Day or night, your skin is not only your protector but also a warrior. At times, you may forget to give the nourishment that it needs and deserves. That is why you need to thoroughly follow a skincare routine, so you don’t miss the bare necessities that may make the largest organ on your body come alive.
Your skin needs different things at different parts of the day. While during the day it may need more protection, rejuvenation and restoration are done at night. That eventually means you would need a different moisturiser for day and night, as they serve different objectives.
If you are also wondering what night vs day moisturiser would do to your skin, read on to find out.
Should you use different moisturiser day and night?
Yes, it is advised to use different moisturisers for both day and night as our skin needs different creams for both day and sleep time. There are several reasons for it. Let’s understand them one by one:
Day moisturisers are lighter than other moisturisers as they are to be used and designed for protecting the skin from pollution, environmental factors, dust and sun exposure. These daytime moisturisers also include ingredients like SPF, antioxidants and hydrating elements.
On the other hand, night moisturisers are responsible for skin repair and rejuvenation. During sleep time, our skin goes into deep repair mode, thus it is the best time for skin restoration and hydration. This helps in skin renewal and improves skin structure.
It is fine to use the same moisturiser for day and night if you want to keep things simple, but if you want concentrated and targeted results like deep hydration, then you should choose different moisturisers for both day and night.
How to choose moisturiser for skin type?
Therefore, it is not only important to understand what moisturizer is needed for your skin, but also what kind of hydration is suited to your skin. Let us discuss some of the skin types and how to choose a moisturiser accordingly:
- Moisturiser for Dry skin type: If you are someone who has dry, flaky skin, then deep nourishment is what your skin needs. Moisturisers that are overhydrating or give long-lasting nourishment should be chosen to make dry skin supple. Also, make sure to pick lotions, moisturisers or balms that are thick in consistency as they help in locking moisture. Using such moisturisers regularly may help in repairing skin texture and preventing dryness.
- Moisturiser for oily skin type: A thick moisturiser can be too heavy for people with oily skin, as it can clog skin pores. The right option is to choose a lightweight moisturiser that can be easily absorbed without clogging pores. Make sure to pick a moisturiser that is oil-free and is gel-based for a less greasy feel on the skin. Also, lightweight moisturisers may help prevent excess oil production.
- Moisturiser for combination skin type: Combination skin has both dry and oily areas. These oily areas are especially on the T-Zone (nose, forehead and chin). Therefore, combination skin needs a moisturiser that can treat both dryness and oil production. Lightweight moisturisers with balanced formulation that can provide enough hydration for dryness and still feel less greasy for oily areas work well on this skin type.
- Sensitive skin type: Skin types that are very sensitive and intolerant to heavy chemicals and ingredients should choose a moisturiser with simple formulations that keep your body calm and nourished without itching and irritation.
What ingredients work best for night cream?
Nights are the most ideal times for skin restoration and rejuvenation. While we sleep, our skin also indulges in deep repair mode, restoring its balance and nourishing the tissues. Thus, ingredients used in night creams are comparatively richer and help in deep nourishment more than the day creams. Let us understand what ingredients would work best for night cream:
- Kumkumadi Oil: It is one of the most preferred ayurvedic ingredients for skin care. It is formulated with kesar and other herbal extracts, which help in restoration, enhancing skin texture and mending uneven skin, making Kumkumadi oil an ideal ingredient for night application.
- Aloe vera: Aloe vera is well known for its soothing properties and deep hydration. If used in night creams, this provides deep nourishment and makes your skin bouncy. It possesses natural healing properties that help in calming irritation and dry skin.
- Sandalwood: Sandalwood, also known as Chandan, is a renowned ayurvedic ingredient that has been used for skin care since ancient time. It helps in calming, soothing as well as skin purification. Sandalwood is also widely known for improving complexion, maintaining freshness and glow.
- Almond oil: Almond oil helps in deep nourishment and is commonly used as a skincare ingredient. This oil provides moisturisation, softness and supports a healthy and smooth skin texture. While used in night creams, this helps in the skin’s natural repair process during sleep.
- Shea butter: Creams with shea butter are considered extremely helpful for overnight rejuvenation, as they have intense nourishing properties that keep the skin hydrated and maintain smooth skin texture. Shea butter is perfect for dry and dull skin renewal.
- Rose water: Rose water or rose extract is known for its calming and hydrating properties. It is well known for giving soft and refreshed skin. Rose water is good at maintaining moisture balance and gives that rosy glow if used as an ingredient in night creams.
Do oily skin types need night cream?
Yes, of course, oily skin types also need a night cream. According to Ayurveda, oily skin is related to an imbalance in the Kapha dosha. Kapha is responsible for governing moisture and lubrication in the body. This mainly happen due to a lack of physical activity, consumption of unhealthy food, etc.
Therefore, it is advised to choose a moisturiser that is lightweight, non-greasy or gel-based. These work nicely as they deeply penetrate the skin and keep it healthy, hydrated, and soft without making it feel heavy on the skin.
Day vs night skincare routine explained.
According to Ayurveda, skincare is closely dependent on the dincharya of an individual. It is believed that our skin needs separate care for daytime and the nighttime. Let us understand both the routines in detail.
Your daytime routine must begin with quick cleansing of your face to remove excess oil accumulated in the skin pores. Apply a light moisturizer or essential oil to keep your skin hydrated. Lastly, apply a sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful UV exposure.
Start your nighttime routine with thorough cleansing to remove all the dust and dirt from your skin. Since, nighttime is the natural healing time for your body, provide effective supplements to your skin to propel this process. Thicker creams like balms, herbal oil like kumkumadi oil, or aloe vera gel can help your skin. Massaging this into your skin for better absorbtion can also go a long way.
Dermatologist tips for moisturising.
Moisturising is considered an essential part of the daily skin care routine. It forms the base of all types of skin care as it helps in maintaining our skin’s hydration level and acts as a protective barrier. Let us know a few dermatologist tips for moisturising:
- Application of moisturiser on damp skin can be a helpful step, as the moisture gets locked, and this allows the product to penetrate deep into the skin for effective results.
- It is very important to understand your skin type and choose a moisturiser accordingly or consult a dermatologist.
- Protect oily skin with lightweight moisturizer.
- Applying moisturiser twice a day can help maintain hydration during both day and night.
FAQs
What is the key difference between day and night moisturisers?
Day moisturisers are specially formulated with SPF or antioxidants that help with sun protection and environmental stress. While night moisturiser is keener about restoration and rejuvenation.
Why is SPF important in daytime moisturisers?
Daytime moisturisers with SPF help protect the skin from harmful UV rays. Our skin is often exposed to the sun for the whole day, which may cause premature ageing, dark spots or dull skin.
Are heavier creams better suited for nighttime use?
Yes, using heavy cream is better suited for nighttime use as it helps in deep penetration and nourishment. Our skin usually goes into a renewal and repair mode during nighttime, and heavy and richer creams lock in moisture for better results.
How does moisturising at night support skin repair?
Our skin naturally enters a renewal mode during the night, and using moisturisers at night helps in accelerating the process. A night moisturiser gives deep hydration and nourishment, which ultimately helps the skin from dryness and helps in locking moisture for long hours.
At what age should you start using night cream?
There is no age to start caring for your own skin. Although it is always suggested to start using a night cream from your early to mid-20s. Because the skin grows older, it loses more moisture. If you want to start at a young age, then you may use a lightweight moisturiser to support your skin.
