A woman aged 40 applying skincare cream

Few things in life get better with age: wine and cheese, as we all know, being some of them. But what about your skincare routine? 

Ok, we get it. You're in your 40s now and you're starting to notice a few changes in your skin. Fine lines are appearing, you're not as glowy as you used to be, and suddenly there's this parched skin on your forehead that just won't go away no matter how much moisturizer you use. Don’t despair! Just like wine and cheese take time to be delicious, changing *aka improving* your routine in your 40s will make your skin look even more awesome than before. 

That's why we've put together the perfect skincare routine for you. This regime includes all of the essentials, like cleansing, toning, and moisturizing, plus a few extra steps that will work wonders to make you look young and beautiful. 

Trust us, this is the best way to take care of your skin in your 40s!

How Your Skin Changes Over 40s

Aging is a natural process that affects everyone differently, influenced by genetics, lifestyle choices, and environmental exposures. As anyone in their 40s may have noticed, the skin inevitably changes over time. Fine lines become more pronounced around your eyes and mouth, and deeper wrinkles can form on your forehead. You might experience drier and thinner skin, which increases its susceptibility to injury. Common concerns such as dark spots, spider veins, and other blemishes may also arise.

But why does that happen? Is this the universe telling you that you won’t ever look as fabulous as before? No! In fact, research indicates that nearly 90% of skin aging is caused by external factors such as sun exposure and pollution, emphasizing the importance of a proactive skincare routine. 

There are several key factors that contribute to skin changes as we age:

Collagen Production Slows Down

With age, our bodies produce less collagen, a vital protein that acts like the "glue" holding skin cells together. Reduced collagen means a loss of skin elasticity and strength, leading to the dreaded wrinkles and fine lines we all want to avoid. To combat this, consider incorporating retinoids and vitamin C into your skincare, which can help support collagen production.

Elastin Decreases

Elastin gives your skin the ability to stretch and return to its original shape. Without enough elastin, skin can become loose and saggy. As elastin production dwindles, wrinkles, fine lines, sagginess, and stretch marks may become more pronounced.

Moisture Retention Stops

When we’re younger, our skin retains moisture effectively due to natural oil production. As we age, this diminishes, leaving skin less hydrated. Additionally, skin cells tend to become thinner and a less effective barrier, making hydration more difficult to maintain. Incorporating products with hyaluronic acid can provide significant moisture. However, environmental factors like sun exposure and pollutants can damage your skin, weakening its ability to hold moisture, and this is a natural part of the aging process.

Best Skincare for 40s: Our Fountain of Youth Tips For Young Skin

We all want to look young and gorgeous forever, but unfortunately, that's just not how life works. However, with some knowledge and the right approach, you can keep your skin looking its best as you age. These tips apply to all skin types:

Make Sunscreen the Centerpiece of Your Routine

One consequence of reduced collagen and elastin is that your thinner skin becomes more sensitive to sun damage. Sun damage can lead to wrinkles, age spots, and an increased risk of skin cancer. Wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher is essential, even if you’re indoors.

Get Acquainted with Vitamin C

Incorporating vitamin C into your skincare regime can have profound anti-aging benefits. As a powerful antioxidant, it protects against environmental damage and promotes collagen production, which can reduce visible signs of aging and brighten the skin tone.

Exfoliate Two or Three Times a Week

Exfoliating regularly helps remove dead skin cells that lead to dullness and supports cell turnover, improving overall skin texture. Additionally, it can help unclog pores and enhance circulation, resulting in a radiant complexion.

Add Retinol into Your Night Routine

Retinol is a powerhouse ingredient that effectively reduces wrinkles and improves signs of aging. It promotes cell turnover, boosts collagen, and enhances skin texture for a youthful glow. It’s key to incorporate this into your nighttime routine, but avoid it if pregnant or breastfeeding.

Eye Cream Would Be Your New BFF

The skin around your eyes is more delicate, making it susceptible to dryness and wrinkles. An effective eye cream can hydrate and protect this area while addressing puffiness and dark circles, enhancing the overall appearance of tired eyes.

Moisturize Day and Night

Consistent use of a good moisturizer is vital for combatting dryness and maintaining skin elasticity. Opt for moisturizing products that contain ingredients like glycerin and ceramides, which help retain hydration and protect from environmental damage.

Add a Face Mask Every Now and Then

Face masks can provide targeted treatment, delivering a burst of hydration and rejuvenation for your skin. Look for masks with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamin C for added nourishment.

Do a Homemade Face Massage

A homemade face massage can enhance circulation, reduce stress, and promote relaxation, contributing to softer, more youthful skin. Try incorporating this into your weekly routine for the best results.

Be Like Popeye!

