Derms Share 10 Nighttime Moisturizers For Every Skin Type (From $12)

Fact: your skin does the most when you do the least, AKA sleep. After a day filled with makeup, environmental aggressors, stress, and perhaps a little dehydration (we see you, happy hour), there’s no one more excited to wipe the day away and get to work repairing and regenerating than your skin cells. And when it comes to hydration – a crucial necessity for happy, healthy skin – nighttime moisturizers are a must.

“When choosing products to incorporate into your skincare routine, the first consideration should be your skin type,” explains NYC-based cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Michele Green. “Using a nighttime moisturizer that caters to your specific skin needs will help you achieve and maintain a beautiful, radiant complexion.

How to Choose the Right Nighttime Moisturizer for Your Skin

A cheat sheet by Dr. Green:

‘Normal’ Skin: If you have what is typically referred to as ‘normal skin,’ you’ll find that the skin is not too dry or oily and isn’t sensitive. Normal skin generally has a balanced pH, produces an appropriate amount of sebum, and is blemish-free. For normal skin types, a lightweight, hydrating moisturizer will keep your skin refreshed and healthy without disturbing the skin’s natural balance.

Oily/Blemish-Prone Skin: Oily skin is characterized by enlarged pores and a shiny, greasy appearance. Moisturizer for oily skin should be non-comedogenic, meaning that it should not clog the pores.

It’s also common for those with oily skin to suffer from acne breakouts. Pimples are formed when sebum and oil become trapped in the sebaceous glands of the skin. Trying to fight acne that accompanies oily skin can be frustrating, but using a mattifying or oil-blotting moisturizer is a great way to hydrate oily skin while controlling excess oil production.

Dry Skin: Dry skin tends to be rough in texture and is often flaky. Dry skin can feel tight and seasonal changes may exacerbate flaking and tightness. A moisturizer with a thick, creamy texture will deliver the hydration and nourishment needed to help dry skin feel and look best.

Combo Skin: Having combination skin means that in some areas, the skin is oily, and in some areas, it’s dry. Combination skin is commonly oily in the T-zone area and dry on the cheeks. It can be a challenge to find a moisturizer that delivers both deep hydration and oil control to cater to all of the needs of combination skin.

Sensitive skin: Sensitive types are prone to contact dermatitis and are reactive to harsh products and environmental triggers. Sensitive skin would benefit most from a gentle moisturizer, with minimal ingredients, that can help serve as a barrier for the skin and protect it from potential irritants.

Oily or Blemish-Prone Skin

Simple Skin Care Water Boost Hydrating Gel Cream, $9

Source: Simple

NYC dermatologist Dr. Joshua Zeichner recommends this gel-cream to anyone with oily skin since it’s ultralight. “This moisturizer helps restore skin hydration without weighing you down or leaving you feeling greasy,” he says.

Cerave Moisturizing Cream, $15

Source: CeraVe

According to NYC dermatologist Dr. Hadley King, Cerave’s moisturizer is perfect for dry, acne-prone skin because it contains hyaluronic acid (a powerful humectant for hydrating the skin), as well as ceramides to lock in moisture and protect the skin barrier,” she says. Another bonus? It’s non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog pores.

Dry Skin

PCA Skin Hyaluronic Acid Overnight Mask, $69

Source: PCA Skin

If you can’t get your face to feel quenched no matter how many times you apply serums and moisturizers throughout the day, try this hyaluronic acid overnight mask to speed up your cell renewal process and deeply nourish. Phoenix-based Dr. Cynthia Price swears by it for reducing redness (thank you, niacinamide) while increasing moisture retention.

Rodan + Fields Redefine Overnight Restorative Cream, $90

Source: Rodan + Fields

If you’re looking for a retinol alternative, consider this texture refining night cream. “It’s a great option for people who have dry skin, plus it contains soothing niacinamide and bakuchiol to strengthen the foundation of the skin and improve the appearance of wrinkles,” says Zeichner.

Combo Skin

Skinceuticals Daily Moisturizer, $60

Source: SkinCeuticals

“A gentle and balanced moisturizer, like Skinceuticals Daily Moisturizer, will treat both dryness and excess oil, leaving the skin hydrated and replenished without stickiness or shine,” says Dr. Green.

Sensitive Skin

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream, $38

Source: First Aid

If you’re on the sensitive side, Jennifer Kennedy, RN at PFRANKMD, recommends FAB’s Ultra Repair Cream. “I love this product for sensitive or eczema-prone skin since it contains shea butter to hydrate, allantoin for gentle exfoliation, and colloidal oatmeal to soothe irritated, sensitive skin,” she explains.

Avene Skin Recovery Cream, $35

Source: Avene

“Great for sensitive skin, this cream is formulated with squalane and thermal spring water, providing a soothing and healing effect while keeping the skin hydrated and soft,” says Dr. Green.

Normal Skin

Hannacure Nano Emulsion, $47

Source: Hanacure

Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michelle Henry is a big-time fan of this mighty moisturizer (as are we) since it acts like 10+ creams and serums in one. Packed with a potent blend of peptides, squalane, and “Ruby Of The Forest” mushroom extract, one application instantly rejuvenates a dull complexion and delivers mega hydration at the same time.

FaceGym Supreme Restructure Firming EGF Collagen Boosting Cream, $120

Source: FaceGym

FaceGym founder Inge Theron relies on this collagen-charged miracle cream to sculpt, lift, and tone the skin, but we’re also giving it high marks for moisture retention. A vegan ceramide complex reinforces the skin’s strength, reducing sensitivity and locking in moisture. It also feels hella nourishing and luxe.

Tata Harper Skincare Crème Riche Anti-Aging Night Cream, $210

Source: Tata Harper

There’s nothing more decadent than slathering this super-rich cream on, pre-slumber. Natural antioxidants – along with essential fatty acids and vitamin F – promote taut AF skin that’s soft and bouncy to the touch. Tata’s tip: Before applying, activate the sugars by massaging the product in your hands until it transforms into a white velvet cream, then apply to your face and neck.

For more skincare tips, check out how to layer your skincare like a pro.