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  

As any 40-something may have noticed, the skin inevitably changes as you age. Fine lines appear around your eyes and mouth, and deep wrinkles form on your forehead. Your skin becomes drier and thinner, making it more susceptible to injury. You may also notice dark spots, spider veins, and other blemishes. 

But why does that happen? Is this the universe telling you that you won’t ever look as fabulous as before? No! 

There are some factors that make your skin change over the years: 

Collagen production slows down

As we age, our bodies produce less and less collagen. You might not think that's a big deal, but collagen is actually really important stuff! And we don’t want to give you a scientific explanation here, so, in simple terms, we can say that collagen is the " glue" that helps to hold your skin cells together.

All in all, your skin glows more when it is full of collagen. However, when collagen formation starts to slow down, the cells begin to separate, creating oh-so-feared wrinkles and fine lines. 

Elastin decreases

Elastin has the same powers as Elastigirl. Basically, it is a protein that gives your skin the ability to stretch and go back to its original shape. That’s why, without this hero, your skin would be loose and saggy (kind of like an old piece of fruit).

In this sense, just like collagen, when elastin production starts to decrease the skin is left with wrinkles, fine lines, sagginess, and stretch marks. 

Moisture retention stops

When we're young, our skin is like a sponge-it's able to absorb and retain moisture much more effectively than when we're older. But why is that? Well, one big reason is that our skin produces less of its natural oils as we age. Oil helps to lock in moisture, so when we have less of it, our skin is less able to keep things hydrated. 

Another factor is that our skin cells become thinner and less efficient at holding onto water as we get older. So even if we're applying lots of lotion and drinking enough water, we may still find that our skin feels dryer than it used to. 

Ultimately, sun exposure and pollutants can damage the skin barrier function, making it more difficult for the skin to hold onto moisture. And, ultimately, it's just 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. As we age, our skin starts to show signs of wear and tear, and before long, those fine lines and wrinkles become permanent fixtures. 

But don't despair! There are a few things you can do to help slow down the aging process and keep your skin looking its best *this applies to all skin types*

Make Sunscreen the centerpiece of your routine

One of the consequences of less collagen and elastin production is that your skin, which is thinner than ever, starts being super sensitive to sun damage. 

Sun damage can cause wrinkles, age spots, and other skin problems, as well as increase the risk of skin cancer. Wearing sunscreen can help to protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays. 

Look for a sunscreen that has an SPF of 30 or higher, and be sure to apply it generously and reapply it every two hours *yes, even when you are indoors watching a Netflix marathon* 

Sunscreen
Anessa Perfect UV Skin Care Milk A SPF 50+ Pokemon Squirtle Edition
Day-Light Protection Airy Sunscreen - Asian Beauty Essentials
Sunscreen
Sale price$35.00

Get acquainted with Vitamin C

If you're looking for a way to turn back the clock on your skin, you may want to consider incorporating vitamin C into your skincare routine for its anti-aging benefits. 

Also known as ascorbic acid, vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can help to protect the skin from damage caused by environmental factors such as pollution and UV radiation. 

This antioxidant also can support collagen production, which can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and other visible signs of aging. In addition, vitamin C helps to brighten the skin, even out uneven skin tone, and boost cell repair. 

That’s why vitamin C is the MVP of the best skincare for aging skin.

Exfoliate two or three times a week

If you're not already exfoliating two or three times a week, you're missing out on one of the best skincare routine secrets. That's because exfoliating helps to remove dead skin cells, which can build up and make your skin look dull. 

Related article: What is Exfoliation? A Full Guide on How to Exfoliate your Skin

In addition, exfoliating helps to stimulate cell turnover, which can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. And if that's not enough, exfoliating also helps to unclog pores and improve blood circulation, both of which can give your skin a healthy glow. 

Exfoliator
Apricot Blossom Peeling Gel
Exfoliator Apricot Blossom Peeling Gel
Sale price$15.00
Exfoliator
AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid
Exfoliator AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid
Sale price$25.00

Add retinol into your night routine

We are not scientists, but we are pretty sure that retinol is magic. No, seriously- it's the only thing that has ever been proven to actually reduce wrinkles and help with other signs of aging. And trust us, we’ve tried everything! 

We are convinced that if there was a Holy Grail of anti-aging ingredients, it would be full of retinol. So why does retinol work so well? Well, it's all about the science: 

This powerful form of vitamin A can get rid of dead skin, promote cell turnover, boost collagen production, and helps to even out skin tone. In other words, retinol is like the fountain of youth in a bottle. Not only does it help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, but it also helps to improve skin texture and give the complexion a youthful glow. So, you can definitely add retinol into your nighttime routine if you want your skin to look young and healthy! 

