Healthy Skin

8 of the best nighttime moisturisers for menopausal skin

As we age, our skin and its needs change. The nighttime moisturiser that we used in our twenties and thirties may no longer be as effective. But, with increasing products on the market aimed at midlife, menopausal skin, it can be difficult to know which to choose.

“As women navigate through menopause, they may notice their skin feeling drier, more sensitive or prone to fine lines,” explains Joyce Carslaw, founder of Smarter Skincare. “These changes are a normal part of this stage of life and are a result of your skin responding to the hormonal shifts that affect collagen production and hydration levels.”

Do we really need a separate morning and evening moisturiser?

Put simply, the answer is yes – and the reason is all to do with your skin’s cycle.

“In the morning, your skin is more focussed on protection because it’s exposed to various environmental stressors throughout the day,” explains Dr Deepali Misra-Sharp, GP partner and menopause specialist. “That’s why morning moisturisers typically contain both antioxidants and SPF, which work in tandem to shield skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays while also protecting against free radical damage.”

At night, our skin shifts into repair mode.

“This is the time when it works the hardest to regenerate itself, producing new cells and repairing damage from the day,” explains Deepali. “Your skin’s permeability also increases at night, meaning it’s more receptive to active ingredients, plus nighttime moisturisers tend to be richer and more nourishing. They’re more able to provide the deeper hydration that skin needs to support healing and repair.”

Joyce concurs, adding that by working with your skin’s natural cycle, you can keep it looking healthy, vibrant and youthful at any age.

What are the best ingredients to look for in a nighttime moisturiser?

For midlife, menopausal skin, choosing a nighttime moisturiser with ingredients that target the specific side effects associated with hormonal changes is key. Menopause often brings dryness, a loss of elasticity, and a thinning of the skin, so a rich, nourishing formula is ideal.

Look for products containing hyaluronic acid, ceramides, peptides, retinol (vitamin A), and niacinamide. As well as working to intensely hydrate skin, these ingredients also help to brighten while strengthening and restoring the skin’s barrier. They can also help to boost collagen production and increase the skin’s renewal process. Over time, this will help reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and dark spots.