Do overnight face masks hydrate better than moisturizers? Dermatologists explain the difference

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As you sleep, your body rests and works to repair itself , your skin included. With a good skin-care routine , you can supercharge its ability to boost cell turnover, soften fine lines, smooth texture and rehydrate. For example, once you've washed off the day's dirt and grime, you can use an exfoliating toner, a hydrating serum or a retinoid, then lock in moisture with a solid night cream. But what about overnight face masks ?

I recently picked up an overnight face mask after my facialist recommended one for my tired, dry skin post-travel. And I realized that it kind of looks and feels the same as many of the moisturizers already in my arsenal. So I had to ask dermatologists: What's the difference between an overnight face mask and regular moisturizer?

Both products hydrate and support the skin barrier, but they work at different intensities, explains Dr. Michele Green , a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist in New York City. Moisturizer is formulated to absorb fully into your skin, replenish moisture and support the skin barrier day or night, and you can use it daily. However, "an overnight mask, by contrast, is a more concentrated, treatment-style product for the end of your skin-care routine," she says. "It typically has a more intense, occlusive texture that sits on the skin rather than fully absorbing, forming a seal that locks in moisture and prevents water loss while you sleep."

How often should you use an overnight mask?

Your moisturizer is an everyday, twice-daily step. You should use one day and night in your skin-care routine. And while overnight face masks are generally safe to use every night, two to three times a week should suffice, even if your skin is extra dry or irritated from a retinol or in-office procedure, says Dr. Gervaise Gerstner , a board-certified dermatologist and chief medical officer of Virginskin.

She says that you can use a mask for a quick hydration boost during the day too. "A hydrating cream mask can be worn during the day for an hour before applying makeup or when at the gym," she adds. But all in all: Think of an overnight mask more like an intensive treatment layered on top of your skin-care routine when you need a little extra hydration.

Will an overnight mask clog pores or cause breakouts?

If an overnight mask provides the highest level of hydration, why wouldn't you want to use one every single night? Well, because doing so could clog your pores, the pros say. "Because these masks are more occlusive and concentrated than a standard moisturizer, using one every single night can sometimes lead to clogged pores, a heavy or greasy feel, or product buildup, especially for those with oilier or acne-prone skin," Green cautions. Be sure to pay attention to your mask's instructions. Some are lightweight and gentle enough to use daily; others are more thick and intense.

Green explains that if you want to try an overnight mask, you should start using it for two or three nights a week and pay attention to how your skin looks in the morning. "If skin looks plump, calm and hydrated, that frequency is likely working well. If it feels congested or looks dull, it's worth cutting back," she says.

Are overnight masks safe to layer over stronger ingredients like retinol or acids?

Good news: Yes, you can safely layer a hydrating overnight mask over active skin-care ingredients. Green says that because of their thick texture, overnight masks can also help keep active ingredients like retinoids or acids on the skin for longer, which can make them more effective.

Wanna really give your other serums and potions a little extra oomph? Gerstner says she's a big fan of sleeping in sheet masks over the creamy ones. "Not only are the high-grade options fabulous on their own, but they also seal in your good products like Saran Wrap," she says.

Bottom line: Use an overnight face mask two to three times a week if your skin could use the extra hydration. You can layer one over more intense exfoliating serums or use one by itself on a night where you're solely focusing on hydration and repairing your skin barrier. Don't know where to start? I've rounded up a few trusted picks below.

Here's an affordable overnight face mask that's packed with hydrating hyaluronic acid and peptides . You can use it two to three times a week as the last step in your skin-care routine. Want to add moisture faster? You can also leave it on for 10-15 minutes, then rinse it off for a quick boost.

Mario Badescu's popular overnight mask is packed with hydrating ingredients as well as peptides, niacinamide and lactic acid, all aimed at improving dark spots and your skin's texture. It's also lightweight enough to use every night. However, since it offers more than hydration, you probably won't want to layer this one over retinoids or other active ingredients.

More than 3,000 Amazon shoppers have snapped this up in the last month. Its key ingredients are glycerin, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, so it's formulated to be ultra-soothing. While it has an extra-thick texture you wouldn't want to use every night, it also works as a (travel-friendly!) 10-minute mask you rinse off, or as an intense hand cream .

This lightweight mask features hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and squalane to hydrate and strengthen the skin's barrier. This is a gentle option you can use more frequently that doesn't feel too thick or greasy.

EltaMD is a dermatologist-recommended and celeb-loved brand . It's a little pricey, but its overnight face mask is formulated to strengthen the skin barrier, reduce redness and improve hydration, and it's safe for sensitive skin. The mask is part of the brand's Skin Recovery System , which can help anyone experiencing skin sensitivity after an in-office procedure or because of general breakouts.