What's the Difference Between Day and Night Cream?
EVERYDAY SKINCARE
Is there really a distinction between day creams and night creams? We can all agree that moisturiser is essential skincare product. And we know that moisturising day and night ensures our skin has all-day hydration to maintain the skin's moisture barrier. That being said, do our day and night creams really need to be different?
Days creams benefit the skin by locking in moisture and shield our skin from UV rays (when SPF is added), and, with the inclusion of active ingredients can defend against environmental aggressors. Night creams are designed to restore the skin after UV exposure, whilst nourishing skin by aiding the absorption of active ingredients.
In this article, we outline what you need to know about day vs night cream, and highlight the key difference between them.
What are day moisturisers and what do they do?
Protecting the skin
The priority throughout the day is to protect the skin from environmental aggressors and free radicals. As we're exposed to the sun's rays, irritants and environmental aggressors, day cream tends to focus on the protective function while maintaining hydration throughout the day. Day creams also tend to be lighter in texture. Day creams generally serve protective and antioxidant benefits, such as:
Benefits of day creams
-
Shield your skin from harmful UV rays
-
Lock in moisture to maintain the skin moisture barrier
-
May include SPF to offer additional sun protection
-
Contain antioxidants to defend against environmental aggressors
Key ingredients in day creams
What are night moisturisers and what do they do?
Restore and nourish the skin
Night creams are formulated to provide extra moisture to support the skin's natural cell renewal cycle. Overnight our skin works to repair visible damage caused by external aggressors the skin has been exposed to. Richer in formula, night creams provide extra nourishment so the skin is soft and supple in the morning.
Benefits of night cream
-
Restore the skin after exposure to UV rays and environmental aggressors
-
Hydrate the skin to compensate for trans epidermal water loss overnight
-
Contain active ingredients that promote skin cell turnover
-
Promote collagen production
-
Help skin absorb active ingredients
Ingredients to look for in night cream
-
Vitamin E
-
Resveratrol
Can I use day cream at night?
If you like to keep things simple you might be inclined to stick to one face moisturiser both morning and night. General moisturisers and creams can be used both morning and night, but creams labelled as day or night creams tend to contain key ingredients that are specifically chosen to support the skin's natural protection and repair cycle.
Day cream
-
Day creams can contain SPF for sun protection, which isn't necessary in a night cream
-
Day creams tend to be lighter, so they don't have the extra nourishment that comes with a night cream.
-
Day creams contain vitamin C, which can be used at night but have more benefit when used in the morning.
Night cream
-
Night cream is usually richer and thicker in texture, and if you're prone to oily skin, using a night cream in the morning might exacerbate the appearance of oily skin.
-
Key ingredients found in night cream, including retinol, can cause the skin to be more sensitive, which may cause more sensitivity to UV rays.
Finding moisturisers for both day and night
General, multi-purpose moisturiser might be better for sensitive skin types that prefer a minimalist skincare routine. Some moisturisers that aren't specifically labelled as a day or night moisturiser can function as both, so if you're looking to keep it simple you don't necessarily have to use different moisturisers morning and night. Of course, any moisturiser will depend on your skin type and concerns.
Day and night creams we recommend
Day cream
Ceramides AM Facial Moisturising Lotion
An oil free daily moisturiser providing hydration throughout the day to maintain the skin’s moisture barrier. The AM moisturiser also contains niacinamide to calm the skin. Use this Cerave day cream in the morning following cleanser and before serums.
Shop Ceramides AM Facial Moisturising Lotion
Night cream
PM Facial Moisturising Lotion
A lightweight formula designed to keep skin hydrated and nourished throughout the night. Contains 3 essential ceramides, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and niacinamide, and is suitable for normal, dry and sensitive skin.
Shop PM Facial Moisturising Lotion
Skin Renewing Night Cream
Night cream containing peptides, 3 essential ceramides, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, shea butter and niacinamide. This moisturiser supports the skin's natural renew and store function and offers intense hydration to prevent trans epidermal water loss (TEWL), so you wake up feeling refreshed and revitalised.