If your skin is dull, dry, and dehydrated, I understand your pain. Luckily, there’s a super solution that dermatologists swear by to hydrate, plump, and brighten your complexion: a hydrating mask!
“While a hydrating mask isn’t a must-have in your skincare routine, it can be a helpful addition for those with dry skin or to help hydrate your skin in cold, dry, low-humidity climates,” explains Dr.
Reshmi Kapoor, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Brooklyn Dermatology Center in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Essentially, a good hydrating mask can be the extra step you need in your skincare routine to help you
get closer to the hydrated complexion of your dreams.
Are you ready to quench your skin’s thirst? Here are 16 of the best hydrating masks for all skin types, according to dermatologists and rave reviews.
1. Laneige Water Sleeping Mask: Dr. Kapoor recommends this sleeping mask if you’re looking for a nighttime mask to hydrate, plump, and brighten your skin.
“This gel-based overnight mask contains squalane, which mimics a naturally occurring lipid that helps build the skin barrier,” she explains.
The mask also contains a probiotic complex that strengthens the skin’s moisture barrier while improving skin clarity and elasticity. And you don’t have to worry about a ton of residue because squalane is so lightweight.
Enthusiastic review: “I started using it because I had a weird feeling of dryness and irritation. My skin has since recovered, but this is still part of my routine because I woke up the next morning with radiant, soft skin!”
2. Clinique Moisture Surge™ Overnight Mask: Whether your skin is dry, oily, or combination, this overnight mask will give your thirsty complexion the hydration it needs.
Simply apply before bed, and its creamy formula works wonders to restore lost moisture. It’s also oil-free, so it won’t clog your pores.
Enthusiastic review: “My favorite night cream so far—non-acnegenic, non-greasy, and non-irritating. Thumbs up!”
3. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating 100% Hydrogel Mask: “The main ingredient in this mask is hyaluronic acid, which attracts water molecules and retains up to 1,000 times its weight in water to boost skin hydration,” says Neutrogena’s Dr.
Kapur.
The mask also contains vitamin B3 (aka niacin) to brighten skin and smooth skin texture for a radiant complexion.
Enthusiastic review: “I use it and love it! I live in a state of perpetual dryness, so this moisturizer is definitely for me.”
4. Augustinus Bader Cream Mask: It’s pricey, but it’s definitely worth it if you’re on a budget! This mask deeply hydrates the skin, fights visible signs of aging, and improves skin’s radiance.
“It instantly delivers intense hydration and radiance to the skin while preventing moisture loss,” says board-certified dermatologist Anetta Reszko, MD.
“This is a rich, creamy formula that can also be used as a nighttime mask for a more intensive treatment,” she explains. Another plus? Its formula is free of irritants.
Enthusiastic review: “After using this product, I noticed that my eye area looked more hydrated than when I used other creams. It helped me reduce dark circles and provide a more even skin tone. I will definitely have it
Keep it in my skincare rotation.”
5. Peach Snail Rescue Intensive Cleansing Mask: If your face is dry and prone to acne, don’t panic: This powerful mask will help.
This jelly mask contains antibacterial enzymes produced by snails to help heal acne and fight dark spots. It also erases dullness and uneven texture, leaving a smooth, glowing surface.
Enthusiastic review: “I use this mask at least 3 times a week and can’t get enough. It makes my dull skin look hydrated and plump almost instantly. I spritz on some rose water mist afterwards and it feels amazing.”
6. Drunk Elephant F-Balm Electrolyte Water Facial This overnight mask contains restorative ingredients like ceramides, squalene, and niacinamide that work together to repair the skin barrier. Kapur.
It also relieves dryness and soothes redness with electrolytes that visibly plump and restore the skin barrier.
Rhapsody: “I love it! I use it every night and my skin is left soft, radiant, plump, and healthy-looking. Use it in addition to your daily regimen and it absorbs overnight!”
7. Yadah Daily Green Mask Sometimes you need a full spa treatment—or at least something like it. These masks are hydrating, anti-aging, and brightening. Contains soy natto collagen extract to promote skin elasticity while adding brightness and vitality.
Enthusiastic review: “I have very sensitive skin and this mask works great! It softens and moisturizes my face and more importantly, doesn’t leave a sticky feeling. Highly recommended!”
8. Bioeffect Imprinted Hydrogel Mask It’s time to regenerate your skin with this hyaluronic acid mask, as this high-quality hydrogel face deeply hydrates, leaving skin softer, smoother, and plumper.” Ray Sko.
“Made from bio-based, eco-friendly materials, this mask is completely biodegradable, water-soluble, oil-free, fragrance-free, alcohol-free, paraben-free, gluten-free, and hypoallergenic,” she explains. “It’s so pure, green, and clean!”
Enthusiastic review: “Obsessed. I don’t think my skin has ever been so moisturized.”
DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C?
It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life.
What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin?
Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition.
Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes.
If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider.
What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin?
Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity.
Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C.
Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post.
Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C?
Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster.
This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster.
While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin.
It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin.
Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning?
Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance.
You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather.
Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.
