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Do You Really Need A Night Cream Separately?

by Mikey Lee   ·  2 years ago  
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When forming or revising your skincare routine, you might have thought, do you really need a night cream separately? Here are some benefits of adding a night cream to your skincare routine.

As many people might be aware, keeping your skin moisturised and hydrated is crucial to improve and maintaining healthy skin. A straightforward way to do this can be using a moisturising cream and realise there are numerous types of cream you can add to your skincare routine. These may trigger you to ask questions like, do you really need a night cream separately? Though similarly, with other skincare questions, the simple and short answer would be that it depends, such as on the skincare products you are using and what you need. 

Often, there are various factors each person might need to consider to work out better if something would be good for you and your skin. However, you may find learning about night creams and their benefits more helpful than having a single answer. Also, everyone can have different needs, and what works for another person might not always be for you. So, for the question, do you really need a night cream separately? Let’s discuss what night creams are and some benefits of having one.

What Are Night Creams?

Night creams are usually formulated to have thick gel or cream textures and nourish your skin richer. They commonly contain a higher concentration of active ingredients that are better used away from the sun’s rays and while you are asleep. You could say that they support your skin to be more prepared with sufficient nutrients from the cream during the repair phase, which frequently occurs when you sleep. You may have noticed some skincare products like leave-on overnight masks, night serums and creams. They are all often designed to help with the renewal phase too.

For instance, some common ingredients can include retinol or vitamin A and glycolic acids. Retinol and glycolic acids are often used for exfoliation and promoting collagen production to reduce the rate of developing ageing signs like wrinkles and fine lines. While these may sound great, they can also make your skin more sensitive to lights which is one of the reasons they are used more in night creams. 

However, the ingredients used to formulate the night creams are not limited to only ones recommended for night use. They are also filled with other ingredients that provide various benefits to your skin, such as anti-ageing, repairing and hydration formulas, although they can depend on their formulations. The night creams, rich with nutrients, help your skin nourish and allow the renewal phase to be smoother. 

Differences Between Night And Other Creams 

The general characteristics you expect from moisturisers are that they help your skin be hydrated, firm, brightened, smooth and plump to allow more youthful-looking and healthy skin. Also, depending on the formulation of the moisturisers, they protect and reduce the rate of developing ageing signs like fine lines and wrinkles. Outside of the general moisturisers, you could categorise the creams depending on how specific you want. 

For instance, some might be anti-ageing and brightening or general use, day and night creams. Generally, general creams would probably be what most people might have, and they may have the benefits and cover your needs, such as providing hydration and plumping your skin. Many general moisturisers can be used day and night if they provide enough nutrients and cover your needs. 

On the other hand, day cream often refers to products that would be best used during the morning, such as moisturisers containing SPF for protection against the sun. Additionally, day creams usually contain rich antioxidants like vitamin C to protect your skin from free radicals and pollutants. They generally also have a lighter texture compared to night cream. 

Unlike general and day creams, a night cream is generally thicker and has heavier textures. Night creams are often rich in nutrients and don’t have sun protection functions but contain more active ingredients, particularly ones that are better suited for when you are asleep. Also, they consist of ingredients that can make you more sensitive to light, such as retinoids but provide great benefits such as anti-ageing and exfoliating properties.

Related Post: How To Read Skincare Product Ingredients Like A Pro

Some Benefits Of Having A Separate Night Cream 

You might be thinking about some benefits of having a separate night cream. This could be what helps you answer the question of do you really need a night cream separately. 

• Separate Night Cream For Richer Nourishment

One of the simple benefits of having a separate night cream can be if you are looking to get richer nourishment for your skin. Perhaps, you feel that your skin requires further hydration than what you currently use and would benefit from a rich nutrients-filled night cream. Using a night cream could help your skin to stay hydrated and nourished during your sleep, waking up with your skin refreshed and smoother renewal phase. 

For instance, Missha Time Revolution Night Repair Probio Ampoule Cream provides rich nutrients and helps with anti-ageing while working to brighten your skin. It also supports your skin in the repairing process that often happens when you fall asleep. 

• Separate Night Cream To Cover Night Skincare Regime

Another benefit would be if you are already using a day moisturiser that contains SPF, and getting a separate night cream can help you cover the night skincare routine. Doing so would not only help you tailor to your skin needs, and day cream might not do enough for your skin during the night. Also, night cream can help you in the skin repair process that usually happens when you are asleep. 

• Separate Night Cream For Your Skin Needs 

You may find night creams have what your skin needs, not limited to rich nutrients but ingredients such as retinoids and glycolic acids that have great benefits. Using retinoids and glycolic acids can make your skin more sensitive to light, including sunlight, so night usage is recommended. 

For instance, Paula’s Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment Cream contains retinol, peptides and other active ingredients to provide anti-ageing benefits like boosting collagen, refining pores and firming skin.


The question of do you really need a night cream separately can be a pretty subject and even be something of personal preference. One helpful way to answer the question better would be to learn about what night creams are and some benefits of using them. Also, the most important thing when deciding to use a night cream and when it comes to skincare overall would be to align to your skin needs. These can be considering what skincare products you use currently and nutrients or active ingredients your skin needs. After all, some ingredients are generally better to use during the night and sleep when the repair process often happens.