The human body follows a biological rhythm of day and night with different activity patterns. Some activities adhere to day and night such as good sleep at night and brain recovery, decreased heart rate at night… The skin also has different needs between day and night. During the day, the skin needs protection, and at night, it will repair and restore itself. Therefore, day and night moisturizers will have different characteristics.
Day moisturizers are used in the morning to moisturize and protect the skin throughout the day, as well as to have anti-aging effects. Day moisturizers may also have UV protection to prevent skin aging.
Night moisturizers also provide hydration but also have healing and regenerating effects. When we sleep, natural mechanisms for cell repair, detoxification, and skin regeneration are activated. Therefore, if it is a quality night cream, it should support and enhance this natural process for a fresh and radiant skin when waking up.
Therefore, the ingredients and composition of day and night moisturizers are not exactly the same. The application methods are also different. Day moisturizers are usually applied before makeup, so they need to have a light formula, non-greasy, and quickly absorbed into the skin. On the other hand, night moisturizers are applied after cleansing and toning, so they can have a thicker formula and longer absorption time.
Can these two types of moisturizers be used interchangeably?
Day and night moisturizers complement each other and should be used consecutively to achieve the best skin condition. Therefore, night creams should not be used instead of day creams: that is because night creams do not have the “shield” function to protect the skin from daily exposure. Therefore, if night creams are used during the day, the skin is at risk of being less protected, and the compromised protective barrier will affect the skin’s elasticity. Meanwhile, night creams are often richer in nutrients for the day, which can cause small imperfections, especially for combination and oily skin. Conversely, using day cream at night does not provide optimal support for skin repair and regeneration.
Therefore, specialized skincare brands produce separate day and night creams to achieve the best results for the skin. By incorporating these two moisturizers into your skincare routine, your skin will receive the necessary support for a healthy and radiant appearance. And finally, whether it’s a day or night cream, always apply in small circular motions on clean, makeup-free skin to enhance absorption.
