There’s no escape from the fact that skin changes over time. That said, it doesn’t change all at once. Rather, it tends to creep up on us, usually when we’re not paying attention. Then one day, we notice a fine line that wasn’t there before or a patch of discolouration that’s appeared and just as we’ve got our head around that, those changes begin to accelerate.
How Does Skin Change From Your 30s to 40s
During the thirties, skin transitions from post puberty to become more settled. Whilst having more balanced hormones means that you’re less likely to suffer breakouts and pimples, sadly it’s not all good news. That’s because this decade is where the first effects of sun damage, sustained throughout the teenage years and twenties, become noticeable. Tell-tale signs of premature ageing include fine lines, pigmentation changes, loss of elasticity and thinner skin, especially under the eyes.
When you enter the forties, you’re likely to see even more major changes to your skin. For a start. the production of collagen and elastin slows down further resulting in a loss of volume and elasticity. It can mean that skin on the face and neck starts to look saggy.
Cell turnover decreases too, leading to dullness and dryness, wrinkles become more deep-seated and other effects of sun-damage like hyperpigmentation and dark spots might rear their ugly heads too. Some women also experience the effects of perimenopause and menopause during this milestone decade. Another shift in hormones can wreak havoc on skin, contributing to less elasticity, dryness, and even hormonal blemishes.
The Best Skincare Products to Use During Your 40s
At this stage, you might as well forget about topical treatments. Now, it’s all about treating skin from the dermis upwards. It’s crucial to correct and repair damage that’s already been sustained as well as damn well preventing any future damage. How you do this is through using powerful ingredients that work from the inside out. Retinol, Vitamin C, Arbutin, Hyaluronic Acid, these are the types of ingredients that you need from now on.
If you only make one change though, start wearing a daily SPF if you’re not already doing so. This will protect your skin and limit any further sun-damage. We recommend Obagi Matte Sun ShieldTM Broad Spectrum SPF50 which offers broad spectrum protection from both UVA and UVB rays. This sheer SPF includes a potent duo of Zinc Oxide, a powerful deflector of UV rays, combined with Homosalate and Octisalate, to absorb and release harmful radiation.
Dullness is another common concern amongst this age-group. Thankfully, this can be easily rectified with regular exfoliation to rid the surface of dead skin cells, dirt, and debris. So, not only will skin appear instantly brighter, follow-on products will also be able to penetrate more deeply and work optimally.
We rate Obagi-C® Fx C-Exfoliating Day Lotion, a superbly gentle, lightweight exfoliating hydrator, perfect for everyday use for anyone with normal-dry skin. What could be better than combining an intensive moisture boost with daily exfoliation?
The efficacy of this moisturiser comes down to a dynamic duo, one being Glycolic Acid, a powerful AHA. When used, this ingredient exfoliates skin at a cellular level, dissolving away dead skin cells to clear and purify the skin. Additionally, it speeds up the rate of cell turnover to reveal newer, more youthful looking skin.
Not only that, but this daily lotion also includes 10% L-ascorbic Acid, otherwise known as Vitamin C in its most potent form. Famous for brightening and evening skin tone, this will give complexion a wonderfully luminous radiance.
Not only that, but this daily lotion also includes Vitamin C. Famous for brightening and evening skin tone, this will give complexion a wonderfully luminous radiance. Vitamin C also has anti-ageing properties and immediately targets those frustrating fine lines and wrinkles whilst encouraging collagen production for better skin elasticity. An antioxidant should also be incorporated into your daily skincare ritual to counteract damaging free radicals and prevent future damage. And guess what? Vitamin C also does that too!
Skin around the eye area ages more quickly so a targeted treatment is absolutely essential. Obagi ELASTIderm® Eye Cream is an innovative eye product that uses a revolutionary Bi-Mineral Contour Complex™ combining Copper and Zinc with Malonate.
Bi-Mineral Contour Complex™ supports the three necessary stages of developing healthy elastin: create, convert, and organise. This eye cream is the must-have product for your forties to keep your eyes looking as youthful as possible. In as little as two weeks, you’ll see a visible improvement in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, skin resilience and tightness.
