Best Cleanser For Mature Oily Skin: Cerave Foaming Facial Cleanser
Most anti-aging products are geared toward dry skin, simply because the skin dries out as it ages. However, if excess oil is a concern, then the CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser is the perfect way to kickstart your skincare routine. This soothing blend will deeply cleanse your skin without stripping it dry, while also providing it with plenty of moisture and hydration.
The Most Common Skin Concerns Once You Hit 40
“Clients in their 40s definitely voice more concern around fine lines and wrinkles, an increase in laxity, and uneven skin tone,” says facialist to the stars and Australian skin expert Melanie Grant. “The rate at which our skin produces collagen starts to rapidly decline from age 30, and in our 40s, the sun exposure and potential sun damage from our youth really starts to surface with uneven pigment, dark patches, and sunspots.” Plus, for many women, she notes, perimenopause is another factor that can contribute to a significant change in the skin once we hit our 40s since hormones shift and prepare for menopause.
The good news? according to Joshua Zeichner, MD, FAAD, adding and prioritizing the right skincare products can improve the aforementioned signs of aging while simultaneously reducing future damage, even if, sadly, we can’t change our genetics, previous environmental exposures, or lifestyle faux pas.
Best Skincare Routine For 40s
To establish the best skincare routine for your 40s, we need to address the main problems as we get older. Remember, I always talk about women our age as being in their prime because the grace and wisdom you gain over the years are priceless.
But how we feel in our own skin is very important, too, so taking care of our body, inside and out, should be a priority. This is why I try to live as clean as possible, with a good diet, enough exercise, and a more natural skincare routine.
That is why in the last few years, I made a shift towards all-organic and natural skincare products, and Ive got some great recommendations for you today. But first, lets see what happens to our skin as we age.
- Sun Damage and Sunscreen
Over the years, our skin is bombarded with free radicals a type of unstable molecules that damage our cells. This comes from a natural process within our body or the outside environment pollution and the sun.
Many times, sun damage is our biggest enemy. If you grew up in the 80s, like me, you know it was a great decade, but not for skincare! Because having that killer tan, from staying in the sun with baby oil and iodine applied, was all the rage. That did enormous damage, but the signs can be reversed if you know what youre doing.
- Neck and Chest Area
- Do I Need Eye Cream?
Recommended Reading: How Does Melanoma Spread To Other Parts Of The Body
Best Anti Aging Regimen For 40s Level #1
Your 40s are when you should get serious about your skin.
The signs of aging have started to show on your neck and face.
At your beginner level, all you need is a three-step process:
And everything you need for healthy skin.
It is effective for sensitive skin as well.
Researchers from Skin Wellness Dermatology claim that beginners should start with Retinol having niacinamide.
Its an antioxidant that protects your skin against irritation retinoids may cause.
Key Ingredients: Vitamin C Vitamin E & Ferulic Acid
With a 15% concentration of ascorbic acid , you could easily call this product a vitamin C serum. However, it also incorporates 1% vitamin E, another potent antioxidant that supports how ascorbic acid instigates a tighter and brighter complexion.
0.5% ferulic acid has been included in this formula too. This is what offers huge amounts of environmental protection, with research showing that the photoprotective effects of ferulic acid double when the ingredient is combined with vitamins C and E .
Pros:
- Great for protecting the skin from environmental damage, thanks to its high antioxidant content
- Preserves skin cell integrity while enhancing cell turnover and boosting collagen synthesis
Cons:
- Doesnt offer much in terms of hydration, but it can easily be combined with a moisturizer
- This vitamin C serum is not suitable for oily skin
You May Like: Is It Necessary To Remove Basal Cell Carcinoma
Key Ingredients: Glycerin & La Roche
Well be honest there arent many standout ingredients in this formula, but its simplicity is what makes it such a hit. By keeping its ingredient list short and sweet, sensitive skin is far less likely to react to it.
So, rather than stuffing it with skin-irritating active ingredients, this cleanser offers up a soothing mix of glycerin and La Roche-Posay thermal spring water. It may not sound very impressive, but this water is actually very rich in selenium and other skin-loving elements, with studies showing that it demonstrates protective and soothing properties .
Pros:
- Gentle enough for highly-sensitive skin it even has the seal of approval from the British Allergy Foundation
- Removes makeup, dirt, and other impurities without stripping the skin
Cons:
- Doesnt contain many anti-aging ingredients
The Skin Refreshers: Exfoliators
Use chemical exfoliators to remove the dull top layer of skin to reveal fresher, brighter skin underneath. Glycolic acid has the added benefit of encouraging collagen production, which helps reduce the appearance of fine lines. POND’S Age Miracle Youthful Glow Double Action Serum has glycolic acid and other helpful ingredients to help prevent wrinkles, dark spots, and dullness.
Don’t Miss: What Are The Different Types Of Skin Cancer
The Best Radiance Boosting Serum For Skin In Your 40s
During your 40s, your skin produces less sebum, exposing you to environmental aggressors, like pollution, so you need to add an anti-oxidant-rich serum to your skincare in your 40s, to help fight free radicals.
