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Guys: Looking For A "Downstairs" Numbing Cream? Here's How To Find The Best

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Guys: Looking for a "Downstairs" Numbing Cream? Here's How to Find the Best

If you suffer from early climax (PE), you may have heard that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and topical creams and sprays with lidocaine can help you manage your symptoms.

And while it's comforting that there are PE treatments out there, that can raise questions like: Is lidocaine for ED or is it a early climax cream? And: Can a numbing cream for intimacy really help me last longer?

Below, we've explained how numbing creams for your privates (and other numbing products, like sprays, wipes and condoms) work, compared some of the options and discussed additional early climax treatments so you can find the best one for you. (Learn more about Prevent Early Climax: How to Not Finish Fast.)

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What Is Numbing Cream for Your Privates?

A numbing lube, numbing spray or numbing cream for sensitivity in your privates is a topical anesthetic a man may apply before intimacy.

These products typically contain local anesthetics like lidocaine and benzocaine that reduce nerve activity in your privates, making targeted areas less sensitive to touch.

Lidocaine and benzocaine are also used in dentistry, surgical procedures and for preparing certain areas of the body for the insertion of equipment.

So if you've been to the dentist for a root canal or wisdom tooth removal, there's a good chance they used lidocaine to numb your gums before and during the procedure. And the cough drop you had for your sore throat? It probably had benzocaine.

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How Does Numbing Your Privates Treat Early Climax?

Because sensitivity is one of the most important aspects of stimulation, applying benzocaine or lidocaine on the skin of your privates can have a big impact on your ability to delay climax.

In making certain parts of your privates less sensitive, they help you avoid feeling overstimulated during intimacy so you can last longer in bed.

Studies back this up, showing that lidocaine-prilocaine creams work well for stopping early climax. In a study from 2002, researchers found that a 5% lidocaine-prilocaine cream increased the average pre-climax period by 8.7 minutes (+/- 1.7 minutes) when applied before intimacy.

But don't worry: Over-the-counter treatment options for early climax use a smaller dose of these desensitizing agents than dentists and surgeons do.

While they're trying to completely numb the whole area, numbing creams and sprays for your privates aim to reduce sensitivity levels while keeping intimacy pleasurable for everyone involved. So you'll feel slightly less than you normally would during intimacy or foreplay, but you won't be completely numb. (Learn more about How Do Early Climax Pills Work?.)

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Safety and Side Effects for Numbing Cream for Your Privates

Anesthetics can cause side effects or adverse reactions when overused or applied to skin improperly. Most of the potential side effects of lidocaine and benzocaine treatments are similar to those of other topical anesthetics.

Common side effects of sensitivity creams and sprays for your privates include excessive numbness and skin irritation in the area of application. Some lidocaine topical products can also cause edema — a form of swelling caused by trapped fluid.

They can also cause allergic reactions and drug interactions, including with common medications for high blood pressure, infections, epilepsy, cancer and other conditions.

You may have a higher risk of experiencing issues if you have sensitive skin, or if you have previously experienced side effects from topical anesthetics.

To reduce your risk of experiencing issues while using desensitizing cream or spray for your privates, it's important to inform your healthcare provider about any medications you currently use or have recently used, as well as any relevant health conditions.

It's also important to seek medical attention if you feel any pain, discomfort or have other issues while using numbing cream or spray for your privates.

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Numbing Cream for Your Privates: FAQs

Some of the most common questions about intimacy numbing cream have to do with how long it takes to work and why it might be better than a spray.

Here's what you need to know:

How Long Does Numbing Cream for Your Privates Last?

The numbing effects of a topical cream can last for up to three hours. You may notice that the anesthetic gradually wears off a few hours after the cream is applied to your privates.

How Long Does Lidocaine Take to Work?

Lidocaine cream usually starts to work within a few minutes, although it may take 20 minutes or longer to become fully effective.

In one study, researchers recommended applying lidocaine-prilocaine cream approximately 20 minutes before intimate contact. When used more than 30 minutes before intimacy, lidocaine cream may contribute to excessive numbness and loss of arousal.

What Are the Advantages of Numbing Cream for Your Privates?

The biggest advantage of numbing cream is that, for most men, it works. Applied around 20 to 30 minutes before intimacy, lidocaine-prilocaine cream can increase pre-climax time, letting you and your partner enjoy intimacy for longer.

