While there are universal rules in the world of skincare — “always take your makeup off before bed” and “always wash your hands before cleansing your face” are practically complexion commandments — the products we reach for are unique to our skin concerns, type, and overall goals. In short, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to treating the skin.
This is especially true when it comes to using face moisturizers. Promising to deliver different results from a.m. to p.m., day and night creams have long been heralded as popular mainstays in skincare routines. But are both needed in your daily regimen? We enlisted experts to shed light on the matter.
Meet the Experts
Sunday Riley , CEO, founder and product formulator
Michele Farber, MD is a Philadelphia-based dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group.
Day Cream vs. Night Cream
As the names suggest, day creams are applied first thing in the morning, and night creams are applied at bedtime. ‘Most moisturizers can really function perfectly fine as both your day and night cream, but they may boast varying benefits. For instance, day creams might offer “protection from the environment” and SPF as you’re out and about in the elements, and a night cream might focus on overnight “repair” to replenish your skin from the stressors of the day,’ explains Sunday Riley, CEO, founder and product formulator.
According to Dr. Farber, the most notable (read: visible) difference between these two moisturizers lies in their texture and key ingredients. While here at Sunday Riley HQ, we don’t necessarily label our face moisturizers as strictly for day or for the night; we’re definitely advocates of using separate moisturizers so your skin can reap the different benefits on a daily basis.
What to Look for in a Day Cream
A day cream typically feels thin and silky to the touch. It should easily glide over the skin. It can be useful to use a thinner cream in the morning that rubs in well, pairs well with sunscreen, and layers nicely under your other skincare and makeup products.
As for the ingredients this a.m. product should feature? “Vitamin C and other antioxidants are important in protecting [the skin] from the environment,” says Riley. The main goal of a day cream is to ultimately guard the skin against harmful UV rays and pollution (blue light pollution, indoor and outdoor pollution) while still providing enough hydration for the whole day ahead. Antioxidants are important during the daytime to trap oxidative damage that might occur to your skin from pollutants, allergens, etc.
If you’re in the market for a daytime moisturizer, we recommend reaching for Sunday Riley C.E.O. Afterglow Brightening Vitamin C Gel-Cream, an antioxidant powerhouse that features brightening vitamin C (in the form of THD ascorbate) that hydrates and plumps but also is great at preventing sun damage. It is also enriched with lutein, a powerful antioxidant known for its skin-protective properties. Derived from marigold flowers, lutein gives the product its bright yellow hue. ‘This natural pigment not only adds a vibrant color but also helps to filter out blue light and protect the skin from environmental stressors. Marigold extract, a source of lutein, has been traditionally used for its soothing and anti-inflammatory benefits, making it an excellent addition to skincare formulations aimed at brightening and protecting the skin,’ adds Riley.
During winter, when your skin barrier is compromised due to the harsh, cold weather, or in summer, if you’ve suffered a sunburn, it’s essential to provide your skin with the proper care. Using ICE Ceramide Moisturizing Cream or C.E.O. Vitamin C Rich cream during the day can be particularly beneficial. ICE is a soothing, hydrating product that helps to repair and strengthen the skin barrier, offering relief and protection against further damage. C.E.O. Rich, on the other hand, is packed with nourishing ingredients that deliver intense moisture and support skin regeneration. ‘I’m a firm believer in not just moisturizing the skin but also incorporating treatment into your moisturizer. This product is your vitamin C treatment and moisturizer in one. It is rich and nourishing, providing a cocooning texture that feels luxurious on the skin. It’s our number one moisturizer in the UK. Additionally, we offer a mini version that is perfect for travel. You can use the full-size version at home and keep the mini in your bag for on-the-go use,’ explains Riley.
Both creams are designed to enhance the skin’s resilience, ensuring it remains healthy and radiant despite the seasonal challenges. Incorporating these into your skincare routine can help mitigate the effects of environmental stressors, leaving your skin feeling rejuvenated and well-protected. Additionally, ICE with ceramides works perfectly with retinol-based products, enhancing their effectiveness while minimizing potential irritation.
And just a friendly reminder: Though sunscreen and vitamin C make the perfect pair, this isn’t to say it’s a replacement for your regular SPF — you should certainly still be slathering on a separate sunscreen. Even if your a.m. moisturizer contains SPF, most sunscreen-moisturizers hybrids aren’t powerful enough to provide ample protection. Plus, since you should be reapplying sunscreen throughout the day, you might not want to do that with your moisturizer, depending on your skin type.
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