Look for serums rich in collagen-boosting peptides, which act as building blocks for new collagen formation and stimulate fibroblast activity.
‘Co-factors such as vitamin C and copper will help the collagen-formation process,’ says Dr Anita Sturnham, dermatologist and founder of Nuriss clinics. ‘But don’t buy serums with both copper and vitamin C together, as these deactivate each other.’
Skin Care Product #: Daytime Moisturizer
A solid daytime moisturizer can make all the difference in how your complexion looks. The AAD explains that moisturizer can help trap water in your skin, which is essential to hydration. Try using a moisturizer thats specifically formulated for mature skin, so you know its a match. The LOréal Paris Age Perfect Hydra Nutrition Honey Day Cream, which is formulated with manuka honey and nurturing oils, is an intense daily moisturizer that helps restore comfort and nourishing moisture to mature, very dry skin. Smooth it gently over clean skin in a circular motion every morning. Aside from a facial moisturizer, the AAD also recommends using a body moisturizer and lip balm.
Editors tip: If youre using a serum, apply your moisturizer afterward. The general rule of thumb is to apply your skin care products from thinnest to thickest.
You May Like: Do I Have Skin Cancer On My Face
Average 40 Year Old Woman Face
What you may notice in the face of an average 40 year old woman are changes in both tone and texture. You may automatically think aging is all about wrinkles, but thats typically just because theyre the easiest changes to recognize. In fact, tone and texture account for much more when it comes to the appearance of skin aging than wrinkles do. Dr. Schultz explains, When people come into my office and say to me, I need a pick-up, what theyre really saying is theyre unhappy with what they see in the mirror. Then they say I need a Botox treatment, and I say I can give you a Botox treatment but its not going to make you happy. And what Im saying is, fixing lines and wrinkles alone will not solve the problem that youre seeing in the mirror.
Dr. Schultz uses this example of the relative importance of tone and texture issues as compared to lines: He says, Think of a pilled, stained, wrinkled shirt, and then iron out the wrinkles. What are you left with? A pilled, stained shirt. So the next time you look in the mirror I think youll have a much better understanding of what youre seeing, and youll realize its not just about wrinkles.
Best Eye Cream For 40s
Just like your night cream, you want your eye cream to do more than just moisturize. In this case, the best eye cream for your 40s is BeautyRxs Gentle Exfoliating Eye Cream. After a consumer study, 97% of participants said their face appeared overall more youthful. This eye cream is also enhanced with REGU®-AGE, which is an ingredient clinically proven to reduce under eye circles.
Don’t Miss: Is Squamous Cell Carcinoma Aggressive
Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Face Wash $6
Since some anti-aging products like retinoids and exfoliating acids can be especially harsh on the skin, Garshick likes to recommend this gentle cleanser from Neutrogena to her clients.
This gentle cleanser is a great option. It effectively cleanses to remove dirt, makeup and buildup, while helping to replenish lost moisture, leaving the skin feeling healthy and refreshed, Garshick tells the New York Post.
While all sunscreens are, in effect, anti-aging, of course, there are a few specific picks that the experts we interviewed like best.
The Isdin Eryfotona Actinica Sunscreen, for instance, was recommended by both King and Garshick.
This ultralight zinc sunscreen absorbs so well its hard to believe it contains zinc, says Garshick. It also contains DNA repair enzymes and antioxidants to help protect against and repair damage, making it particularly helpful in an anti-aging skincare routine.
According to Garshick, it can be used on all skin types and is also easy to apply under makeup because it doesnt leave a greasy finish.
Due to the combination of DNA repair enzymes, zinc oxide and antioxidants, King loves this sunscreen because its actually repairing and protecting at the same time.
Is It Too Late To Start Using Anti
Although the signs of aging become more noticeable in your 40s, there are steps you can take to ease fine lines and wrinkles, and boost elasticity, says Dr. Lilliana Ramirez, a board-certified dermatologist and the director of skincare success at Nava MD. Preventing further skin damage and nourishing your complexion should be your main priorities.
Even if youve never committed to a skincare routine before, its never too late to start. The key is finding products with the right ingredients.
Recommended Reading: Best Foundation For Maturing Skin
How Can I Get Glowing Skin In My 40s
Use products that include antioxidant ingredients, advises Dr Hamilton. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, it prevents oxidative damage by binding to the free radicals caused by UV radiation and pollution. It will leave your skin glowing, and brighter as just like retinoids it will improve the appearance of your skin tone.
Exfoliating serums that include AHAs will brighten the appearance of skin to give it a glow as they will help to remove any dead cells in the outermost layer of the skin. This will improve and brighten a dull appearance plus it will allow other ingredients that you apply to penetrate the layers of skin.
As well as AHAs, try to use a product that contains ceramides as these will help to repair your skins barrier by locking in moisture.
If you can afford it / are open to trying aesthetic procedures, Morpheus8 is an amazing treatment to consider as it combines radio frequency to tighten and lift the face with microneedling to increase the skins collagen production, suggests Dr Hamilton. Profhilo is another treatment that treats skin from the inside out. Its an injectable moisturiser which hydrates the skin from within while also boosting the skins production of collagen and providing a lifting effect.
Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Cream 50ml
Best: For dry skin
We came for the name and stayed for the intense hydration that this rich cream provides. Dubbed a rescue cream, it strengthens the skins barrier with six African oils and a plant ceramide complex while antioxidants and omega acids work to protect the skin from the effects of environmental stress. Its whipped formulation feels light and airy even though it acts like a much richer cream on the skin. It made our skin feel nourished and improved the appearance of a damaged patch of skin within a few days. The airtight packaging keeps the product in optimum condition: you simply press the top to release a single dose.
Don’t Miss: How Do They Get Rid Of Skin Cancer
A Complete Guide To Building A Skin Care Routine For Your 40s According To Derms
Shop TODAY is editorially independent. Our editors selected these deals and items because we think you will enjoy them at these prices. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn a commission. Items are sold by retailer, not TODAY. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time. Learn more about Shop TODAY.
For most of my life, Ive to two products: a gentle cleanser and a powerful sunscreen. But something happened when I hit my 40s I noticed my skin no longer glowed like it used to and it always seemed to look and feel dry. When I noticed a few sunspots on the top of my right cheek, I realized it was time to elevate my morning and evening beauty routines.
Fine lines, dryness, sunspots and a loss of firmness are all things women begin to deal with in their 40s, said Dr. Mona Gohara, associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale School of Medicine. Plummeting estrogen levels directly affect collagen production, skin thickness and hydration, so its important to develop an anti-aging skin care program, and stick with that program, during this decade.
With so many anti-aging products on the market boasting ingredients youd never thought youd put on your face , it can be hard to figure out where to start and how exactly to create the best skin care routine for your 40s.
Key Ingredients: Retinol & Panthenol
Many anti-aging eye creams contain retinol, but this one makes use of an exclusive, patented retinol complex thats significantly more powerful than other OTC versions. Its almost as potent as prescription retinol products, making it extremely successful at treating aging skin.
Panthenol, aka vitamin B5, is also used in this anti-aging product. A common ingredient in hair care products, this compound is loved for its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties .
Pros:
- Contains retinol but is gentle enough to be used daily on the delicate skin around the eyes
- Helps with puffiness, dark circles, and crows feet
Cons:
Recommended Reading: What Does The Beginning Of Skin Cancer Look Like
Skin Care Product #: Cream Facial Cleanser
As you age, your skin becomes drier, according to the American Academy of Dermatology . This is because it loses moisture, nutrients, and natural oils. Stay away from foaming or gel facial cleansers when washing your face and use a cream facial cleanser instead. The LOréal Paris Age Perfect Nourishing Cream Cleanser, which is formulated for mature skin, is a perfect option. It gently removes all traces of impurities and makeup without over-drying for softer, smoother, more supple skin. Morning and night, lather the cleanser into wet hands and gently massage it onto your skin before rinsing off and moving on to the rest of your skin care routine.
Skin Care Product #: Night Cream
Your skin care routine wouldnt be complete without a night creamand we have the perfect one for you to use in your 40s. The LOréal Paris Age Perfect Hydra Nutrition Honey Night Balm helps hydrate skin immediately to leave the face, neck, and chest firmer, stronger, and more resilient. Apply it as the last step in your nighttime skin care routine and let it absorb. Enjoy your beauty sleep!
You May Like: What Does Oral Melanoma Look Like
The Hard Worker: Retinol
Not only does it minimize fine lines and wrinkles, but it also prevents dullness, plumps up skin, and treats acne. Looking for a retinol product that works fast? Try POND’S Age Miracle Ultimate Youth Essence, which can have you looking more radiant in just seven days.
Dr. Reyess final tip: The most powerful anti-aging product women can use at any age is sunscreen. You heard the good doctorits time to start taking daily sun protection seriously. Its the best skincare investment you can make! Remember, when it comes to anti-aging remedies, prevention is better than cure.
Key Ingredients: Rice Powder Rice Bran White Tea & Licorice
The exfoliating agents in this product come from rice, meaning that theyre super-gentle. As soon as this exfoliating powder hits your skin, it releases a blend of papain, salicylic acid, and rice enzymes to clear dead cells and brighten skin tone.
Dermalogica has also added white tea to this formula for its anti-inflammatory properties , as well as licorice root extract for its skin-lightening abilities.
Pros:
- Gentle enough to allow you to exfoliate every day without irritating your skin
- Instantly brightens and adds radiance to the complexion
Cons:
- Just like any exfoliant, this one shouldnt be used on its own. Always follow up with a moisturizer or facial oil to complete your skincare routine
Recommended Reading: How Many People Die From Skin Cancer Every Year
Best Otc Exfoliant For The Face & Neck: Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Its so important for anyone in their 40s to regularly remove dead skin cells from the surface of their skin. This helps to keep the complexion looking fresh and bright, while also enhancing natural cell turnover. For this, give the Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant a try. There arent many exfoliants out there that are safe to be used daily, but this one is made with gentle actives that also soothe, calm, and moisturize the skin.