5 Things You Need To Know About Skin Care Over 40

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Every year, a few things happen to our skin as we age. It thins and becomes more susceptible to damage from the sun and other outside forces. To protect your skin from further damage and keep it looking healthy and youthful, there are a few things you should know about how to take care of it over the age of 40.

It’s never too late to start taking care of your skin.

The first thing to know about skincare over 40 is that you should start taking care of your skin now, not later. You can’t go back in time and undo the damage you’ve already done, but you can proactively work toward a healthy complexion from here on out. Don’t worry! There are many things you can do to improve your skin’s appearance and feel more confident about how it looks without having to resort to cosmetic procedures. Just because you haven’t in the past doesn’t mean you can’t start now.

Truthfully, everyone has different priorities for their skin as they age, including at what age they start to notice changes and what conditions are their focus.  There are some general rules of thumb when it comes to caring for mature complexions:

• Focus on preventing wrinkles by using a sunscreen every day.  Even if you don’t go outside or if it’s cloudy out.  UV rays are still coming through and can damage your skin even when you’re not outside or when it’s not bright and sunny.
• Use moisturizer regularly (and if possible, one with SPF).  I love any of the ones from CeraVe.
• Use gentle cleansers that won’t irritate sensitive skin.
• Avoid products with harsh chemicals like alcohol or peppermint oil.
• Drink lots of water so that the nutrients in your body remain balanced while also helping them reach their destination faster (your face!).

Skin Care is NOT one size fits all.

Second, on our list of things you should also know skincare is NOT one size fits all.

One of the most frequent mistakes people make when it comes to their skin over 40 is assuming that there’s a “one size fits all” routine for everyone. A lot of people ask about my routine.  I’m happy to make recommendations but what works for me may not work for you.  Getting a recommendation is a great place to start, but it’s ok to change direction if something isn’t working for you.

Retinols or retinoids are one of the most recommended products in the anti-aging space.  Helpful in increasing cell turnover, retinol/retinoids can help with dullness, exfoliation, fine lines and wrinkles, and the overall appearance and texture of the skin.  But it’s also one of the most irritating and finding the right product for you can be time-consuming.  I have tried 3 retinol/retinoids and finally settled on one I like.  Through trial and error, I learned how often I can use it and what product works for me.

Affordable Skincare is out there!

Tip number 3 you should know that a skincare routine doesn’t have to be expensive. Quality products are available for every budget.

You can get similar and sometimes better results using less expensive products as you would with more expensive ones. Many of the most effective ingredients in skin care products are being sold at your local pharmacy or health food store! I always assumed I needed to spend more money on my products for better results.  Certain products are true, but many are not.

Skincare is not just about wrinkle creams.

You need to take a holistic approach to your skin care regimen. What most people don’t realize is that what you eat has a huge impact on how well your skin will age and look. This means avoiding fried foods and processed food products like junk food and soft drinks as much as possible.

It’s also important for women over 40 to make sure they are getting enough vitamin C in their diets, because studies show that this nutrient may help prevent the onset of wrinkles, brightens dull skin, and can help to stimulate collagen production.  Combining a Vitamin C-rich diet with topical Vitamin C products can complement one another.

Two vitamin C products I have used and love are Vichy LiftActiv Vitamin C Brightening Face Serum and SuperGoop Daily Dose Vitamin C + SPF Serum. I will use either as a part of my morning routine and when I skip them I notice a big difference in my skin health.

Sun damage is not the only reason our skin looks aged.

Remember, many factors can contribute to skin aging. Sun damage is one of them, but it’s not the only reason we age. There are other factors like genetics, lifestyle choices (smoking), and hormones (like estrogen) that play a role in how our skin ages as well. So don’t think this is just a problem for those who spend too much time outside without sunscreen!

We know as we get older, women will produce less estrogen.  Estrogen helps to increase skin collagen and improve thickness and elasticity.  Topical estrogen has been clinically proven to help prevent some of the effects of a loss of systemically produced estrogen. I have been using Paula’s Choice Phytoestrogen Elasticity Renewal Face Serum and in just two weeks I can see a major improvement in my skin elasticity.

Get Started Now!

I hope that you have learned something about taking care of your skin and how it can help you look and feel your best. Skin care is vital as we get older, but doesn’t need to be overwhelming. Start with a simple routine that you can stick to and build the habits as the foundation. Consult your dermatologist as they can always steer you into a customized routine.

If you want more tips on skincare and product reviews, check out my post on how I use the Ordinary Skin care products, or follow me on Instagram and TikTok.