A relaxing nighttime skin routine is the best way to pamper yourself after a long day. However, for those evenings when a multi-step regimen isn’t a reality, there’s one product you should never skip: Your night cream. As you snooze, skin repairs and rejuvenates itself, so a night cream helps boost this process. Applying one before you hit the hay gives your complexion an extra dose of nourishing ingredients, so your face looks fresher, plumper, and more hydrated by the time your alarm goes off the next morning.
To make sure your skin always wakes up on the right side of the bed, we asked dermatologists to share the formulas they swear by. After all, imitation is the best form of flattery:
RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream
As many of y’all know, retinol is a cornerstone of an anti-aging skincare regimen, so you can’t go wrong with a night cream that’s infused with it. “Retinol is the best studied ingredient we have over the counter to fight the signs of aging. It stimulates collagen and elastin to strengthen the skin’s foundation to improve lines you already have and prevent new ones from popping up.,” furthers dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, M.D.. “It is important to find a product that has a stabilized form of retinol that can penetrate into the skin to do its job effectively.” That’s why he suggests this effective — and affordable — treatment.
Buy It: $18; walmart.com
Revision DEJ Face Cream
If you’re using a prescription retinol, dermatologist Maura Caufield, M.D. recommends to following it with a non-irritating night cream that has ceramides for extra hydration. “My favorite is Revision DEJ Face Cream, which has the added bonus of Vitamin C and can help to smooth fine lines,” she explains. Another one of her more wallet-friendly go-to’s? CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion.
Buy It: $140; amazon.com
Avène Clean-AC Hydrating Cream
“My favorite night cream cocktail is tretinoin, a prescription-strength retinoic acid, followed by Avene Clean-AC moisturizer,” says dermatologist Sonia Batra, M.D. and co-host of The Doctors. “The Avene moisturizer does not clog pores and helps offset the dryness and irritation that I would otherwise experience from retinoids.” Avene’s hydrator is designed for even the most sensitive skin, making it ideal to pair with a more irritating retin-A or acne treatment.
Buy It: $22; amazon.com
Alastin Ultra Nourishing Moisturizer
Talk about a triple threat: This moisturizes, calms and rejuvenates the skin. “It contains TriHex Technology, which is a combination of peptides that support the skin’s production of collagen and elastic fibers,” continues dermatologist Allison Arthur, M.D. of why she likes it.
Buy It: $70; alastin.com
Dr. Kenneth Mark Moisture Cure
“Not only is it packed with anti-aging ingredients, including 5 alpha hydroxy acids, state of the art peptide and a hyaluronic acid booster, it also has an amazing rich emollient base consisting of Argan oil, acai, grapeseed, and shea butter,” says dermatologist Kenneth Mark, M.D.. “Your face soaks these ingredients in overnight and you awaken with smoother, rejuvenated skin. Within five to seven days, the difference is dramatic.”
Buy It: $175; kennethmarkmd.com
