The Benefits of A Sleep Mask

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A True Sleep Masks Function  

A sleep mask can be a very helpful tool for men and women who have trouble sleeping at night.  Their main purpose is to block out light that may distract someone when trying to fall asleep.  Any other benefits are small and only a secondary function to light reduction.  Although companies may claim their masks have several healing abilities, the truth is, most are ineffective and cannot provide much additional help. There are several types of sleep masks all ranging in price and quality.  Although the differences may not affect the ability to fall asleep, they can cause undesirable results concerning wrinkles and puffiness around the eyes.

How They Can Help  

Aside from aiding in a person's slumber, without a sleep mask people tend to push their face into a pillow or sheets.  Sleep masks are very helpful in preventing unwanted pillow and sheet creases forming around the eyes, temples and cheeks. These creases can tend to cause wrinkles or damage the skin. Using a sleep mask can help subside this issue. 

With higher quality masks made from softer fabrics, one can apply moisturizers under the eyes immediately before wearing the mask to help hold in moisture and condition the skin.

How They Can Hurt  

Most importantly, when using a sleep mask, one must take precaution to prevent any unwanted results from wearing the mask.  The most common issue occurs when a cheaply made mask is too tight around the eyes and head, which cause impressions over night.  When wearing a sleep mask, try to make yourself aware of any impression the mask might leave from the strap or cloth immediately after waking up.  Look in a mirror to decide if you should continue using the mask.  If the mask is leaving impressions around the eyes and temples wrinkles can form through repeated use.  Higher quality sleep masks tend to have adjustable straps or are made from softer fabrics that won't disturb the skin.  

Some masks apply pressure directly to the eyes and eyelashes, which cause discomfort.  A sleep mask with a raised profile doesn't push against the eyes and helps promote REM sleep without unwanted discomfort to the eyes.

Magnetic Sleep Mask  

There are varying sleep masks that promise more results than the ability to block light.  Magnetic sleep masks claim to promote the production of fibroblasts in the skin and reduce wrinkles.  Fibroblasts are a type of cell that cause the production of collagen.  When collagen is not present, wrinkles can form.  Although the claims and testimonials may report that it works, there is no scientific evidence to prove this is an effective tool to reduce wrinkles and the results are typically from a placebo type effect from patients.

Cooling Sleep Mask

Another sleep mask that claims to reduce puffiness in eyes is a sleep mask with a cooling mechanism, typically an ice pack that comes out of the sleep mask and placed inside the mask when ready to use.  These actually can help reduce swelling and puffiness around the eyes; however, the results are very short lived. Usually the puffiness is reduced for a few hours at the most.

For Best Results 

If you're looking for a sleep mask to do anything more than block light, you need to stop and determine what you're really looking for.  Many people look to sleep masks to help reduce wrinkles and puffiness in eyes.  For better, lasting results, it may be time to consult a doctor about several solutions including skin treatments such as Restylane and Radiesse.

Restylane filler is a hyaluronic acid, which is proven to promote to production of fibroblasts and collagen and reduce wrinkles.  Hyaluronic acid is naturally created by the body to retain moisture in the skin and is a highly effective procedure.  Radiesse is a dermal filler which acts as a scaffolding under the skin to keep areas of hallowing plump and smooth.

To reduce puffiness and drooping under eye skin commonly referred to as "bags" the surgical procedure, blepharoplasty, removes excess fat and the skin below the eye for a more natural look.  With new procedures with proven results, buying sleep masks for any other function than blocking light is money wasted.



Make sure to always consult your doctor before committing yourself to any procedure to make sure it's right for you.

BIO :You can read more about anti-aging skin care, non-surgical treatments, botox and more, over at Chicago Plastic Surgeon Dr. Steven Dayan’s website and blog.