1. Purpose

This policy provides clear, evidence-informed guidance for the safe and appropriate use of non-prescription, cosmetic-class night renewal / repair creams used on the face to support hydration, comfort and smoother-looking skin.^{1 2}

It is designed to help the clinic give consistent advice while remaining compliant with Australian cosmetic and advertising requirements and avoiding therapeutic or disease-treatment claims.^{1 3}

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• Non-prescription, over-the-counter, cosmetic-class night creams used on facial skin.^{2 4}
• Product discussion, recommendations and education provided within the cosmetic clinic setting.¹

This policy does not cover:

• Prescription medicines or prescription-only retinoids.²
• Medicated dermatology products or treatment of diagnosed skin disease.^{3 5}
• Products intended for hands, feet, body or scalp.⁴

All information relates to cosmetic skin care only and does not replace medical advice or prescribed treatment.^{1 3}

3. Product Description

For this policy, “night renewal / repair creams” means:

• Richer, more emollient moisturiser-type creams designed for overnight use.^{6 7}
• Cosmetic-class products, not medicines, working mainly on the outer layers of the skin.^{2 4}
• Non-prescription, over-the-counter products used to support skin comfort and appearance.²

Common ingredient groups include:

• Peptides – support the appearance of firmness and smoother texture.^{6 8}
• Antioxidants – help soften the look of dull or “tired” skin after daily environmental exposure.^{6 8}
• Ceramides, cholesterol and fatty acids – help support and maintain the skin barrier, reducing feelings of dryness and tightness.^{6 7}
• Humectants such as glycerin or hyaluronic acid – draw and hold water in the outer skin layers for improved comfort.^{6 7}
• Emollients and occlusives – reduce overnight water loss so the skin feels more supple and comfortable by morning.^{6 7}
• These products are positioned as moisturisers / cosmeceutical-style creams, not as treatment for diagnosed skin disease.^{2 3}

4. Mechanism (Explained Simply)

• The rich cream base reduces transepidermal water loss overnight, helping the skin feel less dry and tight.^{6 7}
• Humectants increase water content in the outer layers of the skin, improving softness and flexibility.^{6 7}
• Barrier lipids (ceramides, fatty acids, cholesterol) help restore and support barrier function, which improves comfort and tolerance to daily exposure.⁶
• Peptides and antioxidants support a smoother, more even and less dull appearance over time.^{6 8}

All described effects relate to comfort and appearance, consistent with cosmetic rather than therapeutic claims.^{1 2}

5. Indications (When They Are Appropriate)

Night renewal / repair creams are appropriate when patients seek cosmetic improvement in facial skin comfort and appearance, for example:

• Skin feels dry, tight or rough, particularly after cleansing or in cold, dry or windy weather.^{7 9}
• Skin looks dull or “tired”, and the patient wants a softer and more hydrated appearance.^{6 8}
• Skin feels uncomfortable after air-conditioning, heating, frequent hand-to-face washing or travel.^{7 9}
• As part of a barrier-supporting routine when using non-prescription actives (e.g. cosmetic retinol, mild acids) and the skin feels mildly dry or tight.^{6 8}
• After mild, non-ablative cosmetic procedures, once the skin is intact, where the treating practitioner considers overnight hydration and comfort appropriate.^{1 10}
• These creams are not positioned as treatment for eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, acne or other diagnosed conditions.^{2 3}

6. When NOT to Use

Avoid or delay use of a night renewal / repair cream if:

• The skin is broken, raw, blistered, peeling or significantly sunburnt, as this may require medical assessment.^{5 7}
• There are features suggesting infection, such as spreading redness, heat, pus, crusting, or systemic symptoms.⁵
• The patient has known or suspected allergy or severe sensitivity to particular cosmetic ingredients (e.g. fragrance, certain plant oils, preservatives).^{4 5}
• The skin is very oily or congestion-prone and has previously reacted poorly to rich or occlusive textures.^{6 7}
• Application leads to marked burning, stinging, swelling or intense redness.⁵
• If any of these occur, the product should be stopped and the patient advised to seek medical review if symptoms persist, worsen or recur.⁵

7. How to Use

7.1 Night Routine – Step-by-Step

Step 1 – Gentle cleanse

• Use a mild, non-stripping facial cleanser suited to the patient’s skin type.^{7 9}
• Cleanse with lukewarm water, not hot, to avoid aggravating dryness and irritation.^{7 9}
• Massage the cleanser over the face for about 30–60 seconds, then rinse thoroughly.⁷
• Gently pat dry with a soft towel rather than rubbing.^{7 9}