Lidocaine-prilocaine is also inexpensive and readily available from most pharmacies, making it an easy medication to buy if you have a prescription from your doctor.

What Are the Disadvantages of Numbing Cream for Your Privates?

The biggest disadvantage of numbing cream is that, since it's a cream, it can get messy. After you apply it, you'll need to thoroughly wash your hands to make sure you don't accidentally apply the anesthetic to other parts of your body.

You may also need to rinse it off 20 to 30 minutes after application to avoid transferring the cream to your partner during intimacy.

Basically, you'll want to be near a bathroom if you're using numbing cream to treat early climax.

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What about Numbing Spray for Your Privates?

We've alluded to this throughout our guide, but lidocaine spray works the same way as lidocaine cream — by making your privates less sensitive to touch.

Like lidocaine-prilocaine cream, you can apply it to the glans, or tip, of your privates, as well as the underside of the shaft.

Research shows promising results, with one 2003 study finding that use of a lidocaine-prilocaine spray increased men's average climax latency time (IELT) from 84 seconds to 11 minutes and 21 seconds.

In short, when used properly, lidocaine spray can produce a significant improvement in performance, helping you to avoid early climax and last for as much as six or seven times as long in bed.

And although lidocaine spray does reduce sensitivity in your privates, studies of lidocaine spray show that you might feel a mild numbness in your privates, but that there usually isn't any negative impact on your overall experience.

How Long Does Numbing Spray for Your Privates Last?

Lidocaine spray typically lasts for one to three hours. Like with lidocaine cream and other topical anesthetics, you may feel a gradual increase in your sensitivity in your privates as the effects of lidocaine spray wear off.

How Long Does Numbing Spray for Your Privates Take to Work?

Most research suggests that lidocaine spray takes about 10 to 20 minutes to start working. In one study published in the International Journal of Impotence Research, experts found that a lidocaine 5% spray increased climax time when used 10 to 20 minutes before intimacy.

What Makes Numbing Spray for Your Privates Different from Numbing Cream?

Compared to lidocaine cream, delay sprays with lidocaine tend to be faster-acting and easier to apply. This can make a spray a great option if you need a topical treatment that can be applied quickly before intimacy.

You'll still need to wash your hands after applying lidocaine spray, but the fact that it's a spray instead of a cream-based treatment means cleaning up is usually quicker and easier.

Since most lidocaine sprays come in a metered-dose spray bottle, it's also easier to apply the right dose. You can also adjust your lidocaine spray dosage over time to get the best combination of improved performance and minimal sensitivity loss.

Oh, and unlike many cream-based medications, most lidocaine sprays only contain the local anesthetic lidocaine, without any other topical anesthetics.

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Other Options for Treating Early Climax

Of course, sprays and creams aren't the only early climax treatments out there. You can also use physical techniques before or during intimacy to delay climax, change your habits and lifestyle, and work with a healthcare provider to get prescription medications.

Physical Techniques for Delaying Climax

There are several moves you can try to slow down the process of climax, including the "stop-start" method, which involves stopping movement when you feel climax approaching and then starting again once you feel confident you aren't about to climax, and the "squeeze" technique, which involves gently pressing on the area between the glans and shaft of your privates when you feel close to coming.

Other common tactics that can help you delay climax and increase stamina include having solo-time before intimacy, using diversionary thoughts to avoid reaching orgasm and switching to thicker condoms to reduce sensitivity.

Healthy Habits and Lifestyle Changes

Sometimes, making small changes to your daily lifestyle can help to reduce the severity of PE and improve your intimate function.

For example, research has found that regular physical activity is associated with a lower risk of developing early climax. Certain exercises, such as pelvic floor exercises, may also help to reduce the severity of PE and improve performance during intimate activity.

Our guide to stopping early climax goes into more detail about lifestyle changes you can make to last longer in bed and improve your general intimate function.

Prescription Medications for PE

While there's currently no medication approved by the FDA specifically for treating early climax, several existing medications are used off-label to slow down climax and help with performance.

These include the prescription antidepressants sertraline (the active ingredient in Zoloft) and paroxetine (Paxil).

