Are Face Masks Better in the Morning?

Are face masks better in the morning

The results are in and it looks like many face masks work better when used in the morning.

It’s the end of the day, you have just finished dinner and now you begin your nightly skincare routine to cleanse away the day and renew for tomorrow.

For many, your skincare routine probably looks a little like this: cleanse, maybe exfoliate, pop on a mask, tone, follow with a serum, maybe even a face oil and then a moisturiser.

However, did you know your skin can also benefit greatly when using a face mask in the morning?

According to dermatologist and Specific Beauty Skincare founder Heather Woolery-Lloyd, MD, using a face mask in the morning can help you manage any skin concerns you have, better. Such as clarity, tone and hydration.

“The key is, finding the right mask for you, with A hero ingredient which works for your skin. Charcoal masks are good for oily and acne-prone skin. Masks containing antioxidants and hyaluronic acid are good for dry skin or to boost hydration for combination skin. And, masks with ingredients like aloe vera and chamomile are soothing for people with sensitive skin.” She says.

Morning masks work as a primer for the skin, prepping it for the day with rich nutrients, minerals and vitamins which will help protect the skin from the harsh environment, pollution and even makeup.

“When you use a mask in the morning, you are essentially providing a base of hydration fo your skin. It can also temporarily tighten the skin and shrink pores. You certainly feel more refreshed in the morning after using a mask, making it a great way to wake up the skin and even yourself. Especially if you rise early.”

Of course, there is no right time of the day to use a mask as many do provide much needed renewing and refreshing to the skin, after a long day. Especially when you’re wearing makeup all day and need a good pore clean out.

According to dermatologist Gervaise Gerstner, MD it makes perfect sense to give your skin a mask in the morning. If you have the time that is. As she believes most skin types require additional hydration daily, which most every day products such as serums, oils and moisturisers just can’t provide.

“Don’t give up your PM skincare mask routine just yet, as they are still great for your complexion before sleeping. If you’re using a mask which hydrates, these are the best for the morning. If you are using masks which clarify and exfoliate, then keep these masks for night time.” She says.

Seems like the results of using masks in the morning are, keep to your hydration and rich antioxidant masks for the AM routine, to help keep skin well nourished throughout the day for longer.

And for your PM routine, keep to masks which work to detox the skin, cleanse the pores, remove dead skin cells, dirt and pollution to reboot skin after a long day. You can also use an overnight cream mask for sleeping, which will also help you boost hydration whilst you sleep.

To test this theory, I spent four weeks using face masks in the morning instead of at night to see what would happen. Of course, I stayed away from using exfoliating, detoxifying and clarifying masks and I did still use these some nights, after I’d been out all day.

Over four weeks, at least three times a week, I woke up thirty minutes earlier in the morning. And before I had even had my morning coffee, I popped on a face mask.

Just to be clear, I am not a morning person at all. And although I am an early riser on most days, I stick to a fairly mundane routine of alone time, which allows me to adjust to the day and wake up properly. Then I’m good to go and ready to start being social.

So waking up thirty minutes earlier every day was difficult. But hey, all in the name of beauty, right?

I stuck to sheet masks for my morning routine, as I found these were quick and easy to apply and remove. Particularly as they are water-based. So no washing off after removing is required. you simply rub in the serum and then add on other AM skincare products and your ready to start applying makeup.

These masks ranged from the Innisfree My Real Squeeze Pomegranate Sheet Mask RRP $2 for radiant skin and the Innisfree My Real Squeeze Aloe Vera Sheet Mask RRP $2 for a rich moisture boost. And I also tried the Olay Skinfusion Camellia Nourishing Sheet Mask RRP $5.99 which provides eight hours of hydration to the skin and the Skin Republic Brightening Vitamin C Sheet Mask RRP $7.99 to enhance brightness and hydration.

Australia has been hit with a shocking heatwave this summer, which is when I did my road testing, and I felt it was the best time trial out what it would be like to do masks in the morning rather than the evening. Especially as I wanted to boost hydration in the skin and protect it from drying out in the heat.

I noticeably saw differences in my skin after one week of using face masks in the morning. Using a hydrating face mask every morning to keep skin protected and well hydrated throughout the day was the best thing, given the air quality (a result of the ongoing bushfires), and dehydration on the skin.

The verdict: My skincare AM and PM routine has now been adjusted to incorporate a face mask or two throughout the week in the morning. Though I don’t do it as often as I did for this story.

Of course, if you find yourself barely finding time to wash your face in the morning, let alone give it a mask, don’t stress. Your skin will still survive the day and make it through to night.

My Favourite Beauty Product of the Week:

Physicians Formula Murumuru Butter Sunkissed Bronzer RRP $29.95

Bronzer is one of those misunderstood products. Some people steer clear of it, normally the result of not having enough knowledge on how to use it and the fear it may be overused on the face. But, if you do want to add bronzer into your makeup arsenal, this is a great introductory product to start experimenting with.

The soft butter-like formula of this bronzer is smooth, not powdery, and melts into the skin, leaving a soft sun-kissed glow after application and is lightweight to wear over foundation.

Butter Bronzer by Physician's Formula
The soft butter-like formula of this bronzer is smooth and melts into the skin, leaving a soft sun-kissed glow after application.

My tips on how to use: For summer, I apply a rich hydrating moisturiser and follow with a concealer, applied only to any red or dark areas or to cover blemishes. Then, using the sponge applicator which comes with Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer, I make a single swipe under cheekbones, across the jawline and across the forehead. I then use a soft makeup brush brush to lightly blend into my skin for a nice natural glow. It’s a great alternative to wearing foundation.

A word of warning though, if you’re not a fan of coconut fragranced products, steer clear. This butter bronzer smells like a tropical island. Although a strong scent in the packaging, once applied to the face, the scent does reduce, leaving a soft scent, which I don’t mind.

Although not a new product, this deliciously scented butter bronzer has been seen trending again amongst beauty influencers on Youtube and Instagram, as they explore the new colour range. Ranging from the deepest dark brown to a lighter shade of golden.

Rebecca Wilkinson

Beauty Editor

Rebecca is a freelance content creator and beauty editor for Bondi Beauty. She is a pescatarian, who may yet become vegan. She loves all things beauty, health & travel, has a weakness for coffee and is obsessed with cats and yoga. If she's not answering her mobile - it's probably because she's trying out the latest beauty trend, like massaging crushed pearls into her skin for the ultimate collagen and vitamin boost to skin cells.

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