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Hyaluronic Acid Masks: Why You Need One in Your Skincare Routine

September 02, 2021

Hyaluronic Acid Masks: Why You Need One in Your Skincare Routine

 

Face masks have become quite popular in the skincare world, and for a good reason. These treatments can do wonders for your skin by targeting specific concerns—whether it’s dryness, dullness, oiliness, redness, uneven texture...the list goes on and on.

The amount of face masks on the market can be overwhelming. If you’re not sure what your skin needs, it can be hard to know which one to use. If you’re looking for a safe place to start, consider using a hyaluronic acid mask. This superhero ingredient is known for its ability to relieve dry skin and even combat signs of aging, and it’s safe for most skin types.

Keep reading to learn more about hyaluronic acid masks and how they can benefit your skin when incorporated into your regular routine.

Face Mask 101

Before we jump into hyaluronic acid masks specifically, let’s first break down the benefits of using face masks.

Face masks come in all different forms, including clay masks, sheet masks, and peel-off masks, just to name a few. While every mask is different, some general benefits of using them may include:

  • Refining pores
  • Hydrating skin
  • Reducing fine lines and wrinkles
  • Promoting blood circulation
  • Firming and brightening skin
  • Anti-aging 
  • Evening skin tone
  • Promoting relaxation

Face masks can benefit just about everyone, no matter your age or skin type. They’re an amazing way to treat multiple concerns simultaneously while achieving noticeable results in a short amount of time! The key is to do your research and find a product that works best for you.

For example, if you struggle with clogged pores, a clarifying clay mask might do the trick. If you struggle with dryness, a moisturizing overnight mask may be the perfect solution, which leads us to our next point.

What is an Overnight Face Mask?

Overnight face masks go to work while you sleep—literally. This type of product will seal in moisture and lock in all of the benefits of your skincare products, while also providing a protective barrier for your skin throughout the night.

Typically, these treatments are more potent and are designed to provide results overnight. They can be applied as the last step of your nighttime skincare routine and gently removed in the morning to reveal fresh, glowing skin. Studies have even shown that overnight masks can support your skin’s natural renewal process while you catch some Z’s.

Because of their powerful effects, most overnight masks are intended to be used only once or twice a week. When this is done over time, it can help to keep your skin in great condition and prevent signs of aging before they even form.

Why Use a Hyaluronic Acid Mask?

Hyaluronic acid masks can be an amazing place to start if you’re looking to take your skincare routine to the next level. Hyaluronic acid is an incredible ingredient that provides a variety of benefits to the skin, including:

  • Quenches dry and irritated skin 
  • Locks in skin’s moisture for long-lasting hydration
  • Plumps skin
  • Promotes collagen production
  • Fights oxidation
  • Reduces appearance of fine lines and wrinkles 
  • Plays well with most other ingredients (such as retinol and other acids)
  • Effective for most skin types

It’s important to know that hyaluronic acid is naturally found in our skin. Similar to collagen and elastin, however, the levels of hyaluronic acid our bodies produce decreases as we age. Incorporating this ingredient into your skincare routine can give your complexion a much needed extra boost, keeping it moisturized and healthy.

Ingredients to Look For

Aside from hyaluronic acid, there are a variety of other ingredients that can be combined in a face mask to pack a powerful punch of nourishment for your skin. When choosing a mask, or any skincare product for that matter, it’s important to take a close look at the ingredients and ensure they won’t harm your skin.

Here are a few natural ingredients to look for when choosing a mask:

Aloe Vera Extract

Key benefits:

  • Soothes irritated skin
  • Provides moisture
  • Fights acne

While aloe vera is commonly used in many modern skincare products, you may be surprised to know it was first used more than 5,000 years ago in Ancient Egypt.

This powerhouse plant contains vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which work together to deeply nourish and protect skin from free radicals. It’s even been reported that aloe vera can help to improve collagen production and skin elasticity— key to a youthful, glowing complexion.

If you’re someone who suffers from skin sensitivity and irritation, this can be an amazing ingredient to incorporate into your routine. When left on your skin overnight, aloe vera can calm and heal the skin while also preventing signs of aging. Who knew this plant could be so powerful?

