Here's What An Ideal Expert-Approved Skincare Routine In Your 40s Should Look Like

Accepting ageing skin might seem like a big change. Skin in one's 40s is usually at the tipping point. With age, changes in the skin become more pronounced and hence, a low-key approach to skincare needs to be pronounced at this point of time. Unwanted pigmentation, crow's feet, sagging skin and more add up to ageing skin woes. Skincare in our 40s can be quite tricky and our minds can feel fogged with multiple questions which leads to many of us getting concerned about all these issues. This once again brings us back to the question, what exactly does skincare post-40 look like?

Also Read: From Fungal Acne To Oiliness, Steer Clear Of These Monsoon Skincare Problems This Season

What Exactly Happens To The Skin Post 40?

Ageing is natural but might not be the easiest to accept for the skin. "Post 40, the skin changes in various ways. Volume loss occurs as the underlying subcutaneous fat pads shrink and descend. This results in a sunken, hollow appearance. The skin also starts to sag and the youthful contour of the face is lost progressively," tells us Dr Ishan Sardesai, Aesthetic and ENT Surgeon.

Everything in this world requires maintenance in order to keep things running smoothly. The same rule applies to our skin too. Eventually, it is essential to dig deep into the root causes before looking for a solution. "The eye area tends to be the first to show signs of ageing because the surrounding skin is so thin. Plus, the repetitive movements of smiling and squinting create deep expression lines, called crow's feet, as the skin becomes weaker with age," explains Dr Geetika Mittal, Wellness Physician and Founder of Isaac Luxe. 

Also Read: Kokum May Be The Trendiest Ingredient For Your Skin Right Now. Here's Why

Ingredients For 40s That Can Be Considered

Nothing is absolute when it comes to skincare. While ageing is a part of it, we cannot avoid completely so one can truly embrace it in a way that smoothens the process. It begins with the right ingredients and routines.

Dr Ishan suggests, "Retinol is a great option as it promotes cell turnover and collagen production. It can be applied daily or thrice weekly at night. It reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles when used consistently."

Also Read: 7 Skincare Ingredients You Cannot Afford To Miss This Summer

No matter what your age is, your skin needs hydration. "During your 40s, your skin produces less sebum which not only leaves your skin feeling dry and tight but also exposes your skin to environmental aggressors. A hydrating and brightening facial essence containing salicylic acid and centella asiatica, is a quick and easy way to give your complexion an extra hand in restoring its once luminous appearance," explains Dr Geetika.

She further added, "Alpha and beta hydroxy acids increase cell turnover ratio. They work as exfoliators and absorb dead skin cells to expose the brighter, younger-looking skin beneath."

Post 40 Skin Treatments To Try

Skin treatments work best when chosen according to skin type. "Skin boosters work beautifully post 40 to provide that much-needed hydration and improve the skin texture. Dermal fillers can be used to fill out fine lines and wrinkles and to lift and enhance facial features," tells Dr Ishan.

There are many more treatments one can opt for. Dr Geetika explains that hydra facial treatments are another great one. She says, "Hydrafacial Treatment is a non-invasive, painless facial that suits all skin types and all concerns. It is a relaxing 30-minute treatment. It helps in removing dead cells and uncovering a new layer of skin with gentle exfoliation and relaxing resurfacing."

Also Read: 7 Soothing After-Sun Skincare Essentials When The Sun Has Wreaked Havoc On Your Skin

She further adds, "The dolphin facial is another one. It is a non-invasive multi-step dermal infusion system that delivers immediate visible results without downtime."

Tips From Experts To Take Note Of

1. One should avoid using excess amount of fillers or doing unnecessary procedures too frequently.

2. If you're concerned about fine lines and wrinkles, a retinoid is almost always your best bet. Hyaluronic acid is a must-have. If your skin feels dull, a product with glycolic or lactic acid will help slough away dead skin. 

3. As you age, your skin becomes more sensitive and less able to maintain its natural moisture barrier. Disrupting it with harsh ingredients could do serious damage, so start with one product at a time.

Also Read: Best Ways To Include Retinol To Your Routine Without Irritating The Skin