Yahoo Lifestyle These Night Creams Work to Plump, Hydrate, and Nourish Skin While You Sleep
- 1/21
These Night Creams Work to Plump, Hydrate, and Nourish Skin While You Sleep
Whether you’re just starting your skincare journey or you have a multi-step routine that you never go a day without, you’ve likely heard of the importance of using the best night creams. Let’s just say that there’s a reason why it’s the final step in your skincare routine order—the cream helps lock in all of your other products making it a must.
You might be wondering why the product needs to be applied in the evening. Well, at night when you’re resting, your skin is busy working. “During sleep is when the skin regenerates itself. There is increased blood flow to the skin at night which delivers more nutrients, [and] the extra nutrient supply aids skin repair,” explains Carmen Castilla, M.D., board-certified dermatologist and clinical instructor at Mount Sinai in New York. “This is a great time to enhance the repair process with your skincare routine.”
Meet the Experts: Carmen Castilla, M.D. board-certified dermatologist and clinical instructor; Karan Lal, D.O., M.S., F.A.A.D. double board-certified cosmetic dermatologist; Joshua Zeichner, M.D., board-certified dermatologist and director of cosmetic and clinical research; Heidi Waldorf, M.D., a clinical associate professor of dermatology.
The skincare products are especially powerful because they tend to be formulated with active ingredients which aid in the skin repair process and help repair the skin barrier, according to Dr. Castilla. “Typically they also have skin calming ingredients that help soothe skin from the stressors of the day,” she continues. “Unlike day creams, they won’t have SPF or other sunscreens included.”
From retinol-infused options that soften fine lines and wrinkles to hydrating, hyaluronic acid-powered formulas, night creams are a staple in any evening skincare routine—no matter your goals or concerns.
Our top picks
So whether you’re in the market for a formula suited for your skin type or simply one of the best anti-aging creams made for nighttime, we’ve rounded up some of the best options on the market.
Revision Skincare, CeraVe, RoC - 2/21
1) Skin Renewing Night Cream
CeraVe
amazon.com
$15.87
“This is a great product at a very reasonable price point,” explains Dr. Castilla. “It contains ceramides which can help repair the skin barrier and also hyaluronic acid which boosts skin hydration.” Karan Lal, D.O., M.S., F.A.A.D., double board-certified cosmetic dermatologist with Affiliated Dermatology in Scottsdale, AZ also recommends this product for all skin types thanks to its stellar ingredient list.
CeraVe - 3/21
2) Moisturizing Skin Cream
Vanicream
amazon.com
$13.56
This hydrating face cream earned an expert seal of approval in our round-up of the best moisturizers for sensitive skin for its skin-quenching, ultra-gentle formula that is packed with powerful ceramides. Bonus: the product has even earned a stamp of approval from the National Eczema Association as it is free from dyes, fragrance, lanolin, formaldehyde, and parabens.
Vanicream - 4/21
3) Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Moisturizer
Neutrogena
amazon.com
$20.02
“This is a very gentle retinol formulation good for people just introducing retinols into their skin care routine,” explains Dr. Castilla. “It can give you the anti-aging benefits of a retinol while also maintaining skin hydration.” Dr. Lal also recommends this formula as it is good for all skin types and helps hydrate the skin with hyaluronic acid. Did we mention it’s a favorite of Jennifer Garner’s, too?
Neutrogena - 5/21
4) Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Max Hydration Cream
RoC
amazon.com
$24.96
Dr. Lal is a fan of this simple, fragrance-free, retinol-based cream. It’s a great pick for people who have very dry skin and are in need of a night cream, but who also want an effective retinol formula. “It contains hyaluronic acid and other great ingredients that hydrate your skin for 48 hours,” Dr. Lal says.
RoC - 6/21
5) Ultra-Calming Nourishing Night Cream
Aveeno
amazon.com
$19.50
If you have a reactive complexion, Aveeno has you covered with this nourishing night cream for sensitive skin. “This fragrance-free formula hydrates the skin, while feverfew extract calms inflammation,” says board-certified dermatologist, Joshua Zeichner, M.D., director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. Plus, it contains oat extract, an ingredient with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that have been proven to soothe itchy, red skin.
Aveeno - 7/21
6) Rich Hydrating Night Cream
Cetaphil
amazon.com
$18.47
This ultra-hydrating night cream from Cetaphil maintains an overall 4.5 out of five stars on Amazon, with over 1,600 five-star reviews attesting to its superiority. “I’ve seriously never been impressed with a product until this one. I started using it and within a week I noticed how shiny and flawless my skin was,” one reviewer wrote.“It feels light and moisturizing, and keeps my face actually hydrated through the entire day. I’ve literally never been so happy with a product before.”
