Real Life Sleeping Beauty

This just might be the easiest, no-hassle way you can get radiant skin. The sleep mask trend does not seem to be ending any time soon, especially because skin care companies are adopting more and more techniques from Korean skin care routines.

Before getting into the logistics of sleep masks we should first explain what happens to your skin when you sleep.

• While you snooze your body, skin specifically in this case, repairs and recovers itself – this is possible because of a process known as cell turnover.
• You produce collagen when you sleep.
• Blood circulation goes to the skin and hair – increased blood flow means minerals, vitamins and nutrients are getting to these areas.
• Your skin unfortunately also loses water while you sleep, which means losing moisture.

This is where the sleep masks come in, essentially the masks help support natural processes that occur while you sleep. Meaning, it forms a protective layer on the skin locking in nutrients (allowing the skin to repair and recover). It also replaces the moisture lost while you sleep, leaving way for healthy naturally glowing skin.

The general idea: A sleep mask can be applied as the last step in your night time skin care routine (on top of all your other products) and be rinsed off in the morning. Sounds simple enough, right? Well, there may be a little more to this skin care craze then that.

Here are the basic things you need to know about sleep masks:

Different facial masks claim to do the following to your skin:

• Firm
• Brighten dull skin
• Add moisture
• Lighten dark spots
• Clarify
• Reverse signs of aging
• Detoxify

While some products caution you to only use once or twice a week – sleep masks generally can be used every night. So after your usual night time skin care routine, apply the mask. In fact, using the mask in combination with other skin care products maximizes the effects all products

Won’t it be messy?

Usually when someone thinks of a facial mask, they picture something along the lines of the picture to your right. Different formulas are available, but the consistency of sleep masks are typically lighter (cream or gel-like consistency). The product soaks into the skin leaving your pillow and sheets mess free.

Disclaimer: This does not replace drinking water. Drinking the recommended daily amount of water in combination with these treatments will maximize the amount of moisture your skin retains.

Sleep mask, sleep pack, facial in a jar – perhaps even miracle in a jar…whatever you want to call it, adding one to your night time skin care routine might be more beneficial than you think.