This is why what we apply to skin before we turn the lights off at night is so important. We need to ensure that the products we apply aid, rather than hinder, this process. Night is when cells need nutrients the most and when their anti-ageing benefits have maximum impact," she continues. "Skin sebum production is lower at night and, when you don’t have a protective layer of natural oils on your skin, you lose more water."

What's more, "Due to their slow-absorbing nature, night creams can gradually penetrate the skin throughout the night. This means they're able to moisturise, repair and rebalance the skin for a clear and healthy complexion." What makes the best night cream... the best? If you're looking for a no-fuss night cream that just makes your skin feel plump, soothed and hydrated, this one is for you. So, how different does my night cream need to be, we hear you ask? It's all about consistency and ingredient type. Now that you're well-versed in the importance of night cream, you're probably now wondering which ingredients to look out for on the label. "I look for ingredients such as peptides, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, emollients, antioxidants, retinol – depending on your skin type of course," says Somerville. By understanding the basic principles of the circadian rhythm, including skin changes throughout the day, we can better organise our routines by applying skin care products at optimal times of the day," she continues. "For example, sunscreen during the day to reduce UV damage, retinol at night for optimised DNA repair and richer moisturisers at night to remedy increased transepidermal moisture loss." The best night cream 2023 according to our expertsA number of physiological changes occur in the skin overnight," explains consultant dermatologist Dr Justine Kluk. Our skin is affected by our circadian rhythm. "The skin blood flow rate has been shown to increase in the late afternoon and evening," she continues. "Higher melatonin levels at night are associated with hair growth, suppression of ultraviolet (UV) damage in skin cells and better wound healing."

Kate Somerville, Hollywood's go-to aesthetician, sums it up nicely: "Day creams tend to be lightweight and may have an SPF to protect your skin from the sun. They should also be less greasy, which is ideal for make-up application. Night creams tend to be heavier, with no SPF, and include ingredients such as retinol and glycolic acid, which helps polish your skin and promote cell renewal." This is the night cream that M&S customers have been raving about for years. In a way, it's like the beauty industry's hidden little secret. Why is it so brilliant? Well because it's been labelled eight hours sleep in a pot, for its remarkable ability to basically recharge your skin's batteries. There are essential peptides and antioxidants in the formula that help to improve your skin's overall appearance so that you wake up looking like you've had your full eight (even if you haven't).Shannon says: "I'm all about a pre-bed skincare ritual and the beautiful botanical scent of and lightweight texture of this gel-cream helps to melt away the stresses of the day for the perfect night's sleep." What's the difference between day and night cream?

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