Clay masks are drying in nature and are used for absorbing unwanted oil from your skin. Leaving it on overnight on your entire face, will rob your skin with all its moisture.
For most people with even mild sensitivity, leaving a mask on too long results in the skin looking red, blotchy and feeling uncomfortable.
While it can be effective for drawing out impurities and oil when used as a regular mask for a short duration, leaving it on overnight may lead to skin irritation, dryness, or discomfort, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Licensed Esthetician Tiara Willis agreed that because clay masks are designed to absorb oil, it is not meant to be worn overnight, however, you can wear hydrating masks to bed.
Let's get this question out of the way—the answer is yes! In case it wasn't obvious, you can wear face masks overnight—that's the whole point of the product we're talking about. The key is, you want to use an overnight face mask—not just any mask.
You're probably leaving your face mask on for too long.
While it's relatively safe to over-apply emollients and moisturizers, leaving a hydrating sheet mask on for too long (i.e., until it's dry) can be counterproductive—it actually causes a reversal effect where the sheet reabsorbs the moisture from the skin.
Some face masks can be left on overnight, while others—particularly those with chemical exfoliants such as alpha-hydroxy acids—should be removed after a short period of time. If you leave your mask on for far longer than is recommended, you may risk irritating your skin.
They can be used at any time of the day. However, if you're using a mask that exfoliates or clarifies your skin, then it's best to use that at night. But if you're using one that hydrates the skin, then you should apply it in the morning to give your skin an added glow.
Most hair masks are left on for 5 to 10 minutes, but the label will tell you how long to set your timer for. Don't go overboard and leave it on too long. It won't do any more good, plus you risk weighing down your hair.
Don't use drying ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, clay, or sulfur. Acne spot treatments could have helped before you popped your pimple, but they're no longer beneficial once your skin is broken.
You do not need to apply a clay mask every day. Instead, use it once or twice a week to see results and minimize side effects like skin irritation. 3 There are many types of clay masks, so it's important to choose the best one for your skin type and concerns.
Sometimes using a clay mask can cause purging - when the pores are so blocked that all of the debris comes to the surface, causing acne to appear worse. But this will only be temporary and within a few weeks, your skin should become clearer.
Always apply your mask to clean, dry skin. This allows the active ingredients to penetrate your skin easier making them more effective, you dont want to be applying these beneficial ingredients on top of dirt and bacteria! Apply a generous, but even layer to the face using clean fingertips or a mask brush.
In the skincare world, you'll see kaolin clay as the headlining ingredient in clay masks because of its ability to absorb oil. This oil-absorbing quality makes kaolin clay masks one of the best solutions for clogged pores.
Don't apply the moisturizer immediately after washing off the face mask. Give the active ingredients some time to get fully absorbed by the skin. Take a dollop of moisturizer, warm it between your fingers to help it penetrate deeper, and then massage into the skin using upward motions.
While pore size is largely determined by genetics, a good clay mask can help reduce the appearance of pores. If you notice that your pores look smaller and less noticeable after using a clay mask, it's a clear indication that the mask is working to remove debris and tighten your skin.
When clay pulls dirt from your skin, it also removes your skin's normal oils - the natural moisturising factors that keep your skin nourished and bouncy. If you've ever used a clay mask and gotten that tight, itchy feeling as it dries, I'm here to tell you that this is the mask sucking up all your natural moisture.
It all comes down to the ingredients within your face mask. Some ultra-hydrating masks can be left on overnight, while more potent formulas containing active ingredients should not be left on longer than recommended.
Clay face masks should ideally be left on for no more than 15 minutes; however, you should read the instructions as each can vary. You are at risk of your skin drying out if you leave your clay mask on for too long.
Bentonite clay's ability to draw out pore-clogging dirt and debris and may also help congested skin appear cleansed and refreshed. As such, you'll find bentonite clay in skincare formulas specifically aimed at reducing the appearance of pores and blackheads.
There are very few risks associated with sleeping in an eye mask, and the chance of them occurring is low.
Not washing your face before bed can leave stains on your pillowcase. Even if you don't wear makeup, there are natural oils on your skin that can soil your bedding. Also, sleeping on a pillowcase with the impurities left from the previous night can set you up for breakouts.
Remember: do not leave a sheet mask on overnight! Sheet masking should be kept between 15-25 minutes and should not exceed 30 minutes. Leaving sheet masks on until they dry will actually cause a reversal effect because the sheet will begin to reabsorb the moisture from the skin.
Moisturising and hydrating masks work well when worn overnight, whereas protein and clay masks could end up damaging your hair if you leave them on for too long. Wondering how you would sleep in a hair mask without making a huge mess of your pillow? Once you've applied your mask, wrap your hair in a shower cap.