Skincare

The Difference Between Day And Night Face Creams

A girl learning about the deference between day and night face creams

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Have you ever wondered if there is any difference between day and night face creams? Thought you can save some money by using only one kind? You should definitely stick around and see why you should not do that…


    • Though day and night face creams have similarities, they are different enough that you should use both;
    • Day face creams refresh and protect your skin, but they are not rich and regenerative enough for the night;
    • Night creams replenish and rejuvenate the skin, but they are too thick and greasy for the day.

We all know cosmetic companies are primarily focused on making money.Β They are swamping us with with so many ads for different products and innovations, you just have to ask yourself – do I really need all of it?

Perfect example of that is night cream. Many women think that they should not pay for two products that are more or less the same.

We’ve all learnt so far that the price is not always a reflection of quality. But there’s no playing with types of products and their roles.

You cannot substitute shampoo with shower gel. You cannot use a body scrub on your face. And you most definitely shouldn’t use day cream during the night.

The fact is – our skin reacts differently to night face cream if you apply it in the morning and vice versa. The formulations of day and night face creams are fundamentally different and they are adjusted to the different needs your skin has during day and night.

Here’s what the main differences between day and night face creams are:

Day Face Creams

A girl applying her day face cream in the morning

During the day, your whole body is in active state and so is your skin. It deals with stress, pollution, weather, UV exposure… It is often covered with makeup.

Day face creams are lighter than night ones. Their task is to hydrate the skin and create a barrier on the surface of your skin. That way they protect it from bad external influences.

Most day creams have at least basic UV protection and antioxidants that protect the skin from free radicals.

Quality day cream is not heavy and allows the skin to breath properly. It boosts the skin with energy and keeps it moist and elastic.

Day facial cream refreshes the skin and gives it a healthy glow. It is a good base for makeup. Some new-generation creams have an astonishing matte effect.

Night Face Creams

A beautiful girl applying a night face cream

Night is the time for skin to rest, recover and revitalize. UV protection would be pointless at night; instead skin needs nutrients and deep hydration. Therefore, night creams have different functions than day ones.

These creams are thicker and heavier. You may notice that your skin is too shiny and sticky, but skin absorbs better while you sleep.

Night creams often contain alpha hydroxy acid, retinol and vitamin C, which create perfect conditions for the skin to repair and refresh. Their rich formulas oxygenize and regenerate the skin.

Quality night cream contains substances that speed up cell metabolism (like fruit enzymes or algae) and hyaluronic acid, urea or vitamin C, all responsible for deep moisturizing.

Preventing aging sings is another important role of night cream. So, make sure yours contains fiber-like proteins that firm the skin and make it elastic, like collagen, elastin and keratin.

What Happens If You Use Day Cream At Night and Vice Versa?

A girl considering whether she should use day or night face cream

If you apply a daily cream at night or a night cream in the morning, they can’t perform their primary functions and they become way less effective. In fact, your skin can get confused with this rotation and even natural processes of the skin can get disturbed.

That is why it is crucial for you not to overlook the difference between day and night face creams.

Night cream makes your face greasy and shiny during the day. Makeup doesn’t stick well on it and your skin is not protected from the sun.

On the other hand, day cream doesn’t supply your skin with near enough hydration and anti-aging agents that are necessary at night.

You don’t have to believe any of this – try it out and see for yourselves. Just for once buy quality day and night creams and use them for a couple of days. The difference should be visible shortly!

To sum it up, the 4 main differences between day and night face creams are:

An infographic showing the differences between day and night face creams

    • Texture: Day creams are usually lightweight and easily absorbed into the skin, while night creams are typically heavier and more luxurious, with a thicker texture that allows for better absorption over a longer period of time.
    • Active ingredients: Day creams often contain antioxidants and other active ingredients that help protect the skin from environmental stressors, such as pollution and UV radiation. Night creams, on the other hand, may contain ingredients like retinol, which work to repair and rejuvenate the skin while you sleep.
    • Moisturizing properties: Day creams are typically formulated with lighter ingredients that absorb quickly into the skin, providing hydration without leaving a heavy or greasy feeling. Night creams, on the other hand, are usually richer and more emollient, as they are designed to deeply hydrate and repair the skin while you sleep.
    • Sun protection: Day creams often contain SPF to protect the skin from the harmful effects of UV rays, which can cause premature aging and other damage. Night creams do not typically contain SPF because they are meant to be used when the skin is not exposed to sunlight.

In summary, day creams are designed to hydrate and protect the skin from environmental stressors, while night creams are formulated to deeply nourish and repair the skin while you sleep. It’s important to use both types of creams to ensure your skin gets the care it needs around the clock.

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