Skincare for Menopause: Your Complete Routine Guide

By Marsha, Founder of Swansera

As I navigated perimenopause at 50, I watched my skin transform in unexpected ways. Rashes emerged, even though I was not using any new products, nor were there any changes to my diet. My skin literally seemed thinner. Crepiness became more pronounced, particularly on my neck. And no matter how much moisturizer I applied, my skin felt dry and papery.

If you're experiencing similar changes, you're not imagining things. Menopause fundamentally alters your skin at the cellular level—but that doesn't mean you're powerless to do something about it.

In this guide, I'll share the complete skincare routine that actually works for menopausal skin. Not complicated. Not expensive. Just science-backed products and ingredients that address the specific changes your skin is going through right now.

Why Your Skin Changes During Menopause

Before we dive into the routine, let's quickly understand what's happening beneath the surface.

When estrogen levels drop during menopause, your skin loses its ability to maintain itself effectively. Research shows that you lose approximately 30% of your skin's collagen in the first five years after menopause, with a continued 2% decline each year thereafter.

This collagen loss isn't just about wrinkles. It affects:

• Skin thickness: Your skin becomes thinner and more fragile
• Elasticity: Loss of bounce and firmness
• Moisture retention: Decreased ability to hold water
• Oil production: Less natural sebum means drier skin
• Healing: Slower recovery from damage

The good news? While you can't stop the skin changes that occur during menopause, you can absolutely support your skin through these changes with the right routine.

For a deeper dive into how hormones affect your skin, check out our guide to estriol face cream.

The Essential Ingredients for Menopausal Skin

Before I outline the routine, here are the powerhouse ingredients you should look for:

Retinol or Retinoids: The gold standard for stimulating collagen production and reducing wrinkles. Start with a lower concentration if you're new to retinoids.

Hyaluronic Acid: A moisture magnet that can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water. Essential for combating dryness.

Peptides: Amino acid chains that signal your skin to produce more collagen and support repair processes.

Vitamin C: A powerful antioxidant that brightens skin, protects against environmental damage, and supports collagen synthesis.

Ceramides: Lipids that restore your skin's protective barrier and prevent moisture loss.

Niacinamide: Vitamin B3 that improves skin texture, reduces inflammation, and strengthens the moisture barrier.

Phytoestrogens or Estriol: Plant-based or bioidentical compounds that can provide some of the skin benefits of estrogen without systemic effects.

Now let's put these ingredients to work in your daily routine.

Your Morning Skincare Routine for Menopause

Step 1: Gentle Cleanser (Every Morning)

Start with a creamy, hydrating cleanser that won't strip your skin's natural oils. Menopausal skin produces less sebum, so harsh foaming cleansers can leave you feeling tight and dry.

What to look for:

• Cream or milk texture
• pH-balanced (around 5.5)
• Free of sulfates and harsh detergents
• Contains moisturizing ingredients like glycerin or ceramides

How to use: Apply to damp skin, massage gently for 30-60 seconds, and rinse with lukewarm water. Pat dry—never rub.

Step 2: Hydrating Toner or Essence (Optional but Helpful)

A hydrating toner preps your skin to absorb the treatments that follow. Think of it as a first layer of moisture.

What to look for:

• Hyaluronic acid
• Glycerin
• Rose water or thermal water
• No alcohol or astringents

How to use: Pat onto clean skin with your hands or apply with a cotton pad. Don't skip this on dry skin days.

Step 3: Antioxidant Serum (Essential)

Morning is the time for antioxidants, especially vitamin C. This protects your skin from environmental stressors throughout the day.

What to look for:

• Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid, MAP, or SAP)
• Vitamin E (often paired with vitamin C)
• Ferulic acid (stabilizes vitamin C)
• 10-20% concentration for effectiveness

How to use: Apply 2-3 drops to your face and neck. Let it absorb for a minute before the next step.

Step 4: Eye Cream (Don't Skip This)

The skin around your eyes is the thinnest on your body and shows aging first. Menopausal hormone changes make this area even more vulnerable.

