As we enter our late 30s and early 40s, skincare begins to be a little more important, even if it was something you have always been doing. During this time, it is not uncommon for some women to start to be worried or uncomfortable with the idea of visibly aging. Developing and sticking to a healthy skincare routine as you enter your 40s is about aging gracefully and keeping the largest organ on your body as healthy as you can. Acne subsides for most during this time as well, as do the pigment issues related to hormones. In your 40s, your biggest worries will likely revolve around dryness, dullness, and increasing lines. Around this age, you will experience hormonal changes. This is common and your levels of estrogen begin to decline, which affect the function of fibroblasts, which produce elastin and collagen, as well as melanocytes that keep the skin firm, smooth, and toned.
- The first thing you should do is find a good cleanser for your skin. One trend that is great for older skin is the concept of “double cleansing.” This is stemmed from Korea skincare and generally involves you first cleansing your face with an oil and then followed up with your normal cleanser. Since your skin is not producing as much oil, cleansing twice with hydrating cleansing oils is ideal. A cleansing balm is a great choice since it doesn’t strip your skin any natural oils. You should also make sure you are being super gentle when you clean your face. Try to avoid tugging at your skin and instead massage the oil gently into a lather. This will not only help stimulate collagen, but the soft, sinuous movements upwards and outwards enhance lymphatic drainage.
- The second step to your skincare routine should be a toner. You should use a toner that adds hydration and rebalances your skin. Toner is basically a liquid that is intended to replenish the skin immediately after cleansing. Look for toners that are infused with rich moisturizing ingredients, such as natural botanicals and peptides. Peptides are wonderful for aging skin since they are made up of chains of amino acids designed to help with cell renewal and tissue repair. A well-formulated toner helps lay the groundwork in achieving a more youthful, healthy appearance. Also, look for toners that are rich in antioxidants to help defend your skin against the effects of pollution.
- Exfoliation is an important step in all skin care regimes, for people of all ages. It is especially important to exfoliate when it comes to maturing skin. Exfoliating helps increase skin renewal. Over time, dead skincells, dirt, oil, pollutants and more start to build up on the surface the skin surface. Exfoliation helps to remove these particles and reveal the fresh, smoother layer underneath. When you regularly exfoliating your skin, you are smoothing away dry, aged skin cells and improving the texture of your skin.
- Now is the time to invest in a serum. Serums usually have a lightweight formula that has a smaller molecular structure, which helps them penetrate further and repair and hydrate the deep skin. Try serums containing antioxidants like vitamin C and E, both of which will help brighten and improve skin tone. A serum with peptide is also great for maturing skin since peptides are made up of amino acids, which can help rebuild the skin’s epidermis and stimulate collagen production.
- In your 40s, the prior sun exposure you experience leads to damaged collagen, weakening the skin’s foundation and eventually leading to fine lines and wrinkles. Using a topical retinoid in the evening has been proven to help boost collagen production, strengthen skin, and minimize fine lines and wrinkles. Retinol is a form of vitamin A, when is a nutrient we get from food in our diet and supplements. Vitamin A is crucial for good eyesight and helps with the maintenance of skin. In skin care, it is an ingredient that works to neutralize free radicals, increase collagen production, and accelerate skin turnover. This helps to smooth fine lines and wrinkles, as well as blur acne marks and other blemishes. Make sure to use retinol on your neck and décolletage, since these are areas that also show early signs of aging. Retinol should only be used in your nighttime routine after you’re done toning but before you moisturize.
- The most delicate part of your face is around your eyes, which is why your eyes are usually the first places to show any signs of aging (hello crows’ feet!). To help combat this, you should be using an eye cream every night and day. Formulas with antioxidants and retinol are best, but hydrolyzed collagen will also help smooth and strengthen the skin around your eyes. Eye creams with vitamin C, green tea, and chamomile help with puffiness and reduce dark circles.
- By now you’ve probably noticed a pattern: moisturizing is key! A good moisturizer should be used both morning and night. Trying to look for a moisturizer with niacinamide and hyaluronic acid for brightening and moisturization. Fine lines and wrinkles become more pronounced when skin is dry, so using a moisturizeris the best for anti-aging. One trick is to apply the product right when you get out of the shower. Freshly showered skin will allow the moisturizer to immediately absorb and restore the skin’s Moisturizer essentially traps water in our skin, which gives it a youthful appearance. Also, don’t forget that the skin on the neck and décolletage area are extensions of the face, so you should use products on this area. Keep your whole body moisturized by using not only a facial moisturizer, but a body moisturizer and lip balm too.
- Since our skin loses the most moisture at night, you should incorporate a hydrating mask in your routine at least once or twice a week. Skin has a natural protective barrier of fats, which creates a smooth, almost waterproof layer that keeps the moisture in and external substances out. Keeping the skin hydrated is important for it to maintain its ability to remain soft, supple, and flexible. Face masks are one of the ultimate nutrient delivery systems when it comes to anti-aging skin care. They are a lot thicker than a moisturizer and because of it stays on the skin for an extended period of time and there is inner warmth being generated, it is easier for to open and penetrate nutrients into the skin more proficiently.
- Sunscreen is super important when it comes to —can not only protect your skin but also reverse common signs of photoaging, like wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. A great anti-aging skincare routine must include the daily application of a broad spectrum sunscreen rated SPF 30 or greater. It not helps prevent wrinkles and dark-spots, it is the best anti-sagging product you can use. Use it every day, even if the sun isn’t shining.