Overnight Sleep Masks: What They Do and How to Use One

An overnight sleep mask is a leave-on treatment you apply as the last step of your night routine and rinse off in the morning. It is one of the easiest ways to give skin a hydration boost without adding time to your day.

Sleep mask vs night cream

A night cream is your everyday moisturiser for the evening. A sleep mask is a more concentrated treatment that seals in your routine and is usually used a few nights a week. Many sleep masks have a gel or gel-cream texture that feels lighter than a rich cream.

What to look for

  • Hyaluronic acid to attract and hold moisture.
  • Collagen and peptides for a plumper, smoother look.
  • Soothing ingredients such as aloe vera.
  • A texture that absorbs, so it does not transfer to your pillow.

Our HydraRenew Collagen Overnight Mask combines hyaluronic acid, hydrolyzed collagen, multi-peptides and aloe vera in a lightweight texture that absorbs quickly and leaves no pillow residue.

How to use a sleep mask

  1. Cleanse and apply your usual serum.
  2. Take a small amount of mask and spread an even layer over face and neck.
  3. Let it absorb for a few minutes before lying down.
  4. Rinse with lukewarm water in the morning and continue with your morning routine.

How often?

Two or three nights a week suits most skin. Dry or dehydrated skin may enjoy it more often, especially in winter or air-conditioned rooms. Oily skin can use a thinner layer.

Sleep masks by skin type

  • Dry skin: use it three or four nights a week and apply it over a moisturiser on the driest nights.
  • Oily skin: a thin layer one or two nights a week, used instead of moisturiser, keeps skin comfortable without heaviness.
  • Combination skin: apply a fuller layer on the cheeks and a thinner one on the T-zone.
  • Dull or tired-looking skin: try it the night before an event for a fresher look in the morning.

Tips for the best results

  • Use a clean pillowcase.
  • Drink water through the day: hydration works from the inside too.
  • Do not pile a sleep mask on top of many strong actives on the same night.
  • Give it a few weeks of regular use before judging results.

Where it fits in a full routine

A sleep mask is step three of our 4-Layer Skin Reset System, after a kansa wand massage and vitamin C serum, and before glutathione serum in the routine.

Quick questions

Can I use a sleep mask every night? Many people can, especially with dry skin, but two or three nights a week is a comfortable start.

Do I still need moisturiser? On mask nights, the mask can replace your moisturiser. On very dry nights, use both, with the mask on top.

Can I use it under the eyes? Keep a small distance from the lash line and use only a thin layer.

Not sure which products suit your skin? The Theraglam Glow Scan builds a personal skincare routine from 3 photos and a short quiz. Rs 599, one time.

Patch-test any new product on your inner arm for 24 hours first. Stop using it if you notice irritation. This article is general skincare guidance, not medical advice.

Back to blog