
Priyanka Ganwani
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Written By: Priyanka Ganwani | Published : January 19, 2015 6:35 PM IST
Day creams and the ones meant for the night time come with a specific purpose. Before picking up these skincare products, it is important to know their differences and then decide whether it is meant for you or not.
What's the basic difference?
The difference is in the kind of ingredients present and how they act differently for a particular time of the day. Dermatologist Dr Shefali Trasi explains, 'The difference between day and night creams is in the action of ingredients on the skin. Day creams are for skin hydration and tan prevention while night creams help manage the early signs of ageing and preventing from it as well.'
What is the difference in ingredients?
Dr Trasi explains, 'Day creams usually contain moisturisers along with skin regenerating peptides, skin lightening agents like licorice, kojic and vitamin c, arbutin and sunscreen (with lower SPF).' Whereas, night creams 'are a combination of all ingredients, however a cream containing retinol is the best for prevention of any signs of aging.' Find out if anti-ageing creams really work.
How do these creams work?
Dr Trasi says, 'Daytime creams are useful for maintenance and protection against sun damage and ageing. Its better to choose a cream with added SPF in it.' Such creams are meant to keep the skin firm and energised. These shield the skin from burning and figh free radicals. Also, they come in non-greasy consistency and settle smoothly under make-up.
On the other hand, a night cream, works on skin repair, regeneration and helps restore the skin's energy. Dr Trasi explains, 'Night creams are usually used for anti-aging and rejuvenating purposes.' These creams are thicker in consistency and contain compounds that penetrate deep into the skin through the long hours. Know the right way to choosing a night cream, meant for your skin.
What are the ingredients to watch out for?
If you haven't purchased such creams before, it is vital to know the ingredients that can make all the difference. Dr Trasi advises what we must look for, 'Day creams should contain milder ingredients like vitamin C, kojic, licorice and arbutin as compared to hydroquinone and glycolic acid as they have chances of skin irritation and pigmentation due to sun exposure.'
Dr Trasi suggests how we can make our creams work for us, 'Night cream should have added moisturiser along with retinoicacid/etinol, especially in winters as their absence could lead to skin irritation and dryness. It's better to have a combination of day and night cream with a good moisturiser base.' Also, it's important to know why shouldn't use body lotions on your face.
Image source: Getty Images
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