Do you really need a night cream?

This has been a question I've been pondering for a little bit lately. Is the idea of a night moisturizer something that companies created in order to make us believe that the purchase of such a cream is completely necessary in order to have healthy skin? I think not, but I have to admit, I've been lured in by the proposition. Anyways, I decided to do a little low-fi researching on the topic, and this is what I came up with. Read the articles below for different views on the subject.

NO, YOU DON'T:
http://skincare.about.com/od/facialmoisturizers/qt/dayvsnightcream.htm
http://www.mywomenstuff.com/2009/01/06/do-i-really-need-a-specific-night-cream/

YES, YOU DO:
http://ezinearticles.com/?Do-You-Really-Need-a-Night-Cream?&id=189092

IT DEPENDS:
http://www.vivawoman.net/2008/12/08/do-we-really-need-a-specialized-night-cream/
http://www.makeuptalk.com/forums/f12/do-you-really-need-night-cream-73679.html

My overall conclusion is:

• Night creams are thicker, heavier (sometimes oilier) versions of regular moisturizers.

• You can use a day cream as a night cream (preferably no spf).

• The skin should be cleansed at night so it can rejuvinate and balance itself naturally, without moisturizers (possibly) clogging your pores or adding unnecessary chemicals.

• Using moisturizers 24/7 doesn't fully allow your skin to breathe.

• If your skin is dry, it should be fine to use a light application of moisturizer overnight on the dry spots.

• If your skin is oily, a night cream is NOT your best bet.

• Basically, night creams are NOT necessary! I would just use your regular moisturizer, but not all the time. I think even skincare products with "good for you" ingredients shouldn't be used daily just so your skin can have some product-free open air.

I was also pondering if it was okay or not to use a moisturizer that contains spf as a night cream. Here's some opinions on that:
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20081230160020AAixqrI