The best skincare routine at 40

By the time you reach the age of 40, it’s quite likely that you already know a thing or two about skin care, especially if you cared about how to care for and protect it from the start. So, if you’re a beauty expert, you probably discovered retinol in your 20s, and serums in your 30s. But what happens at 40? Indeed, as many specialists believe, now, far from dreading the arrival of each birthday and being saddened by the appearance of each new wrinkle and fine line, is the ideal time to take care of your skin even more.

From the age of 40, in fact, the most common is that the natural renewal rate of the cells has been reduced by almost half. Something absolutely normal, especially since the 20s. In this way, it is more common that from this age you observe how the wrinkles begin to sink, and the skin appears a little less radiant and luminous.

Indeed, the arrival of menopause is not good news either, since the different hormonal changes that usually occur at this time tend to cause changes in estrogen levels, which usually decrease, and end up negatively affecting the very important function of the fibroblasts, which produce collagen and elastin. It also affects melanocytes, which help keep skin firm, toned and smooth.

As a consequence of all this, the skin ends up becoming much less flexible, so that it can begin to give way. Also, since it also produces less fat, it can end up becoming dry.

For all these reasons, it is essential, and fundamental, to maintain a complete beauty regimen and also carry it out daily, which will help to nourish the skin with as many nutrients as possible, and to keep it properly hydrated. Obviously, this does not mean having to change your daily beauty routine today if yesterday you were 39 and today you turned 40. But it is useful that it adapts better to the different changes that usually occur during this decade…

What is the best skincare routine for people over 40?

First step. Clean the skin

The truth is that it is the first step that, in reality, we should always take, regardless of how old we are. And it is that, as many experts believe, the beginning of any skin care routine should begin with the double cleanse.

In this sense, on a previous occasion we talked about the advantages of what is known as double cleansing for our skin, which consists, as its name suggests, in cleansing the skin twice.

Although there are different options, one of the most recommended is to use an oil cleanser first, followed by a foam, water or milk-based cleanser. In this way, by choosing to clean the skin twice (instead of once, as usual and commonly done), we will be able to eliminate all the dirt, bacteria and oil that has accumulated over time in a hundred percent effective way. throughout the day on our skin.

However, we must not forget one important thing: now the skin is more than likely to produce less oil, so choosing to cleanse twice with the help of moisturizing cleansing oils can also be extremely useful.

Second step. Tonic

When you turn 40, you may prefer to use a toner capable of moisturizing and rebalancing the skin, so the best thing to do after this age is to opt for a toner full of moisturizing ingredients, and that also contain botanical ingredients and natural peptides.

Do you know what peptides are? They basically consist of natural substances formed by chains of amino acids, especially useful for the natural aging of the skin, since they can help with cell renewal, as well as with tissue repair.

Third step. Exfoliation

Indeed, the process of exfoliating our skin is an essential step in any skin care routine or regimen, and this is true regardless of how old we are, whether we are more or less young. But, even more, it becomes an essentially important element for more mature skin, since it helps to increase skin renewal.

By using a gentle chemical exfoliant at least twice a week, you can help increase cell turnover as well as your shine. While, in turn, it is helpful in reducing the appearance of age spots and sun spots.

Of course, remember the essentials:  never apply the scrub aggressively, rubbing it excessively on the skin, since you could run the risk of irritating the skin, causing it to become inflamed and redden too easily. Over exfoliation is also not recommended, especially if you do it daily or more regularly. Contrary to what you might think, applying more exfoliant will not give you smoother skin. The only thing you could achieve is irritate the skin even more.

