First things first: is a day cream different to a moisturiser? Dr Sophie Shotter, aesthetic doctor and medical director at Illuminate Skin Clinic, explains: “A moisturiser is a generic term for a cream that gives the skin moisture. Both day creams and night creams can give these properties, although often some of the heavier moisturising ingredients (like lipids and ceramides) are a better choice in a night cream. Day creams are usually lightweight and sit better underneath make-up.”
A key ingredient to look for in an anti-ageing day cream specifically is hyaluronic acid, which, according to Dr Shotter, is a lightweight moisturising powerhouse that will make the skin feel nourished, plump fine lines and wrinkles and give the skin a glow.
Another is antioxidants, which give the skin an extra layer of protection from the elements while also helping to control any pigmentation caused by sun exposure.
There are also things that are better left out: “Avoid ingredients like retinol and AHAs as they can make you more sun sensitive. These are best reserved for nighttime,” she says.
It’s important to note that some day creams contain SPF and some don’t. A minimum of SPF 30 is recommended, along with UVA protection, so it’s best to check and use a separate SPF product if necessary.
With all this in mind, we’ve been on the hunt for the top-performing face creams to add to your skincare arsenal. You can thank us later.
The best anti-ageing day creams for 2023 are:
- Best for an anti-ageing day cream – Willowberry nutrient boost day cream: £27.99, Willowberry.co.uk
- Best for added SPF – Elemis pro-collagen marine cream SPF 30: £89, Elemis.com
- Best for improving texture – Estée Lauder revitalizing supreme+ global anti-ageing cell power creme: £77, Boots.com
- Best for over 50s – Ark Skincare age defy nourishing moisturiser: £38, Arkskincare.com
- Best for mature skin – Venn vitamin B activated all-in-one concentrate: £155, Spacenk.com
- Best for men – L’Oréal Paris revitalift laser renew advanced anti-ageing care SPF 20: £28, Feelunique.com
- Best for oily or combination skin – Olay Regenerist collagen peptide 24: £38, Boots.com
- Best for even skintone – Balance Me intensive wrinkle repair cream: £26.40, Balanceme.com
- Best for dry skin – Drunk Elephant lala retro whipped cream: £52, Cultbeauty.co.uk
- Best for sensitive skin – Ameliorate replenishing facial cream: £16.80, Ameliorate.com
- Best for underneath make-up – Espa tri-active lift and firm moisturiser: £42.50, Espaskincare.com
- Best for dehydrated skin – Monat be gentle nourishing moisturiser: £70, Monatglobal.com