By Shilpa Bhim

Picture this. You’ve had a busy week. The last thing you want to do is a 10-step skincare routine before bed. So, you slap an overnight face mask. The next morning you wake up with skin that’s so hydrated, it’s glowing like there’s no tomorrow!

Sounds too good to be true … or is it?

We’re digging into the ins and outs of using overnight face masks to figure out if it really is something you need to use.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF AN OVERNIGHT FACE MASK?

It’s pretty obvious by the name. An overnight face mask is a face mask (the skincare kind) that’s worn overnight.

But a more helpful explanation is that unlike other face masks, an overnight face mask doesn’t need to be peeled or washed off immediately after. With a serum or moisturiser like texture, an overnight face mask is designed to deeply penetrate the skin over a longer time period than a standard face mask (like a sheet or clay mask).

They’re also formulated with a healthy dose of effective ingredients (more on that below) to help replenish your skin overnight.

Fun fact, your skin cells replicate and reproduce during the night. Wearing an overnight face mask can support this process by locking in moisture while also nourishing your skin with the good stuff.

WHAT INGREDIENTS SHOULD AN OVERNIGHT FACE MASK HAVE?

Because overnight face masks are designed to be worn on the skin for a long time, they’re usually formulated on the gentler side. Slow and steady is the way to go!

A couple of keywords spring to mind when it comes to overnight face masks. Think hydration and nourishment.

Ingredients like squalane, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin while also renewing, restoring and strengthening the skin’s surface overall. Vitamins C and E to brighten the skin tone.

Meanwhile, using an overnight face mask with a light exfoliant, like an AHA or BHA can help reduce surface lines, roughness, and pigmentation.

Find out more about all of these ingredients here.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD AN OVERNIGHT FACE MASK BE USED?

Generally, overnight face masks are designed to be used 2-3 times a week. 

However, depending on your skin's needs and sensitivity levels, you may be able to use them more often. Our tip is to follow the instructions on the packaging, and then test what frequency works best for your skin.

ANY TIPS FOR APPLYING AN OVERNIGHT FACE MASK?

We recommend washing your face before applying a blueberry sized amount of your overnight face mask in a thin layer over your face. 

Pro tip: if you apply your overnight face mask about 20-30 minutes before bed, it’ll have some time to absorb and won’t rub on to your pillow.

SO, DO I NEED TO USE AN OVERNIGHT FACE MASK?

Team Zove are definitely big fans of the overnight face mask. They’re easy to use, streamline our skincare routines and keep our skin nourished and hydrated.

We vote yes to using the overnight face mask!

Looking for an overnight face mask to use? We may be biased, but we have been loving using the Zove Beauty Glow Slow Overnight Face Mask. 

Formulated with cosmeceutical-grade slow-release AHAs from Australian-grown Lime Pearl plus Niacinamide and Squalane, we’ve seen a marked improvement in the look and feel of our skin! And, it doesn’t transfer on to your pillow, winning!

Want to find out more? Head to our Facebook group ‘Friends of Zove’ for all the latest BTS and news about when the mask will launch!

Shilpa is a freelance beauty and lifestyle writer and the founder of Glowreel. You can check out her latest articles here and keep up with her adventures over at @shilpa.bhim.