On the other hand, depending on the type of skin you have, it is advisable to choose the most suitable exfoliant. Take note:

• If you have sensitive skin. Even if your skin is sensitive, or extremely sensitive, it still needs to be exfoliated on a regular basis. Of course, it is vitally important to choose an exfoliant that is as gentle as possible with the skin (that has been designed, for example, for its specific use on this type of skin), and that when you apply it you do it even more gently. It is best to opt for an exfoliant that contains lactic acid, which will help not only gently exfoliate the skin, but also provide it with an interesting moisturizing quality. It is also not recommended to use a cleansing or exfoliating brush, as it could end up being too harsh for the skin.
• If you have dry skin. Indeed, even dry skin needs to be exfoliated from time to time. In fact, when it is not done regularly, layers of dead cells will end up accumulating on top of the skin, making it difficult for certain commonly used skin care products, such as creams and lotions. moisturizers, do not penetrate as they should, so in the end they will not do their job properly. What’s more, the skin can become even drier and flakier. It is best to avoid harsh or overly aggressive exfoliating products.
• If you have normal or mixed skin. Even normal skin can have some patches that are dry, and others that are oilier. In addition, it is very common for this type of skin to change throughout the seasons; thus, while during the summer it is common for it to become much oilier, during the autumn and winter months it becomes drier. Although they can be used, some care must be taken with facial acids that are too strong or aggressive, especially when used excessively. The best? Opt for scrubs that contain certain facial acids, such as salicylic acid or glycolic acid. It is also extremely common for the T-zone of the face (which, as you probably know, includes the area of ​​​​the forehead, nose and chin), to have a greater amount of fat than the rest of the face; in this area it is possible to use a stronger exfoliant, or even do it more frequently if necessary. Be that as it may, then after you are done with the exfoliation, it is highly recommended to apply a serum or serum that will help you treat any specific skin problems, including wrinkles, fine lines or dark spots.
• If you have oily skin. When you have oily skin, regular exfoliation is essential, as it helps prevent pores from becoming clogged (which happens more easily and quickly in this type of skin), thus reducing the risk of pimples and blackheads forming. Facial acids, such as salicylic acid, can be very helpful, although it is not recommended to exceed it either in its application or when leaving it on the skin acting, since you can run the risk that the skin irritated or reddened, ultimately doing more harm than good. On the other hand, oily skin can also be exfoliated more frequently than any other skin type.  However, this does not mean that it is advisable to do it excessively, using a large amount of product,

How to make a natural and homemade scrub?

Although you can find a wide variety of exfoliants in stores, some with mild action and others slightly stronger, the truth is that it is also perfectly possible to learn how to make your own at home, with one hundred percent natural ingredients. In fact, it is very simple, since in most cases it is only necessary to combine the ingredients proposed in the recipe, and apply it immediately to the skin after having thoroughly cleaned it. Do you dare to make yours? We propose some simple and useful recipes:

• Exfoliating yogurt and sugar mask. Sugar is a wonderful physical exfoliant, as well as a source of glycolic acid, which stimulates cell turnover and in turn reduces pore blockages. To make it you only need 1 tablespoon of natural yogurt and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Slightly shake the yogurt and put it in a bowl or bowl. Add the sugar and mix well until both ingredients are combined. Then, with clean skin, apply the exfoliating mask in a rather thick layer, leaving it on for 15 minutes. Next, moisten your skin with your fingertips and massage your face in circular motions. You will get an additional exfoliation.
• Oatmeal and milk exfoliating mask. Milk is rich in lactic acid, which helps to exfoliate dead skin cells, allowing you to enjoy renewed skin that is much smoother and softer. In turn, the oatmeal helps soften the skin even more. To make it you only need 1 tablespoon of oatmeal, 2 tablespoons of milk and 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon. Simply combine all the ingredients in a small bowl or bowl, until the mixture is even and as smooth as possible. Apply it to your face, letting it sit for at least 20 minutes. Finally, rinse your skin with lukewarm water while moving your fingers in gentle circular motions.
• Rice flour and green tea exfoliating mask. Rice flour helps to gently exfoliate the skin, allowing you to enjoy a much brighter, renewed and radiant skin. On the other hand, green tea stands out for its enormous antioxidant qualities. To make it you need 1/2 cup of green tea (freshly brewed, but cold) and 1 tablespoon of rice flour. First of all, we will start to make green tea as usual. If you don’t have experience, you just have to put the equivalent of a cup of water in a saucepan, and heat until it starts to boil. Then turn off the heat, put the green tea and leave for 3 minutes. Then strain the water and let it cool completely. Once it has cooled down, add a tablespoon of rice flour, and mix well until smooth and blended. Wash your skin thoroughly and then apply the mask in small circular movements using small circular movements. Let the mixture act for 15 minutes.  Then, after the time, rinse your skin with warm water.
• Coffee and orange exfoliating mask. It is a very aromatic mask, which provides exfoliating benefits to leave the skin as fresh and smooth as possible. While the coffee grounds act as a gentle physical exfoliant, the orange juice, thanks to its citric acid, deep cleanses the skin and reduces any clogging of the pores. To prepare it, you only need 1 tablespoon of ground coffee and 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed orange juice. Cut the orange in half and squeeze it to obtain its juice. In a bowl or bowl add the orange juice and ground coffee, and mix well until it acquires a thick consistency. Apply it on the skin in the form of an even layer, and leave it on for 20 minutes. To remove it, rinse it with warm water, and with circular movements, to exfoliate the accumulated dead cells on the skin as much as possible.

