NAUGHTY FORTIES
The forties are regarded by many aestheticians as a “tipping point” in the aging of your facial skin. Where aging was previously much more subtle, it now becomes far more dramatic, especially if you aren’t using the right skincare products for your skin type. For women, skin changes dramatically as the journey towards menopause (typically in the mid to late forties) begins. The production of Estrogen and collagen in the skin declines in women in their forties, so not only does the face makeup that they wear need to adjust, but so do the products they use. As the journey from forty to fifty commences, a lot happens to your sin: skin thickness diminishes greatly, dryness increases, and elasticity begins to disappear. The loss of supportive fat as we age, as well as potential bone degeneration, both contribute to creases in the skin. As we all know, the best defense is a good offense, so skin care should be started and maintained long before your forties. Whether or not you’ve managed to keep to a skincare routine up till now, we have a list of the seven most essential skincare products for aging skin.
SKIN BRIGHTENING SERUM
Your serums go on after toning but before moisturizer and should be applied evenly and patted into the skin. Go for a brightening serum that includes vitamin C, as this works to decrease the appearance of age spots that some people experience in their forties and beyond. A serum that has vitamin C and hyaluronic acid in it is twice as nice as it combines two of the best pigmentation fighting agents around. You don’t have to get fancy if you don’t want to; a drugstore brand is fine.
SPF
SPF is a non-negotiable for ANY skincare routine at ANY age. If your skincare products feature an SPF that is any lower than fifty, you’ll need to apply an SPF separately. Anything lower than fifty simply is not sufficient coverage at any age. You’ll want to go for a lightweight and non-oily SPF that leaves no white cast behind. You can mix it into your moisturizer or apply it after; just do it every day, even if you aren’t leaving the house. The minimum amount you should be applying is about a teaspoon.
EYE CREAM
No, the moisturizer you use for your face is not enough and should not be used on your eyes. The skin around your eyes is much more sensitive at any age, but especially as the skin begins to get thinner and lose elasticity. You need to select an eye cream based on the issues you have with the skin around your eyes or the type it is. You might have puffiness, discoloration, dry skin, or wrinkles. Puffiness needs natural anti-inflammatories like cucumber, discoloration or dryness need vitamin C or hyaluronic acid, wrinkles need peptides.
RETINOL CREAM
Retinol cream does not double as a moisturizer! Retinol is a key ingredient in the battle against wrinkles, but it must be used carefully. As retinol is a powerful active ingredient, it can sometimes lead to skin thinning, which is not ideal as older skin is thinning already. Retinol should be used in very small quantities during the summer months, and SPF must be applied religiously and frequently if you use it. You can be a little more vigorous during the winter, but SPF is still a must.
DAILY MOISTURIZER
Here we mean a cream, not a lotion. Thick, super hydrating creams are what your skin needs over the age of forty. There are a variety of ingredients that you can layer and use in different products; look for moisturizing creams with antioxidants and hyaluronic acid.
NIGHT CREAM
At night, while we’re lying in bed, happily dreaming and doing absolutely nothing else, is when our bodies get to do some of their best healing and replenishing. A night cream is usually one that’s extra dense in nourishment and nutrients, and since we’re not in the sun, it doesn’t have to do any protection, only soak into our skin and nourish it. Look for one containing collagen-boosting ingredients like HSA.
A BEAUTY TOOL
There are many different options when it comes to beauty tools, something to suit every need and preference. You can go simple with an item like a gua sha, either in metal or stone; this helps drain lymph nodes to minimize puffiness and helps work your skincare into the skin and increase circulation. You could also opt for something slightly fancier, like a facial massager or collagen-building red light device.
WRAP UP
If you make sure you keep one of each of these in your beauty arsenal, your skin will thank you!
