I consider myself a bit obsessed with wellness. And while I love to dive in and discover a new trend, I’m referring more to a stance on wellness focused on sustainable, selfish rituals. When I started to see my health promotion practices as opportunities to support myself with a little care, my whole relationship to wellness was transformed. The final piece of this wellness puzzle? My skincare routine. I’m hyper-focused on building my anti-aging arsenal. SPF is the name of the game and prioritizing collagen preservation is a priority. And over the decades, I’ve been arming myself with all the best products to include in a skincare routine for your 40s. And all this is approved by experts.
The experts in question? None other than a renowned esthetician and dermatological nurse, Nathalie Aguilar and SkinSpirit aesthetic nurse practitioner Tam Lamarre. Because turning 40 is such a pivotal time in our lives in terms of skincare (and really everything else), I had no shortage of questions to ask. And the answer, they certainly did. From how hormonal changes impact our skin, to key ingredients to watch out for, and all the best products to add to your skincare routine, get ready for expert advice for flawless, glowing skin every time. .
Featured Image by Riley Reed.
What happens to our skin when we turn the big 4-0?
While some may call 20s our defining decade, 40s is when we really start to see our skin change. “It’s been 15 years since our collagen production started to slow down, visibly reminding us that it’s TIME to get serious about our skincare,” says Aguilar. What does it look like more specifically? Our skin experiences everything from a loss of volume, elasticity and hydration to the signs of sun damage that begin to show, notes Aguilar.
How do hormonal changes affect skin in your 40s? Why?
As you age, a number of things start to happen. “We naturally lose fat, collagen production slows, and the number of bone regenerating cells in the face decreases,” observes Aguilar. That’s right, bone loss! Because the structure that holds our skin together begins to diminish, quality peptides must take priority. “Peptides make up the proteins in our body, including the collagen in the skin,” she adds. “Using a peptide serum can signal your skin to boost its production of collagen and even hyaluronic acid, plumping your skin and restoring a healthy skin barrier.” Yes please.
What exactly does estrogen loss do to your face?
Estrogen and progesterone are key hormones that play a huge role in the health of our skin. “They help the body produce natural sebum (oils), collagen, and elastin that keep skin looking and feeling youthful,” says Lamarre. “But with age comes a decline in production, which over time contributes to fine lines and wrinkles.” What’s a person to do with this inevitable truth? Arm yourself with what we know works. “Due to the decrease in estrogen production, our skin also begins to thin and dry out in our 40s,” observes Aguilar. “Using a hyaluronic acid serum will bind water to the skin and prevent further dehydration. It’s a great ingredient for plumping up the skin, smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles. With a mention like this- there, I am ready to throw myself fully into hyaluronic acid.
What are the best ingredients to include in our 40th birthday skincare routine?
Speaking of ingredients, let’s go deeper. Aguilar shared a fact that stopped me in my tracks: people in their 40s can still have flare-ups. (I witness my teenage gasp.) His recommendation? Water-based serums. On the opposite end of the spectrum, people with dry or dehydrated skin should opt for oil-based serums. Aguilar says, “It’s best to continue using products based on skin type while focusing on skin issues and needs for a particular decade.”
Lamarre adds some proven recommendations to the mix. “At a minimum, a physical SPF of 35 and antioxidants like vitamin C are important in protecting skin from damage caused by the sun and other environmental factors. Research has also shown that quality retinol products are ideal for collagen stimulation.
A final word on the strategies that can make the biggest difference to our skin. “In-office medical aesthetic treatments will have the greatest impact on reversing certain signs of aging,” says Lamarre. “These treatments incorporate ingredients and devices that stimulate collagen production and promote the regeneration of new skin cells.”
Armed with this information, let’s move on to (even better) things! Scroll through the best products to start adding to your 40-something skincare routine.
The best cleanser for skin in your 40s
Moisturizing cleansers should be your go-to for reviving dry skin. One of Aguilar’s favourites? Wander Beauty BOM Voyage Cleansing Balm. “It’s a beautiful hydrating cleanser formulated with evening primrose oil, jojoba seed oil and pear extract to help balance and nourish all skin types.”
The best moisturizer for skin in your 40s
As our skin loses structure in our 40s and hormonal changes impact its appearance, skin hydration should be at the forefront of your routine. “My absolute favorite moisturizer for skin in your 40s is the Biologique Recherche MSR-H Creamrecommends Aguilar. “This moisturizer fights the signs of aging with its regenerating, moisturizing and anti-aging properties. It specifically targets the physiological effects that pre-menopause or menopause can have on the skin, thus meeting the specific needs of mature skin.
The best serum for skin in your 40s
ExLinea Pro PCA Peptide Serum is an advanced neuropeptide spot treatment that contains three powerful peptides. This new serum helps lift, firm and firm the skin for a younger, more defined facial contour. It strengthens the skin by improving the thickness of the epidermis and increases moisture and hydration retention. It also helps to immediately and long-term reduce visible expression lines caused by repetitive muscle movement, notes Aguilar.
The best eye cream for skin in your 40s
To crown and finish: the eye cream. “The lack of collagen, elastin, and fat cells, coupled with the repeated contractions of these parts, makes eye and lip contours prone to dryness, tenderness, and aging,” notes Aguilar. She quotes Biologique Recherche Biofixine Eye and Lip Contour Cream as her favorite for its ability to conceal and prevent the appearance of wrinkles while, as she calls it, “respecting the natural appearance of the face”. This all-star eye cream targets yet is gentle on fragile skin around the eyes and lips, helping to prevent fine lines.
What are your anti-aging skincare secrets? Let’s hear your tips and tricks in the comments!