Eating nutrient-rich foods like leafy greens can greatly benefit your skin. These vegetables are packed with vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants that combat free radicals and promote youthful skin. Incorporate foods like avocados and berries that are rich in healthy fats and hydration.

Visit a Board-Certified Dermatologist

Consulting with a board-certified dermatologist can help you devise a personalized skincare regimen. Dermatologists can prescribe effective anti-aging treatments that enhance your skin’s health and appearance, helping you age gracefully.

Best skincare for aging skin: The complete routine

Because the 40s are the new 20s, here is the best skincare routine to keep your complexion plump and forever young: 

Cleanse (day and night)

Cleansing is one of the best ways to keep your skin looking young and healthy. Cleanser not only does it help to remove dirt and makeup, but it also promotes cell turnover and helps to prevent fine lines and wrinkles. Plus, it just feels really good to wash up and feel refreshed AF. 

This step should be included in your morning skincare routine and in the nighttime skincare routine, and you can totally use your morning cleanser at night!

Moisturizer
Yuja Niacin Brightening Gel Cream - Hydrate & Illuminate Skin's Glow
Moisturizer Yuja Niacin Brightening Moisture Gel Cream
Sale price$20.00
Moisturizer
AHA BHA PHA Miracle Acne Clear Body Cleanser - 30 Day Clear Skin Solution
Moisturizer AHA.BHA.PHA 30 Days Miracle Clear Body Cleanser 400g
Sale price$25.00

Exfoliate

There are a variety of ways to exfoliate the skin and get rid of dead skin cells, from physical scrubs and peels to acids and enzymes. 

If you have dry skin, go for a chemical exfoliator with lactic or glycolic acid. On the other hand, if you are prone to acne breakouts or have oily skin choose exfoliants with salicylic acid. Finally, if you have sensitive skin go for gentle exfoliators formulated for your skin type.

Repeat this step once or twice a week. 

Toner (day and night)

Toner is often one of those steps in a skincare routine that people skip, thinking it’s not important. But just like the foundation of a house, toner lays the groundwork for everything that comes after it in your routine—and that includes all your anti-aging serums and creams. 

A good toner will help to remove any dirt and debris that your cleanser may have missed, as well as prep your skin for the next steps by creating a smooth, even canvas. In addition, toner can help to restore your skin’s pH balance, which is essential for healthy skin.

Pick a treatment toner formulated with anti aging ingredients!

Serums (day and night)

When it comes to antiaging, serums are where it's at. These powerful little concoctions are packed with active ingredients that can help improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and dull skin.

For this step, you could use an antioxidants serum, with ingredients like vitamin c and vitamin e, during the morning to protect your skin from free radicals; and a hyaluronic acid serum at night to deeply moisturize your skin and retain water. 

Spot treatments (day and night)

When it comes to antiaging, spot treatments are like insurance policies for your skin. You might not need them all the time, but when you do, they can be a lifesaver. The premise is simple: by targeting specific areas of concern, such as wrinkles or dark spots, you can give yourself a more targeted and effective treatment than if you were to just use a general all-over cream. You can go for dark spots correctors or wrinkle creams

Eye cream (day and night)

Applying this product can be a bit of a mystery. Do you go up? Do you go down? Do you use a patting motion, or do you just circle your eyes with the cream until it's all gone? The good news is, there's no one right way to apply eye cream

Take a small amount of product and gently massage it into the skin around your eyes. Be careful not to pull or tug at the delicate skin, and avoid getting the cream in your actual eye.

Retinol (only at night)

Apply a pea-sized amount of retinol to your face, using gentle circular motions. Be sure to avoid the area around your eyes, as retinol can be irritating. Once you've applied the retinol, wait a few minutes for it to absorb into your skin before applying moisturizer. Just remember that this step is exclusive to be performed during nighttime routines!

Moisturizer (day and night)

The cherry on the cake! The last step in the best skincare routine for anti-aging will always be moisturizing the skin. You can use the same moisturizer for both routines or go for a heavier night cream and a lighter moisturizer with a gel-like texture for your morning routine.

Best anti aging skin care products for 40s: Where to find them

There you go: the best skin care routine for 40s plus awesome and easy to include tips! And now let’s skip to the good part: shopping! If after this blog you are eager to include some anti-aging products to your routine, you’ve come to the right place! We’ve prepared an amazing and complete collection with the best anti-aging skincare goodies just for you. 

So, whether you need sun protection, a gentle cleanser, a moisturizer to hydrate thirsty skin, or some nighttime skincare products to fight wrinkles and boost skin’s regeneration process, visit Asian Beauty Essentials! Shop now and keep your skin glowing all over your 40s!

Leave a comment

All comments are moderated before being published