What to look for:

• Caffeine (reduces puffiness)
• Peptides (firms and smooths)
• Hyaluronic acid (plumps)
• Light-reflecting particles (brightens dark circles)

How to use: Use your ring finger (lightest touch) to gently pat a small amount around the orbital bone. Never pull or tug this delicate skin.

Step 5: Moisturizer (Non-Negotiable)

Your morning moisturizer should be lighter than your night cream but still deeply hydrating.

What to look for:

• Hyaluronic acid
• Ceramides
• Niacinamide
• Glycerin
• Lightweight but nourishing texture

How to use: Apply while your serum is still slightly damp to seal in moisture. Use gentle upward motions on your face and neck.

Step 6: Sunscreen SPF 30+ (The Most Important Step)

This is non-negotiable. UV exposure accelerates every sign of aging and is especially damaging to menopausal skin with its compromised barrier.

What to look for:

• Broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher
• Mineral (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) or chemical—whatever you'll actually wear
• Moisturizing base for dry skin
• Lightweight if you have combination skin

How to use: Apply a generous amount (about 1/4 teaspoon for your face) as your final step. Reapply every 2 hours if you're outdoors.

My Personal Morning Routine (What I Actually Do)

Full transparency? I don't follow all six steps every morning. My perimenopausal skin is too dry for a morning cleanser, and honestly, I don't have the time or patience for a lengthy routine.

Here's my ACTUAL morning routine:

Skip the Morning Cleanse
I know conventional wisdom says to cleanse twice daily, but because I live in a dry climate my skin is too dry in the morning to use cleaners.  Instead, I simply splash my face with lukewarm water, pat dry, and move on. This was a game-changer for my dryness.

Vitamin C Serum
This is my non-negotiable step. A few drops massaged into my face and neck provide antioxidant protection for the entire day.

Hydrating Sunscreen SPF 30
I use a moisturizing sunscreen that does double-duty—it hydrates while protecting. This replaces both my moisturizer and eye cream, so I skip those entirely. One product, multiple benefits.

Total time: 5 minutes. Total products: 2.

Does my minimalist approach work? My skin appears healthy now, but time will tell.  I tried the full six morning steps—some worked for me, some didn't.

Use the comprehensive framework above as your starting point, then customize based on what your skin actually needs. If you have oilier skin, you might need that morning cleanse. If dark circles are your concern, eye cream might be essential. Listen to your skin and adjust accordingly.

Your Evening Skincare Routine for Menopause

Your nighttime routine is where the real transformation happens. While you sleep, your skin repairs itself—give it the tools to do that effectively.

Step 1: Double Cleanse (Every Evening)

If you wear makeup or sunscreen, start with an oil-based cleanser to dissolve it, then follow with your regular gentle cleanser.

First cleanse - Oil or Balm:

• Breaks down makeup, sunscreen, and oil-based impurities
• Won't clog pores despite being oil-based
• Leaves skin soft, not stripped

Second cleanse - Gentle Cleanser:

• Same cream cleanser as morning
• Removes any remaining residue
• Preps skin for treatment products

How to use: Massage oil cleanser onto dry skin for a minute, add water to emulsify, rinse. Follow with your regular cleanser.

Step 2: Treatment Toner or Essence (Optional)

If you're using active ingredients like retinol, some people like a hydrating layer first. Others skip straight to treatments. Either approach works.

Step 3: Treatment Serum - This is Your Power Hour

Night is when you use active ingredients that promote cell turnover and collagen production. Choose ONE of these options based on your needs:

Option A: Retinol/Retinoid (2-3 nights per week to start)

The most proven anti-aging ingredient available. Increases cell turnover, boosts collagen production, and reduces wrinkles.

What to look for:

• Start with 0.25% - 0.5% retinol if you're new
• Work up to 1% over several months
• Prescription retinoids (tretinoin) are even stronger

How to use: Apply a pea-sized amount to dry skin. Start 2-3 nights per week and gradually increase. Always use sunscreen the next day.

