It’s essential to use a night cream because the night repairs whatever damage the day does. Also, when you are sleeping, the skin metabolism rate is at its highest. There’s a greater supply of blood and oxygen at this time. So anything applied on your face would show more visible results,” says cosmetic dermatologist, Dr Apratim Goel.

Dr Preeti Savadekar, a dermatologist at the Kaya Skin Clinic advises against the theory that you should avoid putting anything on the face at night to give your skin a chance to breathe. “This is a myth. In fact, because you clog your face the whole day with make-up, you need to use a night cream to hydrate and counter the effects of make-up.”

After 30, this becomes essential. Skin goes through changes everyday, with the high level of humidity in the air as well as the damage caused by air-conditioners. “A day-time product cannot deliver the same function as a night treatment. It’s essential to protect your skin against night-time free radicals – a primary factor leading to premature ageing – and also to boost the repair process of the skin,” explains Meeta Awatramani, Training Manager, Clarins, India. “Once you hit 40 you can’t do much about wrinkles, at least with creams, which can reduce them only to a limited extent. One has to start using the proper creams before the wrinkles get a chance to set in,” adds Savadekar.

Vichy, Olay, L’Oréal, Lancôme, La Prairie, The Body Shop, Shiseido, Clinique, Elizabeth Arden and Clarins have some great products suited to different skin types.

Normal skin
“Skin needs protection as well as repair. Protective creams are usually day creams and have ingredients like SPF in them. But night creams are formulated to repair damaged, lacklustre skin and are more concentrated and have a higher quality of ingredients,” says Rupali Sen, Training Manager, Lancôme, India. Generally, the creams should contain EFAs (Essential Fatty Acids) and collagen as this is what needs to be replaced as one ages. “Also, herbal ingredients like calendula, aloe and green tea extracts generally don’t react with any skin types,” recommends Goel while Savadekar suggests squalene as it helps promote new cells and glycerine which nourishes the complexion. Different skin types should use products specifically meant for them. But the golden rule is to always do a patch test.

Oily skin
Avoid any oils like jojoba, olive or rose hip which could lead to break-outs. Stick to water-based products instead. “If you have oily skin but no acne, you can use a moderate or thicker cream. Look for ingredients like vitamin A, C, aloe and ginseng,” advises Goel. Savadekar suggests using specific rejuvenating creams that contain AHAs or BHAs (alpha and beta hydroxy acids) which exfoliate. Similarly, ingredients like kojic acid, hydroquinone and arbutin all help to get rid of a tan and pigmentation. “While using a cream that contains ingredients that work to lighten the complexion, ensure you use a day cream with an SPF or else skin could react when exposed to UV rays,” cautions Savadekar.

Sensitive skin
“Your cream should not contain chamomile oil and vitamin A as this can lead to reddening,” warns Goel. Aloe and calamine are good ingredients for this skin type.