Cetaphil - 8/21
7) PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
CeraVe
amazon.com
$15.99
If you have oily skin, you might stray from night creams due to their reputation for having a bit of a thicker texture. However, “The lightweight formulation with niacinamide is great for oily and acne-prone skin types,” explains Dr. Castilla. “It also includes ceramides which help repair the skin barrier.”
CeraVe - 9/21
8) Toleriane Ultra Night Cream for Sensitive Skin
La Roche-Posay
ulta.com
$29.99
“This is a very moisturizing formulation good for sensitive or mature skin types,” says Dr. Castilla. This formula is fragrance-free and contains comforting ingredients like glycerin, shea butter, and vitamin E. It helps restore the skin barrier, aiding in overnight repair of the skin.
La Roche-Posay - 10/21
9) Retinol 0.5
SkinCeuticals
skinceuticals.com
$80.00
Another great retinol-based option, this concentrated formula helps address a variety of skin concerns from visible signs of aging to large pores and beyond. “It has packaging that preserves the potency of the retinol, so it’s not going to get degraded and it’s very good to use at nighttime,” notes Dr. Lal.
SkinCeuticals - 11/21
10) Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream
Olay
amazon.com
$22.39
There’s a reason reviewers rave about Olay’s Micro-Sculpting Cream (with more than 2,700 five-star Amazon reviews): It contains plumping hyaluronic acid, firming amino-peptides, and redness-reducing niacinamide to deeply sink into the skin and work its magic while you snooze. Named one of our favorite anti-aging creams to fight wrinkles, this one also gets a stamp of approval from dermatologists.
Olay - 12/21
11) Evercalm Overnight Recovery Balm
REN Clean Skincare
sephora.com
$52.00
Ever wondered what a Beauty Director opts for in terms of evening skincare? Enter this skin-boosting overnight balm by REN Clean Skincare, a go-to for April Franzino Beauty Director for Prevention, Woman’s Day, and Good Housekeeping . “I used this rich balm packed with plant oils as a last step in my nighttime routine after my retinol treatment, and it felt so soothing on my parched skin and left no flakes or traces of dryness behind in the morning,” she explains.
REN Clean Skincare - 13/21
12) Ultra Facial Moisturizing Cream
Kiehl's Since 1851
sephora.com
$58.00
While not a night cream by name, Good Housekeeping Beauty Assistant Catharine Malzahn uses this product nightly for smooth, healthy skin. “This moisturizer is my desert island product, my holy grail, the one skincare item I can’t live without,” she says. “It deeply hydrates my skin, which used to be oily but has now turned more combination/dry (read: this is good for all skin types!), without leaving any yucky or heavy residue; I love the light, cloud-like texture. My skin is noticeably drier and flakier in the morning if I don’t apply it the night before.”
Kiehl's - 14/21
13) Premier Cru Anti Aging Cream Moisturizer
Caudalie
sephora.com
$99.00
This elegant cream calms and hydrates the skin while fighting the signs of aging, according to Heidi Waldorf, M.D., a clinical associate professor of dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine of Mount Sinai in New York. That’s because it’s rich in antioxidants (like vitamins C and E), peptides, niacinamide, shea butter, and hyaluronic acid. Pro tip: Make sure you apply the product down your neck, an often-neglected area.
Caudalie - 15/21
14) Firming Night Treatment
Revision Skincare
dermstore.com
$75.00
“This is more of a luxury product but it is a good one,” says Dr. Lal. “It has peptides in it, and it's great for dry, sensitive, normal, or mature skin.” Not only does this ultra-moisturizing cream contain peptides, it also contains hyaluronic acid and vitamin C to help hydrate, brighten, and smooth the complexion.
Revision Skincare - 16/21
15) Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2
SkinCeuticals
dermstore.com
$130.00
This luxurious cream is ideal for mature, normal, and dry skin types. “The lipids in this cream are great for skin hydration and repairing the skin barrier while not being too thick or occlusive,” explains Dr. Castilla. The antioxidant-rich, moisturizing cream aids in improved elasticity and radiance, as well.
SkinCeuticals - 17/21
16) Skin Active Cellular Restoration
NEOSTRATA
dermstore.com
$87.00
Even though this cream is packed with alpha hydroxy acids (chemicals that exfoliate the skin), peptides, and antioxidants, it’s tolerated even by the most sensitive and rosacea-prone skin, says Dr. Waldorf. The fragrance-free formula also includes shea butter for a healthy dose of moisture—and a little bit goes a long way. Simply apply one pump before bed to reduce fine lines, tighten pores, and plump the skin.
