Regardless of what Instagram influencers will have you believe, the ‘I woke up like this’ look requires a fair amount of homework the night before. While a multi-step nighttime skincare routine full of toners, serums and masks can feel like a lot at the end of the day, you really only need two nighttime essentials for your skin. A cleanser and a night cream will have you wake up with glowing skin.
It’s safe to assume that you have a good cleanser in your skincare arsenal but you may not have a good night cream. If you’re not sure what to look for, then help is at hand. In this guide, we will help you choose the best night cream for your skin type and break down the steps to applying it. Ready to clock in your beauty sleep?
How to Pick a Night Cream for Your Skin Type?
Night creams are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Hence, it’s important to assess your skin type and concerns while picking your product. Here are some guidelines that will make this choice easier for you:
Dry Skin
Dry skin is usually characterised by flakiness and dullness. Using a night cream for dry skin can be invaluable in terms of providing that much-needed moisture and soothing any redness or inflammation. Pick a night cream with humectants and emollients like vitamin E, aloe vera or squalene that deeply hydrate your skin and retain moisture.
To ward off any tightness from your skin, smooth on a cream like The Body Shop Vitamin E Cream, which contains vitamin E, hyaluronic acid and raspberry seed oil that replenish hydration overnight and prevent any moisture loss. Formulated to provide 72-hours hydration, this rich, non-greasy cream is god-send for dry and even very dry skin.
Oily Skin
Those with oily, acne-prone skin are more likely to have clogged pores and wake up with a greasy texture. But oily skin needs just as much hydration as any other skin type. That being said, a night cream for oily skin should be lightweight, non-greasy and non-comedogenic so it doesn’t clog your pores. Look for ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and glycolic acid that hydrate the skin without leaving any oil residue.
Combination Skin
Combination skin type involves multiple concerns such as an oily T-zone and progressively drier cheeks and visage. This skin type requires a dose of hydrating and anti-inflammatory ingredients before sleep. Look for nourishing, non-abrasive formulas to soothe oily skin and moisturising agents that hydrate and heal your skin while you’re catching zzz. Reach for The Body Shop’s Oils of Life Sleeping Cream, infused with three precious seed oils which restore tired, dehydrated skin overnight.
Sensitive Skin
For skin that’s prone to redness, irritation and allergies, using a night cream that repairs your skin barrier overnight is essential. Opt for a gentle, unscented formula that soothes skin irritations while hydrating the skin. The Body Shop Aloe Soothing Night Cream boasts 98% natural-origin ingredients that calm and soothe sensitive skin and offer 48-hour hydration. The best part? It’s dermatologically tested and has no fragrances.
Mature Skin
Skin with visible signs of ageing like fine lines, wrinkles and dark spots can benefit from anti-ageing ingredients like vitamins A and E, peptides and glycerine. These ingredients help boost collagen production, fight free radicals and lift the contours of the skin. While applying the night cream over your face, don’t forget to massage some on your neck as well since that’s where the signs of ageing are most evident.
How to Apply a Face Night Cream?
While applying a face night cream isn’t rocket science, here are some tips to follow to ensure optimal results:
- Start by cleansing your face to remove any makeup, dirt, grime and oil.
- If your beauty routine includes a serum or under-eye cream, apply them before the night cream.
- Now, take a small amount of your night cream and apply it all over your face and neck in upward, circular motions.
- Take your time to gently massage your face and neck with your fingertips while applying the night cream to stimulate blood circulation and ensure product penetration.
- Cell regeneration is at its peak from 10 pm to 2 am, so it’s best to scoop out that night cream before this time.
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For your beauty sleep to work its magic, you need the best night cream in your skincare arsenal. Whether you’re battling dryness, controlling oil, soothing sensitivities or fighting signs of ageing, pick a night cream tailored to your skin needs. And don’t forget to follow the simple steps of application to wake up to a refreshed, rejuvenated skin. After all, the secret to that ‘I woke up like this’ is just a good night’s sleep away!