We offer both sertraline and paroxetine as part of our selection of early climax treatments, following a consultation with a licensed healthcare professional who will determine if a prescription is appropriate.

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Numbing Your Privates and Early Climax: Takeaways

Numbing agents can significantly improve your ability to control climax — a key reason why lidocaine is an active ingredient in our Delay Spray for Men and benzocaine is an active ingredient in our Clockstopper Climax Delay Wipes.

These over-the-counter products, along with over-the-counter early climax cream, work relatively quickly to reduce nerve sensitivity in your privates so you can last longer, have better intimate encounters and improve your intimate health.

Our guide to lidocaine spray as an early climax treatment goes into more detail. You can also learn more about other treatments for early climax in our detailed guide to early climax pills.

This article originally appeared on Hims.Com and was syndicated by MediaFeed.Org.

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The Best Night Creams We Tested, Including CeraVe, Olay, And, Yes, Even Brad Pitt's Skincare Brand

Evenings are prime time for upgrading our skincare regimen. "Our skin follows a circadian rhythm — it relies on the nighttime hours to recover and repair," says Dr. Deanne Mraz Robinson, board-certified dermatologist and president and co-founder of Modern Dermatology in Westport, Connecticut. We can capitalize on our bodies' natural recovery process by opting for products specially formulated to support skin rejuvenation. 

Night creams are designed differently than typical day moisturizers with SPF, featuring formulas and ingredients intended for repair, including peptides, ceramides, humectants, and emollients which are essential for maintaining a healthy skin barrier. 

Experts Say

While our skin uses nighttime for restoration, it also loses water while we sleep, so a nighttime moisturizer can help "reduce trans-epidermal water loss and enhance skin hydration," says Dr. Azadeh Shirazi, a board-certified dermatologist specializing in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology. Dr. Shirazi says in addition to reversing natural nighttime water loss, night creams can also help support the skin's regeneration process.

To find the best night creams, PEOPLE tested 20 popular formulas and used them every night for eight weeks. We considered ingredients like antioxidants and retinol, their hydrating properties, and their effectiveness for a variety of skin types. We took notes and photos to help document our findings before narrowing it down to the top 11 night creams that truly deliver.

Star Qualities Thick and creamy texture feels luxurious not greasy Layers well without feeling too heavy Unscented and gentle on the skin, making it great for sensitive skin types

Although a drugstore product, CeraVe's Skin Renewing Night Cream delivers a luxurious formula that impressed from the first use. When testing this night cream, we loved the thick and creamy texture that didn't leave us feeling greasy. This formula layers well with other skincare products and will fit well into any nighttime routine. It's ultra-nourishing with potent ingredients, including peptides to revive tired skin, ceramides to keep the skin's moisture barrier balanced, hyaluronic acid to draw and lock in moisture to the complexion, and niacinamide which provides an overall calming effect to the skin. 

In addition to these ingredient benefits, the CeraVe night cream is also non-comedogenic (so it won't clog pores) and is compatible with acne-prone skin. Because it doesn't have a scent, it's gentle enough for sensitive skin, too. Make sure to wait a minute or so for the cream to absorb into the skin, especially right before bedtime.

Size: 1.7 ouncesStar Ingredients: Peptides, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, niacinamideSkin Type: All skin types

Star Qualities

Quick-absorbing formula

Hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and allantoin

Easy-to-use, hygienic pump.

Another night cream formula that impressed us throughout the testing period is the Differin Restorative Night Moisturizer, which is a fraction of the cost of similar products. The formula feels ultra-luxurious, despite its packaging. We also appreciated the pump-style dispenser, which is easy to use and more hygienic than a tub.

After testing this budget-friendly night cream, we were most impressed by how quickly it absorbed into the skin without leaving behind a streak of grease. The formula contains an abundance of lightweight hydrating ingredients, including hyaluronic acid (which draws moisture to the complexion) and allantoin. It also features ceramides, which are important for overall skin health and can keep the skin's natural moisture barrier in a more balanced state. 

