In your 40s, skincare starts to get a bit more challenging. You need to adapt your skincare regimen and lifestyle to the changes that come with being more mature than when you were in your 20's and 30's.
Up until now, you may have been rather relaxed in your approach to skincare. While you might be employing attention to cleansing and some nurturing practices, as well as some specific preventative measures, there are more inevitable age and hormonal-related changes happening now. —though more mindful and expanded efforts will help counteract some of these changes and bring positive results .
Skin changes in your 40's
At this time in your life, your skin's elasticity decreases. Your body is also experiencing hormonal changes again and these are increasing. While we love the summer sunshine and the immune boosting vitamin D and C it gives our skin, sun damage is now more noticeable. In addition to the already mentioned changes, Your 40's may usher in the experience of perimenopause. It's a little foreshadowing of what is to come in our next two decades and is often a little unsettling to many women in their 40's.
Also, lower collagen production combined with hormonal changes cause a change in the tone and texture of your skin. Your face and neck may lose volume and elasticity, and the eyelids experience varying degrees of hooding.
Cell renewal rate is even slower than it was in your 30s, so you'll have to work a bit harder to combat a dull complexion.
CARING FOR YOUR SKIN IN YOUR 40s
The best approach is to assess and evaluate your skin and craft an appropriate skincare routine while adapting to the changes your body is facing.
Types of products to use
TWEAK YOUR CURRENT SKINCARE ROUTINE
A few tweaks are needed to your regimen. For example, since your skin produces less oil now, it's more vulnerable to environmental stressors like pollution and the sun. You may find that your face is more dry than it used to be and needs more attention to keep it hydrated.
SERUMS
Incorporate an antioxidant-rich serum (like our Neroli Radiance Serum) to fight off free radicals. Look for a product that also has hydrating and collagen-boosting ingredients like peptides and hyaluronic acid to combat the lower collagen production
VITAMIN A
The 40s are an excellent time to start using a retinol product. Research shows that topical retinoids such as (vitamin A) can help to effectively exfoliate, diminish the appearance of wrinkles, and brighten your look. This will lead to rejuvenated skin by help the loss of elasticity and volume, and increase your cell renewal rate.
IMPROVE EXFOLIATION
Exfoliating is already a part of your skincare routine, and that's great. But in your 40s, you need to improve it. Since the cells aren't renewing as frequently, the skin experiences more dullness.
Your exfoliant may be appropriate for your skin type while gentle enough to use frequently. However, this may not be sufficient.
Adding a mild chemical exfoliant to your routine provides an instant glow, normalizes the skin's moisture barrier, exfoliates, removes impurities, and fights off environmental stressors. At-home chemical exfoliants are simple to use. They come in the form of solution-soaked pads that you swipe over your face.
USE PRODUCTS THAT ARE NEED-SPECIFIC
Our younger years are only about prevention. However, our 40s focus on prevention as well as treating specific skincare issues.
Such challenges include collagen depletion, age/sun spots, ruddiness, uneven skin tone, and fine lines/wrinkles.
LOVE YOUR NECK
Your skincare procedures should go beyond your chin. Gravity and neglect play a significant role in the aging of the neck. Sun damage and genetics are contributors too.
Apply your SPF, moisturizers, serums, and other face products to your neck as well for prevention and corrective measures.
TAKE SUPPLEMENTS
A balanced diet is critical, but our bodies need help from supplements as we age. However, they shouldn't be abused. Consult your doctor before starting anything new.
Collagen supplements provide the skin with proteins that are lost as production declines with age. Omega-rich fish oil can help relieve perimenopause symptoms (hot flashes).
Try These Treatments
FACIAL PEELS
Just like in your 30s, peels are great for reducing the appearance of dullness, bringing a brighter, more even look to your face, and firming up your look. Peels also improve the appearance of your skin tone and minimize the appearance of large pores. There are organic, and herbal enzyme peels available if you prefer a non-toxic lifestyle.
However, you might need stronger peels. Talk to a licensed professional about what is best for you.
LED LIGHT THERAPY
LED treatments alleviate a variety of conditions. These include acne breakouts, fine lines, wrinkles, scarring, rosacea, evening out your skin tone, and reducing pore size.
LED treatments are popular because they are non-invasive and painless. Red light stimulates collagen production, firms your look, and reduces pore size. Blue light kills the bacteria that causes whiteheads, acne, and clogged pores.
This method plumps up those stubborn areas that botox can't completely treat, like crows feet.
ULTRASOUND THERAPY
This therapy stimulates the production of collagen and elastin in the face and elsewhere in the body.
LASERS
Gentle lasers work well in your 20's and 30's, but not your 40s. You need aggressive treatment to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
Lifestyle Changes
EXERCISE MORE
Your body needs physical activity now more than ever. Working out counters slow metabolism and helps reverse some signs of aging.
Do whatever you can to get your body moving. Get a workout buddy, take the stairs, walk on your lunch break, or get up from your desk every half hour.
MANAGE STRESS
According to research, women are three times more likely to suffer from insomnia, anxiety, stress, and depression in the five years before menopause. This is due to the loss of progesterone hormone that calms your adrenal response system.
Self-care is vital. Even 20-30 minutes of relaxed me-time a day can make a difference. Don't forget to eat a balanced diet and get enough sleep.
INCREASE YOUR CALCIUM INTAKE
As estrogen production decreases, bone loss increases. This means you need to eat more of whole, calcium-rich foods. For example, canned salmon, yogurt, sardines, almonds, seeds, leafy greens, lentils, cheese, and milk.
With love,
The Sole Toscana Skincare Team
