Night Cream: The Secret to Optimal Skin Health
Whether you follow a detailed 10-step skincare regimen or opt for a more straightforward approach, certain products are universally acknowledged as crucial for maintaining healthy skin. During the day, the application of sunscreen, ideally layered over an antioxidant serum to protect against environmental stressors, is paramount. For your evening skincare routine, experts emphasize that a night cream is essential for achieving optimal skin health in 2024.
Sleep is vital for skin health. “Throughout the day, your skin fortifies its defenses against external threats. However, during sleep, your skin has the opportunity to focus on its own ‘self-care,’” explains Dr. Dendy Engelman, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. “While you sleep, levels of melatonin and human growth hormone in the skin increase, allowing for faster repair compared to daytime.” Conversely, she notes that we lose more moisture through our skin at night, a phenomenon known as transepidermal water loss, highlighting the importance of proper hydration during sleep.
“Night cream is a cornerstone of an evening skincare routine for several reasons,” Dr. Engelman asserts. “Its ingredients provide essential nutrients that support skin repair. A formulation rich in hydration, antioxidants, and healing properties accelerates natural nighttime processes and counteracts daytime damage, enabling the skin to achieve more restorative benefits during sleep. Think of it as equipping your skin with the tools to function more efficiently and quickly.” Additionally, it helps combat transepidermal water loss by locking in moisture.
Given this, it’s wise to choose a night cream that not only hydrates but also contains beneficial actives; Epionce Intensive Nourishing Cream ($114) fits this description. “Look for products that include humectants, emollients, and occlusives—having all three is crucial,” advises board-certified dermatologist Dr. Hadley King. “Also, consider ingredients that stimulate collagen and elastin repair and are non-irritating, avoiding products that could cause irritation over several hours.” She notes that Epionce Intensive Nourishing Cream combines these moisture-boosting ingredients with antioxidant-rich elements like rosa canina fruit oil and apple fruit extract.
There are various ingredients that are particularly beneficial when used overnight. Here, experts outline six key ingredients to look for in your night cream.
Ceramides
Dr. King particularly recommends ceramides for nighttime use. These lipids naturally occur in the outer layers of the skin and are essential for maintaining the skin’s protective barrier, locking in moisture and enhancing defense against external damage. Age and sun exposure can deplete natural ceramide levels, making them increasingly popular in skincare products. Topically applied, they soften and soothe dry skin by filling gaps between skin cells. Dr. King explains that they support the skin’s barrier function, membrane fluidity, and cell signaling, leading to overall improvements in skin texture and appearance. Epionce Intensive Nourishing Cream contains multiple ceramides for enhanced hydration and anti-aging benefits.
Shea Butter
At a minimum, a night cream should be hydrating, which is why both Dr. King and Dr. Engelman recommend formulas rich in shea butter, found in Epionce Intensive Nourishing Cream. “Shea butter has both emollient and occlusive properties, supporting the skin barrier and trapping moisture,” says Dr. King. Beyond moisturizing, shea butter contains high concentrations of essential fatty acids and vitamins to soften and strengthen the skin barrier, along with anti-inflammatory properties to soothe irritation and antioxidants to repair UV damage. Dr. Engelman notes that it also stimulates collagen synthesis, reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a widely recognized skincare ingredient known for its moisture-retaining properties and lightweight texture, beneficial for oily or acne-prone skin. Naturally present in the body, HA is a glycosaminoglycan that retains hydration in connective tissues. “Natural HA binds to collagen and water molecules, giving the skin a plump appearance,” Dr. King explains. In skincare products, HA can be synthetic or natural. Dr. Engelman considers it essential for night creams, as most skin repair occurs during sleep, and HA effectively penetrates the dermis. However, proper use is crucial; HA is a potent humectant, so it should be combined with emollients and occlusives to prevent moisture loss. Epionce Intensive Nourishing Cream pairs HA with shea butter and oils to lock in moisture.
Peptides
Peptides, chains of amino acids, are the building blocks of collagen and elastin. Topical application offers anti-aging and barrier-strengthening benefits, leading to firmer, younger-looking skin and fewer breakouts. Dr. Engelman recommends peptides in night creams, especially when combined with other actives, as they maintain a healthy skin barrier and reduce irritation. Various peptides have distinct functions; popular ones include Matrixyl, which stimulates collagen production, and copper peptides, enhancing skin regeneration and firmness. Epionce Intensive Nourishing Cream contains a hydrolyzed yeast peptide that boosts collagen synthesis.
Botanicals
Botanicals—therapeutic plant-based ingredients—are rich in antioxidants, protecting the skin from UV and environmental damage. Dr. Engelman notes that night creams with botanicals are effective for preventing inflammation, promoting hydration, evening skin tone, and offering anti-aging benefits. Algae, found in Epionce Intensive Nourishing Cream, is a standout ingredient for its hydrating, revitalizing, and skin-tone-evening properties, also improving elasticity and treating signs of aging. Other beneficial botanicals include Centella asiatica and green tea, which reduce inflammation and acne.
AHAs and BHAs
Dr. Engelman and Dr. King recommend incorporating alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) into your routine for cell turnover and enhanced skin radiance. AHAs, like glycolic and lactic acids, gently exfoliate by dissolving dead skin cell bonds, revealing smoother, brighter skin and stimulating collagen for anti-aging effects. BHAs, such as salicylic acid, penetrate deeper into pores, beneficial for acne-prone skin, reducing blackheads and calming inflammation. Both are crucial for night creams, with AHAs more suitable for drier skin and BHAs for normal to oily skin.
