Imagine that you are almost ready to get some much-needed rest at the end of your exhausting day, but you discover that you haven’t finished your skin care regimen yet. Does that sound too familiar? Consider using a night cream that can address several complexion concerns at once on evenings when finishing a complicated routine feels more like a burden than a benefit. “Night creams are important because they target skin repair and renewal during sleep and rest when the skin’s regenerative processes are at their peak,” says Tiffany Libby, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, in contrast to lighter moisturizers used during the day. Furthermore, according to Dr. Libby, night creams help to reduce the “chronic, low levels of inflammation which contribute to skin signs of aging,” a chronic physiological process brought on by the UV light and pollutants we are exposed to during the day.
Although everyone needs to sleep, our skin’s requirements are completely different. We tested dozens of products during 648 hours of sleepless testing to find the finest night creams for revitalizing your complexion. We then assessed each product’s capacity to address common skin care issues like wrinkles, dehydration, and redness when we woke up. Discover our top picks for night creams that applied and worked like a dream by reading on.
Why We Love It: This choice from RoC is a great way to maximize skin health at night, when it’s most effective. The main component of this solution is retinol, a vitamin A derivative that is particularly effective at boosting cell turnover and, consequently, skin radiance. Hydrating glycerin and a complete mineral complex are also included to subtly treat fine lines and wrinkles. Our tester was especially pleased with the cream’s rapid absorption into her skin and the noticeable gradual evening out of her skin tone.
Who It’s For: This reasonably priced yet potent option is a fantastic place to start if you want to dabble (or, in this instance, face) in the anti-aging benefits of retinol but aren’t quite ready to dish out the big bucks.
Something to Think About: Don’t use too much; our tester had some slight irritation on nights when she used a bigger dollop.
“My skin looks and feels hydrated in the morning after using it,” said Megan, a tester with dry mixed skin. In terms of balancing out my skin tone and reducing fine wrinkles, I believe this to be among the best retinol treatments I have ever tried.
Why We Love It: The ultrahydrating night cream from Cetaphil is our favorite product, but the brand has long been one of our favorite affordable skin care options. The recipe, which was created with normal to dry skin types in mind, increases moisture levels for up to 24 hours after use. The formula, which our tester described as “creamy and smooth, but not too thick,” uses hyaluronic acid to provide skin with major moisturizing benefits sans heaviness. Bonus: In addition to being good for the senses, the light texture also prevents acne.
Who It’s For: Does a wrong glance cause skin to break out? Without clogging your pores, this creamy product will provide you with a ton of hydration.
Something to Think About: This cream’s primary function is to moisturize parched skin; a more potent night cream would be needed to address other skin issues including wrinkles and fine lines.
Hyaluronic acid is one of the active ingredients. Size: 1.7 oz
Sukhman, a tester with dry skin: “The night cream was supposed to be lightweight, moisturizing, and suitable for sensitive skin. This cream definitely does all three. My face dislikes products with extra perfumes because I have sensitive skin, and this cream has none!
The Reason We Adore It: Dull, dry skin? She is unknown to this Clarins moisturizer. While the tried-and-true sea holly extract strengthens the skin’s moisture barrier, the main component, niacinamide (which makes up 2% of this recipe), works to improve texture and increase your shine factor. The distinctive gel texture did not overpower our tester’s combination skin, and in fact, she liked it better than thicker night creams.
Who It’s For: You can be sure that this moisturizer will feel light enough to fit your preferences if you tend to steer clear of night creams since they feel heavier.
Something to Think About: Despite the fact that this cream has scent, our tester did not find it overpowering or bothersome.
“Since I started using this product, my skin has definitely brightened,” said Taylor, a tester with mixed skin. In the morning, my skin also always appears more radiant and renewed. It hydrates my dry skin and is quite nourishing.
