Our skin undergoes some significant changes in our 40s for both men and women.
For women, 40s is a time of transition, where perimenopause begins and brings a large drop in oestrogen as the body prepares for menopause. With this is oestrogen related bone loss which affects facial structure.
For men, testosterone levels continue to decline, causing the skin to become more dry, sensitive and thin.
This means both men and women generally experience very similar signs of ageing at 40, as more wrinkles creep in, age spots appear and our skin starts to sag.
Additionally, the lymphatic system slows, meaning lymphatic drainage is less efficient and we’re more susceptible to blockages, which can cause dull skin and puffiness. Skin cells stop maturing and start to pile up rather than renewing themselves which leads to a dull complexion. Sebum production ceases, so our skin becomes more susceptible to dryness.
It’s a fairly long list, but with a bit of rigour in your skincare routine, you’ll be able to minimise the natural effects as ageing, while keeping your complexion healthy and glowing.
Here are some of our suggestions to keep your skin looking radiant and smooth at age 40 and beyond…
Moisturise (more!)
To combat the lack of sebum protecting your skin, use an antioxidant-rich moisturiser. We suggest a day cream, they’re fantastic because they also usually include sunscreen and antioxidant protection too.
Antioxidants protect the skin from free-radicals, they also help reverse some signs of ageing and spf will provide that all-important daily sun protection.
Elemis Pro Collagen Marine Cream, £87.00
Estee Lauder Daywear Advanced Multi-Protection Anti-Oxidant Creme SPF15, £44.00
Protect
If your day cream doesn’t include a have an added SPF, stay protected with the daily use of a mineral based sunscreen to reduce skin damage and accelerated ageing from the sun’s rays.
Clinique SPF 40 Face Cream, £18
Exfoliate (more!)
Use a gentle exfoliator and exfoliate more regularly to prevent the buildup of dead skin cells, which happens more often now they are slower to slough off.
Dermologica Daily Microfoliant, £51.00
Kiehl’s Pineapple Papaya Facial Scrub, £24.00
Cleanse
A must-have for maintenance. Cleanse your face daily to wash away makeup, impurities and pollution to ensure your complexion is clean and fresh.
Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser, £14.50
Use an eye cream
Use a nourishing eye cream to keep eyes looking refreshed and protect against wrinkles.
Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye, £40.00
Clinique All About Eyes Rich Eye Cream, £38.99
Start Using Masks
Give your skin boost with a treatment a little more intense. Use a face mask once a week to nourish, draw out impurities and improve texture.
Turmeric & Cranberry Seed Energizing Radiance Masque, £29.00
Anti-age as you sleep
Aid the skin’s nightly renewal with a nourishing serum to improve skin tone and texture when you wake up.
Estee Lauder Advanced Night Recovery Complex, £60.00
