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Renewing skin’s condition whilst sleeping is nothing new. There are myriad skincare products designed to rejuvenate, restore and revive skin at this crucial time of renewal, and some of them arguably result in a juicier, plumper complexion by morning. However, this latest wild trend of "going to bed ugly in order to wake up pretty" sees creators preparing for bed in an often extreme combination of face masks, eye patches, hair bonnets, multi-layered skincare and eye masks in an attempt to emerge butterfly-like from a cocoon of contortion.
And contortion it is. Some people are literally wrapping their whole face up ‘mummification-style’ with the addition of mouth guards, tape and jaw straps in a misguided attempt to stall or reverse natural ageing and secure ‘perfect’ facial contours. Not only will this NOT alter your face shape or turn back time, it will often disrupt sleep quality— ironically one of the most important aspects of skin health and beauty. A lack of sleep can have a detrimental effect on skin condition, mental health and numerous other aspects of wellness—is it worth it? No.
Night time is when the skin has the ‘down time’ to recover, repair and renew after the relentless assaults of daily aggressors. Applying multiple (and heavy) skincare products can counteract their efficacy, leading to breakouts, blocked pores, congestion and irritation. The skin barrier is not able to cope with excessive amounts of actives or multiple layers of incompatible products, and has its limits when it comes to absorption and bioavailability.
You can’t just continually layer up a bit of everything and hope for a great outcome. Skin just doesn’t work like that— you are not a trifle.
Up Sheet Creek
Sheet masks—other than generally being an environmental disaster— are designed for short-term use. They are designed to deliver a concentrated amount of ingredients that target a specific skincare concern, and for a short period of time; usually around 10 to 20 minutes. Left on the skin overnight for the average 6-8 hours, they can promote bacterial growth, become dry/desiccated, and can potentially pull moisture from your skin—the exact opposite of the juicy ‘intense treatment’ effects you are hoping for. For overnight hydration you are much better off finding a good, rich leave-on cream mask or deeply hydrating moisturiser. That may not make a wild, viral video, but your skin will thank you in the long run.
Head Case
Wrapping your head and face with tight gauze or fabric may make your face feel more’ taut’ in the morning, but there are numerous risks and no long-term benefits. Compression of the face restricts blood flow, potentially causing damage to the skin and underlying tissues that could lead to bruising, redness, or numbness. Tight wraps can also lead to abrasions, dryness, and worsening breakouts due to trapped sweat and oils. Any perceived ‘improvement’ from face wrapping is temporary and likely to disappear once the bandages are removed or shortly after. Similarly, any alleged ‘sculpting’ effects from jaw straps is just a temporary reduction in fluid retention.
Mouth Trap
Many people consider nasal breathing healthier than mouth breathing— for a variety of reasons from reduced open-mouthed snoring to improved oxygen intake. However, it’s important to consult an expert before attempting this, especially if you're dealing with conditions like sleep apnea, nasal congestion, or sinus issues. Taping your mouth shut can make it harder to breathe, increase shortness of breath, cause dryness around the mouth and lips, and can pose serious risks for those with underlying (and undiagnosed) health issues. It's essential to consult with a healthcare professional to rule out conditions such as sleep apnea or nasal blockages that could make the practice dangerous.
Caroline Hirons says
"I’m sure many creators feel that the ‘more is more’ approach will reap greater rewards, but this is just not reality. If you repeatedly constrict your skin in tight sheets, smother it with layers of product, or leave actives/masks on overnight that are only designed for short bursts of time, it will likely go into meltdown. It is an organ, not a preschool art class.
If you find you enjoy the ‘pre-shed’ ritual at night, then you do you— just don’t think this will create any long-term skin improvements, and be aware of the harm some of these trends can do to skin, sleep quality and overall mental health.
If your goal is to wake up looking taut, dewy and radiant, invest in good quality skincare and a considered routine that enables your skin to benefit properly from each treatment step. Opt for safer, proven methods like professional facial treatments developed specifically to firm and contour the face, and if you're looking for long-term skin tightening consult a dermatologist or aesthetician."
Words by Nicky Connors – Team Skin Rocks
Qualifications – BA (Hons) English | Beauty Industry Professional, 25 Years | Beauty Writer | Copy Editor | HND Specialist Makeup
