Hello 40s: It’s Time to Level Up Your Skincare Game!

I turned 40 recently. Looking in the mirror lately, I noticed that my reflection isn't quite keeping up with how young I feel on the inside.

Suddenly the skin doesn’t bounce back quite as quickly when I pinch it or laugh. I have noticed more fine lines around my mouth and eyes, and maybe a new sun spot popping up where I swear there used to be none.

I have seen it happening to my clients in their 40s too. It’s not just in your head! Yes, in our 40s, our skin’s natural repair mechanisms slow down significantly. We lose collagen and elastin at an accelerated rate, and the accumulated sun damage from our 20s and 30s starts to make a grand appearance. 

The skincare routine that worked for you in your 30s simply won’t cut it anymore. But the good news is, now is the time to take action! It’s time to move past the basic cleansing and moisturiser routine and introduce powerhouse ingredients and professional treatments that target signs of ageing to stimulate and empower your skin. 

Let me tell you how to reclaim your glow and give your skin exactly what it needs to look and feel its resilient best.

The most effective skincare happens daily in your own bathroom. In your 40s, you need ingredients with proven, science-backed results. These are my must haves:

The gold standard is retinaldehyde (retinal), a Vitamin A derivative and in my opinion, the most important anti-ageing ingredient you can use. It accelerates cell turnover, which slows significantly in your 40s. It also stimulates collagen production, minimizes fine lines and wrinkles, and helps fade sun spots and hyperpigmentation. Start slowly! Begin with a low-concentration product a few nights a week to build tolerance. Always apply at night and use SPF every morning, because retinal makes your skin sensitive to the sun.

Facial oils are imperative! They replace the glow on your older skin! Use oils that focus on cell regeneration, hydration, and antioxidant protection to address concerns like fine lines, loss of elasticity, and dryness. 

Frankincense (Boswellia carterii) "king of essential oils" is perfect for mature skin. It promotes cell regeneration, helps tighten skin, and reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and sunspots. 

Carrot Seed (Daucus carota) is rich in antioxidants, beta-carotene, and vitamins E and C. Carrot seed oil has excellent regenerative and toning properties and helps to rejuvenate tired skin, improve firmness, and support new cell growth. 

Rose (Rosa damascena) oil softens, soothes, and hydrates the skin, and helps improve elasticity and can even stimulate collagen production. 

Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) oil regulates sebum (oil) production, which can be useful as skin changes with age. It also promotes cell regrowth and helps improve elasticity, giving a tightening effect. 

Neroli (Citrus aurantium amara) intensely moisturizes and boosts the natural process of cell regeneration. Neroli oil helps improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of scars and dark spots. 

Rosehip Seed Oil (Rosa canina) has a high concentration of essential fatty acids (Omegas 3, 6, and 9), antioxidants, and natural pro-vitamin A. It is known to help fade dark spots, improve skin elasticity, and boost collagen production. 

Jojoba Oil (Simmondsia chinensis) mimics the skin's natural sebum, making it easily absorbed and highly compatible with all skin types, including oily, sensitive, and dry skin. It provides a protective moisture barrier and is rich in Vitamin E. 

Avocado oil (Persea gratissima) is an excellent carrier oil in your  40s because of its deeply moisturizing, nutrient-rich, and regenerative properties.

Hyaluronic acid is the hydration hero to replace lost moisture. As we age, our skin loses its ability to retain moisture effectively. Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is a naturally occurring substance in our skin that depletes with age. HA acts like a sponge, drawing moisture into the skin. This immediately plumps the skin, making fine lines less visible and improving elasticity. Apply an HA serum to damp skin immediately after cleansing, both morning and night. This helps lock in maximum moisture before applying your moisturizer.

I love vitamin c. It’s a potent antioxidant and is a daytime essential. Vitamin C protects the skin from environmental stressors (like pollution and UV rays) that cause premature aging. It also brightens the complexion, evens skin tone, and boosts collagen synthesis. Use a serum every morning after cleansing and before your moisturizer and sunscreen. 

No ingredient or treatment in the world can counteract daily UV damage. The single most effective anti-aging habit is the daily application of a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30.

Consider professional treatments that offer targeted results to enhance your at-home routine. When introducing treatments in your 40s, consistency is more impactful than intensity!

Peels exfoliate the top layers of the skin, revealing smoother, brighter skin underneath. Medium strength peels are excellent for evening out texture, minimizing fine lines, pigmentation issues, clearing dull skin, and fading hormonal spots common in perimenopause skin. I recommend doing a course of 6 treatments, every 3-4 weeks.

My hero is microneedling! This treatment uses a device with tiny needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin. This process triggers the body’s natural healing response and dramatically boosts collagen and elastin production. This improves skin texture and firmness, minimizes the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and acne scars, and can improve pigmentation. Microneedling is typically performed in a series of 6 treatments, spaced about 4-6 weeks apart. 

Regular facial massage significantly reduces visible signs of aging you are noticing in your 40s. It is simple, non-invasive with emotional and mental relaxation. 

Massage techniques like myofascial and muscle releases can release tension, improve circulation, and enhance oxygen flow. Facial massage increases collagen production and enhances skin tone. Massaging your face stimulates blood flow, which delivers more oxygen and essential nutrients to your skin cells. This improved circulation helps nourish and rejuvenate the skin, resulting in a healthier, more radiant, and less fatigued complexion. 

Lymphatic drainage massage helps flush out toxins and excess fluid buildup that can cause puffiness, especially around the eyes and jawline. 

Regular facial massage helps to exercise and tone the underlying facial muscles, which can become stagnant or lose definition with age. This can lead to a more lifted, sculpted, and defined facial contour over time. The pressure from massage can stimulate fibroblast cells, which are responsible for producing collagen and elastin, the proteins that keep the skin firm and smooth. This improved elasticity can help minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 

We often carry tension in our face, jaw, and forehead, which can contribute to muscle constriction and the formation of expression lines. Massaging these areas helps relax the muscles, which can reduce the appearance of tension-related wrinkles.

Embrace your 40s with a smart, targeted treatment plan that  empowers your skin!