Important: if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, avoid retinol at all costs since it can damage your baby.

Related article: Top 8 Skincare Ingredients To Avoid While Pregnant

Eye cream would be your new BFF

Sure, using eye cream might seem like an extra step in your skincare routine. But trust us, it's worth it! Here's why:

For one thing, the skin around your eyes is thinner and more delicate than the rest of your face. That means it's more prone to dryness, wrinkles, and crow’s feet. The cream helps to hydrate and protect this sensitive area.

But this product isn't just for people who are worried about wrinkles. It can also help with puffiness and dark circles. If you've ever woken up with puffy eyes, you know how frustrating it can be. This cream can help to reduce the appearance of puffiness by constricting blood vessels and improving lymphatic drainage. Finally, if dark circles are your main concern, an eye cream with light-reflecting properties can help to brighten the area and make you look more rested.

Eye Cream
Vital Hydra Solution Biome Eye Cream - Asian Beauty Essentials
Eye Cream Vital Hydra Solution Biome Eye Cream
Sale price$56.00

Moisturize day and night

If you want to keep your skin looking young and healthy, using moisturizer is a must. In a nutshell, a moisturizer helps to hydrate the skin and lock in moisture. This is important because as we age, our skin produces less oil, which can lead to dryness, wrinkles, and other signs of aging. By using moisturizers on a daily basis, you can help to keep your skin hydrated and prevent these premature aging signs. And as an added bonus, moisturizer also helps to protect the skin from environmental damage, such as UV rays and pollution. So not only will using moisturizer help you to look younger, but it will also help you to stay healthy!

Any board-certified dermatologist would recommend using a product with retinol if you didn’t include it as a spot treatment, glycerin, or hyaluronic acid, which will help you to hydrate and retain that moisture. 

Moisturizer
Yuja Niacin Brightening Moisture Gel Cream
Moisturizer Yuja Niacin Brightening Moisture Gel Cream
Sale price$20.00

Add a face mask every now and then

Any beauty junkie worth their salt knows that using a face mask is essential for achieving younger-looking skin. But why is this? Well, when you use a face mask, you're essentially giving your skin a mini-makeover. By slathering on a face mask and allowing it to work its magic, you're giving your skin a chance to breathe and regenerate. 

Face masks contain ingredients, like hyaluronic acid, cucumber, and vitamin C, that can help to brighten, hydrate, and smooth the skin barrier. In other words, they can help you achieve the youthful glow that we all crave, that’s why they are an essential part of the best anti-aging skincare routine

Include them in your routine once or twice a week and get ready to let the magic in! 

Do a homemade face massage

A face massage is a great way to combat aging signs. By stimulating circulation and encouraging lymphatic drainage, a face massage can help to tone facial muscles and keep your complexion soft. Plus it helps to reduce stress and promote relaxation. 

So next time you're feeling stressed or your skin is looking dull, try giving yourself a face massage!

Be like Popeye!

Popeye was on to something when he wolfed down cans of spinach to gain strength. Eating leafy greens may not give you biceps the size of the cartoon character, but it can actually help you stay young and beautiful. That’s why it is an essential part of the best skincare routine for people over 40s

These veggies are packed with skin-nourishing nutrients that can help to keep your body looking young and healthy. For example, greens are a great source of vitamins A and C, which are both essential for maintaining healthy skin. Vitamin A helps to stimulate collagen production, while vitamin C helps to brighten the skin and protect it from damage. 

They are also a good source of antioxidants, which help to fight free radicals and prevent signs of aging.

Visit a board-certified dermatologist

As we all know, getting older isn't exactly a walk in the park. We start to lose our energy, our skin starts to wrinkle, and our hair starts to thin. But believe it or not, there is one silver lining to this whole aging process: visiting a board certified dermatologist

That's right - going to see a doctor about your skin can actually help you to look younger. Here's how: dermatologists can prescribe anti-aging creams and serums that are full of powerful ingredients that can help to plump up your skin, smooth out wrinkles, and even out your skin texture. 

So, pay a visit to a skin wellness dermatology center. Your skin will thank you for it! 

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 Moisture Gel Cream
Moisturizer Yuja Niacin Brightening Moisture Gel Cream
Sale price$20.00
Moisturizer
AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Clear Body Cleanser
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. 

Serum
Repair Serum: Ginseng + Snail Mucin
Serum Repair Serum: Ginseng + Snail Mucin
Sale price$20.00

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!

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