Skincare Products and Routines that Work in Your 40s
I hit 45 this year, and honestly, it’s a bit scary. I find myself pondering questions like, ‘Am I an actual grown-up now?’ and ‘Why haven’t I got my sh*t together yet?’ But, existential thoughts aside, I’ve started paying closer attention to my skin, hunting for skincare products and routines that really work in your 40s. I’ve got skin issues that bug me: fine lines and pigmentation—a souvenir from my teenage years spent in the sunshine with little to no sunscreen (it’s just how we did things back then). I’ve also noticed a loss of firmness, uneven texture, and a lack of glow.
I’ve always taken skincare seriously, although I’m guilty of buying into hyped-up products and big-name beauty brands without really considering if they work. However, since changing my approach over the last nine months, I’ve seen real, noticeable results that I’m excited to share with you.
LED LIGHT THERAPY
I was very lucky to be gifted a light therapy mask from CurrentBody. I bought one from a different brand about 4 years ago, and I have to say, the technology and wearability have really improved in that time.
I use it for 10 minutes a day, 3-5 days a week – it’s got a handy self-timer, so you can take a moment while it does its thing. I was impressed with how quickly it worked; I saw results within just a few days. My skin looked glowier and plumper. I was great at using it regularly at first, and although I’m less consistent now, I wouldn’t be without it. It’s not cheap, but in my opinion, it’s worth it.
PERSONALISED SKINCARE
I bought into Skin+Me the first time when my teenage daughter was having acne breakouts and I knew that something off the shelf wasn’t going to cut it. We tried it for a few months, and her personalised formula helped, but you have to be consistent with a skincare program, and at 14, she wasn’t, so we cancelled the subscription. Fast forward to this year, and I knew I didn’t want to do what I always do: fall for the marketing and feel disappointed when I got to the bottom of the pot. I had a hunch that something more specialised was right for me, but I didn’t have the budget to visit a dermatologist or, frankly, the inclination to find one, so I turned to Skin+Me.
This is how it works: you fill out a questionnaire and send photographs of your face, then a dermatologist assesses your needs and issues a personalised prescription in a daily doser that is shipped to you every month. Simple. I’m in my ninth month now and I have also bought the Vitamin C serum recommended for my skin. I’m happy with the results so far. The prescription changes slightly every month. In my case, I get an increased percentage of retinol, and honestly, my skin texture is already better, and it feel so soft! At £24.99 a month, it’s affordable.
I also want to give a shout-out to a couple of recent skincare discoveries, starting with Emma Lewisham’s Supernatural Vitale Elixir, which is excellent. It relaxes the muscle contractions that cause wrinkles and has a filling effect – you can literally see results after the first application. I’m a convert.
Next up is the Golden Nectar Jelly Balm Cleanser from Apothaka. Its founder, Natasha Dauncey, is passionate about skin health and creating formulations that support the skin barrier. The balm has a lovely texture and really holds up against end-of-the-day makeup and grime, leaving my skin feeling clean and hydrated.
GO OUTDOORS, WEAR SPF
I like to think of this year as the one I got serious about SPF. I used to conveniently skip it during the winter months or didn’t worry because my moisturiser or makeup said it had SPF 30. But I can’t keep burying my head in the sand – if I want better skin, I need to protect it. God knows I took liberties with it when I was younger!
My morning walks with my cavapoo, Teddy, give my skin a flushed, rosy glow. It feels oxygenated, and it’s great for my mental health, too. Otherwise, the temptation to dive straight into work the moment I wake up is overwhelming. Starting the day on the right foot makes all the difference – and if you’re happy, aren’t you more beautiful anyway?
EAT WELL, DITCH THE BOOZE
Two things have happened within the last year: 1. I tried ZOE, and 2. I got tired of my relationship with alcohol. I’ve got a lot to say about ZOE and whether it’s worth the price tag (it’s probably not), but I’ll save that for another post. That said, it made me a lot more mindful about the amount of fibre and fruit and veg I was consuming - news flash: not enough! Nowadays I make sure that I crowd my plate with a lot more veg than I used to. As for alcohol, it’s a tricky one. I took January off and the rest of the year has been a bit up and down. I’m currently only drinking at weekend or if I’m going out which feels good for now. I can’t say recent tweaks to my diet have made antable difference to the overall look and feel of my skin but it’s all part of the puzzle.
ACCEPTING CHANGE
As I navigate my 40s, I’m reminded that skincare is not just about beauty products and treatments. Younger me thought everything could be fixed with creams and treatments, but they’ll only take you so far. The older I get, I realise that it starts with healthy habits that benefit our minds as well as our bodies, and that my beloved products and beauty routines simply complement those habits. I’m also learning to love the changes as I age. It’s not easy, but I’m working on it!