The Difference Between a Day Cream & a Night Cream
Do you know the real difference between day cream and night cream? Is there one, or is it just that one cream is for the day time and another for the night time?
Well, yes, there’s a difference and a reason for the difference.
Let’s cut to the chase:
Day Creams
Day creams are primarily focused on protection and support due to the damaging effects of the sun. They can be light and non-greasy which is also perfect for applying make-up on top if you wished to do so. They can also contain antioxidants to fight free radicals [more info on this here], SPF to prevent sun damage and other ingredients apt for daytime care.
So, day creams…
- Are focused on protection and support
- Can be light and non-greasy
- Can contain antioxidants to fight free radicals
- Can contain SPF to prevent sun damage
On the other hand…
Night Creams
Night creams are formulated to work throughout the night so they can be more powerful which means they are usually richer as well as heavier. As the skin restores itself while we sleep, strong strong ingredients like glycolic acid and retinols can be absorbed slowly.
So, night creams…
- Are supposed to work through the night
- Are more powerful than day creams (in terms of their ingredients)
- They’re usually richer which means they are heavier
- The skin restores itself while we sleep so strong ingredients are desired in your night creams as they can be absorbed slowly
- Components can include ingredients like essential oils that can cause photosensitivity
Do I Need Both Creams?
That depends. What do you want to achieve with your skincare? You might want to keep it simple! Or, you might want to make the most of your creams and have them work for you during the day and during the night. This is a choice you would have to make. If in doubt, consult your dermatologist.
I find these are important questions to ask which many people don’t even question and just take for granted, but it is important that you know WHY you’re putting on a cream during the day and a different one at night!
You might be interested in my other post on best time of day to apply your skincare.
Patri xx
