Welcome to part 3 of the series where I break down your skincare needs in your 40s you can check out PART 1 and PART 2.
Find out your goals for skincare in your 30s and what you need to do to keep your skin looking good.
Your 40s is where your past skincare sins come home to roost. If you have been diligent with your sun protection and have good skincare habits then the changes you see may be minimal and your routine will need s slight tweaking to take into account the slower cell renewal and loss of collagen and plumpness.
THE SKINCARE GOAL FOR YOUR 40’S
The skincare goal in your 40s is early treatment, this means identifying any skincare issues that may be caused by lifestyle or age and addressing them quickly. One of the signs of ageing you notice in your 40s is the loss of volume due to loss of collagen the foundation of a youthful appearance. Once you reach your 40s your skin will start to show signs of ageing but it is possible to reverse or slow it down with the help of anti-ageing products.
SUN PROTECTION
In your 40s sun protection remains key, you don’t want to lose the gains of your youth by neglecting sun protection in your 40s. If you are darker skinned then this is when the fine lines and wrinkles start making themselves known. So wear an SPF of at least 30 every day and don’t forget your neck.
PRESCRIPTION RETINOL
In your 40s retinol is no longer a suggestion it is a necessity if you didn’t start using one in your 30s what are you waiting for getting to it! It will help increase cell turnover which means fewer fine lines, and less texture on your skin as well as reverse any sun damage you might have.
If you have been using an over the counter retinol this may be the time to switch to a higher strength one depending on your skin. But whatever you choose to be consistent because that is the key to getting the best results.
Exfoliate Two or Three Times a Week
With ageing comes duller skin and larger pores, which is due to less cell turnover. Because the cells do not shed as fast as when we were younger we need to help them along and this is where regular exfoliation comes into play. Regular exfoliation either physical or chemical smooths out the texture in your skin and .removes the dead skin cell making it look brighter. Try not to overdo the exfoliation otherwise, it may lead to dryness and sensitivity so keep it to 2-3 times a week
Anti-oxidants and Peptides
Because your skin produces less sebum it is more exposed to free radicals making it essential to include anti-oxidants as part of your routine. So make sure to include Vitamin C +Ferrulic acid, resveratrol, Co-Enzyme Q10, Flavionds and polyphenols all of which help protect your skin. A peptide is another key element in your 40s so look for copper peptides which help in skin regeneration.
Embrace Moisturizing Emollients
With age comes driers skin which means even if you didn’t need heavier creams in the past you may need them after 40( I can attest to that) . So look for ceramide and cholesterol-rich creams which help protect your moisture barrier and mimic the natural ones present in your skin. Use a good one and your skin will remain as soft as a baby’s bottom –with a few wrinkles.
Other hydrating agents like hyaluronic acid is another moisturizing ingredient that should be included in your skincare routine because it hydrates dry skin reducing the appearance of wrinkles, especially around the eye area.
Face oils are your friend
I have always used face oils to prevent and repair the signs of ageing, but in your 40s they are no longer optional they become critical. I previously mentioned in your 40s the skin tends to lose its lipid barrier which makes it much drier and prone to damage from free radicals. So this is where high-quality cold-pressed botanical oils to come into play, they are able to support the lipid barrier and help with maintaining hydration. Some antiaging oils include Pomegranate Seed Oil, Frankincense Oil, Lavender Oil and Rosehip Oil.
Eye Cream
Now clearly if you have noticed wrinkles on other parts of your face your eyes which have the thinnest skin have also followed suit. Use an antiaging eye cream preferably one with retinol and antioxidants to reduce the appearance of fine lines as well as under-eye circles
Office Procedures
Sometimes skincare and routine alone will not cut it, your 40’S is the time to start exploring other minimally invasive procedures that will give your skin a boost. These include chemical peels, laser resurfacing, micro-needling, Botox and fillers, choose based on your comfort level and make sure to have maintenance treatment to keep your results
Other Tips
Have a good skincare routine
This is not the time to fall off the wagon, do your skincare routine faithfully and consistently and your skin will thank
Don’t neglect your neck
Your neck should get the same treatment as your face, in fact, all treatments should extend to your nipples. Otherwise, you run the risk of having a smooth face and a crepey neck, so do the most and don’t forget the sides of the neck.
Lifestyle habits
This is also a great time to look at other habits in your life, that have a significant effect on how your skin looks in the long term. Getting proper hydration, sleep, and having a healthy diet will help your skin look young all throughout this decade.
To understand the effect that sun exposure has on your skin in this post LEARN ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SUN PROTECTION, SPF vs P+++ will let you all there is to learn. To find out 5 BEST ANTIOXIDANTS FOR ANTIAGING & ACNE , Antioxidants in skincare why you need them. Finally, if you keen on getting a chemical peel or demaplaning you can also read about my experiences.
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