Is It Time for Night Cream? Here's When to Start for Youthful Skin
As we know, the skin care products that most people focus on primarily consist of daytime items like sunscreen, moisturisers, or serums. However, nighttime can be equally, if not more important, for keeping that youthful, glowing skin. The skin itself will renew as we sleep thus it's the best time to give it a little extra boost with the right night cream, but how does one go about introducing a night cream into his/her skincare routine and choosing the best night cream for his/her skin type? Let's explore.
Why Use a Night Cream?
Our skin has been moving about in our day-to-day activities, fighting up against the environment, whether it is pollution, UV, or dust. And when night falls, our skin shifts gear, as it will fix those damaged cells and renew new ones so that it would be perfect when some good nourishment and hydration it requires is given to it. A good night cream can support this natural process by filling the gaps in moisture to let potent antiaging ingredients get locked onto the skin when it's most receptive.
Night creams are different from ordinary moisturisers because of their richer texture, which includes retinoids, peptides, and antioxidants. All these are known for enhancing collagen production, smoothing wrinkles, and brightening the complexion.
When To Start Applying Night Cream
There is no perfect age for night cream, but most experts would agree to introduce one in your mid-20s or your early 30s when collagen production starts slowing down, and you may begin to feel the first signs of aging appearing on your skin in the way of fine lines or dryness. Using the best night cream at this point may help delay all these signs and keep that glow going.
Prevention is always better than treatment. No doubt, if your skin does not feel fresh or appears parched, even when you wake up, it could be the right time to get a night cream. Even if you are in your 20s, a lighter formula for hydration can do miracle working in keeping your skin soft and supple.
Best Ingredients to Find
Not all night creams are created equal. The best one for you will depend on what your skin type is and what your particular concerns are. However, here are a few ingredients that have benefits for nearly all of us :
Retinoids (Vitamin A derivatives): It is the gold standard when it comes to anti-aging. Retinoids accelerate cell turnover, which stimulates collagen production reduces wrinkles and fine lines and helps minimise pigmentation problems as well as improving the texture of the skin.
Hyaluronic acid helps hold moisture in the skin. It is a favourite ingredient in many night creams, especially among those who have dry skin. It plumps up the skin and ironing out dehydration wrinkles.
Peptides: These are short chains of amino acids that enable the structural integrity of the skin. They work to stimulate the production of two necessary proteins, collagen and elastin, that result in firmer and more elastic skin over time.
Antioxidants (Vitamin C, E, and Green Tea Extract): Free radicals contribute to accelerated aging. Antioxidants have the protective effect of preventing free radical damage in the skin. They also brighten up the complexion as well as improve overall skin tone.
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): This multi-tasker provides anti-inflammatory benefits, fades redness, and supports the skin's barrier. Best for sensitive or acne-prone skin.
How to Select the Best Night Cream for Your Skin
Choosing the best night cream is no different than choosing a skincare product. Know what your skin type needs. Here is a quick guide:
Dry. To moisturise dry skin, look for a night cream that is also hydrating, containing hyaluronic acid, shea butter, or ceramides, to moisturise the face at night and retain that moisture for smooth and supple skin throughout the day.
A lightweight night cream would be appropriate for oily or acne-prone skin, one that does not clog pores. Niacinamide, salicylic acid, and retinoids are ingredients that may help to prevent breakouts without drying out the skin, so there is no loss of moisture.
Sensitive: If you are sensitive by nature, you'd want to choose a soothing, fragrance-free formula that has ingredients such as chamomile, aloe vera, or oatmeal. You should avoid strong ingredients, such as retinoids, unless under the prescription of your dermatologist.
Mature Skin: A night cream full of retinoids, peptides, and antioxidants will give life back to the skin, encouraging renewing and collagen production. Anti-aging night creams that work on your lines and wrinkles as well as losing elasticity should be well incorporated.
Putting Together a Night Cream
Having a night cream routine isn't complicated. Often, it can be too much to follow up on long, fussy nighttime regimens. Here is a simple step-by-step guide to setting up your night cream routine:
Cleanse: Use a gentle cleanser to break down makeup, dirt, and oil. This way, your night cream gets to function properly while penetrating well.
Treat: If you're using some serums or treatments, such as retinoids or vitamin C serum, apply it after cleansing. You can apply other serums and treatments after toner and/or essence depending on your skincare routine. Still, these are highly concentrated and thus better absorbed into clean skin.
Moisturise: Finally, apply the night cream. Massage cream into the skin gently and in an upward direction, including the neck and décolletage. If you'd like to have the best face moisturiser to complement your night cream, make sure it complements its ingredients without overpowering your skin.
When to Start Using a Night Cream
Ultimately, the ideal time to use a night cream is when you need it most. If you're one of those youthful folk who are still in your mid-20s but can feel the first signs of aging already, or perhaps you're in your 40s wanting to rejuvenate your complexion, then be rest assured that there is a perfect night cream waiting for you. The better your chances are at maintaining beautiful youthful skin for a long time after the earlier you begin.
It's night creams that are the game-changers in the skincare routine, especially when they're packed with anti-aging ingredients like retinoids and peptides. Then there's the choice of best night cream according to skin type paired with the best face moisturiser during the day; so much for a young glow despite the age.
Is it time for night cream? Well, if you are willing to invest in the future of your skin, then yes is the answer. Start tonight, and thank yourself tomorrow! If you're looking for such skincare products, please contact Fether for expert recommendations.