A new generation of overnight beauty treatments has emerged and is going viral. This is because of how downright scary they look!
They have been dubbed ‘monster’ treatments because of how they make users look. They include green gooey face masks and glowing red LED helmets. Some of them are thick, and brightly coloured. Others appear to be peeling,and are harsh or strange.
The idea, it seems, is that while you might ‘put on the ugly’ at night, you will be more refreshed and rejuvenated in the morning.
“You may be wondering ‘Can I leave a hair mask on overnight?’ or ‘Can I leave a face mask on overnight?’“
says an article in Wellnest.”The answer is yes… as long as you do so thoughtfully. For example, if your face is prone to breakouts, you might not want to coat your skin in vaseline for hours on end. Similarly, you want to make sure you’re being careful with the overnight hair masks you use. Drenching your strands in coconut oil may hydrate them, but it could cause acne if it gets all over your pillowcase. However, there are lots of products that are specifically formulated to be left overnight.”
Online influencers claim that these monster treatments are designed to tackle everything from breakouts and hyperpigmentation, to fine lines and tired-looking skin. But do they live up to the hype?
Here are some of the trending treatments. They are packed with clinical-grade ingredients like retinol, acids, peptides, and anti-inflammatory agents. Used wisely, they can reset skin while you sleep.
Trending ‘Monster’ Treatments To Know
1 Retinoid Masks & Peels
Retinoids (Vitamin A derivatives) accelerate skin turnover and help treat acne, fine lines, and pigmentation. However, they often come with redness, peeling, and what many call the ‘retinol uglies’.
Products like Dr Dennis Gross’ Clinical Retinol + Ferulic Overnight Texture Renewal Peel or The Ordinary’s Retinol in Squalane are known to cause a visible reaction, especially in the first few weeks. However, results over time can be transformational.
2 Slugging With Occlusives
Popularised by Korean beauty trends, ‘slugging’ involves applying a thick layer of balms over the face to lock in hydration. Waking up after a night of slugging often means plumper, smoother skin. However, going to bed with a shiny, sticky face is far from glamorous.
Some influencers have upped the ante by layering it over potent serums, causing even more exaggerated shine.
Though visually off-putting, the barrier protection effect can help soothe compromised skin and aid recovery from harsher treatments.
3 LED Light Therapy Masks
These wearable devices use wavelengths of light, such as red, blue, or near-infrared. This is to stimulate collagen, reduce inflammation, and kill acne bacteria. The Dr Dennis Gross SpectraLite FaceWare Pro, CurrentBody Skin LED Mask, and similar devices look like futuristic helmets or horror-movie masks when worn, especially at night.
Red light boosts collagen and skin healing, while blue light targets acne-causing bacteria. Some versions combine both. Though safe and painless, wearing a glowing red mask in the dark can definitely frighten a roommate.
4 Overnight Acid Exfoliants
Alpha hydroxy acids (like glycolic or lactic acid) and beta hydroxy acids (like salicylic acid) are used in many overnight treatments to smooth skin, unclog pores, and fade discolouration.
Popular examples include Sunday Riley Good Genes, Drunk Elephant TLC Framboos Glycolic Night Serum, or Paula’s Choice BHA Liquid Exfoliant. When layered too aggressively, however, they can cause temporary redness, tingling, and patchiness.
Some even use ‘resurfacing masks’ that dry down to tight, sometimes cracked films. This is visually dramatic, but often highly effective when followed with a hydrating recovery cream.
5 Pimple Patches & Spot Stickers
These hydrocolloid patches, sometimes infused with salicylic acid or niacinamide, pull out pus from whiteheads overnight. While less aggressive than acid peels, some of the newer versions are thicker, darker in colour, or star-shaped for visibility.
ZitSticka, Cosrx, and Hero Cosmetics offer overnight options that flatten spots by morning, but the appearance of having dots all over your face while you sleep is still monster-level for some.
Why They Work Overnight
Nighttime is prime time for skin recovery. While we sleep, the skin’s permeability increases, allowing better absorption of active ingredients. Cellular repair, collagen synthesis, and barrier recovery peak during deep sleep stages.
As dermatologist Dr Anjali Mahto told Harper’s Bazaar UK: “Your skin’s regeneration processes are most active at night. So, using well-chosen actives before bed helps support and accelerate those natural functions.”
Celebrities like Victoria Beckham, Chrissy Teigen, and Hailey Bieber have shared their monster masks and ‘ugly’ overnight routines. Bieber’s glazed donut skin, for example, inspired a wave of slugging videos and shiny selfies.
On TikTok, hashtags like #monstermask, #slugging, and #ledmask have racked up millions of views. Influencers like @glowwithava and @skincarebyhyram regularly test extreme-looking routines with visible results by morning.
Part of the appeal lies in relatability: seeing even celebrities and influencers looking ‘scary’ before bed makes beauty feel more real, and less filtered.
As with all treatments, it is advised to check with a medical practitioner or healthcare provider before starting anything new. While many of these treatments are effective, they’re not without risks:
– Overuse of acids and retinoids can damage the skin barrier, causing sensitivity or long-term irritation.
– Using occlusives on acne-prone skin can trigger breakouts if not cleansed properly.
– LED masks should only be used for the recommended duration to avoid overstimulation or heat.
It is further advised to always patch test new actives to avoid mixing too many strong ingredients in one night.
If you’re ready to join the monster movement, start slow, be consistent, and don’t be afraid to look a little ghoulish before bed. Your morning skin might just thank you.
