There are key differences that separate your day cream from your nighttime formula.
Whether you’re a skin care newbie or veteran, chances are you know that hydration and a healthy-looking complexion go hand-in-hand. You likely have a tried-and-true day cream that you adore, but if that same product is doubling as your night moisturizer, you may be doing your routine a disservice.
It’s easy to think that all moisturizers are the same, but a day cream and a nighttime moisturizer each bring different benefits to the table. So, if you’re ready to add both essentials into your beauty lineup, we can help. Ahead, we’re giving you the lowdown on daytime moisturizers and nighttime moisturizers and why you need a separate formula for each.
What Is a Day Moisturizer?
Day moisturizers (also referred to as day creams) are products that are meant to be used with your morning skin care routine. Typically, this offering boasts a lightweight formula that sometimes includes SPF to protect your face from harmful UV rays. You can also find options that have anti-aging ingredients, such as alpha-hydroxy-acids (AHAs). However, you’ll need to apply sunscreen after using these since they can increase the skin’s sun sensitivity.
This beauty staple comes in handy in providing your skin with hydration without a weighed-down feel — some may even come in a gel or water-based formula for this. It also layers seamlessly under makeup for a flawless-looking complexion. You can count on a day cream to absorb quickly and minimize the risk of a greasy-looking face.
What Is a Night Moisturizer?
A night moisturizer is what it sounds like — a hydrating product intended for nightly use. While you may think that it’s no different than a day moisturizer, some night creams pack a stronger punch.
Many formulas consist of various ingredients that are meant to work as you sleep. Think of glycolic acid and retinol, which are both ingredients that can cause sun sensitivity. Since there is no risk of sun exposure at night, night cream doesn’t contain SPF.
On the other hand, there are options that have the sole purpose of hydrating your skin. Generally, night moisturizers are also known to have a rich and thick consistency that provides the skin with lasting moisture.
Via: L'Oréal
