Hyaluronic acid is not for all people or for use in all climates. It’s supposed to be a hydrator and a humectant, but sometimes it can actually dry out the skin too. But, before we talk about that - what is a sleep mask, and how do we differentiate it from a moisturizer?
Well, sleeping masks are basically thick moisturizers. They are extended, overnight long moisturizers that last a long time. Sleep masks tend to be thicker, they might have different actives meant to soothe skin or gentle exfoliants meant to work overnight. There are not essential to your routine, but if you have dry skin or if you’re the type of person who likes to have a bedtime ritual, sleep masks are a great component, especially if they are built upon hyaluronic acid.
How to use hyaluronic acid:
Hyaluronic acid is a humectant which means it draws water from the ambient environment into your face. You can dampen the skin first, and then apply hyaluronic acid so that water will even deeper into the skin. For some people, it may cause transepidermal water loss. HA will pull moisture from anywhere even the lower layers of your skin - ultimately causing dryness. So, see how your skin does within the first few days of using it. And if you have dry skin or live in a dry environment, pair the HA with a hydrating serum or moisturizer that it can pull water from. That’s why HA formulated in a mask form is so good for dry skin. It’s more likely to pull moisture from the formula rather than the lower layers of your face. Moreover, HA is great to put on when the ambient environment is humid. The HA draws moisture from the environment into your skin. Hyaluronic acid works well in overnight masks because this gives the HA time to hydrate your skin and pull from the other hydrators within the moisturizer without interference.
Boots Hyaluronic Acid Sleep Mask - $5.99
There is a great HA mask from Boots Skincare. Boots Skincare reminds Cassandra of the Inkey List or The Ordinary because of how they have single ingredient actives. This sleep mask is perfect for someone who has perfect skin or for someone who is just looking for the basics. This has a gel consistency. So, if you have combo or normal skin, and you’re looking for a sleep mask that gives hydration, this is a really great choice. It’s a clear gel, and it goes on and feels like a film. It doesn’t have any extra fragrances or additives. This product is basically just sodium hyaluronate, vitamin E, glycerin, and dimethicone. So, those who are more on the sensitive side will probably like this.
e.l.f Holy Hydration! Sleep Mask -$10
Secondly, what if you need something thick for dry skin, or perhaps you’re starting to notice some fine lines and wrinkles? In that case, this one from e.l.f cosmetics is really good. They’ve launched an awesome sleeping mask that has hyaluronic acid and peptides. The peptides are palmitoyl tripeptide and palmitoyl tetrapeptide 7. We also have vegan collagen, cholesterol, ceramide ap, and ceramide np. The base of this ingredient list is water, glycerin, caprylic triglyceride, and a subtle hint of ethyl hexanoate (hydrating effect). This product has very similar ingredients to a regular moisturizer, but what makes it more occlusive is its thick and creamy texture. This is a fantastic formula that nourishes the skin. In regards to oily and acne-prone skin, this one did not break Cassandra out. This seels in moisture, and it is great for mature skin. It does have fragrance though.
Isntree 5 HA Sleep Mask - $12.39
Next, the Isntree 5 Sleep Mask is amazing for skin that is acne-prone whether it is dry or oily. It doesn’t overly saturate the skin or make it greasy, it simply supports the skin with wonderful ingredients. This formula has 5 different HAs with different molecular weights. This means the product penetrates and goes to work in the skin on different levels. This also has ceramides. So, it's giving the skin the lipids and ceramides that the skin might lose naturally. Additionally, this formula includes beta-glucans, fig extracts, corn starch, and soothing centella asiatica. This is a winter must-have. It’s hydrating, soothing, and non-comedogenic.