What is the practical difference?
| Feature | Day cream | Night cream |
|---|---|---|
| Main job | Hydrate and protect from sunlight and other environmental exposure. | Provide extra moisture and help nourish and repair skin overnight. |
| Typical texture | Usually lighter. | Usually thicker or richer. |
| Common formula features | May include SPF and antioxidants such as vitamin C. | May include retinol, exfoliating acids, hyaluronic acid or vitamin E. |
| When to use | In the morning, as part of your daytime routine. | In the evening, after cleansing and any skin treatment. |
How should you use each one?
In the morning, cleanse, apply any skin medicine or treatment, then apply moisturizer and sunscreen; makeup goes after those steps. At night, cleanse, apply any treatment, then use moisturizer before bed.13
After a shower, apply moisturizer while skin is damp: thicker creams spread more easily and help hold water in the skin. For daily sun protection, use broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, whether it is built into your day cream or applied separately.4
Which formula suits your skin?
Skin type matters more than the label. If your skin is oily, consider a gel moisturizer or skipping moisturizer; with combination skin, moisturize dry areas and skip oily ones. Dry skin often does better with a cream than a lotion. For oily or acne prone skin, look for a noncomedogenic formula. If your skin is sensitive or dry, choose little or no fragrance, which can irritate skin.24
Some night creams include retinol, which can irritate skin, especially if it is sensitive. Start with a very small amount three times a week and increase as tolerated. If you are concerned about a new ingredient, patch test it on your inner arm for a few days first.2
If dryness does not improve or becomes painful, cracked, bleeding, stinging or very irritating, make an appointment with a dermatologist.4
Do you need separate day and night moisturizers?
No. One moisturizer can cover both times if it suits your skin and routine. Use sunscreen in the morning if that moisturizer does not provide broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher. Choose separate formulas when you want SPF with daytime hydration and more moisture at night.4
Can you use night cream during the day?
Yes, as your moisturizer. Night cream is usually richer than day cream, so it may feel heavier. If it does not include SPF, use separate broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher during the day.4
Can you use day cream at night?
Apply it after cleansing and any skin treatment. If you want more moisture overnight, use a richer night cream, but a separate night formula is optional.13
Where this answer comes from
- 1Day Cream Vs Night Cream | AM & PM Moisturiserscerave.co.uk
- 2What To Look for in a Day and Night Face Creamhealth.clevelandclinic.org
- 3Should I apply my skin care products in a certain order?aad.org
- 4How to pick the right moisturizer for your skinaad.org
