Is There Really a Difference Between Day Cream and Night Cream?

Not all moisturizers are created equal, and that’s certainly the case when it comes to products that are optimal for use during the day and those formulated for use at night. While we don’t want you to go out and spend money on things you don’t need, there actually is a difference between day and night cream. Your skin has different needs during the day vs. when you hit the hay.

According to Azza Halim, M.D., multispecialist physician and founder of Azza MD Beauty, “the main differences between day and night skin care products come down to texture and ingredients and indications.” Think about it: During the day, you’re exposed to and need protection from harsh elements such as the sun and pollution. You probably also want a product that won’t feel heavy and greasy on your skin. 

Look for a moisturizer that contains vitamin C, a natural antioxidant that can protect the skin’s surface and that’s also lightweight with hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, Dr. Halim adds. Since you’ll also need to layer on sunscreen during the day, a lightweight moisturizer is best, especially if you’ll be applying makeup on top of it all. 

For nighttime, reach for a moisturizer that has repairing and rejuvenating properties, Dr. Halim says, since the night is the “most active time for skin’s regenerative processes.” Your skin can do some major healing work as you snooze. For this reason, look for a cream with a thicker texture that can absorb into the skin over the course of eight hours. Dr. Halim also recommends moisturizer that contains retinoids “for cell turnover,” along with ceramides to repair the skin’s barrier. It’s called “beauty sleep,” after all.