I Always Wake Up to Better Skin When I Wear This Face Mask
My skin normally has its bouts of dryness, which can be pretty annoying, but now, I am more in tune with it to know what I can do to prevent any dryness and what to do when it gets rough, peel-y, irritated, and a little red. I have my favorite products on rotation for its different needs, but one thing I have been doing the past year that's really been helping is using an overnight face mask at least once a week. And, boy, has it made a difference.
I used to apply nighttime masks only when I needed it—and my go-to has always been Laneige's Water Sleeping Mask. But when I started using it on the regular, I found that it helped protect my skin against any dryness and really rejuvenated it. Talk about a weekly pick-me-up!
Laneige's mask has all my favorite skincare product features. Gel-like texture? Check. Super lightweight and non-greasy? Double check. Hydrating? Check. And effortless? Check. All I have to do is apply a layer to my skin, let it absorb completely, and then I just go to sleep and wake up to smoother and radiant skin.
And that's the thing about overnight masks—they're able to work some magic while you sleep, which is amazing if you don't really have time to do a lengthy skincare routine, or just want a quick fix. And while I deal with major dryness, there are overnight masks for just about every skincare issue—acne, dark spots and scars, fine lines and wrinkles, oily skin… you name it.
Take a look at some more overnight masks below to find your perfect match (and sweet dreams).
For Normal Skin
This mask works on so many different skin types because it addresses a lot of concerns like dryness, dullness, uneven texture, fine lines, and wrinkles. It's formulated with squalane and hyaluronic acid to boost hydration, vitamin C to firm and brighten, and proprietary super berry blend to protect against free radicals.
Best Drugstore Option
This drugstore option is also a great anti-aging option, too. The formula targets wrinkles, firms the skin, moisturizes it, and brightens it thanks to hyaluronic acid, pro-retinol, and vitamin C. It keeps the skin hydrated for up to 24 hours.
For Dry Skin
Kiehl's newer overnight mask is another one of my go-to's. It has a balm texture, so it definitely feels a little bit thicker when you apply it. I like to use this formula when my skin is peeling and a bit scaly—I even like to rub the excess onto my neck and chest, too. It contains 10.5% squalane and glacial glycoprotein, which both hydrate and strengthen the skin's moisture barrier.
For Combination Skin
This bestselling sleeping mask works not only on combination skin types, but also normal, oily, and dry. The lightweight formula uses a blend of lactic and glycolic acids to gently exfoliate the skin and leave it looking brighter than it did the night before. It also doesn't dry it out, thanks to soothing and hydrating watermelon extract and hyaluronic acid.
For Oily or Acne-Prone Skin
You can use this clarifying mask to slough off dead skin cells, tighten pores, and absorb excess oil so your skin looks and feels fresh and smoother.
For Sensitive Skin
Specially formulated for sensitive skin, Dr. Jart+'s sleeping mask contains the brand's "Green Repair Solution," which is a mix of Centella Asiatica, herbs, minerals, a moisturizing humectant, and a probiotic ferment. It moisturizes the skin while also boosting radiance and elasticity.
For Mature Skin
Wake up to firmer and smoother skin after using this overnight mask from Fresh. The mask is infused with a proprietary complex of kombucha, black tea extract, blackberry leaf extract, and lychee seed—all of which work to protect against free radical damage and improve skin elasticity. The peptides in this formula provide the lifting power here.
For Dark Spots or Uneven Tone
This gel formula is all about brightening the skin and reducing the appearance of dark spots and uneven skin tones. Shiseido's ReNura Technology+ ensures that the skin is more receptive to the treatment with use. Plus, it provides moisture for up to 24 hours.
More Overnight Face Masks to Try
Olay's gel-moisturizer mask is formulated with vitamin B3, mulberry extract, and humectants to hydrate the skin and leave it looking extra glowy.
We love Dr. Dennis Gross's peel pads, so it's no surprise we're fans of his overnight peel. It's formulated with retinol, bakuchiol, and rambutan to improve fine lines and wrinkles, reduce excess sebum that causes blemishes, fade dark spots, and improve elasticity. You can use it two to three times a week.
Rice extract is the star ingredient in this overnight mask. Along with niacinamide, it works to calm, hydrate, brighten, and nourish the skin. All you need is a pea-size amount to get the benefits.
Laneige's Cica Sleeping Mask is another great option for skin that's sensitive, irritated, or prone to redness. It's formulated with a fermented forest yeast extract, which soothes stressed-out skin and locks in moisture.
Belif's sleeping mask is described as having a "jelly-pudding" consistency and if that doesn't sound refreshing and soothing to you, I don't know what will. It just envelopes the skin with intense hydration to leave it looking dewy and glowy.
For a resurfacing option, try this overnight peel that's both gentle and powerful. It contains a blend of lactic and glycolic acids, plus vitamin A to break down dead skin cells, exfoliate, and brighten the skin. But it won't leave your face totally dry—it has soothing and nourishing ingredients like allantoin, rosehip, and vitamin E.
This one is all about soothing red, dehydrated skin. The gel formula contains a honey and peptide complex to calm and reduce any redness, plus concentrated green tea, which provides antioxidant protection. It can treat spider veins, too.
If your skin is freaking out a bit and feeling extra sensitive, use this mask to calm it down and provide a cooling effect. It contains botanical extracts, a calming dipeptide, and hyaluronic acid. You can also use it if you're recovering from an in-office procedure or treatment.
This ultra-hydrating mask targets dryness, redness, and inflammation. Infused with reishi mushroom, arctic cloudberry, shea butter, glycerin, and a soothing antioxidant blend, the mask locks in hydration while also soothing any sensitivity.
This creamy overnight mask uses the power of floral extracts to reduce redness, balance uneven tone, and improve the skin's texture. It's also a good option for sensitive skin types.
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Sarah is lifestyle writer and editor with over 10 years of experience covering health and wellness, interior design, food, beauty, and tech. Born and raised in Los Angeles, she attended New York University and lived in New York for 12 years before returning to L.A. in 2019. In addition to her work on THE/THIRTY and Who What Wear, she held editor roles at Apartment Therapy, Real Simple, House Beautiful, Elle Decor, and The Bump (sister site of The Knot). She has a passion for health and wellness, but she especially loves writing about mental health. Her self-care routine consists of five things: a good workout, “me” time on the regular, an intriguing book/podcast/playlist to unwind after a long day, naps, and decorating her home.