The Overnight Mask Is the New Derm-Loved It-Treatment - NewBeauty (2025)

The name of the game is the overnight mask.

• Rowan Lynam

We may earn commission from links on this page. Each product featured has been vetted and chosen by our editors.

Whether you’ve been into the slugging trend or love watching airplane skin-care videos, you’ve probably seen an overnight mask or two on your feed. The good news is this is one trend that dermatologists can get behind. Here’s what you need to know to nail an overnight mask.

Featured Experts

• Elaine Kung, MD is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York
• Anna Chacon, MD is a board-certified dermatologist practicing nationwide telehealth
• Anetta Reszko, MD is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York
• Beth Bialko is the senior director of education atBioelements

Trend Takeoff

The overnight mask trend has seen enormous growth over the last year, showing up everywhere from the slugging trend to air travel GRWMs.

“Overnightmasks have indeed become a growing trend in skin care,” says national telehealth dermatologist Anna Chacon, MD. “I often recommend them, particularly for patients dealing with dryness, dehydration or skin barrier concerns. Thesemasks can help provide extended hydration and allow active ingredients to penetrate more effectively while the skin undergoes its natural repair processovernight.”

As skin care gets deeper into sleep and our circadian rhythms, these masks have presented a new opportunity for care.

“Overnight masks are in the skin-care spotlight as their role is all about delivering intensive, targeted treatment while you sleep,” explains Beth Bialko, senior director of education atBioelements.“There is a circadian rhythm in the cells of skin, and at night your skin is more receptive to nourishment, renewal and repair. One of the benefits of overnight masks is their ability to stay on the skin for an extended period, allowing for deeper penetration of active ingredients than a regular moisturizer would provide during the day.”

When to Reach for an Overnight Mask

According to New York dermatologist Elaine Kung, MD, airplane GRWMs aren’t the only time an overnight mask can come in handy. “Even in our regular environments, many factors can contribute to dry skin, such as central heating, air conditioning and even certain skin-care ingredients,” she explains. “An overnight mask can help replenish moisture levels, soothe irritated skin and deliver beneficial ingredients.”

These treatments provide skin a boost and make great solutions to skin stress.

“If your skin is looking dull, tired or dehydrated after a busy week, travel fatigue or even hormonal breakouts, an overnight mask can help restore moisture, calm inflammation and help speed up skin recovery,” Bialko explains.

Overnight, Not Nightly

Overnight masks are a match made in heaven for anyone in dry environments or with dry skin. But these masks aren’t necessarily for everyone.

“I wouldn’t universally recommend them for everyone,” says Dr. Kung. “The key is understanding your skin’s needs and choosing the right product. For individuals withdry skin, an overnight mask can provide an extra boost of hydration and nourishment.However, they’re not a necessity for everyone, and for some, a well-formulated night cream might be sufficient.”

It’s also possible to overdo these treatments.

“It is possible to overuse overnight masks, depending on the skin condition and active ingredients,” explains New York dermatologist Anetta Reszko, MD. “Using them too frequently can lead to irritation, dryness and potential skin barrier disruption. It’s crucial to follow the product instructions carefully.Overnight masks are a powerful boost to the skin-care regiment and are meant to be used from time to time.”

Keeping Skin Safe

We know that not all skin care is created equal, and that’s true for ingredients you can leave on your skin for a long time. The last thing you want is your overnight mask to do your skin more harm than good.

“When choosing an overnight mask, it’s crucial to be mindful of the ingredients,” Dr. Kung explains. “Avoid anything that’s potentially irritating or comedogenic (pore-clogging), especially if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin.”

According to Dr. Chacon, it’s best to prioritize ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides and peptides. “I advise patients to avoid potential irritants like alcohols, artificial fragrances or high concentrations of exfoliating acids (such as AHAs and BHAs), which can lead to over-exfoliation or sensitivity when left on for extended periods,” she says.

“I would also strongly recommend against using retinol or harsh acids, as these can cause irritation and sensitivity,” Dr. Reszko adds. “Certain clay masques may be too drying if left on for too long.”

Overnight Masks We Love