Size: 2.5 ouncesStar Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, allantoin, ceramidesSkin Type: Dry, combination

Star Qualities

Thick and creamy texture feels expensive and leaves the skin soft

Anti-aging formula with pro-retinol for targeting fine lines and wrinkles

Enhanced with Centella Asiatica, which protects the skin's moisture barrier

Drugstores are filled with night creams and other anti-aging products but we'd choose L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Anti-Wrinkle + Firming Night Cream over and over again. While testing this product, we were most impressed by its anti-aging formula, which includes pro-retinol to target and diminish the look of fine lines and wrinkles. Keep in mind that some are sensitive to retinol, so this product might cause irritation and not work for everyone. Additionally, the cream is enhanced with Centella Asiatica, which is a plant-based ingredient that protects the skin's moisture barrier and provides deep hydration, which we certainly noticed. 

Make sure to give the cream a few minutes to fully absorb before hitting the pillow. Throughout the testing period, we woke up in the mornings with skin that looked and felt a lot more hydrated than we typically experience, which was a major plus. On top of that, our skin looked more supple and felt a lot softer, too. 

Size: 1.7 ouncesStar Ingredients: Centella asiatica, pro-retinolSkin Type: Mature, dry, combination

For those prioritizing hydration or looking for an eczema-friendly cream, we love the First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration, which is enriched with colloidal oatmeal for its softening and soothing properties and is gentle enough for dry and sensitive skin types (including those with eczema). While testing this product, one of the things we first noticed was how light and airy the formula felt and how it provided our skin with a cooling effect upon application. The formula also absorbs into the skin quickly and a little goes a long way to achieve a plumper and more rejuvenated look. 

After several weeks of testing, we noticed significant changes in the overall balance of our skin, too, which usually is a combination of dry and oily. This product left our skin feeling refreshed and well-nourished without wreaking havoc on the oily parts of our complexion. Our only complaint is that it has a light baby powder-like scent that we didn't love, but some might enjoy it. 

Size: 2, 6, 8, 14 ouncesStar Ingredients: Colloidal oatmealSkin Type: Dry, sensitive

Star Qualities

Thick texture isn't oily or heavy

Lightweight, effective hydration

Formulated with amino peptides, which support collagen production

Provides light exfoliation to promote better cellular turnover

When shopping for a night cream for combination skin, you want something that feels hydrating without leaving you feeling greasy. Enter: Olay Regenerist Night, which, after testing for several weeks, we highly recommend for those who experience both dry and oily skin. Despite its thick and creamy texture, this night cream doesn't feel super heavy and doesn't leave an oily finish.

We love it because its lightweight hydration provides enough moisture to the dry parts of our face while also lightly hydrating the more oily parts without wreaking havoc. The night cream also moonlights as an impressive anti-aging cream because it has light exfoliation to promote better cellular turnover and it's formulated with amino peptides for collagen production support and niacinamide for a balanced moisture barrier. Note that while this cream is listed as fragrance-free, we noticed a slightly fresh and clean scent.

Size: 1.7 ouncesStar Ingredients: Niacinamide, amino-peptideSkin Type: Dry, oily, combination, mature

Star Qualities

Low-strength retinol concentration can be used more often

Increased skin radiance with regular use

Thick and smooth consistency perfect for cold weather skincare routines

Retinol is a potent anti-aging ingredient that, despite being highly recommended, isn't always ideal in a night cream since it can cause irritation with regular use. This is why we love the Paula's Choice Resist Intensive Repair Cream, which is formulated with a super-low retinol concentration, so many skin types can tolerate using it regularly. 

We were impressed by this night cream because despite its low retinol concentration, it delivered noticeable results during testing. We saw a change in our complexion after just a week of using this product. Our skin had a brighter and more radiant glow. In addition to its glow factor, we love the thick and smooth consistency, which feels nourishing in the winter months but isn't too heavy during the summertime (especially for those who are sleeping with the air conditioner on). Those looking for a night cream with a higher concentration of retinol may want to consider a different option such as an OTC retinol product.

Size: 1.7 ouncesStar Ingredients: Retinol, peptide, antioxidantsSkin Type: Mature, dry

Star Qualities

Formula features nourishing vitamin E and hyaluronic acid

Layers really well on top of other skincare products

Fragrance-free and won't irritate sensitive skin

Amongst several formulas, Cetaphil's Rich Hydrating Cream proved the best night cream for sensitive skin. Not only is this formula fragrance-free, it also features deeply nourishing vitamin E and hydrating hyaluronic acid. The addition of vitamin C is a plus for illuminating and brightening the complexion. In addition, it's lovely, creamy consistency layers well on top of other skincare products, while absorbing completely.

