Sales of night 'sleep' creams are on the rise. Here are the best to buy
Beauty sleep: a phrase and phenomenon that hasn't seemed to let up over the years. We know that getting around eight hours of sleep a night has many benefits to our overall health, mood and productivity, but the affect that it has on our skin is just as significant. In fact, a recent study in women's skincare - carried out by Mintel - discovered that 62% of UK female skincare users aged 55+ believe that sleep has the biggest impact on their skin.
And it's not surprising why. For our skin, night time is when our cells go into repair mode and fix any damage that may have occurred throughout the day. Therefore, it seems logical that so many women hold a solid nights sleep in such high importance. But to accompany this overnight biological process, having a sound nighttime skincare routine can make all the difference.
Night creams tend to be packed full of ingredients such as retinol and vitamin C, which help to increase cell turnover and hydrate your skin, making them a staple addition to your evening skincare ritual. And it's becoming increasingly clear that more and more women are noting the importance of a night cream as a staple step, with Mintel's study revealing that in the past 12 months, the usage of night creams has risen from 39% to 48%.
So now we know that finding the right overnight treatment is almost as essential as getting your recommended eight hours of shut-eye, here are the products we recommend...
The best for hydration
Clinique Moisture Surge Overnight Mask, ￡31
For those that need a extra boost of moisture, it's worth trying a mask rather than a cream, especially during winter months, or for two-to-three nights a week. Clinique Moisture Surge Overnight Mask is packed full of nourishing ingredients and has the most creamy soft texture. Apply from the decolletage upwards and pat on an extra layer where required. You'll be guaranteed to wake up with plumper, firmer, more radiant skin.
The best mineral-based night cream
Origins High Potency Night-A-Mins Renewal Cream, ￡36.50
To ensure your skin is getting the very best treatment overnight, then choosing a product formulated with natural and enriching ingredients would be wise. Origins has the answer. Their luxurious night cream is enriched with minerals such as antioxidant Vitamin E and Vitamin C, ideal for nourishing skin as you catch those all important eight-hours worth of rest. It's lightweight, easily absorbed and has a beautiful orange scent.
The best night cream for lines and wrinkles
There are plenty of lotions and potions that promise to smooth and plump your skin while you sleep, but few can back up their claims quite like Cult 51. The cream promises to target all five signs of ageing and has independent clinical studies to prove that within 28 days you could see 52 percent improvement in your lines and wrinkles. Admittedly, these kind of results do come with a hefty price tag, but if you're serious about ageing, this is worth the investment.
The best collagen-infused night cream
Rodial Dragon's Blood Hyaluronic Night Cream, ￡72
Similar to Cult 51, Rodial is the perfect choice if anti-ageing is a key factor when considering which night-cream to add to your skincare arsenal. The Hyaluronic Night Cream contains time release retinol which will penetrate deep into the skin as you sleep, and hyaluronic acid that will intenesly hydrate and even out skin tone.
The best brightening night cream
trilogy Rosepene Night Cream, ￡29.50
Antioxidants might be a phrase that you've heard in relation to food, but skincare can offer them too. The unique Rosapene oil that's in trilogy's night cream is rich in antioxidants that will revitalise and nourish skin. This high performance cream will work with your skin's natural process of recovery and regeneration while you sleep, resulting in brighter and healthier skin come morning.
The best night cream for the first signs of aging
Clarins Multi-Active Nuit, ￡44
For those that are wanting to tackle the first signs of aging, the Multi-Active Nuit cream from Clarins will be worth your buck. Fine lines and wrinkles when they first appear can seem daunting , but this nourishing formulation will reduce their appearance with the help of Golden poppy extract. The luxurious night treatment will also help to reduce the signs of tiredness and lack of sleep that can be visibly aging.
The best night cream for pigmentation
Dr Dennis Gross Ferulic and Retinol Wrinkle Recovery Overnight Serum, ￡77
While this isn't technically a 'night cream', this potent serum is one of the best solutions to pigmentation. The blend of retinol and ferulic acid helps to even out skin tone and reduce the appearance of dark spots. Don't expect overnight miracles though, you do have to persevere for at least 12 weeks to see improvement.
The best night cream for sensitive skin
La Roche Posay Toleriane Ultra Overnight Care, ￡13.12
La Roche Posay's Toleriane range has a reputation for being one of the very best skincare ranges for sensitive skin and four of the products are approved by the British Allergy Foundation. The latest offering is the Ultra Overnight Care, which helps to soothe inflammation and irritation, as well as reduce your skin's sensitivity. It's also provides a hydrating boost without feeling heavy on your skin. To be honest, it's a great night cream even if you don't have sensitive skin.
The best night cream for oily skin
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Invisible Finish Moisture Gel, ￡25
If you battle with oily, blemish-prone skin applying a thick, rich cream might be the last thing you want to do before getting into bed. With this in mind, skincare expert Paula Begoun created this gel-textured moisturiser, which can conveniently be used as both your day and night cream. It's lightweight, it mattifies and it doesn't clog your pores, which can exacerbate oiliness.
The best 'all-round' night cream
The Body Shop Oils of Life Sleeping Cream, ￡29
It would be quicker to list what this sleeping cream from The Body Shop doesn't do. The all-round performance formulation is enriched with three precious seed oils from around the world and does just about everything you need a night cream to do. For instantly nourished, rested, firmer and brighter skin, then this is your ticket. And for the reasonable price tag, it's hard to resist.
