So, What’s the Difference?

Let’s get our definitions straight before your moisturizer gets mixed with your lip balm.

🧴 Night Cream

• A traditional moisturizer designed for use at night.

• Often richer, with more actives (like peptides, retinol, or ceramides).

• Meant to nourish and repair while you sleep.

Try: this luxurious overnight cream that hydrates, plumps, and won’t suffocate your pores.

💤 Sleeping Mask

• Like a night cream… but extra.

• Think of it as a treatment moisturizer — heavier, often with a gel or balm texture.

• Usually used 2–3 times a week for an added boost of hydration, brightness, or calm.

Try: this lightweight sleeping mask that quenches dry skin without leaving a greasy film.

🧈 Slugging

• A K-beauty trend that means sealing your face with an occlusive (like petroleum jelly or balm) as the final step.

• Locks in moisture and prevents transepidermal water loss (aka skin getting dry AF).

• Not a product — it’s a technique.

Try: this non-comedogenic ointment that locks in your skincare like a dream without clogging your pores.

When to Use Each — Based on Your Skin Type

🔥 Dry or Dehydrated Skin

• ✅ Night cream? Yes.

• ✅ Sleeping mask? Yes.

• ✅ Slugging? Go for it — your skin will drink it up.

For flaky, thirsty skin, layering hydration and sealing it in can be a total game-changer.

🧴 Oily or Acne-Prone Skin

• ✅ Night cream? Yes, if it’s lightweight.

• ❌ Sleeping mask? Maybe — go for gel formulas only.

• ❌ Slugging? Rarely. Too occlusive = clogged pores.

If your skin overproduces oil, you still need hydration — but focus on balance, not buildup.

Try: this oil-free night cream that smooths and hydrates without suffocating your skin.

💕 Sensitive Skin

• ✅ Night cream? Yes — choose fragrance-free, calming options.

• ✅ Sleeping mask? Yes, if it’s super gentle.

• ❌ Slugging? Maybe. Test first — some sensitive types love it, others feel smothered.

Barrier repair is your best friend, so go slow and build your routine around comfort.

Try: this cica-infused sleeping mask that soothes redness and irritation while you snooze.

🎯 Combo Skin

• ✅ Night cream? Yes, or mix it up — lightweight for T-zone, richer for cheeks.

• ✅ Sleeping mask? Sure — 1–2 times a week.

• ❌ Slugging? Spot slug only, like dry patches.

You don’t have to pick just one — sometimes you just need to be a little extra… strategically.

What’s Actually Worth Your Money?

Let’s be honest — skincare routines can get expensive. Here’s the quick-and-dirty:

If you can budget for just one product, get a: Night Cream

Why? Reliable hydration + active support for nightly repair.

If you want an occasional boost, try a: Sleeping Mask

Why? Great for when your skin is stressed, tired, or looking dull.

If you’re repairing your skin barrier, go for a: Slugging Balm

Why? Budget-friendly, deeply hydrating, and seals everything in — but only if your skin can handle it.

Do You Ever Use All Three?

Short answer: not usually.

Long answer: some people layer strategically, like this:

1. Hydrating toner or serum

2. Night cream

3. Sleeping mask or slugging balm as final layer

But only do this if:

• Your skin barrier is damaged

• You live somewhere very dry

• You’re dealing with a retinol recovery situation

Otherwise, this much product might overwhelm your skin.

TL;DR — What Should You Choose?

• Night Cream: Best for most people. Start here.

• Sleeping Mask: Use as a treatment 1–2x/week when skin needs extra love.

• Slugging: Great for dry, flaky skin — but not ideal for oily or acne-prone types.

You don’t need all three. You just need the one that suits your skin right now.

If your budget allows try this combo which is clinically tested :

Final Thoughts: Your Skin Doesn’t Need Everything — Just What Works

Skincare is about listening to your face — not FOMO from what’s trending.

If your moisturizer is making you wake up soft, glowy, and happy? You’re doing it right.

But if you’re feeling dry, irritated, or underwhelmed — don’t be afraid to mix it up. Just keep it simple, thoughtful, and based on your skin’s needs, not the internet’s drama.

Read our guide on Nighttime hair routine here.