Step 2 – Let the skin settle

• Allow the face to sit for around 1–2 minutes after cleansing so the surface is dry and calm.⁷
• For very dry but non-sensitive skin, applying the cream to slightly damp skin can improve hydration, provided there is no history of stinging or irritation.^{6 7}

Step 3 – Optional simple serum

• If the patient already uses a gentle hydrating serum (e.g. hyaluronic acid or glycerin-based), a thin layer can be applied before the night cream.^{6 8}
• Avoid layering strong acids, peels or harsh toners on the same night as a rich night cream unless tolerance is well established.^{6 8}

Step 4 – Apply the night renewal / repair cream

• Dispense a small amount, usually around a pea to small-almond size for most faces, and adjust based on dryness and skin size.^{6 7}
• Warm the cream briefly between fingertips to make spreading easier.⁶
• Gently smooth over cheeks, forehead, nose and chin using light, upward strokes.⁷
• Avoid rubbing hard or pulling the skin, especially around the eyes.^{7 9}
• Do not apply directly on the eyelids unless the product is labelled as suitable and previously tolerated in that area.⁴

Step 5 – Let it absorb

• Allow the cream to absorb for 3–5 minutes before lying down to reduce transfer to pillowcases and bedding.^{6 7}
• If the face still feels very greasy or sticky after 10–15 minutes, the amount used is likely too high for that skin type and should be reduced next time.⁶

Comfort check

• The skin should feel soft, hydrated and comfortable, not sharply burning or painfully tight.^{7 9}
• A light dewy finish is acceptable; a heavy, “suffocating” feel suggests over-application.⁶

7.2 Amount to Use

Use just enough cream to form a thin, even layer across the face.⁶

Practical guide:

• Dry skin – often needs a bit more, close to an almond-sized amount, especially on cheeks and dry areas.^{6 7}
• Normal skin – usually fine with a pea to small-almond amount.⁶
• Combination skin – slightly more on the cheeks, less on the T-zone.⁶
• Oily or congestion-prone skin – use a smaller amount (half-pea to pea) and spread very thinly.⁶
• Sensitive skin – start with the smallest amount that still feels comfortable and increase gradually only if tolerated.⁵

If the patient wakes with tightness or dryness, a small increase in amount may be useful.⁷ If they wake greasy or more congested, reducing the amount or changing to a lighter cream may be appropriate.⁶

7.3 Frequency of Use

Frequency should be tailored to how the skin feels and responds.^{6 7}

• Normal to dry skin – many patients tolerate nightly use and benefit from consistent overnight hydration.⁷
• Combination skin – often suitable for most nights, adjusting the amount in oilier zones rather than stopping completely.⁶
• Oily or congestion-prone skin – may do better with every second night use or limiting application to drier areas.^{6 7}
• Sensitive or reactive skin – best to start with every second night or 2–3 nights per week, increasing slowly if the skin stays calm.⁵

Signs that frequency may be too high include new or worsening redness, burning, flaking or increased congestion.^{5 7}

If this occurs, reduce frequency or pause use and consider medical review if symptoms do not settle.⁵

8. Expectations (What Patients May Notice)

Short-term (days to 1–2 weeks)

• Skin often feels softer, smoother and more comfortable on waking.^{7 9}
• Tightness after cleansing may reduce.⁷

Medium-term (2–6 weeks)

• Skin may feel smoother to the touch.^{6 8}
• Fine lines caused by dryness may look less obvious.⁶
• Skin may appear less dull and more evenly hydrated.^{6 8}

Longer term (months)

• Many patients report that skin feels less easily dried out by normal daily exposure such as weather or air-conditioning.^{7 9}

All changes are cosmetic and subjective and do not represent treatment or cure of any medical skin condition.^{1 2}

9. Pearls (Practical Tips)

• Night renewal / repair creams are particularly useful during winter, air-conditioning, heating, frequent travel or after flights, when transepidermal water loss is higher.^{7 9}
• A simple routine (cleanser → optional gentle serum → night cream) often works better than layering multiple strong actives.^{6 7}
• Adjusting amount and frequency slowly helps the skin adapt and reduces the risk of irritation or congestion.^{6 5}
• A separate daytime routine, including regular sunscreen when outdoors, supports overall skin health and complements night-time repair.^{7 9}

