Using and applying a night cream should be an integral part of your skin care routine once you reach 30s. Night creams are specially designed to nourish and improve your skin while you sleep as these creams contain lots of nourishing, moisturizing active ingredients. Night creams or serums are especially beneficial for those past 30 as their skin begins to show the first signs of aging – fine lines appear, the skin becomes drier and less elastic, skin begins to look dull and patchy.

Why you should use a night cream?

It’s proven that the skin’s ability to absorb active ingredients peaks at night and skin loses more essential moisture at night – that’s why you should help your skin restore itself by applying a night cream that will allow your skin to absorb more nourishing, moisturizing and anti-ageing ingredients. Due to the active ingredients these creams contain, they not only nourish and condition the skin, but they also repair damage caused by free radicals, makeup, air pollution, sun’s rays.

What are the benefits of using and applying night creams?

• nourish and revitalize the skin
• supply moisture and hydration
• sooth and calm the skin
• promote even complexion and finer texture
• boost collagen and elastin production
• improve blood circulation
• reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, discolorations
• prevent sagging of the skin
• make skin soft, smooth and supple
• improve the appearance of aging skin
• help skin recover faster and restore skin’s elasticity
• stimulate cell renewal

The main difference between a day cream (moisturizer) and a night cream is the ingredients these creams contain. Day creams are lighter in texture and contain ingredients that moisturize and protect the skin from the harmful UVA and UVB rays (with SPF 15 or higher). Night creams contain more nourishing, anti-aging active ingredients that stimulate cell renewal, restore skin’s elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Night creams are thicker in texture and usually don’t offer sun protection.

How to choose the best night cream for your skin?
It’s crucial to choose a night cream that suits your skin type. Never buy too thick formula as it may damage your skin instead of repairing it – if the cream is too thick or too oily it may clog your pores, leaving your skin unable to breathe naturally. No matter your skin type or age you should look for a lighter texture that is hypoallergenic (won’t cause allergic reaction), non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores), fragrance-free.

20s
Look for a moisturizing night cream that contains more natural ingredients – essential oils, honey, aloe vera, chamomile. If your skin is oily or combination look for a lighter formula that is oil-free and non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores) with alpha or beta hydroxy acids.

30s
Once you reach 30s you should look for a richer night cream that contains anti-aging active ingredients - retinol, collagen, amino acids, ceremides, vitamins as well as AHAs. Consider applying anti-aging eye cream that treats fine lines around the eyes.

40s
At 40 you should begin using night anti-wrinkle cream that treats deeper lines and wrinkles, prevents puffiness and sagging of the skin. Look for a cream that contains collagen, retinol, Ceremides, peptides, lipids panthenol, copper, soy extract, essential oils and vitamins.

Common ingredients in night creams:
Most of the night creams on the market today contain many active ingredients that nourish and condition your skin while you sleep – ingredients that plump up the skin, reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, skin discolorations.
Common ingredients in night creams are: vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin A, Jojoba oil, Aloe Vera, honey, olive oil, apricot oil, Shea butter, rose oil, jasmine, anti-aging components – retinol, peptides, amino acids, AHAs, pathenol, copper, antioxidants, collagen.

How to apply a night cream properly?

No matter your age and skin type you should always remove your makeup and cleanse your skin twice a day. Use a mild facial cleanser and wash your face with circular motions. Apply facial toner depending on your skin type to remove any excess oil, dirt or makeup residue. Let your face dry for a few minutes before you apply the cream, otherwise it will just slide right off your face. Take appropriate amount of the cream with your fingertips (on the fourth finger) and apply it to the face, avoiding the eye area. Dot the cream, an inch away from the eyes to avoid irritation. Starting with the centre of your face applying the product up and out to give your face a bit of a lift. Make sure you apply the cream evenly and massage it very lightly. Never rub the cream. Use an eye cream to moisturize and nourish the skin around the eyes.

Useful Beauty Tips:

• Always remove your makeup in the evening with a mild makeup remover.
• Always apply a day or night cream to a cleansed and toned skin.
• Avoid using too thick night cream – it may damage your skin.
• If your skin is oily and prone to breakouts look for oil-free moisturizer and night cream.
• If your skin is prone to breakouts or is prone to acne choose a cream containing alpha hydroxy or benzoyl peroxide.
• Always use skincare products and makeup products that are appropriate for your skin type.
• Never use heavy creams or moisturizers around the eyes as these could irritate your eyes.
• Use an eye cream to prevent fine lines around the eyes and dark circles.
• Use products that stimulate blood circulation and encourage oxygenation – this will help fight dehydration and imbalances such as excessive oil production and dryness.
• Look for products containing more natural ingredients – essential oil, Aloe Vera, honey, chamomile, vitamins, minerals.
• At night remove your makeup carefully. Apply cleansing milk and remove the mascara firstly and when you have removed the makeup completely apply an eye cream again.
• Use a day and night cream from the same brand – these products are designed to work together for best results.

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