Neostrata - 18/21
17) Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Under Eye Cream
RoC
amazon.com
$21.95
Looking for a night cream dedicated to the under-eye area? Dr. Zeichner previously recommended this moisturizing option as one of the best eye creams for wrinkles because it minimizes dark circles, puffiness, crow’s feet, and wrinkles with retinol without being too harsh on the delicate under-eye skin.
RoC - 19/21
18) Black Rose Skin Infusion Cream
Sisley Paris
nordstrom.com
$220.00
Also named one of our best moisturizers for dry skin by Dr. Zeichner, this luxurious cream from Sisley utilizes botanical ingredients—like black rose extract and magnolia, camelina, geranium, and shea oils—to hydrate, soften, and brighten the complexion. The lightweight, gel-like cream easily absorbs into skin, smells like a spa in the best way, and feels like a true pampering product for those nights you feel like treating yourself.
Sisley Paris - 20/21
19) Q10 Anti-Wrinkle Night Cream + Pro-Retinol
Eucerin
amazon.com
$10.99
If you’re looking for a night cream for sensitive skin that includes retinol, this drugstore buy is a great buy. In addition to retinol, this cream contains coenzyme q10, a powerful antioxidant, as well as hydrators like glycerin and vitamin E. Plus, one Amazon reviewer who gave it five-stars calls it “shockingly good,” while another wrote: “This product has done more to reduce the appearance of wrinkles than any expensive product I’ve used. My face looks much more youthful.”
Eucerin - 21/21
20) PM Therapy Facial Moisturizer
EltaMD
dermstore.com
$36.00
This nighttime moisturizer from EltaMD is all about simplicity and moisture. It’s a no-frills, yet highly effective formula containing hyaluronic acid, helping to restore, repair, and moisturize the driest of skin. It’s also rich in peptides to aid in collagen production and improve skin elasticity. “This is my go-to nighttime moisturizer,” one Dermstore reviewer wrote. “I have dry, sensitive, mature skin, and this product is not too heavy or too light. It moisturizes perfectly.”
EltaMD
![<p>Whether you’re just starting your skincare journey or you have a multi-step routine that you never go a day without, you’ve likely heard of the importance of using the best night creams. Let’s just say that there’s a reason why it’s the final step in your <a href="https://www.prevention.com/beauty/skin-care/a42055256/what-order-to-apply-skincare-products/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:skincare routine order;elm:context_link;itc:0" class="link ">skincare routine order</a>—the cream helps lock in all of your other products making it a must. </p><p>You might be wondering why the product needs to be applied in the evening. Well, at night when you’re resting, your skin is busy working. “During sleep is when the skin regenerates itself. There is increased blood flow to the skin at night which delivers more nutrients, [and] the extra nutrient supply aids skin repair,” explains <a href="https://www.nydermatologygroup.com/experts/carmen-castilla-md/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Carmen Castilla, M.D.;elm:context_link;itc:0" class="link ">Carmen Castilla, M.D.</a>, board-certified dermatologist and clinical instructor at Mount Sinai in New York. “This is a great time to enhance the repair process with your skincare routine.” </p><p class="body-tip"><strong>Meet the Experts: <a href="https://www.nydermatologygroup.com/experts/carmen-castilla-md/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Carmen Castilla, M.D.;elm:context_link;itc:0" class="link ">Carmen Castilla, M.D.</a> board-certified dermatologist and clinical instructor; <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sirdermzalot/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Karan Lal, D.O., M.S., F.A.A.D;elm:context_link;itc:0" class="link ">Karan Lal, D.O., M.S., F.A.A.D</a>. double board-certified cosmetic dermatologist; <a href="http://www.zeichnerdermatology.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Joshua Zeichner, M.D.;elm:context_link;itc:0" class="link ">Joshua Zeichner, M.D.</a>, board-certified dermatologist and director of cosmetic and clinical research; <a href="https://waldorfderm.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Heidi Waldorf, M.D.;elm:context_link;itc:0" class="link ">Heidi Waldorf, M.D.</a>, a clinical associate professor of dermatology.