Should I use CeraVe AM or PM?

Author: Jerry Jast  |  Last update: Wednesday, October 29, 2025

Should I use CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion or PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion? Our AM and PM Facial Moisturizing Lotions make the ideal hydrating duo for all skin types, including sensitive skin and oily skin. We recommend using both, one in the morning and one at night.

Is CeraVe better at night or morning?

We recommend applying a gentle facial moisturizer for combination skin—like CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30—in the morning, followed by a barrier-restoring nighttime moisturizer (such as CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion) before bed.

Is it OK to use CeraVe PM in the morning?

A: Yes you can! All CeraVe products can be used day or night. Moisturizing Lotion will provide long lasting hydration, day and night!

Is CeraVe AM and PM good for acne?

CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion is suitable for oily and acne-prone skin as it is non-comedogenic and contains niacinamide, which helps calm inflammation. Its lightweight formula is ideal for maintaining hydration without clogging pores. For more on this product, check out my Quora Profile!

Should you use AM and PM moisturizer?

The answer is no, you don't need two different moisturizers, but it could be beneficial depending on your skin concerns. Here's what I do: I have normal skin that leans dry and sensitive in the winter. Right now considering it's August, I use the same lightweight cream moisturizer both morning and night.

Dermatologist Compares: CeraVe AM vs PM Moisturizing Lotions- How to Add to your Skincare Routine

Is CeraVe AM or PM better?

Should I use CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion or PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion? Our AM and PM Facial Moisturizing Lotions make the ideal hydrating duo for all skin types, including sensitive skin and oily skin. We recommend using both, one in the morning and one at night.

Is AM or PM skincare more important?

Well, the simplest way to explain it is each time of day has a different role: morning routines are for prevention + protection, while evening routines are for repair + correction.

Is CeraVe PM moisturizer pore clogging?

We recommend a non-comedogenic nighttime moisturizer like CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion, which is formulated with all three of these ingredients and won't clog pores or cause acne flare-ups.

Should I use CeraVe retinol in AM or PM?

Applying a vitamin C serum in the morning helps provide the skin with skin-brightening benefits and antioxidant protection against environmental aggressors. Applying a retinol serum in the evening can help refine the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, skin texture, pores and post-acne marks.

Is CeraVe or Cetaphil better?

There is no definitive “better” brand between CeraVe and Cetaphil. Both make quality skincare products using different approaches. CeraVe has more specialised options with patented technologies, while Cetaphil focuses on simpler, sensitive skin formulas.

Is CeraVe PM only for night?

Benefits. Moisturizes throughout the night and helps restore the protective skin barrier. Moisturizes throughout the day. Helps restore the skin's protective barrier.

What are the side effects of CeraVe PM?

Serious side effects

Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.

What order should I put my CeraVe products on in?

CeraVe's Simple 3-Step Skincare Routine for Acne
  1. Cleanse With CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser (A.M. & P.M.) ...
  2. Treat With CeraVe Acne Control Gel (P.M.) ...
  3. Moisturize With CeraVe AM or PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion (A.M. & P.M.) ...
  4. Daytime. ...
  5. Nighttime.

Can I sleep with CeraVe on my face?

CeraVe Healing Ointment can be applied before bed to enhance your skin's natural moisture barrier function for up to eight hours. It locks in moisture while you sleep for hydration that lasts up to 24 hours.

What are the 7 steps of skincare?

  • Step 1: Cleansing. Start with the basics: skin cleansing. ...
  • Step 2: Exfoliation. Eliminate impurities and dead cells by carrying out an effective exfoliation. ...
  • Step 3: Mask. Apply a mask specific for you. ...
  • Step 4: Toner. ...
  • Step 5: Serum or concentrate. ...
  • Step 6: Eye contour. ...
  • Step 7: Moisturising cream. ...
  • Step 8: Sun protection!

How many times a week should I use CeraVe?

To help keep your skin feeling fresh and looking healthy, we recommend washing your face twice daily with a gentle, yet effective formula that deeply cleanses, removes excess oil, and refreshes your skin (without disrupting the skin barrier)—like CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser.

What is the difference between CeraVe PM and AM?

CeraVe PM Facial Moisturising Lotion contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid that the AM Facial Moisturising Lotion has but doesn't contain the added SPF.

Should I use CeraVe Vitamin C in AM or PM?

Both vitamin C and hyaluronic acid can be used in both an AM and PM routine, but the benefits of vitamin C typically serve your skin better when applied in the morning. This is because vitamin C is rich in antioxidants that work to alongside SPF to protect complexions against potential damage caused by UV rays.

What order should I do my skincare?

The right morning routine will help your skin feel calm and hydrated all day long.
  1. Step 1: Cleanser. A clean face is your starting point for a healthy, glowing complexion. ...
  2. Step 2: Toner. ...
  3. Step 3: Serum. ...
  4. Step 4: Moisturizer. ...
  5. Step 5: Eye Cream. ...
  6. Step 6: Sunscreen.

Why did CeraVe moisturizer break me out?

Generally speaking, you can use CeraVe Moisturizing Cream on both your face and body. Developed by dermatologists, this cream is packed with ceramides and other beneficial ingredients. But if you've got skin that's prone to acne, heads up: it contains some ingredients that could clog your pores.

Which CeraVe is best for large pores?

For oily, acne-prone skin with visible pores and blackheads, try CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser—our 2% salicylic acid cleanser that gently exfoliates dead skin cells that can clog your pores.

Does CeraVe PM cause acne?

We recommend a non-comedogenic nighttimemoisturizer like CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion which has both ingredients and won't clog pores or cause acne flare-ups.

Is hyaluronic acid better for AM or PM?

If you have dehydrated skin, use hyaluronic acid serum both in the morning and at night. In the morning, it might help hydrate your skin and prepare it for the day ahead. At night, it might help repair and rejuvenate your skin while you sleep. Be sure to follow up with a moisturizer to lock in the hydration.

What is the simplest morning and night skincare routine?

At its simplest, your morning skincare routine should include a gentle cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen. At night, you can cleanse and moisturize. From there, you can add toners, serums, treatments, retinol, and oils that serve your skin type.

Is it better to wash your face in the AM or PM?

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends washing your face in the morning, before bed, and after sweating—regardless of your skin type. According to the AAD, cleansing your face in the morning serves an important purpose: It washes away bacteria, sweat, and dirt that can settle on your face overnight.

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