When shopping for moisturisers you have probably come across those marketed for daytime use and those for nighttime but is there really a difference between them? Will a night-time moisturiser be less effective during the daytime? What will your skin look like come morningtime if you sleep wearing a daytime moisturiser? If you’ve ever found yourself wondering any of these questions then you have come to the right place.

There are several key differences that will generally dictate when you should use a particular moisturiser and these are based around texture and ingredients.

These tend to be lightweight so that makeup can be layered over without feeling greasy or looking shiny.

In terms of ingredients these moisturisers may contain SPF or anti-oxidants to help protect skin against sun damage and ageing environmental factors. The purpose of a daytime moisturiser is to protect the skin from environmental damage so the ingredients in daytime moisturisers will work to combat these effects. Look for ingredients such as Vitamin C, Vitamin E.

Daytime moisturisers may contain SPF which is obviously something that isn’t required overnight. If you opt for a moisturiser that also provides sun protection then you should look for one with protection against both UVA (the ageing rays) and UVB (the burning rays). Life Defence is a feather-light moisturiser which contains broad-spectrum SPF 25 to help protect against UVA & UVB damage, plus an antioxidant complex with rocket, Vitamin E and hyaluronic acid which create a barrier of protection against skin-ageing free radicals, city pollution, air con and daily stress.

Skin Truffle is also an ideal moisturiser to use in the morning, it not only regulates moisture levels and reduces fine lines and wrinkles but also brings immediate radiance and lustre rejuvenating a tired or dull complexion. Happybelle-PE mimics the natural endorphins which create a natural radiance and gives the ‘I’ve just had good news’ glow while Diamond Powder illuminates skin for a radiant, bright and youthful appearance. The unique formula utilises the very latest in peptide technology along with Vitamin C and Vitamin E which protect the skin from ageing environment damage and work to reduce the appearance of age related lines and wrinkles.

At night the body is working hard to restore and rejuvenate skin so nighttime moisturisers tend to be richer in consistency and focus on helping the skin to repair and renew. These moisturisers may also contain anti-ageing ingredients that are more potent, powerful and slow-absorbing as there is no risk of sun exposure and other damaging environmental factors that skin is exposed to during the daytime. Some people prefer not to use retinoids and certain exfoliating acids (such as glycolic acid) during the day as they can make skin more sensitive to the sun. If you do use products with these ingredients in the morning make sure you also use sunscreen or a moisturiser containing SPF.

Not necessarily, for many their moisturiser could easily meet their skin’s needs both morning and evening time but as with most skincare questions it depends on your personal preference and skin type. If you are using a moisturiser with SPF then you should use a separate moisturiser for the evening time. For many people a rich evening time moisturiser that helps to nourish and repair the skin overnight will be too thick for the daytime so again a separate day and night moisturiser may be required.

As skin needs change throughout the seasons and years you may find that your moisturiser needs change and as you get older you may want to use a more potent anti-ageing moisturiser at night which may differ from your morningtime moisturiser.

If you don’t have a need for a particularly rich moisturiser and you use a separate SPF then your moisturiser is likely to very be suitable to perform the job of both a day and night time moisturiser.