Morning Versus Night: The Best Face Moisturisers For Every Time Of Day

Your skin has different needs throughout the day. The morning calls for protection, while the night demands nourishment and repair. Selecting the right moisturiser for each time is essential for maintaining a healthy, radiant complexion. Whether you're battling UV rays or letting your skin recover overnight, understanding the difference between day and night moisturisers can make a world of difference. Let's explore some of the best face moisturisers for every time of day, and why you should consider incorporating both into your routine. 

1. Why You Need Different Moisturisers For Morning And Night

It might seem convenient to use the same moisturiser for both day and night, but your skin's needs vary greatly throughout the day. During the day, your skin is exposed to environmental stressors like pollution and UV radiation. A morning moisturiser typically contains SPF and antioxidants, designed to protect and hydrate your skin while creating a barrier against harmful elements. At night, the skin switches to repair mode, and a richer, nourishing moisturiser helps to restore and rejuvenate. Incorporating both morning and night moisturisers into your routine ensures your skin receives the necessary hydration and protection around the clock.

2. Morning Moisturisers: Hydration And Protection

A good morning moisturiser should hydrate the skin while offering protection from the sun and pollutants. Look for formulas that include SPF to prevent sun damage, even if you're not spending hours outdoors. Lightweight moisturisers with hyaluronic acid are excellent for locking in moisture without feeling heavy on the skin. Additionally, ingredients like vitamin C or green tea extract provide antioxidant benefits, protecting your skin from environmental damage. These moisturisers ensure your skin stays fresh, glowing, and guarded against the harshness of the day. 

3. Night Moisturisers: Repair And Rejuvenation

Night is when your skin does its most intensive repair work, and a night moisturiser helps facilitate this process. Unlike lighter day creams, night moisturisers are typically thicker, offering deeper hydration. Key ingredients such as retinol and peptides promote collagen production and skin cell turnover, addressing signs of ageing and damage. Additionally, night creams often contain nourishing oils or butters like shea butter to lock in moisture and prevent dehydration overnight. To make the most of your skin's natural renewal process, apply a rich, restorative moisturiser every evening.

4. The Importance Of SPF In Your Morning Routine

Even on cloudy days, UV rays can cause skin damage, leading to premature ageing and an increased risk of skin cancer. That's why incorporating SPF into your morning moisturiser is non-negotiable. Many modern day creams combine hydration with sun protection, making it easier than ever to shield your skin from harmful rays. If your morning moisturiser lacks SPF, be sure to apply sunscreen separately. Opt for at least SPF 30 for adequate protection. Choosing a moisturiser with built-in SPF will save time and simplify your morning skincare routine.

5. Lightweight Formulas For Oily Skin In The Morning

For those with oily skin, choosing the right morning moisturiser can be tricky. The key is to look for oil-free, non-comedogenic formulas that won't clog your pores or leave your skin feeling greasy. Lightweight gels or water-based moisturisers are excellent options, as they provide hydration without adding excess oil. Ingredients like niacinamide can also help regulate sebum production, making it easier to keep oiliness at bay throughout the day. If you struggle with oily skin, it's important to hydrate without overwhelming your complexion.

6. Rich Night Creams For Dry Skin

Dry skin benefits greatly from a deeply hydrating night cream. During the night, your skin loses moisture, especially if you sleep in air-conditioned or heated environments. A rich night moisturiser containing hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or ceramides can replenish moisture and strengthen your skin's barrier. Look for formulas that include nourishing oils like jojoba or argan, which not only hydrate but also soothe dry, irritated skin. Applying a rich cream before bed ensures your skin wakes up soft, plump, and thoroughly moisturised.

7. Fragrance-Free Moisturisers For Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin needs extra care, especially when it comes to moisturisers. Fragrances and harsh chemicals can cause irritation, redness, or even breakouts. For those with sensitive skin, opting for gentle, fragrance-free moisturisers that focus on hydration without added irritants is essential. Look for hypoallergenic formulas with calming ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, or oat extract, which soothe the skin while providing moisture. Both day and night, these moisturisers protect your skin from irritation.

8. Anti-Ageing Moisturisers For Morning And Night

Incorporating anti-ageing ingredients into your morning and night skincare routines can help combat the signs of ageing. For the morning, opt for moisturisers with antioxidants like vitamin C, which help fight free radicals and prevent sun damage. At night, retinol-based creams work to boost collagen production and smooth fine lines. Combining these potent ingredients with hydrating properties ensures your skin looks youthful and radiant. Applying anti-ageing moisturisers day and night not only keeps your skin firm but also protects it from further damage.

9. Combination Skin: Balancing Moisturisation

Combination skin can be tricky to manage, with both oily and dry areas on the face. Choosing a lightweight yet hydrating moisturiser for the morning helps balance these contrasting needs. Gels or water-based moisturisers are great for the day, providing moisture without adding oil to already shiny areas. At night, a slightly richer cream can offer hydration where your skin needs it most, particularly in dry zones like the cheeks. The key is to find a balance between keeping oily areas matte while ensuring dry spots stay moisturised. 

