heights and with it, an incredible array of Korean skincare, which includes a lot of new product categories.
New products however require an education. After all, there's nothing worse than buying a product that you aren’t quite sure how to use.
Which brings us to the topic of K-Beauty Sleep Masks - aren't they just the same as night creams?
Let's take a look.
IS A SLEEP MASK THE SAME AS A NIGHT CREAM?
Night cream is a product that most people are familiar with. It's the final step in your nightly skincare routine and is usually made of a thick, heavy formula. That's because night creams are designed for dry or mature skin types and contain ingredients that address the signs of aging.
Sleep masks, on the other hand, are a Korean invention. While they are also designed to be used at the last step of your nightly skincare routine, there are some significant differences between the two products. First up, sleep masks are often made of a gel or lightweight texture. That's because they are not only made for those with dry or mature skin. In addition, they don't always offer anti-aging benefits.
Instead, a sleeping mask's gel-like texture is designed to slowly penetrate the skin throughout the night. The products contain a high concentration of active ingredients that are designed to provide treatment along with hydration.
WHY SHOULD I USE NIGHT SKINCARE PRODUCTS?
Both sleeping masks and night creams are designed to work when your skin is doing its own natural replenishment - at night, while you sleep. Not only is a good night’s sleep incredibly important for your overall wellness, it's important for your skin as well.
Night time is when the body does a lot of processing and repairing, including repairing your skin. At night, your skin gets to work increasing collagen, boosting blood flow and targeting inflammation and swelling in the face, particularly if your head is elevated on a pillow.
Both sleeping masks and night creams are designed to be left on and washed off the next morning as you begin your morning routine.
HOW ARE SLEEP MASKS AND NIGHT CREAMS DIFFERENT?
We already addressed the difference in texture and consistency above, pointing out that sleeping masks are usually a lightweight gel. That's because they are not specifically for mature skin.
Sleep masks also tend to contain different active ingredients than night creams because they are more of a treatment step, rather than a daily hydration step.
You will often find sleep mask formulas target specific skin needs like barrier care, pigmentation or skin sensitivities.
WHO SHOULD USE SLEEP MASKS?
After the age of 25, our collagen levels begin to slowly deplete.
While this doesn’t mean you need to reach for the thickest moisturiser on your 25th birthday, it is worth considering some extra steps, particularly in your night routine.
If your skin isn't in the best condition or external factors are impacting your skin’s moisture levels then you might like to incorporate a sleep mask into your skincare routine.
WHICH SLEEPING MASK SHOULD I USE?
Prevention Magazine recently announced their Best of Beauty Award in the Sleep Mask category, Jelly Ko's Cherry Blossom Sleeping Mask.
This is a 100% cruelty free mask designed for all skin types. It is made with antioxidant-rich Cherry Blossom extracts, barrier-boosting Ectoin, pore-refining Niacinimide and skin soothing Panthenol (Vitamin B5).
It has a beautiful lightweight gel consistency that offers a skin cooling effect. It's a dream to use when skin has become inflamed and sensitized.
For the best results, apply it at the end of your nightly skincare routine. You'll wake up with visibly calmer, smoother and softer skin.