The French philosopher, Charles Peguy, was spot-on when he declared, “40 is a fearsome age. It is the age when we become who we are.”
Turning 40 soon? Welcome and celebrate this milestone with open arms. If it feels like a huge deal, it’s because it is. This is your best decade yet! 40s is the time when you know what what makes you happy, you know what you want from life, and are finally hitting the peak of your confidence.
Starting this new chapter, however, is not all roses. For women entering their forties, the body’s hormonal makeup changes, affecting the quality of the skin and its ability to recover.
Interviewed by Good Housekeeping in this article, skincare guru Susan Harmsworth explains, “Skin can’t recover as quickly as it once did from environmental and lifestyle stressors such as late nights, long working hours, and poor quality sleep.”
For women in their forties, cell generation slows down, and the skin’s texture becomes dull, uneven, and begins to lose elasticity, which is why it’s essential to upgrade your skincare routine as you reach this milestone.
Here’s how you can keep your skin healthy and glowing for women in their forties.
SPF– very important
As your skin’s recovery begins to slow down, dermatologists couldn’t emphasize more the importance of using sun protection or sunblock. And this extends indoors too, when you’re working near a window where the sun is streaming in.
Exfoliating scrub
Not a fan of the grainy texture? Now’s the time to make your exfoliating scrub your new best friend.
According to Susan Hemsworth, while many people worry that exfoliating can damage the skin, as long as you don’t suffer from dry or sensitive skin conditions, it’s safe and effective to scrub two to three times a week.
Quoted from Good Housekeeping: “Exfoliating twice a week will help to lift dull, dead skin cells and remove waste from the skin,” Susan Harmsworth explained. “It stimulates circulation, which slows down as we age, and encourages oxygen and nutrients to the surface of the skin for a brighter-looking complexion.”
Peptide serum
As mentioned, your skin at this stage weakens its cell repair capability (i.e. exposure to environmental aggressors like pollution.) So women in their forties will have to double up on adding anti-oxidant serums to help fight free radicals. The most effective type of serum, according to dermatologists, is peptide serums. The collagen-boosting peptides act as building blocks for new collagen formation and stimulate fibroblast activity.
Consistently using a peptide serum each day can aid in reducing expression lines, which may develop over time due to years of smiling and laughing.
Rule of thumb is: apply antioxidants on your face daily (but choose the products wisely, a product that has a proven track record). You would not want to incur further damage to your skin.
An eye cream
That area under your eyes is sensitive, thin, and delicate. While it may be prudent to think that skin is skin and it’s all the same, the truth is, that different areas of our skin have different sensitivities.
To stave off wrinkles and to keep the area under and around the eyes moisturized, it’s important to invest in a good eye cream.
A good eye cream can prevent dark circles, crow’s feet, and wrinkles around the eye. For best results, an eye cream contains the super ingredient retinol, which is clinically proven to improve collagen production, can treat puffiness, and have a plumping effect.
Retinoids or retinol
Retinol and its alternatives have become increasingly popular in the last few years, and rightly so. Firmly establishing itself as a staple feature in nighttime skincare routines, retinol has been linked to several buzzwords like “age-defying” and “anti-wrinkle.” But do you know what retinol is?
Retinol is a synthetic derivative of vitamin A, the group of fat-soluble vitamins found in carrots, as well as sweet potatoes, and even eggs.
When retinol is applied topically, it converts to retinoic acid by specialized enzymes found in the skin, refining the skin’s texture and enabling cellular turnover. In short, it can improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and dermatologists have noted that one can reap results as early as 12 weeks of consistent use. Neat, huh?
Vitamin C
Vitamin C has always been a favorite for dermatologists – in fact, they recommend women start using this as early as in their 20s. Why? Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can help slow early skin aging, prevent sun damage, and improve the appearance of dark spots and wrinkles. As an antioxidant, Vitamin C can help fight harmful toxins that appear on the skin, caused by either external factors like pollution or internal ones like one’s metabolism. Overall, this is one beauty product you shouldn’t be without.
Antioxidants
One of the most beneficial skincare ingredients that you should be using (like Vitamin C, as early as your 20s) is antioxidants. They can do so much for your skin, like fight free radical damage, prevent inflammation and so much more. So what kind of antioxidants should buy? Dermatologists recommend choosing a product with multiple antioxidants. Ingredients can be a combination of Vitamin E, ferulic acid, retinol, coenzyme Q10, botanical extracts, and curcumin. For best results, ask your dermatologist what their recommendations are. It will depend on the skin type you have.
Besides amping up your skincare routine, there are other ways a woman in her 40s can better care of her skin health. Here are some of them:
- Drink sufficient water– Take your water tumbler wherever you go– not only to stay hydrated, but also to keep skin looking vibrant. This will also give your face a firmer appearance.
- Be mindful of your diet – Metabolism in your 40s changed drastically slower. So one has to be mindful of what you put in your body. Refrain from eating processed foods, and go for vegetables, fruits, proteins, fiber and healthy fats instead.
- Keep your skin moisturized. Utmost care should be given not only on your face, but your whole body. So slather up a moisturizing lotion every day right after bath.
- Exercise regularly. Notice how after physical exercise, your skin seems to glow? Exercise is an effective way to keep inflammation away, keep your body in good shape, and make you look and feel younger.
- Get adequate sleep. Sleep deprivation causes you to look and feel tired. As well, the skin loses its ability to recover from the sun’s exposure. Hence, you must get enough sleep so you body and looks are exactly how you want them to be.
As you embark on your skin care journey in your forties, remember that it’s never too late to prioritize self-care and nurture your skin. With a tailored routine focusing on gentle cleansing, correct skin care products, and ample hydration, you can enhance your skin’s natural beauty and embrace the wisdom and beauty that comes with age.
Tags
0 Comments