During testing, this cream worked hydration magic overnight. When we woke up in the morning, our skin felt well-nourished and moisturized. Your skin will thank you especially in the winter months. It's important to note that this night cream is specifically formulated for dry to very dry skin types, so those with oily or acne-prone skin might prefer a moisturizer for oily skin or a moisturizer specifically for acne-prone skin.

Size: 1.7 ouncesStar Ingredients: Vitamin C, vitamin E, hyaluronic acidSkin Type: Sensitive, dry

People / Sukhman Rekhi

Star Qualities

Rich and creamy consistency spreads nicely across the complexion

A little bit goes a long way

Softens dry, unevenly textured skin after just a few weeks of regular use

Those who experience uneven texture in their complexion will love how the Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Dream Face Cream leaves skin smooth and glowing. You'll only need a small amount of this night cream, which is formulated with rich shea butter and creates a creamy consistency that spreads easily across the complexion and absorbs evenly into the skin. In addition to shea butter, the formula also features healing vitamin E, which protects the skin from environmental aggressors like pollution. When combined, these ingredients help soften dry and unevenly textured skin with regular use. 

This Fresh night cream is also rich in antioxidants, such as super lotus, which hydrates and protects the skin and leaves it more radiant. It includes peach leaf extract to boost nighttime recovery while you sleep. You'll wake up to luxuriously hydrated skin in the morning (although it may not be ideal for oily skin types). We wish this cream came in a pump instead of a jar for a more hygienic and precise application.

Size: 1.6 ouncesStar Ingredients: Super lotus, shea butter, vitamin E, peach leaf extractSkin Type: Mature, dry, combination

Star Qualities

Hydrating, nourishing ingredients help balance the skin's moisture barrier and soften complexion

Features bakuchiol, a retinol alternative that is sun safe and more compatible with sensitive skin types

Silky, creamy, and buttery consistency that is easy to apply

Our top pick for a radiance-boosting night cream is The Outset's Restorative Niacinamide Cream, which in addition to featuring balancing niacinamide, also contains softening evening primrose oil and the brand's Hyaluroset Complex, which is a hyaluronic acid alternative that plumps the skin. It has a silky, creamy, and buttery consistency that is easy to apply. It took longer to completely absorb into the skin compared to other formulas we tested, but the difference wasn't a deal-breaker. The few extra moments are worth it.

This night cream also features bakuchiol, which is a retinol alternative that is much more gentle on the skin and doesn't cause sun sensitivity. According to research, bakuchiol is just as effective as retinol at providing anti-aging benefits, including boosting the complexion. For hygienic reasons, we wish this product was available in a pump-type dispenser as opposed to a jar, but understand that not everyone may share that opinion.

Size: 1.7 ouncesStar Ingredients: Niacinamide, bakuchiol, evening primrose oil, licorice extract, HyalurosetSkin Type: Mature, dry, combination, sensitive

Ursa Major's Recovery Cream is our top pick to soothe dry, irritated skin. Whether after a day in the sun or facing harsh winds, this deeply hydrating, plant-based night cream saved our skin overnight. It's thick, creamy formula features sea buckthorn to strengthen the moisture barrier and calendula to calm any irritation. This cream prioritizes natural ingredients like sandalwood, rose, and black currant over chemical ones for a gentler formula. It's rich in vitamins A, C, and E as well as essential fatty acids, and we noticed a difference in our skin's texture with consistent use.

This cream is a favorite of PEOPLE associate editorial director, Erin Johnson, who says, "Even though I sample skincare products all the time, this is one of those that I continue to come back to because no matter what condition my skin is in I always find relief with this product." We love the light, fresh scent and gender neutral packaging that makes a great option for nearly everyone. This formula is rich enough for a night cream but light enough for anyone needing a more nourishing and soothing daytime moisturizer. 

