Nourish
The Skin Products to Introduce in Your 40s
A dermal therapist reveals which products to work into your morning and evening routine to counteract the reduced cell turnover and wane in estrogen production due to hormonal changes in your 40s.
Yadira Cauchi
0 minute read
Ageing is a privilege.
Laugh lines, we love them. Our faces are supposed to show evidence of adventures experienced and milestones passed.
That said, there is plenty we can do, should we choose, to ensure our complexion remains plump and glowing even while naturally shifting hormones affect the appearance of the skin.
There’s no doubt that your thirties is a time where many people start to get serious about using skincare that treats their age management concerns - but as soon as their forties begin - that’s when things really need to work.
As you reach your forties you’ll often start to notice the changes in your skin a lot more than in previous years, predominantly due to the changes in your hormones and the decline of estrogen, which happens during the peri-menopause stage of life.
When estrogen production completely declines - that’s when menopause hits - which of course, directly affects the rate at which your skin ages even more.
Plus, in your forties, your skin cell turnover dramatically slows down (to double that of your twenties).
So couple that with the loss of estrogen in your skin, this means the overall skin thickness and elasticity is not anywhere near what it used to be which equals skin sagging.
Not to mention, your skin’s resilience declines so wound healing, including bouncing back from acne (which you can still get in your forties thanks to your hormonal fluctuations) tends to take longer.
Additionally, if you spent a lot of time outside in the sun sans SPF protection in your younger years, then you will likely start to notice pigmentation concerns pop up.
Often pigmentation can add years to the way a skin presents.
This can be addressed with the right skincare treatments such as chemical peels, microneedling and LED as well as products.
However, what are some good products to invest in in your forties? Let’s discuss the best products to make up a basic, but effective skincare routine.
AM ROUTINE
Gentle Hydrating Cleanser
Ultraceuticals Ultra Calming Cleanser
In your forties skin will be more dehydrated/drier so a hydrating cleanser is a non-negotiable.
You don’t want to be using anything that strips your skin or leaves you with that squeaky clean feeling. A cream or a milk is generally the best option for a morning cleanse.
Medik8
C Tetra
An antioxidant serum
Antioxidants are great ingredients to add to your routine in your forties.
They help fight free radical damage from things like UV rays, pollution and work synergistically with SPF to protect your skin from ageing.
There are many antioxidants on the market but vitamin C is highly studied and great for helping to manage pigmentation concerns.
Medik8
Hydr8 B5 Intense
A hydrating serum
Again, as skin tends to lose hydration and elasticity with age a hydrating serum may be a non-negotiable in your routine in your forties.
Look for a hyaluronic acid based serum as it will help your skin hold onto hydration and don’t forget to lock it in with a moisturiser.
Ceramide filled moisturiser
Ole Henriksen Strength Trainer Peptide Boost Moisturiser
In your forties it’s important to be using moisturisers that are designed to tackle dry/dehydrated skin.
Generally these are a little thicker and should contain ingredients to boost and maintain moisture such as ceramides and glycerin alongside peptides that can help fight fine lines and wrinkles that contribute to premature ageing.
Grown Alchemist
Natural Hydrating Sunscreen
A hydrating SPF
With so many different sunscreens on the market now it’s important to find one that you like wearing - and will want to use every day.
The Grown Alchemist physical SPF is great for your forties as it is full of nourishing plant oils and is incredibly hydrating and the physical formula makes it a good choice for all skin types - even if you are sensitive or rosacea prone.
PM ROUTINE
Medik8
Lipid Balance Cleansing Oil
An oil or balm cleanser
It’s important to get into the habit of double cleansing at night to remove your makeup and SPF properly.
Not only will this help ensure the serums that follow work more effectively, but it can help premature ageing as well.
Your face needs to be completely clean before you go to bed and the best way to do that is with an oil first then a gentle gel.
Grown Alchemist
Gentle Gel Facial Cleanser
A gentle cleanser
A gentle gel cleanser with no actives is generally best at night so you can follow with actives in your serum step.
I always tell my clients to wipe their face with a white towel following their double cleanse to ensure all makeup is removed.
If you still see makeup, you’re either not cleansing for long enough or you’re using the wrong cleanser.
Medik8
Crystal Retinal 3
A vitamin A serum
A vitamin A serum is a must to treat age management concerns in your forties and the Medik8 Crystal Retinal is not only exceptionally effective at fighting fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation and dullness but it’s well tolerated by most skins too.
If you are a beginner I’d start with the 3 and work your way up.
A gentle exfoliant (to be used a few times a week)
Biossance Squalane and Lactic Acid Resurfacing Night Treatment
As your skin cell turnover slows down a lot in your forties, incorporating a gentle chemical based exfoliant in your routine will help banish dullness and brighten the skin. Lactic acid is a great ingredient to look for in an exfoliant and tolerated by most skin types.
Medik8
Advanced Night Restore
A moisturiser
Medik8 Advanced Night Restore is the perfect night time moisturiser for skin in their forties.
Jam packed full of ceramides and restoring peptides, it helps plump up the skin, lock in hydration and fight premature signs of ageing.
Habitual Beauty
Rejuvenating Facial Oil
A face oil
For an extra hit of nourishment you could even mix an extra drop or two of your favourite face oil into your moisturiser.
Yadira Cauchi
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