Cica Sleeping Mask: Calm Redness Overnight
Updated September 2025
Quick take: Choose a fragrance-free, creamy (not heavy) cica formula with panthenol and ceramides. Use a thin layer by day and a generous layer at night as an overnight mask for redness.
Why redness can flare at night
- Dehydration: cooler evenings + indoor heat increase moisture loss.
- Overactive routines: stacking fragrance, strong acids, or retinoids.
- Travel & stress: disrupted barrier, less tolerance for actives.
A leave-on mask buffers the skin, reduces transepidermal water loss, and keeps calming ingredients working steadily. For barrier basics, see Barrier Repair 101.
Ingredients that actually help
- Centella asiatica (cica): helps soothe visible redness and supports barrier repair.
- Panthenol (B5): cushions tight, dehydrated skin.
- Ceramides: reinforce barrier lipids for resilient skin.
- Squalane + shea butter: lightweight comfort without a greasy film (read more in our Shea Butter guide).
- Fragrance-free base: reduces the chance of irritation for reactive skin.
Best “overnight mask for redness” — what to look for
- Fragrance-free, essential-oil free
- Breathable creamy texture (not heavy occlusion)
- Centella + panthenol + ceramides (barrier-supportive stack)
- Flexible use: thin by day as a face moisturizer for sensitive skin; thicker at night as a leave-on mask
How to use a cica sleeping mask (AM/PM)
AM
- Gentle cleanse
- Thin layer of Vacation Skin as a moisturizer
- SPF 30+ (fragrance-free)
PM
- Cleanse
- Optional: centella/panthenol serum
- Apply a generous layer of Vacation Skin as an overnight mask for redness
Comparison: what you’re actually buying
We compare your multitasker against common categories shoppers browse. This keeps the focus on function (not brand name) and helps you decide quickly.
| Product / Category | Best For | Texture & Use | Key Actives | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vacation Skin Redness Recovery | Redness, sensitive skin, simple routines | Breathable cream; thin by day, overnight mask at night | Centella, Panthenol, Ceramides, Squalane, Shea | $$ |
| Fragrance-Free Ceramide Cream (category) | Daily barrier support (AM/PM) | Cream; layers under SPF | Ceramides, Cholesterol, Fatty acids | $–$$ |
| Cica Sleeping Mask (category) | Occasional overnight calming | Leave-on mask; PM only | Centella derivatives (asiaticoside, madecassoside) | $–$$ |
Cica vs Barrier Cream—Which should you buy?
If you flush easily and want overnight calm, start with a cica-forward cream you can apply thicker as a mask. If your main issue is daily dryness, a fragrance-free ceramide cream may be enough. Many do both: thin cica layer by day, thicker layer as an overnight mask for redness when skin feels reactive. Learn more about our approach on the Made in Canada page.
FAQs
Is a sleeping mask different from a night cream?
A sleeping mask is usually applied in a thicker layer to boost comfort overnight. Some creams can do both jobs depending on how much you use.
Can I use a cica sleeping mask every night?
If the formula is fragrance-free and designed for sensitive skin, yes—use a thin layer on normal nights and a thicker layer when skin feels reactive.
Will a sleeping mask clog pores?
Choose breathable, non-greasy textures with squalane/ceramides; patch test if you’re reactive.
Can I layer it with retinoids or acids?
Alternate nights to keep the barrier calm. Avoid stacking strong actives under a thick mask layer.
Where to shop
- Shop the multitasker: Vacation Skin Redness Recovery Overnight Mask + Moisturizer
- Save with the 2-pack: Redness Recovery Moisturizer Duo
