Night cream – regeneration and cell protection during sleep

Night cream is an essential part of your skincare routine. It supports the skin's natural regeneration, which is significantly more active at night than during the day. During sleep, cell division increases, microcirculation improves, and the skin's ability to absorb active ingredients is particularly high. Night creams are therefore formulated with richer ingredients and specifically designed to repair and strengthen the skin barrier.

What happens to the skin overnight?

Between 11 pm and 4 am, the skin reaches its highest regenerative activity. According to a study in the Journal of Invest Dermatology (2023), DNA repair activity doubles during this phase, while sebum production decreases ( Rosi F et al., 2023 ). Targeted nighttime skincare supports these processes with moisturizing and antioxidant components.

Typical ingredients of night creams

• Hyaluronic acid: binds moisture and visibly plumps up the skin.
• Ceramides & Squalane: strengthen the lipid barrier and reduce transepidermal water loss.
• Niacinamide & Panthenol: have anti-inflammatory and regenerative effects.
• Antioxidants (Vitamin E, Coenzyme Q10): protect against oxidative stress caused by free radicals.
• Peptides & amino acids: promote collagen synthesis and cell repair.

Scientific evidence

A randomized study published in Clinical Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology (2024) showed that nighttime application of a peptide-hyaluronic acid formula improved skin elasticity by 21% after 8 weeks ( Singh N et al., 2024 ). The moisture content of the stratum corneum was also significantly increased, highlighting the link between regeneration and hydration.

Formulation characteristics

Night creams are usually water-in-oil emulsions . This structure forms a protective film that reduces water evaporation and locks in lipids. Modern formulations increasingly forgo silicones or paraffins and rely on natural fats, such as jojoba, argan, or grapeseed oil, which are similar to the skin's natural composition.

Regeneration with NATURFACTOR®

NATURFACTOR®'s Blue Crystal Drops facial oil can be used as a nighttime skincare alternative or in combination with a night cream. The bioactive phytosterols and vitamin C derivatives promote regeneration, improve elasticity, and protect against lipid peroxidation. Additionally, the Porcelain Skin Serum, with its Bioactive Infusion Complex™, supports cell repair and firms the skin structure.

Application

Night cream is applied in a thin layer after cleansing and serum. It's important not to over-moisturize the skin – too thick a layer of lipids can hinder the skin's ability to breathe. An additional massage stimulates blood circulation and promotes the absorption of active ingredients.

Mistakes in nighttime care

• Textures that are too rich for oily or acne-prone skin
• Use of day creams with sun protection – these are unsuitable for night care.
• Insufficient cleaning before application

Conclusion

Night creams support the skin's natural regeneration with targeted active ingredients that work during the rest phase. Combined with products like the Porcelain Skin Serum and the Blue Crystal Drops, they create an effective night care routine that combines moisture, firming, and protection – for visibly refreshed, revitalized skin in the morning.

Sources

1. Rosi F et al. (2023): Circadian Rhythm and Nocturnal DNA Repair – J Invest Dermatol 143(9)
2. Singh N et al. (2024): Effects of Peptide-Hyaluron Formulation on Skin Elasticity – Clin Cosmet Invest Dermatol 17
3. Matts PJ et al. (2023): Night Skin Barrier Dynamics and Moisturization – J Am Acad Dermatol 89(6)
4. Schild J (2024): Role of Ceramides in Nocturnal Barrier Recovery – Int J Cosmet Sci 46(1)

Tags: night cream, regeneration, porcelain skin serum, blue crystal drops, nighttime care, skin barrier