10. Multitasking Moisturisers For Busy Routines

For those with hectic schedules, multitasking moisturisers that combine hydration with additional benefits like SPF or anti-ageing properties are a lifesaver. These all-in-one formulas reduce the need for multiple products in your skincare routine, saving you both time and effort. Many day creams now offer a combination of sun protection, hydration, and anti-ageing ingredients, making it easier than ever to streamline your morning routine. For the evening, night creams that include a mix of retinol, peptides, and hydrating ingredients provide a simple yet effective solution. Shop from Myntra for multitasking moisturisers that cater to your busy lifestyle.

Top Myntra Deals On Moisturisers

Daytime Moisturisers

1. Lakme Absolute Perfect Radiance Skin Brightening Light Creme SPF 20 - 50g

Discount: 33% | Price: ₹251 | M.R.P: ₹375 | Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars
This lightweight cream with SPF 20 offers day-long protection from UV rays, while its skin-brightening formula helps even out skin tone. With key ingredients like shea butter, it hydrates dry skin without feeling heavy. Suitable for those who want to add a subtle glow to their complexion during the day, it's a reliable option for all skin types, especially dry skin.

2. Minimalist Vitamin B5 Lightweight And Oil Free Moisturizer - 50g

Discount: 5% | Price: ₹331 | M.R.P: ₹349 | Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars
This oil-free moisturiser is ideal for oily and combination skin types. It contains Vitamin B5, which enhances hydration without clogging pores. Enriched with zinc and magnesium, it works wonders in keeping your skin balanced and matte throughout the day. It's fragrance-free, making it perfect for those sensitive to scents.

3. L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Anti-Wrinkles And Radiance SPF 35 PA++ Moisturizing Day Cream - 50ml

Discount: 38% | Price: ₹650 | M.R.P: ₹1049 | Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars
If you're looking for an anti-ageing solution, this L'Oreal day cream is packed with SPF 35 and retinol to help fight wrinkles and fine lines. Its formula ensures your skin stays hydrated, radiant, and protected from sun damage. The added SPF means you don't need a separate sunscreen.

4. Cetaphil Moisturising Cream - 80g

Discount: 7% | Price: ₹557 | M.R.P: ₹599 | Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars
Cetaphil's trusted moisturising cream is perfect for sensitive skin types. This dermatologically tested formula provides long-lasting hydration without irritation. It's suitable for daily use and locks in moisture, making it a great option to layer under makeup or wear on its own.

Night-Time Moisturisers

5. Reequil 0.1% Retinol Night Cream for Wrinkles & Skin Tightening - 30ml

Price: ₹395 | M.R.P: ₹395 | Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars
Reequil's retinol cream is a fantastic night-time treatment. With a potent 0.1% retinol concentration, it helps in reducing wrinkles, improving skin elasticity, and promoting skin renewal. Perfect for combination skin, this cream is lightweight and doesn't clog pores, making it ideal for consistent night use.

6. Plum Green Tea Night Gel Cream With Glycolic Acid To Fight Acne - 50ml

Discount: 10% | Price: ₹517 | M.R.P: ₹575 | Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars
Oily and acne-prone skin types will love Plum's Green Tea Night Gel. With the combined benefits of green tea and glycolic acid, this gel fights acne, reduces blemishes, and leaves your skin refreshed. The gel-like texture is non-greasy, ensuring your pores remain unclogged through the night.

7. Pilgrim Red Vine Night Gel Creme With Retinol And Vitamin C For Anti-Ageing And Pigmentation - 50ml

Discount: 10% | Price: ₹585 | M.R.P: ₹650 | Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
This night gel combines the benefits of retinol and Vitamin C, targeting anti-ageing and pigmentation concerns. The lightweight gel formula deeply nourishes the skin while reducing fine lines and promoting an even skin tone. It's perfect for those looking to rejuvenate their skin while they sleep.

8. Olay Retinol24 Max Night Cream - 50g

Discount: 35% | Price: ₹1429 | M.R.P: ₹2199 | Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars
Olay's Retinol24 Max is known for its visible results in reducing fine lines within just seven nights. It's a fragrance-free, lightweight formula that targets multiple signs of ageing without irritating. This cream is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to maintain youthful skin.

Choosing the right moisturiser for morning and night is key to maintaining healthy, glowing skin. Daytime requires lightweight formulas with SPF, while night calls for richer, more restorative creams. From lightweight, oil-free formulas to richer, anti-ageing creams, there's something for every skin type and concern. No matter your skin type, there's a moisturiser tailored to meet your specific needs. Shop from Myntra today.

Disclaimer: The images used in this article are for illustration purpose only. They may not be an exact representation of the products, categories and brands listed in this article.