Yes, you can use different moisturizers for day and night.
This is because day moisturizers typically have sun protection ingredients.
Night moisturizers are often thicker creams formulated with ingredients that make your skin more sensitive to the sun, like retinol or glycolic acid.
That being said, you can use the same moisturizer as part of your morning and night routines as long as it doesn’t have any harsh active ingredients.
This article will explain everything you need to know about day creams, night creams, and when to use them in your skincare routine.
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Do you need different day and night creams?
You do not need different day and night creams, though if you like to wear SPF, you would then need a separate sunscreen product to use in the mornings.
You’re welcome to use SPF if you like or as needed, it’s really just a moisturizer with UV filters in it.
Either way, your daytime and nighttime moisturizer should be a product that doesn’t clog your skin and works for your skin type.
Day Moisturizers
Daytime moisturizers are frequently formulated with broad spectrum sun protection that can protect skin from harmful UV rays and sun damage.
They also often include ingredients like vitamin C and green tea for antioxidant protection and support against free radical damage.
Moisturizers with Vitamin C
Vitamin C especially is better used as part of your morning routine.
If you have vitamin C in your moisturizer, you should separate daytime from nighttime.
Product Recommendations: Daytime
Elta MD UV Clear SPF 46: A lightweight, non-comedogenic sunscreen with niacinamide and zinc oxide that calms acne-prone or sensitive skin, and while it isn't a true moisturizer, it can double as one for oily or combination skin during the day.
Naturium Dew Glow Moisturizer SPF 50: It is a daily sunscreen moisturizer with niacinamide and ethyl ascorbic acid that gives broad-spectrum protection and a dewy finish, making it ideal for glowing skin and smooth makeup application.
Nighttime moisturizers are typically formulated with ingredients like retinol that boost collagen production but cannot be worn during the day as they degrade under the sun.
Retinol is the gold standard ingredient in anti-aging but should be kept in separate moisturizers between day and night.
Product Recommendations: Nighttime
Tatcha Dewy Skin Cream: Delivers rich hydration and a dewy glow while visibly reducing fine lines and strengthening the skin barrier, making it a great choice for dry or aging skin, especially in your nighttime routine.
Medik8 Advanced Ceramide Night Cream: I like using this when my skin feels dry. It’s super rich and helps my skin feel soft, smooth, and moisturized by the next morning.
Naturium Marshmallow Root Barrier Balm: If your skin gets easily irritated, this is a great choice. It’s thick and super soothing, and it’s also a really good budget option.
While most moisturizers include hydrating ingredients that work for most skin types, some also contain ingredients that are better suited for different times of day.
For example face moisturizers with vitamin C are better for the morning, while face moisturizers with retinol or exfoliating acids are better for your nighttime routine.
Further, dry or sensitive skin types may choose a thicker moisturizer at night to protect their skin’s barrier.
This same product may not work well as a daytime moisturizer as it could leave your skin looking greasy.
Can you use day cream at night?
Yes, you can use day cream at night at long as it doesn’t clog your pores. People with oily skin concerns especially are better off avoiding using any SPF products at night.
Do I need a night cream?
You don’t necessarily need a night cream separate from daytime.
If you use a night cream with retinol in it during the day, it can cause irritation and make your skin burn more easily.
Can night cream be used during the day?
A night cream without any harsh active ingredients like retinol or exfoliating acids can be used during the day.
Product Recommendations: Day & Night
Tula 24-7 Moisture Intensegives your skin deep, long-lasting hydration without feeling greasy. It’s made with oils like camellia seed and argan, plus skin-loving superfoods that help soften fine lines and keep your skin barrier strong.
Just a heads up, this one is THICKKKK. I only use it on my body, but that’s largely because I’m acne prone. My skin loves it though!
Mirror Skin Polypeptide Dream Cream: This one is amazing for anti-aging. It makes my skin feel tighter and more lifted, and it also helps with fine lines and dryness.