</strong></p><p>The skincare products are especially powerful because they tend to be formulated with active ingredients which aid in the skin repair process and help repair the skin barrier, according to Dr. Castilla. “Typically they also have skin calming ingredients that help soothe skin from the stressors of the day,” she continues. “Unlike day creams, they won’t have SPF or other sunscreens included.” </p><p>From <a href="https://www.prevention.com/beauty/skin-care/a30027574/retinol-benefits/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:retinol;elm:context_link;itc:0" class="link ">retinol</a>-infused options that soften fine lines and wrinkles to hydrating, <a href="https://www.prevention.com/beauty/skin-care/a42220547/hyaluronic-acid/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:hyaluronic acid;elm:context_link;itc:0" class="link ">hyaluronic acid</a>-powered formulas, night creams are a staple in any evening skincare routine—no matter your goals or concerns. </p><h2 class="body-h2">Our top picks</h2><p>So whether you’re in the market for a formula suited for your skin type or simply one of the <a href="https://www.prevention.com/beauty/a20486194/best-anti-aging-creams/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:best anti-aging creams;elm:context_link;itc:0" class="link ">best anti-aging creams</a> made for nighttime, we’ve rounded up some of the best options on the market. </p>](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Pn4ljI_RVisdETsxLToaig--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTQ4MA--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/hearst_prevention_66/8e0e550db9faeb455c1ec10aeecbc1c5)
![<p>Whether you’re just starting your skincare journey or you have a multi-step routine that you never go a day without, you’ve likely heard of the importance of using the best night creams. Let’s just say that there’s a reason why it’s the final step in your <a href="https://www.prevention.com/beauty/skin-care/a42055256/what-order-to-apply-skincare-products/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:skincare routine order;elm:context_link;itc:0" class="link ">skincare routine order</a>—the cream helps lock in all of your other products making it a must. </p><p>You might be wondering why the product needs to be applied in the evening. Well, at night when you’re resting, your skin is busy working. “During sleep is when the skin regenerates itself. There is increased blood flow to the skin at night which delivers more nutrients, [and] the extra nutrient supply aids skin repair,” explains <a href="https://www.nydermatologygroup.com/experts/carmen-castilla-md/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Carmen Castilla, M.D.;elm:context_link;itc:0" class="link ">Carmen Castilla, M.D.</a>, board-certified dermatologist and clinical instructor at Mount Sinai in New York. “This is a great time to enhance the repair process with your skincare routine.” </p><p class="body-tip"><strong>Meet the Experts: <a href="https://www.nydermatologygroup.com/experts/carmen-castilla-md/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Carmen Castilla, M.D.;elm:context_link;itc:0" class="link ">Carmen Castilla, M.D.</a> board-certified dermatologist and clinical instructor; <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sirdermzalot/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Karan Lal, D.O., M.S., F.A.A.D;elm:context_link;itc:0" class="link ">Karan Lal, D.O., M.S., F.A.A.D</a>. double board-certified cosmetic dermatologist; <a href="http://www.zeichnerdermatology.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Joshua Zeichner, M.D.;elm:context_link;itc:0" class="link ">Joshua Zeichner, M.D.</a>, board-certified dermatologist and director of cosmetic and clinical research; <a href="https://waldorfderm.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Heidi Waldorf, M.D.;elm:context_link;itc:0" class="link ">Heidi Waldorf, M.D.</a>, a clinical associate professor of dermatology.</strong></p><p>The skincare products are especially powerful because they tend to be formulated with active ingredients which aid in the skin repair process and help repair the skin barrier, according to Dr. Castilla. “Typically they also have skin calming ingredients that help soothe skin from the stressors of the day,” she continues. “Unlike day creams, they won’t have SPF or other sunscreens included.” </p><p>From <a href="https://www.prevention.com/beauty/skin-care/a30027574/retinol-benefits/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:retinol;elm:context_link;itc:0" class="link ">retinol</a>-infused options that soften fine lines and wrinkles to hydrating, <a href="https://www.prevention.com/beauty/skin-care/a42220547/hyaluronic-acid/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:hyaluronic acid;elm:context_link;itc:0" class="link ">hyaluronic acid</a>-powered formulas, night creams are a staple in any evening skincare routine—no matter your goals or concerns. </p><h2 class="body-h2">Our top picks</h2><p>So whether you’re in the market for a formula suited for your skin type or simply one of the <a href="https://www.prevention.com/beauty/a20486194/best-anti-aging-creams/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:best anti-aging creams;elm:context_link;itc:0" class="link ">best anti-aging creams</a> made for nighttime, we’ve rounded up some of the best options on the market. </p>](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/JLtzx1TRDoVQpuFzVdIuIg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTIxMDtoPTEzMQ--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/hearst_prevention_66/8e0e550db9faeb455c1ec10aeecbc1c5)
