FREE US SHIPPING | Easy 30-Day Returns

Skincare Over 40: Top 10 Skincare Tips For 40+ Women

Laura Andrews

As a senior beauty editor with years of experience testing skincare products, I’ve learned a thing or two about navigating the world of skincare for us women over 40. With age comes wisdom—and a few more lines and wrinkles to contend with. But fear not, because I’m here to share some tried-and-true tips to help you achieve healthy skin well into your 40s and beyond. From targeted treatments to the best ingredients, let’s dive into the essentials of skincare over 40.

When it comes to skincare, it’s easy to get swept up in all the treatments and procedures that estheticians and med spas offer. But here’s the thing: not everything they recommend is the best for your skin. Sometimes, they push treatments that aren’t even FDA approved. It’s almost like they’re more focused on their profit margins than on what’s actually good for your skin.  

So, my advice? Take their recommendations with a grain of salt and do your own research. After all, your skin’s health is what matters most. 

1. Make Sure Your Skincare Supports Your Hormonal Balance:

As we enter our 40s and navigate the perimenopausal phase, hormonal fluctuations can wreak havoc on our skin and our bodies. Hormone imbalance and vitamin deficiency can cause dry and sensitive skin. That’s why it’s crucial to prioritize healthy skincare products that create hormonal balance rather than disrupt it.

With our bodies already undergoing significant changes, the last thing we need is to introduce toxic chemicals that further exacerbate hormonal imbalances. That’s why you need to opt for clean, hormone-friendly skincare lines. These can better support your body’s natural endocrine balance during this hormonally sensitive period of life. And as I always say, clean skincare tends to be more expensive than conventional, but your health has no price. Better to invest in one healthy product than to buy many low-quality affordable ones. 

2. Switch to Organic Skincare:

Swap conventional skincare products for organic alternatives to nourish your skin with pure, plant-based ingredients. Yes, these products are typically more expensive, but your health doesn’t have a price! These are healthier ingredients that won’t irritate your skin or cause any hormonal changes.

Organic ingredients are superior and offer many health benefits. They are more potent and are free from synthetic pesticides and chemicals, ensuring pure and concentrated nutrients for your skin. Additionally, organic products prioritize sustainability and environmental responsibility while avoiding harmful toxins and irritants.

3. Look for Fresh, Local Ingredients:

These are not easy to find! Seek skincare products formulated with fresh, local ingredients to avoid unhealthy chemical preservatives (they destroy your hormonal balance). Locally sourced ingredients offer a unique blend of nutrients and antioxidants that nourish and rejuvenate your skin.  

Unfortunately, most brands use affordable overseas suppliers (think China, India, etc), which means, you don’t get fresh or healthy ingredients. Try to find businesses who use local, organically grown ingredients and who produce in small batches, keeping their products fresh and healthy.

BEST SKINCARE FOR WOMEN OVER 40:

4. Embrace Plant-Based Retinol:

Is 40 too late to start retinol? No, 40s are great time to start using the right retinol product. The most important thing is – not all retinols are the same. Plant-based (vegan) retinol is superior than synthetic and prescription retinol. It works a bit slower, but is as effective long-term as those harsh synthetic retinols. This is especially true for mature (and sensitive) skin that naturally starts getting drier in 40s. Plant Mother’s 100% organic and plant-based retinol serum provides wonderful nutrients and rejuvenation without causing any dryness, irritation, or sun sensitivity.

Incorporate a plant-based retinol serum into your nightly routine for its amazing rejuvenating benefits. Unlike synthetic alternatives, plant-based retinol promotes collagen production and cellular turnover without harsh side effects, resulting in minimized fine lines, and wrinkles.

5. Choose Natural Oil-Based Vitamin C:

Integrate Vitamin C serum into your daily routine to protect your skin from environmental photo aging and promote collagen production. Look for oil-based vs water-based serum because water-based Vitamin C is not stable – it is less potent and less durable than oil-based formula. Water-based Vitamin C creams and serums tend to oxidize fast (before you even finish the bottle) which is why I wholeheartedly recommend oil-based Vitamin C.

Plant Mother’s serum is 100% organic and oil-based serum – one of the best you’ll find. It is packed with fresh anti-oxidants, vitamins, and omegas and it has a unique botanical waterless formula. This serum doesn’t cause any irritation or burning because it has no synthetics, chemicals, or hormone disruptors.

6. Avoid Radio Frequency (RF) Tools On You Face:

In your 40s (and any other age), steer clear of radio frequency (RF) treatments and tools, as they can potentially harm your skin, especially if used incorrectly. Many practitioners are not experienced or skilled enough. Unfortunately, this can lead to making you lose fat from your face (which makes you look older).

RF tools are very effective for melting body fat and they should only be used on your body, never on your face. It is unclear why so many med spa’s still promote and treat client’s with radio frequency (Morpheus 8, Ultherapy, etc). If you need facial skin tightening, opt for safe alternatives (e.g. lasers) that promote skin health without risking adverse effects.

7. Say No to Fillers:

Avoid fillers and focus on nourishing your skin from within through holistic skincare practices. Prioritize hydration, nutrition, and lifestyle habits to achieve long-lasting results without the need for fillers.

Fillers can do more harm than good, in your 20s as much as in your 40s. We all have witnessed a famous filler “pillow face.” Many women ended up looking older instead younger after getting fillers.

8. Eliminate Toxins from Your Routine:

Skin sensitivity can happen at any age, but in your 40s, it happens more often than not. Scrutinize skincare product labels and eliminate known toxins and irritants such as parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrances, and phthalates. Opt for clean, non-toxic formulations that prioritize your skin’s health and overall well-being.

Many people, including me, find themselves grappling with extreme sensitivity caused by exposure to toxic skincare products. It’s a frustrating reality for many, as their skin becomes increasingly reactive to harmful ingredients.

9. skincare over 40 - Quality Over Quantity:

In your 40s you can and should afford the best skincare. Choose less but better! Invest in high-quality skincare essentials formulated with potent, active ingredients. There’s a reason why certain products have higher price tags.

Premium organic skincare may come with a higher price, but the benefits to your skin and well-being are invaluable. Less (but better) is more.

10. Don’t forget your crow’s feet and decolletage:

When it comes to crow’s feet, I’ve found that incorporating gentle yet effective eye serum containing antioxidants and carotenoids can help minimize fine lines and wrinkles in your 40s. As for the décolletage, I swear by regular gentle exfoliation and targeted treatments like serums or creams with collagen-boosting ingredients to keep this area smooth.

And don’t forget to use a non-chemical SPF. Hormonal changes in your 40s can cause facial melasma and pesky sun spots on your chest so you should protect yourself with a good biodegradable SPF.

BEST SKINCARE FOR WOMEN OVER 40:

MEDICAL DISCLAIMER

This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician. All readers of this content are advised to consult their doctors or qualified health professionals regarding specific health questions. The publisher of this content does not take responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons reading or following the information in this educational content. All viewers of this content, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physicians before beginning any nutrition, supplement, skincare product, or lifestyle program.

Laura Andrews
I’m a freelance beauty and lifestyle writer living in LA. Over the past 18 years, I’ve followed my dream to do exactly what I love—create inspiring, well-crafted content for national magazines, digital outlets, and trade publications. I specialize in Beauty, Wellness, Healthy Aging, and Women’s Health Issues. You'll find my work in consumer outlets including WebMD, Health, AARP, Shape, and Better Homes & Gardens.
Close
Close