Option B: Peptide Serum (alternate nights with retinol)

Gentler than retinol but still effective for firming and reducing wrinkles.

What to look for:

• Multiple peptide types (Matrixyl, Argireline, copper peptides)
• Hyaluronic acid for added hydration
• Can be used every night

How to use: Apply after cleansing. Can layer with other serums.

Option C: Hormone-Supporting Serum (every night)

Phytoestrogen-based serums or prescription estriol formulations can directly address hormone-related skin changes.

What to look for:

• Phytoestrogens (soy isoflavones, red clover)
• Or prescription estriol if approved by your doctor
• Complementary anti-aging ingredients

How to use: Follow product instructions. Can often be used nightly alongside other treatments.

Step 4: Eye Cream (Richer Formula than Morning)

Your nighttime eye cream can be more emollient since you don't need to worry about makeup application.

What to look for:

• Retinol (if your eye area tolerates it)
• Peptides
• Rich, nourishing texture
• Ceramides

How to use: Gently pat around the eye area before your moisturizer.

Step 5: Night Cream or Sleeping Mask (Essential)

This is where you lock in all those treatment ingredients and provide intense overnight hydration.

What to look for:

• Richer, more emollient than day cream
• Ceramides and fatty acids
• Hyaluronic acid
• Niacinamide
• Antioxidants

How to use: Apply generously. Your skin should feel nourished, not greasy. Don't forget your neck and décolletage.

Step 6: Face Oil (Optional but Wonderful)

If your skin is particularly dry, a facial oil as your final step seals everything in.

What to look for:

• Rosehip oil (rich in vitamins)
• Squalane (lightweight, non-comedogenic)
• Marula oil (high in antioxidants)
• Argan oil (nourishing and rich)

How to use: Warm 2-3 drops between your palms and press gently into your skin as your final step.

My Personal Evening Routine (What I Actually Do)

My nighttime routine is simpler than the six steps outlined above, but it's consistent and effective. Here's what I do every single night:

Double Cleanse
First, I massage an oil cleanser onto my dry face to dissolve sunscreen, makeup, and the day's buildup. Then I follow with micellar water on a cotton pad to remove any remaining residue. This two-step cleanse leaves my skin clean but not stripped—crucial for menopausal dryness.

Treatment Serum
I rotate between a retinol serum (2-3 nights per week) and a hydrating peptide serum on alternate nights. This keeps my skin from becoming irritated while still getting anti-aging benefits.

Rich Night Moisturizer
I finish with a nourishing night cream that's heavier than what I'd ever use during the day. My skin drinks it up overnight.

Total time: 5 minutes. Total products: 3-4.

Notice what I don't use? Toners, essences, eye creams, or facial oils. Not because they're bad—they're just not necessary for my particular skin. I've streamlined to what actually makes a difference. This is what works for me right now, but I expect that my routine will change in the future.

Your routine might look different, and that's okay. Some women need that extra nourishment from a facial oil. Others benefit from a separate eye treatment. Start with these basics and add only what your skin tells you it needs.

Weekly Treatments to Boost Your Routine

Gentle Exfoliation (1-2 Times Per Week)

Chemical exfoliants are gentler on menopausal skin than physical scrubs.

Options:

• AHA (glycolic or lactic acid) for dry skin and surface texture
• BHA (salicylic acid) if you have any congestion
• Enzyme masks (papaya, pumpkin) for the most gentle option

How to use: Apply to clean, dry skin. Leave on for recommended time (usually 5-10 minutes). Rinse thoroughly. Always follow with moisturizer.

Hydrating Sheet Mask (1-3 Times Per Week)

A 15-minute hydration boost can make a noticeable difference.

What to look for:

• Hyaluronic acid
• Ceramides
• Peptides
• Niacinamide

How to use: Apply after cleansing, leave on for 15-20 minutes, pat in remaining essence, follow with your regular routine.

What NOT to Do: Common Mistakes with Menopausal Skin

Don't over-exfoliate. Your skin is more fragile now. Harsh scrubs and daily acids can damage your moisture barrier.

