Remember the days when you could browse your local CVS for the cheapest cleanser you could find and practically never use moisturizer? Well, we have some bad news: those days are over, ladies—long over.
But that’s actually not bad news at all—it’s a good thing! Why? Because you’re 40, and being 40 is the coolest (don’t let anyone tell you otherwise). You’ve learned some stuff, done some things, made plenty of memories and strengthened many relationships. Now you get to take all of the things you’ve learned through the years and apply them where they matter most—like your skin.
By your 40s, your skin cell turnover rate has halved since your 20s. Translation? Wrinkles and dull, uneven skin. Not to mention, as your levels of estrogen decline, elastin and collagen also decline. Unfortunately, this causes your skin to start sagging.
No, we’re not trying to be total jerks by telling you this—and we still think being 40 is awesome. So, before you throw whatever device you’re currently using out the window, hear us out. There are definitely ways to achieve youthful looking skin throughout your 40s with very little effort (See? We’d never let you down!).
You might’ve already tried what seems like thousands of solutions and products, or maybe you barely do anything at all, you little risk-taker. The truth is, whether you’re slathering on the latest and greatest anti-aging nonsense or washing your face with Dove soap, figuring out what to do next is almost an impossible feat.
Until now.
Here are our five golden rules for the perfect skincare routine in your 40s.
When you hit 40, your skin starts to become a little more sensitive. Our solutions? Opt for skincare products that are gentle, yet effective. Start by choosing a cleanser that boosts moisture retention. Look for something that has a gentle lather and contains great hydrating ingredients, like ceramides. Also, consider washing your face with a cleanser only once a day. If you wash at night, just rinse your face in the morning with water alone—not only will it help preserve your skin’s own natural oils, but it saves time, too! That’s a skincare win-win.
Sun and pollution damage can wreak havoc on your skin, and over time, it can lead to an uneven, dull complexion. But before you start having flashbacks of tanning beds and spring break of ‘98, know that it’s never too late to protect and prevent. Combat this by adding a daily antioxidant serum. This should be the first thing you put on in the morning after rinsing your face with water. Look for one packed full of natural antioxidants like kakadu plum and avocado extracts, but also stabilized forms of vitamin C (psst...try this one here!). A good antioxidant-rich serum can improve your overall complexion, encourage collagen production and protect against UV and environmental damage.
You might be noticing that it’s harder to achieve that dewy glow that was once commonplace in your 20s. The reason? That dreaded skin cell turnover rate we mentioned earlier (sorry to remind you). But have no fear! Look for products with alpha hydroxy acids, vitamin C and retinol to brighten and refresh your complexion—these ingredients will help turn over cells more rapidly. But beware: there is such a thing as too much of a good thing. Make sure you’re never overusing these products, and definitely don’t use them together. Some skin types can tolerate retinol daily, while others can only use it twice a week. If you have more sensitive skin, opt for fruit acids and vitamin C. These are best utilized at night because they have a longer time to work their magic. Plus, it’s best to avoid direct sunlight while using AHAs on your skin. Need some help? Try this easy routine! We did the work for you.
While it may be tempting to use eye creams at night, the best time to apply an eye cream is actually during the day! An ultra-hydrating eye cream helps smooth and plump thin skin. It’s also a great primer before applying make-up, which diminishes the look of fine lines and wrinkles. Also, many contain ingredients like peptides and antioxidants that protect this delicate area from pollution and sun damage. In other words, there’s no debate: eye cream is a non-negotiable.
The secret to achieving that dewy glow in your 40s is to keep your skin hydrated—and the best way to do this is with a face oil. Face oils not only penetrate deep to ultra-hydrate your skin, they also work better to balance oil production naturally, leaving skin super smooth and soft. Use a face oil at night on top of an exfoliating night serum and experience the difference of truly hydrated skin by morning (trust us, it’s incredible). Also, try adding a bit of oil to your face in the morning over your make-up and watch that dewy glow return within seconds! Oh...and don’t forget to drink plenty of water!
So, what did we miss? Have any tried-and-true skincare rules for your 40s? Leave a comment below!
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