Do You Really Need a Night Cream?

You do not necessarily need a separate night cream. If your usual moisturiser keeps your skin feeling soft, hydrated and comfortable until morning, it may already provide everything you need.

However, if you regularly wake up with dry or tight skin, a richer overnight cream may be worth considering. The right formula can help replenish moisture and leave your skin feeling smoother and more comfortable.

Here, we explain the benefits of night cream, how it differs from your everyday moisturiser and where it fits into a simple evening routine.

Your skin follows a daily rhythm, with changes in its temperature and barrier function throughout the day and night. Research has found that water loss through the skin can increase in the evening and at night.

Applying a night cream before bed helps replenish moisture and limit water loss. This can be particularly useful if your skin tends to feel dry or uncomfortable when you wake up.

Your skin continues its natural renewal processes without a night cream. Using one supports hydration and comfort during that time.

Both day and night creams moisturise your skin. The main differences are usually their texture, ingredients and whether they include sun protection.

A daytime moisturiser may have a lighter texture that sits comfortably beneath makeup and sunscreen. Night creams are often richer, although this varies between products. A thicker texture does not automatically mean a cream contains more active ingredients or will work better for your skin.

You can use the same moisturiser morning and evening if it suits your skin and the product directions allow it. Our Aloe Super Hydrating Fragrance Free Moisturiser can provide everyday hydration, while our Overnight Cream offers a richer option for your evening routine.

If you choose a night cream, use it in place of your usual evening moisturiser. You do not generally need to layer both. During the day, suitable sun protection remains a separate consideration.

Look for a night cream that combines effective hydration with a texture your skin finds comfortable. Hydrating ingredients help attract moisture, while oils and other moisturising ingredients help soften the skin and reduce moisture loss.

For sensitive skin, a fragrance-free formula is a sensible starting point. Choose according to the complete formula and your own skin’s response.

These are some of the ingredients used in our Repair & Replenish Overnight Cream.

How your skin feels is a useful guide to whether your evening moisturiser is doing enough.

Dry or dehydrated skin

If your skin feels rough, tight or uncomfortable by morning, a richer evening moisturiser may help it retain moisture and feel softer. You may also find that your needs change with the seasons or when the central heating goes on. Explore our skincare for dry and dehydrated skin.

Sensitive skin

If your skin is easily unsettled, focus on a formula that provides moisture without added fragrance. Richer is not automatically better, so choose a texture your skin tolerates comfortably and introduce new products one at a time. Browse our skincare for sensitive skin.

Mature skin

Skin can become drier with age, making a more nourishing evening moisturiser useful. Consistent hydration can improve softness and comfort, while helping fine lines caused by dryness look less noticeable. Visit our skincare for Mature & Menopausal skin.

Oily or combination skin

A heavy night cream is not essential. You may prefer a lighter moisturiser, or a richer cream only on areas that feel dry. Choose according to how your skin feels rather than assuming every evening routine needs a thick cream.

1. Cleanse your skin. Remove makeup, sunscreen and daily build-up with a cleanser that suits your skin, such as our Hydrating Cream Cleanser.
2. Apply any serum you normally use. Follow its directions and allow it to absorb.
3. Finish with your night cream. Gently massage it over your face and neck, following the product instructions.

Your night cream takes the place of your usual evening moisturiser, so there is no need to apply both.

Our Repair & Replenish Overnight Cream is designed for use each evening. As with any new skincare product, patch test before first use.

For help putting the rest of your routine together, read our guide to choosing a skincare routine for your skin type.