Rose Essential Oil

Key benefits:

  • Protects skin from cell damage
  • Calms redness and inflammation
  • Preps skin to absorb other ingredients

In addition to its pleasant smell, rose essential oil offers a variety of skincare benefits. Extracts of this delicate flower contain an array of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that skin craves. It’s high in vitamin C, which helps to protect skin from cell damage that can occur over time.

Rose essential oil is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to soothe dry, irritated skin. It has been shown to hydrate skin, clear acne and scarring, and even target skin concerns such as eczema and rosacea.

When applied to the skin, whether it’s in a facial mist or overnight mask, rose essential oil can help to keep your complexion balanced and toned. It also preps the skin to absorb other ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid.

Tremella Mushroom

Key benefits:

  • Pulls moisture to the skin and boosts elasticity
  • Rich source of polysaccharides 
  • Promotes healthy skin structure

Tremella mushroom is one of the best-kept secrets in the skincare world. Commonly referred to as ‘snow mushroom,’ this plant helps to retain moisture in the skin over an extended period of time, making it a perfect ingredient for overnight masks.

Due to its high amount of polysaccharides, Tremella works to draw moisture to the skin’s surface and promote healthy skin structure, similar to the way hyaluronic acid works. The diverse benefits of this gelatinous mushroom are making it popular in skincare.

Broccoli Extract

Key benefits:

  • Source of vitamins A, C, and E
  • Targets ultraviolet radiation damage
  • Visibly plumps the skin

We all know the importance of incorporating greens into our diet, but what about our skin? Believe it or not, broccoli extract serves as an amazing skincare ingredient.

The extract derived from newly sprouted broccoli seeds reduces redness in skin as well as damage caused by oxidation and ultraviolet radiation. It also stimulates collagen production and forms a protective layer that retains moisture and visibly plumps the skin. With this in mind, it’s important to both eat your vegetables and apply them to your skin!

Oats and Oat Extract

Key benefits:

  • Moisturizes skin
  • Natural exfoliator
  • Anti-inflammatory

Oatmeal is more than a heart-healthy breakfast. Your skin’s surface will also love the effects of this nutritious grain.

Commonly found in DIY face masks, oats contain avenanthramides, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds that soothe itchy, dry, and irritated skin. Oats also absorb excess oil, dirt, and debris, making them an excellent ingredient for those with acne-prone skin.

The lipid and protein content found in oats gives them humectant, occlusive, and emollient properties. They contain beta-glucan that forms a fine film that penetrates deeply into the skin, allowing it to retain its moisture. When paired with an ingredient like hyaluronic acid, oats can help to keep your skin hydrated, smooth, and clear.

Signs Your Skin Could Benefit from a Hyaluronic Acid Face Mask

So how can you know if using a hyaluronic acid face mask is right for you? If you struggle with any of the following concerns, a hyaluronic face mask might be just what your skin needs.

  • Dryness 
  • Dullness
  • Lost elasticity/sagging
  • Fine lines & wrinkles
  • Large pores 
  • Uneven skin texture
  • Environmental damage (such as from the sun’s UV rays)

Using a Hyaluronic Acid Overnight Mask in Your Routine

To maximize the effects of a hyaluronic acid overnight mask, start by applying it once a week and work your way up to two times a week if you feel like your skin needs the extra moisture. Using a mask is easy—simply apply it as the last step of your normal nighttime skincare routine before you head to bed, and wash it off in the morning!

Don’t have a nighttime skincare routine? Here are some simple steps you can follow on the nights you apply your mask:

  1. Cleanse
  2. Tone 
  3. Use a serum and eye cream of your choice
  4. Apply a thin layer of your overnight mask to your entire face, just like you would a cream
  5. Allow your mask to sit for at least 30 minutes to absorb before bedtime
  6. Leave the mask on while you sleep
  7. In the morning, wash your face with a gentle cleanser

After cleansing your skin in the morning, follow up with your normal AM skincare routine (don’t forget SPF!). Throughout the day, your skin will stay hydrated and plump thanks to the mask you applied the night before.

Using an overnight mask is one of the best ways to ensure hyaluronic acid is completely absorbed into your skin and stays there to provide long-lasting hydration. Whether you suffer from dry skin, live in a dry climate, or are just looking to give your skin some extra love, consider incorporating a mask into your routine. Your skin will thank you!