Forty may mark the beginning of “over the hill” jokes, but it’s a milestone that serves as a wake-up call to self care. Turning 40 is a time when women finally feel comfortable in their own skin and are ready to get serious about their skincare routine.
Keep your skin feeling its best with the simple tips below. Read on to see how you can take better care of your skin as you turn 40, so your skin keeps glowing no matter what your age.
1. Wear Sunscreen
Your skin is changing, and so should your sunscreen. If you only apply sunscreen before a trip to the beach, think again. Sunscreen is your first line of defense against premature aging. Skip the oil-free formulas from your younger days. Opt for creamier, hydrating sunscreens to not only replenish your skin’s moisture, but to keep your skin shielded against the harmful effects of the sun.
Don’t pick just any sunscreen, look for a sunscreen with helpful additions, like vitamin E and anti-aging properties, so you can give your skin a little boost while preventing the fine lines or age spots caused by sun damage. Choose a broad spectrum sunscreen, with an SPF 30 or above, for a barrier against UVA and UVB rays so you can avoid wrinkles and sunburn.
Use more sunscreen than you think you need. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, you should use a fourth to a half teaspoon of sunscreen for your face. Any less, and you won’t give your skin the protection it craves.
2. Try Vitamin C
Vitamin C might be a part of your skin naturally, but aging slows down vitamin C production. The result? Dull skin, fine lines and wrinkles, and an uneven skin tone. Put the pep back into your skin with vitamin C. The benefits of vitamin C for skin are many. Add vitamin C to your regular beauty routine and help give your skin the radiant glow it’s been missing.
Vitamin C serums and day creams are easy ways to boost the appearance of your skin. These products stimulate the production of collagen, for taut-looking, firmer skin. Read the label and look for products containing L-ascorbic acid or ascorbic acid, for the age-defying, antioxidant power of vitamin C in a handy, portable container.
3. Embrace Retinol
You’re already cleansing, moisturizing, and using sunscreen. But, if the skin underneath your eyebrows is starting to droop, or crow’s feet are becoming more obvious by the day, you need to bring retinol into your life. This vitamin A derivative is a skincare superhero. If acne is still dragging you down, retinol works great at clearing complexions.
Collagen production slows down as we age, but retinol packs a punch in minimizing pesky fine lines. What’s more, retinol can decrease sun damage gained during your sun worshipper days. The result? Skin that appears more youthful and vibrant. You’ll have to be patient. Retinol may take up to one year to show full results. If retinol proves too irritating, look to bakuchiol, a gentler plant-based derivative with similar benefits, but fewer irritants.
Keep Glowing
Forty is just the beginning of a fabulous new decade. After years of putting everything else first, now it’s your turn. Stick to your basic cleaning and moisturizing routine. Add in sunscreen, products containing vitamin C, and retinol, for skin that keeps feeling fine, decade after decade.
The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.