Night skincare routine for menopausal skin: what to use at each step

The night routine at a glance

Cleanser

Step 1: Cleanse with CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser

Key ingredients

Glycerin, three ceramides, hyaluronic acid

Best for

Washing off sunscreen without stripping dry skin

Fragrance

None listed; the brand says fragrance-free

Watch out for

Labelled for normal to dry skin; an oily T-zone may prefer a foaming wash

CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser is the same bottle as in our morning routine, so you buy it once. The AAD’s face-washing guidance suggests lukewarm water and patting the skin dry rather than rubbing.

Optional treatment

Step 2 (optional): Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 MAX Night Moisturizer

Key ingredients

Retinol, niacinamide, peptides

Best for

Calm skin, when you want a step aimed at fine lines

Fragrance

None listed; the online list looks incomplete, so check the box

Watch out for

Retinol can dry and irritate skin, especially at first

Retinoids are among the most studied skincare ingredients for fine lines, and the AAD retinoid guide lists retinol among ingredients that can increase collagen. Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 MAX Night Moisturizer is a retinol cream, so on the nights you use it, it can be your moisturizer. If your skin still feels dry, add the CeraVe cream on top.

Start with two or three nights a week on clean, dry skin, and stop if it stings or peels. Use sunscreen every morning. If your skin is dry, itchy or reactive right now, leave this step out until the basic routine feels comfortable. Our Retinol 24 MAX review has the details, and our retinol irritation guide explains what to do if it stings.

Night cream

Step 3: Moisturize with CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

Key ingredients

Glycerin, three ceramides, petrolatum, dimethicone, sodium hyaluronate

Best for

Dry face and body, when a lotion is not enough

Fragrance

None listed; the brand says fragrance-free

Watch out for

Thicker than a lotion; no niacinamide

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream combines ingredients that draw water in with ones that slow water loss, and it is directed for face and body. Apply it while your skin is still slightly damp. One jar can also cover dry arms and legs, which keeps the number of products touching sensitive skin low.

For a lighter night step, CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion is a fragrance-free night lotion. Our CeraVe PM comparison and our guide on whether you need a separate night cream help you choose.

Premium option

Premium option: La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+MAX Triple Repair

La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+MAX Triple Repair is a fragrance-free face and body cream with glycerin, shea butter, niacinamide and ceramide NP. It is a premium alternative for very dry skin, not a better choice for everyone. Downsides: it costs more, and its rich feel can be heavy on the face. Our Double Repair versus Triple Repair guide explains the difference.

Lips

Step 4 (optional): Aquaphor Lip Repair

Aquaphor Lip Repair is a fragrance-free lip ointment with glycerin, panthenol and shea butter. Night is an easy time to use it. It has no SPF, so use a lip balm with sunscreen during the day. More options are in our lip balms for menopause guide.

The order to apply it

1. Wash with lukewarm water and the cleanser; pat dry.
2. Retinol, on your retinol nights only, on dry skin.
3. Moisturizer: the CeraVe cream, or on top of the retinol cream if your skin feels dry.
4. Lip ointment last.

What to leave out at night

• More than one active at a time. Do not start retinol and an exfoliating acid in the same weeks.
• Scented night creams and sleeping masks, if your skin has become dry or sensitive.
• Retinol on irritated skin. Pause it until the skin settles.

Questions before buying

What is the best night routine for menopausal dry skin?

Wash off sunscreen with a gentle cleanser, then apply a rich fragrance-free cream such as CeraVe Moisturizing Cream. Add a retinol only if your skin is calm, and start it slowly.

Do I need a separate night cream?

Not always. If your day moisturizer keeps your skin comfortable until morning, use it at night too. A richer cream helps if you wake up tight or flaky.

Can I use retinol every night?

Not at first. Start with two or three nights a week and increase slowly if your skin stays comfortable. Stop if it burns or peels.

Should I use the same cleanser morning and night?

Yes, one gentle cleanser is enough for both. CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser works for the morning wash and for removing sunscreen at night.

When should I see a clinician?

See one if burning, a rash or itch does not settle after you stop a new product, or if dryness continues after a few weeks of a simple routine. A product is not a treatment for a skin condition.

How these were chosen

Each product is a pick from our own cleanser, moisturizer, retinol and lip guides, chosen for menopausal skin that is dry or easily irritated. Ingredient and fragrance details come from each brand’s US product page, checked in October 2026. These are researched picks, not personal testing. Commission did not decide the picks; the premium option is labelled as one. For the full how-to, read our simple menopause skincare routine.