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The Best Night Cream For Every Skin Type
I've tried dozens of night-time treatments – these are the ones I actually rate
If we believed everything the skincare industry tells us then, well, we’d have quite a few problems to work through, but that’s a subject for another story. Right now, I'm unpicking the idea of products for ‘day’ and ‘night’ – something marketing teams have been pushing for years in a thinly veiled attempt to double the skincare real estate on our dressing tables (and the numbers in their profit margin).
So, is night cream really a thing? Does your skin Jekyll and Hyde itself into a different being, with different needs, as soon as the clock strikes midnight? (Who am I kidding: bedtime is 10pm.)
Well, the answer isn’t quite as clear-cut as you might think. Investing in a dedicated night cream to sit alongside your daytime SPF moisturiser isn’t necessarily the key to clearer, brighter or better hydrated skin, but that doesn’t mean I'm outlawing the category altogether.
Generally speaking, a moisturiser lives to do just that: moisturise. But if you’re hoping to tackle a more involved issue – perhaps fine lines, pigmentation or a bout of the dreaded acne – a targeted nocturnal salve may well be beneficial.
The Very Best Night Creams
- Best for acute issues: Klira The Special
- Best for retinol users: Medik8 Advanced Night Restore
- Best for brightening: Tula Bedtime Bright
- Best for acne: Effaclar Duo+M Moisturiser
- Best for retinol: Beauty Pie Super Retinol+ Vitamin C Night Renewal Moisturiser
BAs Daniel Isaacs, Director of Research at Medik8, explains, your skin behaves differently after dark, meaning its requirements are different. 'The skin has its own kind of circadian rhythm – 24-hour cycles, which describe the rhythmic changes in physiology and behaviour,' he explains. 'Regeneration of skin cells happens much more quickly at night than during the day, because in the daytime, fresh skin cells are more susceptible to UV damage, meaning less are produced.'
Transepidermal water loss (that is, the process of water evaporating from the skin) is higher at night too – according to Isaacs, by as much as 30% – so switching out your daytime moisturiser in favour of a richer alternative will ensure you wake up with plump skin, not pillow creases.
As facialist Katharine Mackenzie Paterson explains, today’s best night creams contain specific ingredients that should be used during the twilight hours. 'At night, actives such as retinol are able to work without the exposure to UV light, negating the risk of skin sensitisation.'
She considers a night cream more of an optional ‘support’ product: something to supercharge your routine when skin needs an extra boost. Ingredients to consider are 'retinol, all the exfoliating acids, and benzoyl peroxide,' depending on the concerns you’re hoping to treat.
Antioxidants are another great night-time partner, as they'll work to neutralise any free radicals left lingering on your skin from the day (yep, even after you've double-cleansed). And of course, heavy-hitting hydrators – from glycerin to avocado – are always welcome once evening arrives.
In short, if you’ve found a moisturiser you like, there's little reason not to use it day and night – especially if you're on a budget or sticking to a simple routine. (which in many cases, is the best move). But if you’re after something extra? See my verdict on the best night creams on the shelves now: there’s one for every skin type and concern.
The Best Night Cream For Every Skin Type
Roberta Schroeder is the Senior Ecommerce Editor at Harper's Bazaar, ELLE and Esquire, overseeing shopping strategy and content across fashion, beauty, and travel. Roberta has reported on everything from market-leading skincare brands to the world’s most iconic fashion pieces, while also regularly updating a range of shopping guides, including LED masks, heritage cashmere brands and niche new dress brands to know.
Roberta has over fifteen years' experience in the luxury sector, spanning editorial consultancy, trend forecasting and journalism. Over the years, she has worked for global brands including Farfetch, Chanel, and Vogue.
When not testing beauty products, trialling trends and curating content that spotlights the very best in fashion and beauty, Roberta can usually be found trawling resale sites and vintage stores for a long-coveted designer find.
Follow Roberta on Instagram at @roberta__schroeder
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