Don't skip moisturizer. Even if your skin was oily in your younger years, menopause changes everything. Dehydrated skin ages faster.

Don't use hot water. It strips natural oils and exacerbates dryness. Stick to lukewarm water for cleansing.

Don't forget your neck and chest. These areas show aging just as much as your face but are often neglected.

Don't expect overnight results. Skin cell turnover slows during menopause. Give new products 6-8 weeks before judging effectiveness.

Don't use products that sting or burn. This isn't "working"—it's irritation. Menopausal skin is more sensitive.

Building Your Routine: Start Simple, Add Gradually

If this feels overwhelming, don't try to implement everything at once. Here's how to build your routine over time:

Week 1-2: The Basics

• Morning: Cleanser, moisturizer, SPF
• Evening: Cleanser, moisturizer

Week 3-4: Add Treatment

• Morning: Add vitamin C serum
• Evening: Add retinol (start 2x per week)

Week 5-8: Optimize

• Add eye creams morning and night
• Add weekly exfoliation
• Consider adding toner or essence

Month 3+: Customize

• Assess what's working
• Adjust based on seasonal changes
• Consider adding specialized treatments

Frequently Asked Questions

How long until I see results from a new skincare routine?

Most people notice improved hydration within 1-2 weeks. Deeper changes like reduced wrinkles and improved firmness typically take 6-12 weeks of consistent use. Remember, skin cell turnover slows during menopause, so patience is essential.

Can I use all these products together?

Yes, but introduce new products gradually—one at a time, spaced 1-2 weeks apart. This lets you identify what works and what might cause irritation. Some combinations require extra care, like using retinol and vitamin C at different times of day.

Is expensive skincare worth it for menopause?

Not always. Some drugstore products contain the same active ingredients as luxury brands. What matters is the concentration and formulation of key ingredients, not the price tag. That said, some high-quality ingredients do cost more to source and formulate effectively.

Should I see a dermatologist about my menopausal skin changes?

If you're experiencing significant skin issues—severe dryness, unexpected acne, or concerning changes—absolutely see a dermatologist. They can prescribe stronger treatments like prescription retinoids or discuss options like topical hormone therapy.

Can I use retinol if my skin is very dry?

Yes, but start slowly. Use a hydrating serum underneath your retinol, apply only 2 nights per week initially, and consider "buffering" by applying moisturizer first. If irritation occurs, scale back and build tolerance gradually.

Will phytoestrogen creams work as well as prescription estrogen?

Phytoestrogens provide milder benefits than prescription estriol but are available over-the-counter and suitable for more people. They can improve hydration, elasticity, and overall skin quality. For more dramatic results, discuss prescription options with your healthcare provider.

The Bottom Line: Consistency Over Perfection

The best skincare routine for menopause is one you'll actually follow. You don't need a 15-step routine with exotic ingredients. You need the right basics—gentle cleansing, effective actives, deep hydration, and sun protection—used consistently.

Your skin is going through significant changes, but you have the power to support it through this transition. Give your routine time to work, adjust based on your skin's response, and remember that aging is a natural process. The goal isn't to look 25 again—it's to have healthy, glowing skin at every age.

Ready to transform your menopausal skincare routine? Join the Swansera community for science-backed guidance and be the first to know when our advanced phytoestrogen face cream launches in January 2026. This innovative formula is specifically designed to address hormone-related skin changes during menopause.

Sign up for our email list to receive exclusive skincare tips and early-bird access to our launch!

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always patch-test new products and consult with your healthcare provider or dermatologist before starting new skincare treatments, especially if you have sensitive skin or underlying health conditions.

References

For the science-backed information in this article:

1. American Academy of Dermatology - "Skincare during menopause"
2. International Journal of Women's Dermatology - "Estrogen and skin aging"
3. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology - "Topical retinoids for aging skin"
4. Dermatology and Therapy - "Peptides in skincare applications"

All references available through PubMed and major dermatology journal databases.