...and while the explosion of K-Beauty has created an incredible array of skincare, new products often require an education. After all, there's nothing worse than buying a product that you aren’t quite sure how or when to use!
Stick around if you're keen to hear what they are, what they do, who should use them and how often we should be implementing these into our skincare routine!
NIGHT CREAM VS SLEEPING MASK?
Night Cream
Your night cream is the final step in your nightly routine.
Night creams are usually made of a thick, heavy formula. They add a boost of moisture to the skin.
Typical night creams are designed for everyday use to target the dehydration that often occurs with aging.
Sleeping Mask
Referred to as a ‘sleeping pack’ in Korean, sleeping masks are the last step of your nightly routine.
They are often made of a gel or lightweight texture that is designed to slowly penetrate the skin throughout the night. Korean sleeping masks consist of a higher concentration of ingredients than regular night creams and provide treatment along with hydration.
WHY USE A SLEEPING MASK OR NIGHT CREAM?
Sleeping masks and night creams work especially well because they are designed to work when your skin is doing its own natural replenishment - during sleep.
The old ‘don’t skip your beauty sleep!’ is a mantra for a reason! Not only is a good night’s sleep incredibly important for your overall wellness, it's important for your skin as well.
Night is the time when the body does a lot of processing and repairing - storing our long term memories, balancing your hormones and repairing your skin. While you sleep 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. Which might make you wonder...
Is There A Difference between Night Creams and Sleeping Masks?
To put it simply, yes.
While both sleeping masks and a night moisturizers add hydration back to the skin throughout the night, a sleeping mask has a higher concentration of active ingredients. This means they are more of a treatment step.
Moisturisers on the other hand are formulated for daily use as part of your regular maintenance.
Another thing we love about sleeping masks is the option to target specific skin needs like anti-ageing, pigmentation or sensitivities.
Who Should Use Sleeping Masks?
Once you're over the age of 25, it's time to start thinking about a night cream or sleeping mask. This is because this is when our collagen levels begin to slowly deplete.
While this isn’t something to panic about and certainly doesn’t mean you need to reach for the thickest textured product on your 25th birthday, it is worth considering some extra steps, particularly in your night routine.
How often should I use a sleeping mask?
You are the best judge when it comes to knowing if your skin is feeling dry or if seasonal changes are impacting your skin’s moisture levels.
While the general rule is that you should use night creams everyday use and a more intense sleeping masks 2 - 3 times a week, this will vary person to person.
At STYLE STORY, our team ranges in age from late 20’s to late 60’s and we all incorporate sleeping masks at least 3 - 4 times a week. In winter, we use one every single night to combat harsher temperatures. In summer, we use our sleeping masks when we're feeling the effects of air-conditioning on our skin or to cool our skin's temperature down.
This 100% cruelty free mask is made with Cherry Blossom extracts, Niacinimide and Panthenol (Vitamin B5).
It has a beautiful lightweight gel consistency that will have you feeling as if you are walking among the spring cherry blossoms. It also has a skin cooling effect as well.
For the best results use half an hour before going to bed and wake up with bouncy, beautifully hydrated skin. This is perfect for all skin types and a great night mask to introduce if you are just starting out.
This propolis face mask is formulated with a whopping 87.26% of Propolis extract and natural beeswax.
It is perfect for irritated and sensitive skin.
Other star ingredients include Royal Jelly Extract, Panthenol (Vitamin B5) and Allantoin. This is a great option if you have particularly sensitive skin.
This creamy mask melts beautifully on the skin, deeply nourishing it without leaving an oily feeling.
It contains no artificial fragrance or colorants and targets fine lines.
Star ingredients include Propolis extract, Sea Buckthorn extract, Centella asiatica and Niacinamide.
We recommend popping this one on 30 minutes before bed for best results. This is a lovely option for those of us with really dry skin.
Got questions about Kbeauty Sleeping Masks?
If you have any questions about sleeping masks or just want us to lead you in the right direction for your skin, please reach out to one of our STYLE STORY team members. We are always here to help you find your style for your skin story!
