If our 30s are a time to start thinking about anti-aging skin care products, our 40s are a time to get serious about them. According to Dr. Heather Rogers, board-certified dermatologist and fellowship-trained dermatologic surgeon, “By our 40s, our skin turnover rate has slowed to more than double that of our early 20s (45 days vs. 20 days on average). Our healing from scrapes and acne takes much longer [and by now] we’ve had plenty of time in the sun and pollution to damage our skin’s DNA, increasing our risk of cancer and breaking down of our skin’s collagen faster than we can replace it.” In addition, “Wrinkles appear in areas of the face with the most movement, [such as] the forehead, between the eyebrows [and] around the eyes and mouth.”
While all of this may sound a little scary, fortunately there are things you can do to make this seem less intimidating. Up ahead, we share Dr. Rogers' must-have skin care products for your 40s.
2. iS Clinical Super Serum Advance Plus (1 oz.)
Like your 30s, your 40s are all about protection and prevention with the help of powerful antioxidants. Which is why Dr. Rogers suggests keeping an antioxidant-rich serum on deck to help protect the skin from the repercussions of sun exposure and pollution.
Try: iS Clinical Super Serum Advance Plus
For an antioxidant-rich serum that will help rejuvenate and protect your skin in your 40s, Dr. Rogers recommends iS Clinical Super Serum Advance Plus. Formulated with natural ingredients that work to protect the skin against sun damage and aging, the antioxidant-rich facial serum can improve your overall complexion, encourage collagen production and protect against UV and environmental damage.
3. SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.5 (1 fl. oz.)
While you may have added a retinol skin care product to your routine in your 30s, your 40s are all about the anti-aging super ingredient. “We have 40+ years of scientific data showing that topical retinoids (vitamin A) help with reducing fine lines by increasing collagen synthesis and decreasing collagen breakdown,” says Dr. Rogers. “Retinol also corrects sun damage and improves skin texture and discoloration by increasing cell turnover,” she adds.
Try: SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.5 Refining Night Cream
Looking for a retinol skin care product to add to your lineup? Dr. Rogers recommends SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.5 Refining Night Cream. The intensive night cream works to prevent skin damage, regenerate the skin, promote collagen production, minimize the look of large pores and target blemishes for clearer, more youthful-looking skin. “After washing and drying your face at night, but before you apply face cream, use a very small amount,” says Dr. Rogers. “Start slow, using it just twice a week, only at night, and work up from there,” she adds. “If you use too much, it can overstimulate cell turnover, causing irritation and peeling" she notes.
4. Eminence Organic Skin Care Eight Greens Whip Moisturizer 2 fl. oz
No matter your age, face cream is always a must. For your 40s, Dr. Rogers suggests a more focused moisturizer that helps target signs of aging like fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots and more.
Try: Eminence Organic Skin Care Eight Greens Whip Moisturizer
As far as a daily moisturizer is concerned, Dr. Rogers suggests giving Eminence Organic's Eight Greens Whip Moisturizer a try. Formulated with a unique Biocomplex formula, this moisturizer works to restore, rejuvenate and protect the skin from environmental skin aggressors. Perfect for both day and night, its natural formula leaves the skin looking and feeling ultra-soft and ultra-healthy.
5. iS Clinical Youth Eye Complex (0.5 oz.)
When it comes to eye creams in your 40s, Dr. Rogers suggests reaching for one that focuses on specific aging issues like fine lines, wrinkles and dark circles. Using an eye cream that is formulated with a specific skin type in mind can not only ensure that the eye contour is healthy-looking and radiant, but it can also help diminish signs of aging.
Try: iS Clinical Youth Eye Complex
As far as eye creams in your 40s is concerned, Dr. Rogers swears by iS Clinical Youth Eye Complex. Formulated with a blend of anti-aging peptides and antioxidants, this must-try product works to prevent signs of aging, keeps the under-eye area hydrated, smooths and diminishes dark circles.
6. MDSolarSciences MD Mineral BB Crème SPF 50 (1.23 oz.) (Various Shades)
When you get serious about retinol, you should also get serious about sun protection. “Because it increases cell turnover, the top layer of dead skin cells is less thick (this layer can provide an SPF of 2 to 4),” says Dr. Rogers. “Provided you are using daily sunscreen, it’s okay to use retinoids year-round,” she adds.
Try: MDSolarSciences MD Creme Mineral Beauty Balm SPF 50
For a daily sunscreen that can help protect your skin after using retinol, Dr. Rogers suggests MDSolarSciences MD Creme Mineral Beauty Balm SPF 50. Formulated with natural mineral UV filters and anti-aging antioxidants like vitamins C and E, the lightweight formula can conceal imperfections, control shine and mattify the complexion. What’s more? The daily sunscreen is recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation.