Size: 1.57 ouncesStar Ingredients: Sea buckthorn, calendula, black currant, sunflower, sandalwood, roseSkin Type: Dry, sensitive, irritated

Star Qualities

Lightweight texture absorbs quickly

Features patented anti-aging ingredients you can't get in any other formula

Noticeable results after each use

If it works for Brad Pitt, it works for us. "Le Domaine is Brad Pitt's skincare line, and he definitely looks like he drinks from the fountain of youth, so I believe in this anti-aging face cream," says Johnson of this innovative, new French skincare product. Celeb-endorsement aside, Johnson continues that "this night cream is hydrating without veering into greasy, and I swear my skin looks tighter and feels more taut after each use." Le Creme Fluide features the patented ingredients GSM10 ®, an antioxidant, and PROGR3 ®, for anti-aging, that delivered noticeable results for us. Other reliable ingredients like niacinamide and grape water help this luxury cream pack a powerful punch.

Using this cream is an opulent experience; not to mention it comes in gorgeous and sustainable packaging. It's the most expensive of our top picks by far, but a little goes a long way with this product. The lightweight texture is great for normal to combination skin. It can even double as a daytime moisturizer and it works great under makeup. If you have very dry skin you might want to look elsewhere for a richer, thicker cream, but as best night creams for aging skin goes, this has earned a spot on our vanities.

Size: 1.7 ouncesStar Ingredients: GSM10 ®, PROGR3 ®, grape water, niacinamideSkin Type: Mature, normal, combination

People / Erin Johnson

What to Know About Night Creams Hydrating Ingredients Are Key Good ingredients are necessary in any beauty product whether it's a niacinamide serum, a color corrective cream, or some other product. "It's important to look for humectants, emollients, and occlusives in night creams to boost skin hydration and reduce trans-epidermal water loss," says Dr. Shirazi. "Along with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and colloidal oatmeal, look for products designed to support the skin barrier with ingredients like ceramides, niacinamide, and allantoin." Our top pick for the best night cream overall is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which includes hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and niacinamide. Antioxidants  According to Dr. Shirazi, antioxidants are another important ingredient to consider when shopping for the best night creams because they "help reduce oxidative damage to repair the skin overnight." She recommends looking out for antioxidants like resveratrol, vitamin E, vitamin C, and green tea for their potent antioxidant makeup. Dr. ​​Mraz Robinson also recommends antioxidants, especially vitamin C, which she calls a "hero" skincare ingredient. "It is protective when used during day time, but at night time it can work with your skin's circadian rhythm to repair cellular damage, encourage collagen synthesis, and help to reverse hyperpigmentation," she explains. For a night cream with vitamin C as the star ingredient, consider the Cetaphil Rich Hydrating Cream. Retinol "Retinols help to increase the rate at which our cells turnover and regenerate," says Dr. ​​Mraz Robinson. Retinol is best used at night because it can increase skin's sun sensitivity. For a retinol-infused night cream, we love Paula's Choice RESIST Intensive Repair Cream, which is our top pick for the best night cream with retinol.  If your skin is sensitive to retinol or you don't want to deal with sun sensitivity concerns, a night cream formulated with bakuchiol is an excellent choice. The retinol alternative is a plant-derived ingredient that studies show has very similar benefits to retinol without the repercussions. For a night cream with bakuchiol, consider our top pick for the best brightening night cream, The Outset's Restorative Niacinamide Night Cream, which includes the retinol alternative as well as other effective ingredients like niacinamide and evening primrose oil. Skin Type Is Important In addition to ingredients, Dr. Jeannette Graf, a board-certified dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, says to also consider the formula as a whole and how it corresponds with your skin type, especially if you have more oily or blemish-prone skin. "If you have oily or acne-prone skin, look for products that are lighter in consistency," she explains. Products marked as non-comedogenic are also excellent for those with oily or acne-prone complexions since they won't clog pores. How We Tested Night Creams To find the best night creams, we researched dozens of formulas for a myriad of purposes, including hydrating, firming, and anti-aging options. After narrowing down the list to 20 popular night creams, we conducted real-world testing on our top picks for eight weeks to get a good idea of the overall performance and whether or not they lived up to the claims. Feel and Absorption: We noted the texture and feel of the creams, including how quickly they absorbed into our skin. We made note of how well they moisturized, as well as if they left a greasy residue behind. Dispenser: The dispenser of the cream, whether it is a jar or pump, is important as well. We looked at how easily the pump worked or if the jar came with an applicator to keep the lotion fresh. Effectiveness: We took progress photos to note how effective the product worked. Did it smooth fine lines and wrinkles? Did it plump skin? Help moisturize dry patches? We compared photos to see which product truly delivered. At the end of the eight weeks, the night creams with the highest average ratings across all attributes earned a spot on this PEOPLE Tested list. People / Jasmine Hyman Frequently Asked Questions Dr. Mraz Robinson says yes, night creams really do work. However, there are some things to consider to find a night cream that gets the job done. "The key is finding the right formulation for your skin's needs," she explains, noting that acne-prone and dry skin types will need different formulas for an effective night cream. "It's common to switch things up seasonally, too," she adds, noting that a heavier, lipid-based cream is best for the winter, while a lighter hyaluronic acid-based night cream is a good summer formula. The Differin Restorative Night Moisturizer is an excellent choice for a summer night cream because it has more of a gel-cream consistency and is formulated with hyaluronic acid.

