Night creams for fresh mornings

Remember the story of Sleeping Beauty? Here’s the fairytale with a twist — perhaps, in 2019, she would slap on a hearty dose of night cream before she hits the bed just to keep her skin glowing when she wakes up. On a serious note, do not underestimate the power of a good night sleep coupled with a healthy night skin routine. Usually, these creams are focussed on repairing the damage done either by UV rays or other environmental aggressors on the skin throughout the day, but at night the skin has a longer contact period with the cream resulting in better absorption and improves skin cell regeneration.

Skin aging is a complex biological phenomenon which depends on several factors like genetics, nutrition, stress, hormones, and cellular metabolism and outer influences like sun exposure, pollution, chemicals and toxins. These factors lead to structural changes in the skin and changes occur in each layer of the skin leading to changes in the skin appearance especially on sun-exposed areas which primarily includes the facial skin. A skincare routine is an essential step to healthy skin, advices Dr Batul Patel, a dermatologist. She says, “While the morning routine is mostly very simple, the night routine for the face is divided into two main groups of creams. The first group consists of antioxidants or brightening creams such as Vitamin C, alpha hydroxy acid or newer molecule like mandelic acid, kojic cream or idebenone molecule which is a great antioxidant. The second group is made of cell regulators/ epidermal renewal creams such as retinol, peptides and growth factors which have direct effects on collagen production and also help to improve the skin tone and texture. The routine is must for all age groups but with different creams — the younger ones could use either cream for acne and oily skin and alternate with a Vitamin C cream, whereas, older ones can use creams which are cell regulators or collagen stimulators.”

As we age, the kind of creams evolve – the cream we need at age 20 will be very different from what we need to at age 50. Prevention of anti aging can start from age 25 years. The creams to start will be milder and more for hydration. As age progresses the creams ingredients and potency will increase with a lot more peptides and collagen boost informs Dr Simal Soin, founder of a skin care clinic. She mentions, “Night creams are usually thicker in consistency and help replenish the moisture and keeps the skin hydrated thus preventing fine lines and wrinkles. They also help boost collagen production and thus keeping your skin looking more youthful. In older age groups, the skin slowly starts losing moisture and gets dry hence replenishment is imperative with a hyaluronic acid-rich night cream. A cream rich in antioxidants, peptides, AHA’s, amino acids and vitamin C, E, A further help in collagen-boosting and reversal of pigmentation and signs of aging.”

It is known that a good night routine followed for a long period can keep the skin younger and help in stimulating the collagen and cell renewal of the skin. Beauty expert Ragini Mehra, founder of beauty retail brand, suggests natural elements to treat various skin ailments using some common ingredients. She says, “Orange flower moisturiser is a light and cooling lotion that helps to nourish the skin whilst regulating the production of sebum. While ingredients like evening primrose, rice germ, and Neroli help to protect and clarify the skin with long-lasting hydration. Oat extract helps with balancing the skin by reducing the appearance of pores and reducing shine. Choose the cream that suits your skin type and observe the difference in your appearance.”