Night Moisturiser

Treating skin to a rich helping of nighttime moisture isn’t just about the indulgent experience. It’s believed our skin barrier is slightly compromised at night, allowing for greater moisture loss. That’s why night creams tend to be intensely nourishing and packed full of ingredients that support our skin’s natural repair and renewal process – a function that kicks up a gear while we sleep.

Why not reuse a day cream at night? Because our skin needs are different. At night, our cells are in an active state, and benefit greatly from night-specific products that take advantage of this – formulas that help stimulate collagen production, promote cell turnover, and repair damage caused by environmental stressors. Other ingredients in day creams such as SPF aren’t needed at night and could contribute to clogged pores and breakouts.

Ingredients such as retinoids and exfoliating acids are often reserved for night moisturisers for two reasons. One, they may enhance sun sensitivity. Two, as our skin is in a natural state of cell repair during the night, it can handle slightly more. Skin is also more absorbent at night, so night creams will often be richer with a higher concentration of moisture-packing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, squalane and ceramides.

Night moisturisers are suitable for all skin types, but like your day moisturiser it’s important to find the right one for you. Those containing retinoids and exfoliating acids should be approached with caution if you have sensitive skin, while creams that focus on hydration can be more widely enjoyed. For oily or acne-prone skin types, hydration is still important, but lighter, water-based formulas might be advised.

After thoroughly cleansing, apply your night cream, or layer your cream on top of your serum or treatment. If you’re layering it over a serum, be cautious of overloading your skin with active ingredients.