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- After a full day of running errands wearing a mask, sleeping with a mask on is probably the last thing anyone wants. But not to worry - this is a different kind of mask.
- With the ability to treat, hydrate and protect your skin all at the same time, overnight masks are a staple in K-Beauty routines.
- Another reason to slather on a sleeping mask? They act as a barrier and a sealant.
- Here are more reasons why you should add an overnight mask to your skincare routine.
Ever since I first discovered it a few years back, K-Beauty has been a feature in my skincare routine. After a visit to Seoul – and seeing firsthand just how flawless the locals' skin really is – I fell even more in love with Asian skincare, which brought us everything from the popular sheet mask to flashback-free sunscreen.
READ MORE: Eye(s) cream, youth cream, we all scream for sunscreen! 10 best UV protection creams for daily use
This 'movement' also has devotees adhering to a whopping 10-step routine twice a day, so it's safe to say that they take their skincare seriously!
And while I keep my personal regimen to a five-step maximum, it's one of the last steps in the nighttime routine that has made the most difference in my skin. Say "hello" to your next skin hero - overnight masks.
What are overnight masks?
Overnight masks have been a fixture in the 10-step Korean skincare routine for a long time. It is only in recent years that Asian beauty products have become more mainstream, and other brands have started jumping on the bandwagon and producing their own.
But what exactly are they?
Also known as sleeping masks, these products come in a variety of textures with a multitude of different ingredients that address specific skin woes. In other words, a lot like the other products you put on your face every day.
What makes them great, however, is that they are able to treat, hydrate and protect your skin all at the same time.
What do they do?
While all overnight masks are different, with each one created with a specific skin concern in mind, they can be used on all different skin types, and to treat a host of issues - from dryness to dullness.
But there is one thing that they all have in common, and that is that they give your epidermis an additional dose of moisture, which is the key to keeping your skin youthful and plump for the long haul. On a daily basis, though, you can expect to wake up to juicy, radiant skin that is ready to face the day (and rake in all the compliments).
Another reason to slather on a sleeping mask?
They act as a barrier and a sealant. This means that it locks your other products in while, at the same time, preventing dirt and debris from reaching your pores. Think of them as a shield in a jar.
READ MORE: Do we still hate the word 'moist'? The meteoric rise of dewy-dumpling skin says 'no'
How to use overnight masks
In my case, I skip the night cream altogether and go straight in with my overnight mask after serum and before I hit the hay. But the old adage "do as I say, not as I do" definitely applies here because they are designed to be used over your nighttime moisturiser for optimal performance.
This way it helps to seal in the goodness from your other skincare products so that they can all join forces and work their magic while you sleep. Apply your mask, preferably with a mask-application brush so as to avoid contamination from your fingers, a few minutes before you go to sleep to allow time for it to absorb into your skin.
So even if you don’t have the time in your busy schedule for a 10-step regimen, the overnight mask is one element you should invest in if you are committed to achieving a gorgeous glow.
Your skin will thank you for it.
Products we love and recommend you shop:
Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin E Mask, R495 on Glow Theory
Nivea Q10 Sleeping Melt-in Mask, R189.95 at Dis-Chem
SKOON. Ruby Marine Overnight Hydrating Mask, R499.95 on skoonskin.co.za
The Body Shop Hemp Overnight Nourishing Rescue Mask, R380 at The Body Shop
Huxley Good Night Sleep Mask, R520 at Dermastore
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