I Left My Clay Mask on Overnight. Is That Okay?
Skincare experts give me the rundown on my recent “self-care” snooze.
It was 11 p.m. on a cold Wednesday evening, I just finished my last task of the day and I was ready to unwind. My eyelids weighed over my eyes from staring at the computer all day and all I could think about was my bed. But, not this night. I was determined to do a full nighttime routine (like the ones you see on YouTube). Dinner, a cup of tea, candles and a face mask.
I started strong; ate a bowl of pasta, poured myself a cup of tea, put my Shea Moisture Velvet Skin Facial Mask on and sat on the couch to write in my journal, read my Bible and speak some words of affirmation over myself.
That’s all I remember.
Next thing I knew, my alarm was going off to start a new day. Yes, the face mask was still on. I thought to myself, “I should be fine, that just means my skin just got some overtime care.” But, was I right?
According to Licensed Esthetician Kierstin Reed, unless specified, not all masks are sleep-friendly.
“Wearing masks overnight that aren’t created for that can over-process the skin. For example, wearing a clay mask for too long can dry out the skin since it sets and hardens before removal,” said Kierstin.
Licensed Esthetician Tiara Willis agreed that because clay masks are designed to absorb oil, it is not meant to be worn overnight, however, you can wear hydrating masks to bed.
“The advantages of wearing hydrating masks to bed is you’ll be supporting your skin’s moisture barrier. But it’s important to choose the right one for your skin type because it may clog pores or not be hydrating enough,” said Tiara.
However, that does not mean that you shouldn’t add face masks to your nighttime routine — just make sure to read the instructions. Unless said otherwise, make sure to take your mask off before bed. Tiara recommends wearing your mask at night because your skin absorbs the product better.
“Your skin will feel super soft when you wake up!”
Personally, Kierstin switches her face masks and application times depending on the day. For example, she prefers to put on sheet masks before applying makeup (fun fact: according to Kierstin they are great for morning makeup prep).
“I like to use a more detoxifying mask like Peter Thomas Roth’s Charcoal Mask at the end of the day to really make sure my pores are clean. You should only be using those types of detox masks a couple times a week, not daily,” said Kierstin.
Instead of taking the risk and falling asleep with a face mask that’s not sleep-friendly, Kierstin recommends using serums at night instead. Her favorite is Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery for all skin types.
Tiara recommends using Cerave Healing Ointment before bed.
It forms an occlusive layer over your skin by trapping the moisture in that you may have lost while sleeping.
If you’re like me and have other questions about how to better your skincare routine — set up an appointment with a local Dermatologist or Esthetician in your area.
