Skin Experts Weigh In On Overnight Masks As The Freshest Summer Skincare Trend

Understanding the intricacies of skincare has always been a bit of a challenge. Picking up every skincare trend might not work for every skin type. Summer skincare trends are all about cooling and soothing elements. Have you ever tried a night skincare routine? Your night skincare routine doesn't have to be 99 steps but should have effective products that work. Overnight masks are having a moment in the beauty industry with their targeted formulations, soothing texture and other elements. Trending for quite a while now, overnight masks have become a go-to skincare product for every beauty enthusiast, but do you know for sure if it's worth it? We decode the basics (and not too basic questions) about overnight masks with beauty experts.

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How Does An Overnight Mask Exactly Work?

"An overnight mask is more like an occlusive or a barrier treatment where a gel or cream is applied onto the skin which has active ingredients. When this overnight mask is applied, it forms an occlusion or a film on the skin surface and acts like a skin barrier.," says, Dr Chytra Anand, celebrity cosmetic dermatologist at Kosmoderma clinics and chief formulator at Skin Q.

While we all may have procrastinated our night skincare routine, summers are the perfect time to kick start and attain plump skin.

"Unlike a night cream which you use every night, sleeping masks are meant to be used no more than twice or thrice a week. All you need is a pea-size amount of your sleeping mask. Spread over your face with your finger-tips and hit the bed," says Dr Niketa Sonavane, celebrity dermatologist and founder of Ambrosia Aesthetics.

Overnight masks help in rejuvenating the skin

How Do Overnight Masks Benefit The Skin?

Scorching summer heat can be quite damaging to the skin. It's time to switch to products which benefit our skin the most. "It can benefit the skin by providing necessary actives without irritation. It hydrates, heals and repairs skin if the correct product is chosen," says celebrity skin and wellness expert Dr Kiran Sethi, MD, Isya Aesthetics.

Choosing products according to the skin concern and skin type is essential. "Depending on the type of mask you pick, they may also have exfoliating and purifying ingredients such as AHAs and BHAs. Besides this, anti-aging, antioxidant and brightening ingredients such as retinol, niacinamide, vitamins C and E may also be present in your sleeping mask," states Dr Sonavane.

Expert Decoded The Pros And Cons Of Overnight Masks

Pros

1. Sleeping masks may seem like a blessing, especially for those with dry skin type. Those of you with dry or dehydrated skin may reap the most benefits from their ultra-moisturising effect.

2. They are good for intense home treatments and you can easily select what is required for the skin type and skin issue.

3. It helps you to sleep better, relaxes your muscles and chances are you might end up getting even deeper sleep.

Cons

1. It can clog pores if overused

2.Be careful with what products you are layering before your sleeping mask. Serums and night creams containing AHAs, and retinol can get over-absorbed, which can give you skin irritation and rashes as well.

Are There Any Side Effects If Overnight Masks Are Left For Too Long?

When products are overused, they have some or the other effect. We find out if overnight masks tend to do the same. "They are designed to be left on the skin overnight for 6 to 9 hours. It is okay if you accidentally over-sleep and leave it on for longer once in a while. But leaving them on longer intentionally, each time may cause more harm than benefit," says Dr Sonavane.

Overnight masks are a must have skincare product in summers

Overnight Masks As A Summer Skincare Trend?

Skincare trends have been changing every now and then, but some stay for long and overnight masks is one trend that has been ruling the charts for a while now. "The pandemic has opened the new ways of pampering yourself at home and overnight masks are just one of them. Overnight masks work best to relax your facial muscle, and in turn relax your mind. It helps you fall deeper in sleep as well," says Dr Kiran.

To this, Dr Sonavane adds, "With the new concept of skinimalism and self-care taking the front seat in our life these days, overnight masks fit in perfectly well. We love layering our skin in winter, but summer is mostly the time for a single product that hydrates, exfoliates and nurtures our skin i.e. the sleeping mask."

Best Ingredients For Overnight Masks

Every ingredient has its own unique property and choosing the right one according to skin type can get you the best results."If you want to give hydration to the skin, go for ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid or Sodium Hyaluronate. For acne prone skin, niacinamide, azelaic acid, zinc works best. While people looking for anti-ageing masks should opt for ingredients like retinol and for sensitive skin vitamin pro B5, vitamin K and rose hip oil is recommended," says Dr Anand.

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