When you walk down the skin care aisle of your favourite pharmacy, or notice the stocked shelf at your favourite spa, you will most likely see a wide range of moisturizers. Not only will you have to choose one that fits your skin type, but you will also have to choose between day creams, night creams, and 24-hour creams.
Now, if you’re new to the world of skincare, you’re probably asking yourself “is there really that much of a difference?” The answer is YES. Day creams and night creams offer different ingredients which help to protect and repair your skin in different ways.
Your next question is probably “do I really need both?” Again, the answer is YES.
Here’s why:
Humans are equipped with an internal clock that regulates the biological activity over a period of 24 hours. Skin cells are no exception, hence the importance of applying the right product at the right time of the day to maximize its full effectiveness.
The difference between Day Cream and Night Cream
Most of the ingredients in your day cream are used to keep your skin moisturized and protected while you are out facing the elements.
Day creams are typically lighter, can be applied underneath makeup, and are meant to moisturize and provide protection to the skin. Since we’re exposed to the sun’s rays during the day, your day cream likely contains an SPF (we recommend a minimum of SPF 30!). A good day cream will typically be filled with antioxidants, skin-replenishing ingredients, and moisturizing ingredients. An antioxidant is an ingredient that helps to protect your skin from environmental damage, such as Vitamin C, Vitamin E, or Green Tea Extract.
Night creams are less about protection, and more about repair. While we are sleeping, our skin does most of its repairing and regenerating.
Night creams will be richer in texture to increase hydration and minimize water loss. Night cream formulas focus more on repairing, regenerating, and healing the skin. Studies have shown that your skin’s microcirculation and oxygenation are at its peak while you're sleeping. We highly recommend adding a night cream into your skincare routine if you haven’t already. Since your skin is repairing itself at night, choosing a night cream with actives such as Retinol, AHA’s, or BHA’s can be greatly beneficial depending on your main skin concerns!
What about 24-hour creams?
If you feel you need to keep your skincare routine simple, a 24-hour cream could be a solution for you.
24-hour creams still offer some protection and repairing features, however not as much as having them separate. Active ingredients such as Retinol or AHAs cause your skin to become more sensitive in the sun, so you typically won’t find them in day creams. If you are already using cleansers, serums, or exfoliants with active ingredients in them and you’re looking to add a little something to your routine without complicating things too much, a 24-hour cream could be beneficial.
At The Spa Room, we offer a wide range of customized treatments and products for your skin. If you’re unsure of what your skincare needs may be, contact us! We want you to love the skin you’re in.