I’m often asked if we really need to use a night cream and my answer is always a resounding “yes!”. Unlike your day cream that likely (read: must) be fortified with a broad spectrum SPF, night creams are designed to assist in facilitating the skin’s own innate functions of regeneration and repair that take place naturally overnight. Ideally applied as the final step in your evening regime, layering a cream, gel or emulsion over serums will lock in actives and provide deep and lasting nourishment while you sleep. In short: think prevention and protection during the day and correction and repair at night.
So, how do I know which night cream is for me? As with any formulation, quality ingredients are key – though these needn’t be too complicated, overly active or even expensive. It’s more about aligning the right ingredients with your specific concerns. Depending on what your skin is craving, some of my favourite ingredients in a night cream are:
Refining – ✔ Lactic Acid ✔ Enzymes ✔ Fruit acids
Clarifying – ✔ Salicylic Acid ✔ Glycolic Acid ✔ Retinol ✔
Brightening – ✔ Vitamin C ✔ Vitamin A ✔ Niacinamide ✔ Watercress
Firming – ✔ Lipids ✔ Amino Acids ✔ Peptides ✔ Collagen ✔ Alfalfa Extract
Hydrating – ✔ Squalene ✔ Hyaluronic Acid ✔ Ceramides ✔Rose
Calming – ✔ Vitamin B ✔ Vitamin E ✔ Aloe ✔ Calendula
✖ Avoid artificial fragrance, mineral oils and synthetic fillers if you can. These can inhibit optimal skin function, block pores and prevent cell turnover
