The miracle

Each week our experts Dr AAMER KHAN and LESLEY REYNOLDS bring you the latest beauty news and anti-ageing advice

FORGET super serums and skin boosters, the latest must-have for your anti-ageing routine is an overnight “miracle” cream. Designed to mimic the effects of a good night’s sleep, these high-tech balms have been specially formulated to heal and improve skin while you sleep and it is claimed you will wake up looking years younger.

But can these sleep-in-a-jar innovations actually deliver better skin overnight? The beauty industry seems to think so, with brands ranging from top-end designer to the high street launching overnight treatment products to help you make the most of your beauty sleep.

And there is solid scientific research behind this new trend. During sleep, growth hormones are released as skin cells regenerate and undo any damage caused by environmental stresses encountered during the day.

In fact between midnight and 4am your skin is in a constant state of repair. Skin temperature rises when you sleep, allowing these topical treatments to penetrate more effectively than during the day.

We also know from research that inadequate sleep can reduce the skin’s ability to retain water and regenerate, causing premature ageing.

While there is no substitute for a good night’s sleep, if you want to give your anti-ageing routine a boost, read our guide to the best new creams on the market.

WHAT SHOULD YOU LOOK FOR?

The main difference between a day cream and a night cream is the ingredients. Day creams are lighter in texture, hydrate the skin, have anti-ageing benefits and leave a good base for make-up. Night creams on the other hand are designed to work while you sleep, delivering the essentials skin needs to aid healing and regeneration.

Thicker in texture, night creams typically contain nourishing active ingredients that stimulate cell renewal, restore elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

A good night cream should include ingredients such as retinol to reverse photo-ageing, hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid to nourish