Korean Sleeping Masks 101

They’re an entirely new category of skincare that's designed to deliver a heavy hit of moisture and repair skin while you sleep. No wonder everyone's down with K-Beauty's sleep mask obsession. 

Here’s the Korean sleeping masks 101 for everything you need to know about this K-Skincare trend.

What Is A Sleeping Mask?

A sleeping mаѕk is a high-impact night сrеаm designed to be used last at night before you go to sleep. You pop it on after your serum and night cream and wash it off in the morning.

Most sleeping masks are supposed to be used like regular sheet masks, 2 – 3 times a week. Depending on your skin type though, you may be able to use one more frequently (particularly if you are prone to dryness).

What’s In A Sleeping Mask?

Thе formula of each individual mask will vary based on which skin type it’s for and what the mask is trying to achieve. For oily, acne-prone and combination skin types, you’ll mostly find gel-type masks with ingredients that won’t clog the skin. For drier skin types, you’ll be looking at a creamier, occlusive mask.

Tune into the Korean Beauty Show podcast to learn more about sleeping masks:

Why Are Sleeping Masks So Good?

Sleeping masks function on multiple levels to boost and renew skin at the time your skin needs it most.

Because our skin does most of its repairing at night, sleeping masks make the most of the skin’s increased cell renewal rate by caring for it when it is already repairing itself.

The skin’s base temperature is also higher at night, giving it better absorption capabilities.

Sleeping masks work in tandem with your natural sleep cycle to repair environmental damage (caused by factors like frее rаdiсаlѕ, pollution, stress, the weather, artificial hеаting аnd sun exposure), all of which contribute to the breakdown of skin cells and can otherwise disturb the balance of oil and moisture in the skin.

How Do You Get The Best Results From A Sleeping Mask?

Skin regeneration almost doubles between 10pm to 4am, so make sure you’ve applied your sleeping mask before then – even more important, make sure you’re asleep!

How Is A Sleeping Mask Different To A Night Cream?

Sleeping masks are different tо regular night сrеаms bесаuѕе they offer additional hydration and contain a high percentage of active ingredients. Whereas night creams provide an occlusive barrier, sleeping masks function more like serums.

Who Should Use A Sleeping Mask?

Sleeping masks are a match made in heaven for mature skin, dull skin, dehydrated skin and dry skin, who will drink up the additional vitamins and hydration.

Even if you don’t need a whole lot of hydration though (oily, acne-prone skin types we are looking at you!) ,you can still benefit from swapping your regular moisturiser for a sleeping mask several times a week, so you don’t burden your skin.

Our Favourite Sleeping Masks

With so many cult-favourite sleeping masks, choosing the right one can be tricky. Just remember the golden rule – always opt for a product suited for your specific skin type.

Our favourite? Jelly Ko Cherry Blossom Sleeping Mask

Winner of Prevention Magazine's Best of Beauty award in the Sleeping Mask category, this it the mask to reach for if you're after a hard-working skincare product that goes to work while you go to sleep. 

Packed with superstar ingredients like Ectoin, Panthenol and Sodium Hyaluronate, it creates bouncy, elastic skin with its unique cherry blossom extracts.

What Are Your Favourite Korean Sleeping Masks? Let Us Know In The Comments.