Day and night cream, what is the fundamental difference?

People often ask about the difference between day and night creams, and whether there is any real distinction between them. The answer is yes, there are several key differences between these two products, including texture, ingredients, and UV protection.

Day cream is designed to activate the skin’s natural defense mechanisms and create a protective barrier, including protection against UV rays. It can also serve as a base for makeup application. In contrast, the purpose of night cream is to deeply moisturize and nourish the skin while you sleep. During this time, the skin’s metabolism increases, allowing it to absorb more nutrients.

The composition of day and night creams also varies. While active ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, urea, lactic acid, oils, and antioxidants can be found in both types of cream, night creams often contain higher concentrations of these ingredients. Additionally, night creams may also contain exfoliants, skin-renewing agents, and other beneficial components.

The texture of day creams tends to be lighter and more quickly absorbed, making it suitable for use before applying makeup. Night creams, on the other hand, may be thicker and more nourishing to support the skin’s natural repair processes and promote collagen production.

When it comes to usage, day cream should be applied in the morning after cleansing the skin. If it doesn’t contain SPF, it’s recommended to use a separate sunscreen or foundation with SPF. Night cream should be applied around 8-9 pm, as this is when the skin is most receptive to active ingredients. It’s important to apply night cream 1.5-2 hours before bedtime to avoid morning puffiness.

Finally, it’s not recommended to use day cream at night, as it doesn’t provide the skin with the same level of nourishment and hydration that it needs during sleep. Night creams are specifically formulated to support the skin’s nighttime repair processes and should be used accordingly.