Night cream: do you need one, and how to choose it
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- CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream. Best for: Normal to dry skin that wants a richer cream. See options on Amazon
- CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion. Best for: Oily or combination skin. See options on Amazon
- Fragrance-free night cream for sensitive skin. Best for: Sensitive skin. See options on Amazon
What a night cream does
The AAD says moisturizer traps water in your skin, and that this extra moisture can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and brighten your complexion. It calls moisturizer so effective that it is the secret ingredient in many anti-aging products.
A night cream is that same idea used at bedtime, and it does not replace daytime sun protection. The AAD says sunscreen and moisturizer are the two most effective anti-aging products you can buy, so a night cream works best as one half of that pair, not a replacement for it. For the day half, see our mineral sunscreen guide.
Two CeraVe night formulas compared
| Detail | CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion | CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream |
|---|---|---|
| Texture | Lightweight, oil-free lotion | Cream |
| Key ingredients | Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, three essential ceramides | Biomimetic peptides, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide |
| Pores | Non-comedogenic | Non-comedogenic |
| Fragrance | Free of added fragrance | Free of added fragrance |
| How to apply | Liberally to face and neck at night | Small dots where needed, smoothed in, nightly before bedtime |
Details are from CeraVe's product pages. Both use CeraVe's MVE delivery technology for controlled-release hydration. CeraVe says the peptides in the Skin Renewing cream can help stimulate collagen production to improve the appearance of aging skin; treat that as a maker claim about appearance.
How to choose a night cream
- Match your skin type. The AAD says products work best when formulated for your skin type: if your skin tends to be oily, choose a moisturizer made for oily skin, and if it is sensitive, look for the words sensitive skin on the label.
- Read the label. The AAD suggests choosing products that are hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic or non-acnegenic, and that list a consumer hotline for questions.
- Pick one concern. No product can treat all signs of skin aging, the AAD says. If wrinkles or dark spots still bother you after a few weeks of sunscreen and moisturizer, choose one product aimed at that concern.
- Skip big promises. The AAD calls claims such as quickly reducing all signs of aging too good to be true, and says clinically proven means the product was given to consumers to try, not that it went through FDA approval.
How to use it
- Patch test first. The AAD suggests applying a small amount to your inner forearm twice a day for four to five days. If your skin stays free of redness, itch and other reactions, you can use it on your face.
- Start with one new product. Using several anti-aging products at the same time can irritate your skin, the AAD warns.
- Follow directions. Using more than directed can lead to clogged pores, blotchy skin or excessively dry skin, according to the AAD.
- Apply at bedtime. CeraVe's night formulas are meant to go on at night, after cleansing and any treatment serum.
If you use a treatment at night, put it on before your night cream; see our retinol serum guide and niacinamide serum guide.
What results to expect
The AAD says a moisturizer can plump up fine lines in a few days, but most products take at least six weeks to work, and sometimes up to three months. Results last only as long as you keep using the product. Anti-aging skin care products deliver modest results, the AAD says, and you cannot get the results of a facelift from a cream.
If your skin feels dry around the eyes, see our eye cream guide; for a richer weekly boost, see our hydrogel face mask guide.
When to stop or see a dermatologist
The AAD says to stop using a product that stings, burns or tingles, because those sensations mean it irritates your skin. If a dermatologist prescribed it, ask whether that should be happening before you stop, since some prescription-strength products will burn or sting.
If you do not see the results you want, the AAD suggests seeing a board-certified dermatologist, who can examine your skin and discuss the signs of aging that concern you.
What to look for when you buy
CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream
Best for: Normal to dry skin that wants a richer cream
CeraVe lists biomimetic peptides with ceramides, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, free of added fragrance.
Watch out: Peptide claims are about appearance; expect modest change.
See options on AmazonCeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
Best for: Oily or combination skin
CeraVe describes it as a lightweight, oil-free, non-comedogenic night moisturizer with three essential ceramides.
Watch out: Night use only; wear sunscreen by day.
See options on AmazonFragrance-free night cream for sensitive skin
Best for: Sensitive skin
The AAD suggests looking for sensitive skin and hypoallergenic on the label if your skin is sensitive.
Watch out: Patch test on your forearm for four to five days first.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- Do I really need a night cream?
- You need a moisturizer; the AAD says sunscreen and moisturizer are the two most effective anti-aging products. A night cream is one option for the evening.
- Can I use my day moisturizer at night?
- Yes. The AAD's advice is to use a moisturizer formulated for your skin type.
- How long does a night cream take to work?
- The AAD says moisturizer can plump fine lines in a few days, but most products take at least six weeks.
- What should I look for on the label?
- Your skin type, plus hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic, per the AAD.
- What if a night cream stings?
- Stop using it; the AAD says stinging, burning or tingling means it irritates your skin.
Sources
- How to select anti-aging skin care products (aad.org), American Academy of Dermatology
- How to get maximum results from anti-aging skin care products (aad.org), American Academy of Dermatology
- Skin Renewing Night Cream (cerave.com), CeraVe
- PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion (cerave.com), CeraVe