Fourth step. Serum or antioxidant serum

If for the moment you have not dared to use a serum or serum, it is time to invest in a good one. Why? Very simple: serums are made from light formulas, with a much smaller molecular structure, so that they are effective in better penetrating the skin, repairing and moisturizing it, at a much deeper level.

In this regard, many experts recommend serums based on natural antioxidants, such as vitamin C and vitamin E, two well-known vitamins with an antioxidant effect, useful for brightening the skin and improving its tone, leaving it with a radiant glow.

We can also name serums based on peptides and growth factors, which are in fact tremendously ideal for mature skin. As we mentioned in a previous section, peptides are made up of amino acids, which help in a positive way when rebuilding the epidermis of the skin, while stimulating collagen.

Fifth step. Brightening moisturizer (during the day)

From the age of 40, especially due to the different hormonal changes caused by the arrival of menopause, it is very common for many women to suffer from hyperpigmentation problems, producing an inconsistency in color that results in the appearance of dark spots, as well as areas of uneven skin tone.

To help combat the hyperpigmentation that is so common during this time, it is possible to use an illuminating moisturizer that contains a natural antioxidant, such as vitamin C. It is ideal to apply it in the morning, as it can help protect the skin during the day, and to fight against the ravages commonly caused by pollution. Also professionals advise alpha-hydroxy acid or vitamin A, which provide greater anti-aging action.

In any case, be sure to use a moisturizer that contains a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15, or higher. This is essential especially in moisturizing day creams, especially if you are going to go outside.

Sixth step. Retinol (at night)

At the age of 40, the skin begins to thin due to the loss of collagen, which ends up leading to the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, especially every time you smile.

For this reason, it is necessary to increase the natural collagen of the skin, and you can achieve this by using a retinoid. Of course, it is best to ask your dermatologist, since some retinoids can cause side effects.

For example, you may choose to start with an over-the-counter retinoid product, especially if this is your first time using it, and then increase to a dermatologist-prescribed concentration as tolerated. In fact, a prescription retinoid will always be extremely hydrating.

Since the neck and décolletage areas often show signs or early signs of aging, it is best to apply retinol to these areas as well. And the ideal time to do it is at night, during your nightly beauty routine, after toning, but before applying your moisturizer.

Seventh step. eye cream

Did you know that the eyes are one of the first areas of our body to start showing signs of aging? This is because the skin around the eyes is very delicate.

For this reason, it is advisable to use an eye cream day and night, always trying to find a formula that contains antioxidants and retinol, since these two basic substances will always offer the best results.

It also highlights the use of hydrolyzed collagen, which is useful for smoothing and strengthening the skin around the eye. And if you have doubts, it is best to look for a cream specially designed for this area, containing green tea, vitamin C and chamomile, since they are excellent for reducing dark circles and for reducing swelling.

Eighth step. Hydration

It is quite likely that, by now, you have already become a true hydration professional, and you also know the importance of using it both in the morning and at night. But yes, you must make sure that it is the correct formula, which means that it must be a cream enriched with ingredients with anti-aging qualities.

On the other hand, it is essential not only to moisturize your skin in the morning, but also at night, before going to bed.

