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Yes, you can use different moisturizers for day and night.
This is because day moisturizers typically have sun protection ingredients. Night moisturizers are often thicker creams formulated with ingredients that make your skin more sensitive to the sun, like retinol or glycolic acid.
That being said, you can use the same moisturizer as part of your morning and night routines as long as it doesn’t have any harsh active ingredients. For best results, you should follow up with SPF in the morning.
This article will explain everything you need to know about day creams, night creams, and when to use them in your skincare routine.
Do you need different day and night creams?
You do not need different day and night creams as long as you have a separate sunscreen product to use in the mornings.
Using SPF in the mornings can protect skin from premature aging by UV rays even if you spend most of your day indoors.
Either way, your daytime and nighttime moisturizer should be a product that doesn’t clog your skin and works for your skin type.
Day Moisturizers
Daytime moisturizers are frequently formulated with broad spectrum sun protection that can protect skin from harmful UV rays and sun damage.
They also often include ingredients like vitamin C and green tea for antioxidant protection and support against free radical damage.
Moisturizers with Vitamin C
Vitamin C especially is better used as part of your morning routine. If you have vitamin C in your moisturizer, you should separate daytime from nighttime.
Night Moisturizers
Nighttime moisturizers are typically formulated with ingredients like retinol that boost collagen production but cannot be worn during the day as they degrade under the sun.
Retinol is the gold standard ingredient in anti-aging but should be kept in separate moisturizers between day and night.
Difference Between Day Moisturizer and Night
While most moisturizers include hydrating ingredients that work for most skin types, some also contain ingredients that are better suited for different times of day.
For example face moisturizers with vitamin C are better for the morning, while face moisturizers with retinol or exfoliating acids are better for your nighttime routine.
Further, dry or sensitive skin types may choose a thicker moisturizer at night to protect their skin’s barrier. This same product may not work well as a daytime moisturizer as it could leave your skin looking greasy.
Can you use day cream at night?
Yes, you can use day cream at night at long as it doesn’t clog your pores. People with oily skin concerns especially are better off avoiding using any SPF products at night.
Do I need a night cream?
You don’t necessarily need a night cream separate from daytime. Personally, I use the CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion morning and night.
What happens if I use night cream during the day?
If you use a night cream with retinol in it during the day, it can cause irritation and make your skin burn more easily.
Can night cream be used during the day?
A night cream without any harsh active ingredients like retinol or exfoliating acids can be used during the day.
Should I use a different moisturizer for day and night?
Sometimes, I like to use the same moisturizer in day and night skincare routines.
However, I follow up with sunscreen in the morning, and I use Differin, a type of retinoid, at night before my moisturizer.
Can I use the same moisturizer day and night?
Yes, you can use the same moisturizer day and night as long as you’re following up with sunscreen in the morning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it OK to use 2 different moisturizers?
Yes, it’s okay to use two different moisturizers. Daytime moisturizers with vitamin C can protect your skin from premature aging while nighttime moisturizers with retinol can stimulate collagen production and fight fine lines and wrinkles.
Can I use the same moisturizer in the morning and at night?
Yes, you can use the same moisturizer day and night as long as you’re following up with sunscreen in the morning. Wearing SPF fights free radicals and damage by UVA rays that is often not seen until your 40s and 50s. By then, it’s already too late to get rid of the damage, so it’s best to protect yourself now.
Do you need different moisturizer morning and night?
You do not necessarily need different day and night creams as long as you have a separate sunscreen product to use in the mornings. Using SPF in the mornings can protect skin for premature aging by UV rays even if you spend most of your day indoors.
Is it OK to use night moisturizer during the day?
If you use a night cream with retinol in it during the day, it can cause irritation and make your skin burn more easily. A night cream without any harsh active ingredients like retinol or exfoliating acids can be used during the day.
What happens if I use night cream during the day?
If you use a nighttime moisturizer with active ingredients like retinol during the day, it can increase your sensitivity to sunlight and may cause irritation. It’s advisable to reserve such moisturizers for nighttime use to ensure your skin is protected from potential adverse reactions in daylight.
Can I use day moisturizers at night?
Absolutely! If you find your day moisturizer comfortable for nighttime use, there’s no strict rule against it. However, keep in mind that day formulations often focus on sun protection and antioxidants. If your skin needs extra nourishment or repair, considering a dedicated night moisturizer with ingredients like retinol could provide added benefits during your evening skincare routine. Experiment and see what works best for your unique skin needs!
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