Night Cream for Dry Skin: How to Choose and Use One
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If your skin feels tight when you wake up, or flaky by the end of the day, your night routine is a good place to start. Night is when you are not wearing sunscreen or makeup, and a comfortable layer of cream can stay on for hours. Here is how to choose and use a night cream for dry skin.
What to look for
- A creamy texture that feels comfortable on your skin.
- Hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid. See hyaluronic acid for skin.
- Ingredients that suit your other goals.
- A product you have patch-tested.
Our night cream
The Night Repair Cream has hyaluronic acid and retinol, and is made for dark circles, pigmentation, blemishes and dryness. It is dermatologist-tested, non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic, suits all skin types and is used nightly.
Because it contains retinol, start slowly if your skin is new to it: a few nights a week at first. Wear sunscreen every morning. Read retinol and hyaluronic acid together and retinol in winter.
How to apply it
- Cleanse gently with lukewarm water and a mild face wash.
- Pat dry with a soft towel.
- Use a pea-sized amount for the face; add a little for the neck.
- Warm it between your fingertips and press it into the skin.
- Avoid the area right around the eyes and the corners of the nose and mouth if they feel sensitive.
Nights you want extra hydration
On some nights you may prefer the HydraRenew Collagen Overnight Mask, with hyaluronic acid, hydrolyzed collagen, multi-peptides and aloe vera. You rinse it off in the morning, and it leaves no residue on your pillow. Use one or the other on a given night, not both. See overnight mask vs night cream.
A simple weekly plan
| Night | Steps |
|---|---|
| Weeks 1 to 2 | Night Repair Cream 2 to 3 nights; gentle moisturiser or HydraRenew on others |
| Week 3 onwards | Increase Night Repair Cream nights if your skin feels comfortable |
| Every morning | Gentle cleanse, moisturiser, sunscreen |
Night habits for dry skin
- Use lukewarm, not hot, water.
- Keep showers short.
- Moisturise within a few minutes of washing.
- Use a humidifier or a bowl of water in AC or heated rooms. See skincare for AC rooms.
- Drink water through the day.
Common mistakes
- Using harsh face washes at night.
- Layering several retinol products.
- Using a lot of cream and expecting faster results.
- Skipping sunscreen the next morning.
For more, read how to choose a night cream, our skincare routine for dry skin and night cream vs day cream.
Quick questions
Can I use it every night? It is made for nightly use. If your skin is new to retinol, build up slowly.
What if my skin feels irritated? Stop, use only a gentle moisturiser for a few days, and see a dermatologist if it does not settle.
Not sure which products suit your skin? The Theraglam Glow Scan builds a personal skincare routine from 3 photos and a short quiz. Rs 599, one time.
Patch-test any new product on your inner arm for 24 hours first. Stop using it if you notice irritation. This article is general skincare guidance, not medical advice.