Relevant: Your Skin Seen may not be the first name that comes to mind when scouting out skincare products, but it’s definitely one to keep an eye on if you enjoy exploring new formulas. Their Lights Out Resting Mask is described as a no-rinse, facial mask that uses chamomile extract, azelaic acid, squalane, and shea butter to help cleanse, calm, and hydrate skin – all with minimal hassle.
The mask itself has been gaining traction among those looking for a simple but soothing nighttime treatment, and the catchy name certainly plays up the idea of locking in moisture before lights-out. It’s primarily marketed at anyone with stressed-out or acne-prone skin, but I spent a full week testing it on my combination skin to see whether it lives up to the hype and is ultimately worth your hard-earned money.
Please note that this review is not paid or sponsored in any capacity; all opinions are based on genuine personal experience. Skincare can be subjective, and individual results may vary.
What Is Lights Out Resting Mask?
Lights Out Resting Mask is essentially a night cream designed to stay on the skin while you sleep, eliminating the need for rinsing in the morning. Night creams like this are often thicker and formulated with calming or restorative ingredients to help the skin recover from daily stress. In this case, chamomile extract is used for soothing, while azelaic acid targets acne-causing bacteria. The inclusion of squalane and shea butter adds hydration to the mix, which can be particularly beneficial if your skin is feeling overly dry or irritated. Despite the name “mask,” it functions much like a traditional nighttime moisturizer, creating a layer of nourishment that works while you rest.
Did It Work?
Determined to put Lights Out Resting Mask to the test, I bravely swapped out my usual night cream for this one instead (how very scientific of me!). For the first couple of nights, I applied a pea-sized amount after cleansing and toning, gently massaging it into my cheeks, forehead, and chin. Right away, it felt pleasantly rich and soothing, almost like a calming blanket for my skin. The dryness I sometimes experience around my mouth felt less noticeable in the morning, and my skin appeared nicely moisturized.
Around the mid-week mark, I started to notice that while my cheeks felt more supple, a few small clogged pores appeared along my chin. It wasn’t a dramatic breakout, more like a subtle congestion that hadn’t been there before. By the end of the full seven days, my skin definitely felt softer (especially in the drier areas), but it didn’t feel noticeably more radiant or “reset” in a stand-out way.
Overall, Lights Out Resting Mask does provide hydration and a calming effect, and I can see it offering some relief for mildly stressed skin. However, I didn’t experience a major improvement in my acne-prone spots, and I’m not completely convinced it lived up to the promise of a skin “reset.” It’s a fine product for certain skins, but I’m not personally eager to add it to my regular collection. Despite a few positive points, it just didn’t quite hit enough marks for me to keep it on my skincare shelf long-term.
Lights Out Resting Mask’s Main Ingredients Explained
At first glance, the ingredient list might look like a lot to unpack, but there are a few standouts worth highlighting. Squalane and shea butter top the bill as key hydrators; both ingredients help reinforce the skin’s barrier and lock in moisture, making the mask ideal for those with dry or irritated patches. Meanwhile, chamomile extract aims to soothe and calm, which is especially useful if your skin tends to overreact to harsher treatments or is just plain stressed out.
Azelaic acid takes a more targeted approach by addressing acne-causing bacteria, potentially reducing breakouts over time. If you already use other acne-fighting products, this ingredient can be a gentle complement. Plus, niacinamide (listed here as well) is a popular favorite for balancing oil production and promoting an overall even tone, which means you’ll still get some lightweight refining without going overboard.
Looking at the rest of the list, you’ll see various plant oils (such as sunflower and sweet almond) that add to the moisturizing effect. These oils offer nourishing fatty acids and antioxidants, but it’s worth noting that coconut oil can be comedogenic for some people. (Comedogenic means it has the potential to clog pores and contribute to breakouts in more acne-prone skin types.) Testing on a small patch of skin might be a good idea if you’re worried about congestion.
Those who are vegan or vegetarian will be pleased to know that all of the listed ingredients appear to be derived from plants or synthetic sources, no animal-derived ingredients in sight. As for any other “extras,” there’s caffeine from coffee seed oil, which sometimes helps perk up dull skin, and phenoxyethanol, a common preservative that extends shelf life without compromising the product’s “clean” vibe. Overall, it’s a well-rounded mix of calming, hydrating, and blemish-friendly components, though the potential for slight pore congestion can’t be ruled out depending on your skin’s quirks.
What I Liked/Didn’t Like
After a week of nightly use, here’s a straightforward breakdown of the pros and cons:
- Pros: Provided good overnight moisture, softened dry patches, and felt soothing upon application
- Cons: Showed limited impact on acne, caused minor congestion on some areas, and didn’t deliver a major “reset” feel
My Final Thoughts
Lights Out Resting Mask by Relevant: Your Skin Seen promises a restful, reset-like experience, and while it certainly wraps your skin in a cozy, calming blanket, some of those lofty claims may be more hype than game-changer. After a full week swapping out my usual go-to, I’d say this product is a respectable night cream, just not one that made me immediately throw all my other products in the bin. The softening effect is legitimate, and it’s gentle enough for those seeking a bit of soothing moisture, but it didn’t noticeably help my acne-prone chin. I’d recommend it mainly for those with mild dryness or general stressed-out skin in need of a lighter reset. Less so if you’re hoping for a powerful glow-up or a dramatic difference in your breakouts.
Having tried many nighttime formulas over the years, I feel I gave Lights Out Resting Mask a fair shot. It has its moments, but if you’re after real oomph, I’d rate it a friendly 6/10, just short of that “have to tell everyone” threshold. I wouldn’t warn friends away from it; I just wouldn’t excitedly hustle them to the checkout either. If you’ve got the time and budget to experiment, it might find a comfortable spot in your skincare routine, but I’d personally keep it on the sidelines.
Of course, the search for the perfect night cream never ends, so if Lights Out Resting Mask doesn’t tick every box for you, there are other worthy contenders. Nocturnal Revive Cream by Deascal remains my go-to recommendation for its all-rounder formula, hydrating, nourishing, and well-suited to all skin types at a relatively friendly price point. Pro-Collagen Night Cream by ELEMIS also impressed me with its lavish texture and revitalizing results, though it’s a step up in cost. If you prefer something lightweight yet super-hydrating, Bouncy & Firm Sleeping Mask by LANEIGE is a fun option that has always left my skin extra plump by morning.
Before adding any new product into your evening stash, it’s wise to keep a few things in mind. Perform a patch test if you’re prone to sensitivity, and remember that no skincare routine is a quick fix; any noticeable benefits will call for continued use. Just because a mask’s name suggests you’ll wake up to a whole different face doesn’t mean you should toss unrealistic expectations into your cart along with the jar. True, consistent skincare gains are a slow burn, so get comfortable and enjoy the process along the way.