Maximize Your Beauty Sleep with a Masque
There’s nothing like a good night’s sleep for maintaining one’s youthful good looks. Sleep is deeply restorative; skin cell turnover accelerates and the production of rejuvenating hormones such as melatonin and human growth hormone increases as we slumber. Most of us take advantage of this time with skin care treatments such as serums and night creams, but now you can add one more product to your nocturnal anti-aging arsenal: an overnight sleep masque.
Rejuvenate while you sleep. (Photo: Serenity Health)
Sleep masques (a.k.a. sleep packs) were developed by Korean skin care companies to address the skin care issues created by the extremes in that country’s climate, i.e. bitterly cold, dry winters and sweltering, humid summers. Designed to be a facial in a jar, sleep masques seal in moisture while nourishing the skin with anti-aging ingredients such as niacinamide (a B vitamin), retinol and herbal extracts.
Although sleep masques are perfect for combating winter dryness, they are also excellent for treating sunburn, flaking skin and air conditioning-induced dryness during summer. I love the idea of slathering on a masque and waking up with more beautiful skin — what an efficient use of time! The textures tend to be gel-like and non-greasy, so that the product doesn’t rub off on your pillow. I suggest using a sleep masque over your favorite serum for maximum skin enhancing benefits.
Top picks
Amore Pacific Moisture Bound Sleeping Recovery Masque (Photo: Amore Pacific)
Amore Pacific Moisture Bound Recovery Masque ($60.00) is a deeply moisturizing masque that fights free radical damage with bamboo, ginseng and natto extract. Natto, which is made from fermented soybeans, is a potent source of vitamin K2 and coenzyme Q10, both of which energize the skin and boost collagen production.
Korres Greek Yoghurt Advanced Nourishing Sleeping Facial (Photo: Korres)
Korres Greek Yoghurt Advanced Nourishing Sleeping Facial ($45.00) is light in texture yet powerful. This masque is loaded with proteins and minerals that soothe and nourish the skin. Made with Greek yogurt extract, it’s perfect for calming red, sunburned skin.
Dr. Jart Premium Firming Sleeping Mask (Photo: Dr. Jart+ Skin Care)
Dr. Jart + Premium Firming Sleeping Mask ($48.00) forms a lightweight veil of moisture that stimulates cell turnover and improves skin firmness with kava extract, niacinamide and Korean herbs. Hyaluronic acid locks in moisture while you sleep, so you can bid dull, dry skin adieu.