In the case of night cream vs. Moisturizer, Dr. Graf says they are both considered moisturizers; however, night creams are "generally thicker in consistency and meant for locking in moisture while you sleep, while moisturizers tend to be lighter in consistency for daily use." Regardless, look for nourishing ingredients when shopping for both face moisturizers and night creams.

For an anti-aging night cream, consider a formula with retinol since the potent ingredient can help target fine lines and wrinkles, like Paula's Choice Resist Intensive Repair Cream with Retinol. In addition to retinol, it also includes peptides and antioxidants that are beneficial for mature skin types. We also recommend the First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Firming Collagen Cream, which is specifically formulated to support collagen production and create a more firm and supple-looking complexion.

After researching and testing dozens of formulas, our list contains the best night creams across a variety of categories. However, two stood out the most to us — the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream and Differin Restorative Night Moisturizer. Both moisturizers are relatively inexpensive and contain some of the best skincare ingredients for supporting natural cellular turnover and promoting deep, lasting hydration.

Why Trust PEOPLE? Jessie Quinn is a contributing commerce writer for PEOPLE and has written for publications such as Byrdie, InStyle, The Spruce, NYLON, and more. With over a decade of beauty writing under her belt, Jessie is no stranger to the importance of night creams in a beauty regimen. She also has super dry skin and has spent lots of time testing and trying formulas to find ones that perform well for her complexion. She also thoroughly researched and reviewed each product and the insights provided by the PEOPLE Tested team to draft a story that helps readers navigate the vast world of night creams and arms them with the knowledge they need to find the best formula for their complexion. L.A Hubilla is a freelance commerce writer for PEOPLE who specializes in fashion, beauty, and lifestyle content. She also regularly tests products for multiple digital outlets, including InStyle and Byrdie. Meet Our Experts Dr. Deanne Mraz Robinson is a cosmetic fellowship-trained, board-certified dermatologist. Dr. Azadeh Shirazi is a board-certified dermatologist specializing in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology.  Dr. Jeannette Graf is a board-certified dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine. What Is PEOPLE Tested? We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs. But we don't stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we've awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square. In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.

The 13 Best Drugstore Eye Creams, Ranked By Dermatologists

While many of the ingredients in the best eye creams are also found in other skincare staples, eye creams contain lower concentrations of them, making them safer for sensitive skin. Lolis adds that eye creams also use highly targeted ingredients (such as peptides, hyaluronic acid, caffeine, and vitamins) specifically chosen to treat dark circles, fine lines, and more.

Caffeine

One of the most common ingredients in eye creams is caffeine. "Caffeine is an antioxidant, so it helps to provide defense against free radicals that hasten the skin aging process," Turner says. It also helps promote circulation and temporarily constrict blood vessels, reducing the appearance of dark circles and puffiness caused by fluids pooling in the tear troughs."

Vitamin C

Another common eye cream ingredient is vitamin C, one of the most powerful antioxidants used in skincare. It not only defends the skin against free radical damage but also promotes collagen production (for firming and smoothing) and inhibits tyrosinase, preventing hyperpigmentation and brightening the skin.

Hyaluronic Acid

Finally, hyaluronic acid is ideal for under-eye treatments because it helps draw water into the skin to keep it plump and hydrated. "This can be especially valuable under the eyes, where the skin is so thin. Plumping it up with hyaluronic acid can really improve the appearance of fine lines," Turner says.

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