10. Safety

• For very sensitive patients, consider a small patch test (e.g. on the side of the face) before full-face application.⁵
• Stop use and consider medical assessment if the patient develops significant or persistent burning, stinging, swelling, blistering or marked redness.⁵
• Remind patients that these creams are cosmetic moisturisers, not a replacement for medical treatment of diagnosed skin disease.^{2 3}
• Encourage review with a GP or dermatologist if there are ongoing or severe symptoms despite appropriate cosmetic skin care.^{5 7}

11. Storage

• Store products in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.⁴
• Keep containers tightly closed after use to maintain product quality.^{4 6}
• Do not decant products into unlabelled containers to avoid confusion and misuse.⁴
• Discard products that are expired or visibly changed in colour, odour or texture.^{4 6}

12. Staff Guidance

• Use cosmetic, appearance-based language (e.g. “supports hydration”, “helps skin feel smoother”) rather than therapeutic language such as “treats eczema” or “heals dermatitis”.^{1 2}
• Ensure public-facing information aligns with AHPRA advertising guidelines and TGA requirements for cosmetic vs therapeutic claims.^{1 3}
• Avoid creating unrealistic expectations or implying guaranteed outcomes when discussing night creams with patients.¹
• Direct patients with suspected skin disease (e.g. severe or recurrent rashes, infection, concerning lesions) to appropriate medical care.⁵

13. Documentation

Where a night renewal / repair cream is specifically recommended, the clinical record should note:

• The reason for recommendation (e.g. dryness, cosmetic comfort, barrier-support after mild procedure).¹¹
• The type of product (non-prescription, cosmetic-class night renewal / repair cream).²
• The instructions given (amount, frequency, key cautions).¹¹
• Any reported adverse effects and steps taken in response.^{5 11}
• Good documentation supports clinical governance, continuity of care and medicolegal defensibility.¹¹

Sources

1. Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) 2024, Guidelines for advertising a regulated health service, AHPRA, viewed 21 November 2025, https://www.ahpra.gov.au/Resources/Advertising-hub/Advertising-guidelines-and-other-guidance/Advertising-guidelines.aspx ↩
2. Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) 2024, Determining if your product is a cosmetic or therapeutic good, Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care, viewed 21 November 2025, https://www.tga.gov.au/resources/guidance/determining-if-your-product-cosmetic-or-therapeutic-good ↩
3. National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) 2020, Factsheet: Cosmetics and therapeutics, NHMRC, Canberra, viewed 21 November 2025, https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/attachments/Factsheet-Cosmetics-and-therapeutics.pdf ↩
4. Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme (AICIS) 2024, Is my product a cosmetic?, Australian Government Department of Health, viewed 21 November 2025, https://www.industrialchemicals.gov.au/cosmetics-and-soap/my-product-cosmetic ↩
5. NSW Health 2024, Pharmacist management of minor skin conditions – FAQ, NSW Government, viewed 21 November 2025, https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/pharmaceutical/Pages/faq-skin-conditions.aspx ↩
6. Dawes-Higgs, E 2023, Topical skin care advice, Dermatology Sydney – Patient Information, viewed 21 November 2025, https://www.dermatologist.com.au/skin-care-advice-sydney ↩
7. NSW Health – Clinical Excellence Commission 2022, Caring for your skin, Clinical Excellence Commission, NSW Government, viewed 21 November 2025, https://www.ramsaymentalhealth.com.au/siteassets/content/our-locations/psychiatry-clinics/nsw/ramsay-clinic-albury-wodonga/for-patients/patient-brochures/rcaw-patient-information-compendium.pdf ↩
8. Australasian Society of Cosmetic Dermatologists (ASCD) 2023, Cosmeceuticals and active skin care, ASCD Journal – Cosmetic Dermatology, edition 10, viewed 21 November 2025, https://ascpd.org.au/wp-content/uploads/ASCD-Journal-Edition-10-Cosmeceuticals.pdf ↩
9. Healthdirect Australia 2024, Itchy skin – causes, symptoms and treatment, Healthdirect Australia, viewed 21 November 2025, https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/itchy-skin ↩
10. DermNet New Zealand 2025, Lasers in dermatology, DermNet NZ, viewed 21 November 2025, https://dermnetnz.org/topics/lasers-in-dermatology ↩
11. Medical Board of Australia 2020, Good medical practice: a code of conduct for doctors in Australia, Medical Board of Australia, viewed 21 November 2025, https://www.medicalboard.gov.au/Codes-Guidelines-Policies/Code-of-conduct.aspx ↩