Article by BR Natalie
Night creams. When I was younger I thought they were stricly for nannas, but with the last year of my 20s flying by, and leaving a trail of age on my face I decided it might be time to invest in a night cream (best decision ever) It turned out there was a lot to consider!
Why use a night cream?
The general consensus of night creams seems to be that women of a certain age use them to slow down ageing. There are in fact two main reasons to use a night cream.
Anti-Ageing night creams use ingredients like retinol, retinyl acetate and glycolic acid to firm or lift the skin or reduce wrinkles. These 'anti ageing' ingredients actually boost the cell production of the skin, meaning 'old' skin is replaced more quickly.
It's actually incredibly important to use anti ageing night creams at night as these key ingredients can cause sensitivity which increases with exposure to the sun's UV rays.
Intensive Moisturising night creams will restore, nourish and hydrate to a more intensive level than a regular day cream. Generally they contain higher amounts of emollients than their daytime counterparts and so are more moisturising.
It's less important to use a solely moisturising night cream only at night - however you might find they absorb less quickly than a moisturiser and nobody likes the greasy apres-moisturising look right? Also a night cream will not contain SPF!
What kind of night cream is right for my age?
The need for night cream increases with age and it's actually quite important you choose the right cream for your time of life.
Twenties: Unless you have a serious skin issue such as chronically dry skin, a night cream is more to compliment your daytime skincare routine. Look for a light and natural cream with ingredients like aloe vera, honey or essential oils.
Thirties: By the time you check this box you'll want to start using a night cream to specifically target skin problems such as fine lines, dark circles and puffy eyes. Look out for ingredients such as antioxidents, amino acids and vitamins (Crew member tip - Neutrogena Naturals night cream is a great product for your thirties!)
Forties: It's time to start thinking anti-ageing ingredients, so look for retinol, peptides and soy extracts to fight wrinkles, pigmentation and puffiness.
Fifties: Nows the time to kick things up a gear. For your fifties and beyond you'll want a night cream that ticks all the boxes - anti ageing and intensively moisturising, so your skin looks and feels healthy.
What night cream is right for my skin type?
Just like your daytime moisturiser it's very important to choose the right night cream for your skin type. You don't want to be slathering your skin in the wrong stuff while getting your 8 hours beauty sleep.
Dry skin: Glycerine-based creams are perfect for packing a moisture charged beauty punch. Avocado and almond oils, as well as the classic shea butter are great intensive moisturisers!
Oily skin: If you have oily skin you're going to want a cream that isn't going to add to the oilyness or trigger any flare ups. A lighter night lotion or an oil-free cream may be best. But don't forget - as we discovered last week, Jojoba Oil is actually fantastic for oily skin and can slow down oil production.
Sensitive skin: For sensitive skin you'll want to avoid perfume based creams and look for calming and soothing ingredients like aloe vera or tea tree. Remember - if you have sensitive skin, do not use an anti ageing night cream when you will be exposed to UV rays!
How do I apply a night cream?
Duh. At night. Kidding!
Keep it on your dresser and apply it around twenty minutes before you go to sleep. You don't want it to rub straight off on to your pillow do you?!
Ensure your face is cleansed and dry and apply your night cream of choice in upward, circular motions using your fingers. Don't forget your neck and décolletage
Avoid using it around your eyes, unless it is specifially mentioned on the label that it is suitable for use in that area. (Even then you might want to limit the time you rub it in around your eyes to minimise dark circles.)
So there you have it, the Beauty Review guide to night creams. Now let's hand the discussion over to you. Do you use a night cream? How long have you been using it and what do you use it to tackle? If you don't use a night cream, why not?
Get chatting below!
When you are in your 20s, choose a cream that contains natural ingredients like aloe vera, honey and other essential oils. For those in their 30s, creams with active ingredients like amino acids, ceramides, retinol and other antioxidants are recommended. Those in their 40s should ideally invest in one that contains peptides, soy extract and vitamins. Your night cream should be able to fight puffiness, wrinkles and pigmentation. For women in their 50s and 60s, it is important to select a night cream that is best suited for old and mature skin, which gives extra moisture and keeps your skin looking healthy all day long.
According to your skin type
Just like it is important to choose a night cream according to your age, it is equally crucial to look for one suited to your skin type.
Dry skin: If you have dry skin, you should opt for a cream that contains maximum moisture. Glycerine-based creams are ideal. Says Vivek Sahni, director, Kama Ayurveda, “Creams that contain avocado, almond oil and shea butter are great for your skin type.”
Oily skin: If you have oily skin, opt for a cream that will not trigger acne or rashes. Night lotions or an oil-free cream works best.
Sensitive skin: For those with sensitive skin, you should choose a night cream which contains lightweight formula. Avoid heavy, perfume-based creams which might cause rashes. Neem, cucumber, tea tree and aloe vera creams are your best bet.
How to apply
Night creams are usually applied only before you go to sleep. Make sure you keep these points in mind before you begin using one.
- Start with cleansing your face thoroughly using a gentle cleanser, suited to your skin type. Pat your face dry.
- Now apply the night cream in gentle, upward strokes in circular motion, using your fingers. Avoid the area around your eyes.
- Never forget to apply the cream around your neck. This is the place where the ageing lines are most visible.
- Remember to apply the cream half-an-hour before you go to bed.
Advantages
The advantages of using a night cream are manifold. It not only nourishes and revitalises your skin but also treats pigmentation, age spots, wrinkles, fine lines and acne. It also helps soothe your skin and promotes even complexion and fine texture, boosts collagen and elastic production, improves blood circulation, and reduces discolouration of the skin.
I've never used a night cream. I've always just used my daily moisturiser. After reading this I think I need to start using one though!!