I'm In My 20s, Do I Really Need a Night Cream?

Night cream is an essential part of a skincare regimen. As the term implies, it is a product made for evening use, ideally before going to bed. Usually, it contains resurfacing ingredients that work while you sleep, aiding in cellular regeneration to smooth and soften the skin. Although commonly categorized as “anti-aging” products, it is for all ages.

You can start using night cream as early as your 20s. If exfoliation and aging skin are not your priority, you may opt for other formulas that highlight hydration or brightening. Scroll down to find out more.

Your skin begins to show signs of early aging in your 20s. While it can still be supple and radiant at this stage, you’ll never be as young as you are now, as the saying goes. Your skin’s cell turnover decreases during this period and produces less collagen – 1% less each year.

During this age, you could be traveling a lot and sleeping late because of school, work, or parties. These habits can take a toll on your skin. Being out in the sun a lot can lead to sun damage if you don’t use enough sunscreen. Those late post-drinking nights could also mean you consume lots of alcohol and greasy, fried food, which can trigger breakouts.

The first signs of skin aging from these activities may not be evident until your 30s, when dark spots and fine lines may appear. And because what you do (or don’t do) to your skin will be evident later in life, your 20s should be all about prevention. Focus your skincare routine on the following: exfoliation, hydration, and sun protection, aside from acne prevention and skin repair.

A proactive attitude is ideal when it comes to skin care. Don’t wait until you see your first wrinkle before scrambling for a night cream. It is best to start early so you don’t have to worry about issues such as age spots, sagging, wrinkling, and dryness.

Thicker than day creams and moisturizers, night cream is like recovery food for your skin. It restores moisture and hydration while delivering active ingredients that target specific skin issues. Some night creams even address several at once.

While you can use regular moisturizer or day cream at night, it won’t give you the full range of benefits that night cream can. Some products can also contain ingredients that cause breakouts from prolonged wear. Use a night cream or products specifically for nighttime use if you want to see the difference in your skin. However, it comes down to what your skin responds to best. Go with whatever works for you.

You probably know by now that skin care is not a one-size-fits-all affair, anti-aging products included. Ultimately, your products must be attuned to your skin type and needs.

In your 20s, that could mean you still produce a fair amount of oil in your skin. As oil production decreases when you get older, products that intend to smooth out wrinkles may be too heavy on the complexion of a young adult. The richer, creamier formula of a usual anti-aging cream could be occlusive on a 20-something’s skin, leading to breakouts. 

As mentioned above, choose a night cream that is suitable for younger skin or your specific needs. Look for powerhouse ingredients such as vitamin C, B3, and E. Antioxidant vitamin C helps the production of collagen and protects against photoaging. 

Vitamin B3, also known as niacinamide, regulates cell metabolism and regeneration, and brightens the skin. Finally, vitamin E has anti-inflammatory properties and helps the skin retain more moisture. Retinol can also help renew your skin, but avoid using it at the same time as vitamin C.

As for moisturizing agents, opt for hydrating, water-based ingredients such as hyaluronic acid. These products are usually present in products that replenish your skin’s moisture and protect and maintain your skin barrier.

Other products to look into are serums that you can use before your night cream. Protect and brighten your skin with POND'S Bright Miracle Night Serum with niacinamide. It helps inhibit melanin formation and stimulates skin renewal at night.

Your mid-20s are also a good time to start using an appropriate eye cream. POND'S Age Miracle Eye Cream visibly reduces the look of dark circles and fine lines. It is infused with niacinamide, prebiotic complex, and blur technology for a brighter and smoother undereye area. Pair it with POND'S Age Miracle Anti-Aging Night Cream, which has 15x Retinol C to boost collagen production while you sleep.

Prevention is key in your 20s, and the right product for your age and skin needs can help maintain a bright and smooth complexion. A night cream might just be the thing that helps you maintain your glow. Consult your dermatologist on ingredients that can work for you.