How to use night cream?

Okay i know this is dumb but i have been a tom boy my whole life so i dont know how to do this whole taking care of your skin thing. I am trying to take better care of my skin and i wanna start using a night cream but i have no idea how to use one. How long do you keep it on? All night or is it just something you do before you go to bed? Do you wash it off in the morning or is just like a daily moisturizer? The directions on them dont tell you most of them just say apply to face and neck at night. Iam using Aveeno clean and clear face wash and am thinking of using the Aveeno lift and firm night cream i just wanna know how to use it. Sorry if this is a dumb question but like i said i have always been a tomboy and i just was hoping someone out there could help me with this?Thanks