No matter the season, night cream is the hard-working essential our skin needs, and one of the best ways to seal in moisture, hydrate and restore skin with minimal effort.
But some may still question why we need to use different moisturising formulas from day to night. If that's you, read on!
How does night cream differ from day cream?
During the day, our skin acts as a sort of shield against environmental aggressors, and it's during this time that there is the highest skin barrier protection, thickness and sebum production. Conversely, evenings and nights are the time for intense cleansing and regeneration, so it's during this time that you experience the highest DNA repair and cell proliferation. And as skin barrier function is at its very lowest during this time, it's important to protect it as much as we can.
Exactly what kind of protection does night cream offer?
The skin is a barrier defending the body against micro-organisms and environmental factors, like pollution, UV rays, humidity and fluctuating temperature, especially in winter, when we're often going from heat to cold throughout the day.
As moisture loss is typically higher during the night than day, a moisturiser with high ceramides and extra moisture-boosting properties is ideal.
Skin-supporting ceramides help deeply restore the skin's barrier, which boosts its natural protection against premature ageing, while visibly firming and nourishing the complexion.
wake up glowing with some of our favourite night creams
From the creators of the award-winning Ceramide Capsules, Elizabeth Arden Advanced Ceramide Lift and Firm Night Cream, $170, is an ultra-light, fast-absorbing formula that aims to visibly firm, intensely hydrate and tighten skin for a more sculpted, youthful glow.
From the iconic Australian brand, Natio Ageless Extra Firming Night Cream, $26.99, is full of natural wonders like shea butter, aloe, lavender, lemon, geranium and ylang ylang, and is designed with more mature skins in mind.
Essano Visible Repair Night Cream, $44.99, is specifically formulated for mature skin, working to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, plus protect the skin's barrier.
If you want to take things up a notch and use an overnight mask, Glow Recipe Watermelon Sleeping Mask, $73, is the original cult product from the celebrity-endorsed brand. Skin-smoothing and glow-boosting, the pillow-proof mask boasts a watermelon-infused formula packed with AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Omega-Rich Cloud Cream, $93, is a moisture-packed feast for the senses, designed to replenish the skin's lipid barrier as you sleep.
Glow Lab Pro-Collagen Plumping Night Cream, $23, is a light yet rich formula that plumps and firms while you sleep, thanks to a powerful peptide that stimulates the skin's own ability to produce collagen and hyaluronic acid.
Another wonder for addressing the signs of premature ageing, L'Oréal Paris Age Perfect Cell Renewal Night, $54.95, is a super-powered regenerating night cream that promotes overnight cellular renewal.
A local skin hero, Jeuneora GoNightly Overnight Repair Cream, $91, is an ultra-hydrating repair lotion loaded with antioxidant-rich ingredients that soothe and nourish the skin. While it goes to work, the brand's DreamScentz technology uses the power of scent to optimise your sleep experience.