The texture and consistency of moisturizing cream or lotion also tend to vary greatly depending on the type of skin you have. In the same way that occurs with the exfoliating product, it is advisable to choose one or the other depending directly on our skin. Take note:

• If you have sensitive skin. It is best to opt for a hypoallergenic moisturizer, specially designed for safe use on this type of skin, and that does not contain fragrance. As many dermatologists advise, the key is to choose a moisturizing product that actually contains very few ingredients, which will mean fewer potential interactions with this fragile skin type.
• If you have oily or acne-prone skin. Moisturizing creams and lotions that contain alpha-hydroxy acids can be extremely helpful, as they also tend to provide a very interesting anti-aging effect. Obviously, if your skin tends to be prone to acne as well, the ideal is to opt for a non-comedogenic facial moisturizer, which means there’s no risk of it clogging your pores.
• If you have dry skin. The goal is to keep the skin properly hydrated. It is advisable to choose a moisturizer with a much heavier consistency, and if possible contains ingredients such as dimethicone or hyaluronic acid, which provide precisely that moisturizing quality. Of course, there are also other ingredients whose presence in the composition of the product would be quite interesting: this is the case of lanolin or Vaseline, which retain moisture; or proteins, urea and glycerin, which help attract water to the skin.
• If you have a topic skin or dermatitis. It is appropriate to use a moisturizing ointment with a thick consistency, containing petroleum jelly. Even if you want to, you can just go with Vaseline, which will provide some protection to the skin while helping to ease cracks, keeping the skin a bit suppler.

And remember the most important thing:  apply the moisturizing cream or lotion while the skin is still damp; that is, immediately after applying the cleansing product, or after getting out of the bath or shower (many experts advise even doing it within the first 60 seconds).  Then simply pat your skin dry.

Ninth step. Facial oil (only at night)

Given that at 40 years of age, the skin care routine is based both on hydration and on trying to retain as much moisture as possible (since dry skin tends to be a basic characteristic of aging), the ideal is add a facial oil to your routine, becoming a certainly essential step.

The oils are lipophilic, which means that they have a smaller molecular structure. In this way they can penetrate more into the dermis, allowing the skin to be able to retain a higher level of hydration, and at a much deeper level.

But their qualities do not end here, since they also help repair and protect the skin barrier, while nourishing it.

Tenth step. Sleeping mask (only at night)

Before going to bed, a very interesting step that you can try to add to your new skin care routine is to use a sleeping mask, since it creates a useful layer of protection to allow the ingredients to better penetrate the skin while Do you sleep.

This offers interesting benefits, since, during the night, while we rest, the skin tends to lose the greatest amount of moisture. Therefore, it is advisable to incorporate a moisturizing mask at least once or twice a week.

Some recipes for moisturizing face masks that you can include in your routine

As well as masks with exfoliating qualities, did you know that you can also make moisturizing masks at home, ideal to include in your skin care routine? In its preparation we only use one hundred percent natural ingredients. And, in addition, they are extremely simple to prepare.

• Moisturizing mask for dry skin. It is a wonderful recipe, tremendously easy to make, soothing and nutritious. For its preparation you need 2 medium carrots, 2 teaspoons of honey and 2 teaspoons of butter. To prepare it, wash the carrots and peel them. In a saucepan with water on the fire, put the carrots and boil them. Then, when they are soft, place them in a blender with honey and butter, and blend well until a smooth, slightly runny paste forms. Then apply the mask to your face, leaving it on for 20 minutes. After the time, rinse your skin with warm water.
• Moisturizing mask for sensitive skin. This mask provides interesting antibacterial qualities, which can be very useful in controlling acne breakouts. In addition, it also acts as a natural skin whitener (thanks to the presence of lemon), while milk, due to its richness in alpha-hydroxy acids, provides many softening and soothing benefits on the skin. To make it you need 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 3 tablespoons of milk and 1/4 tablespoon of turmeric. Cut the lemon in half, and squeeze it to obtain its juice. In a bowl put the lemon juice, milk and turmeric (in the amounts indicated), and mix slowly until the ingredients are combined. Apply this wonderful mixture on your face, and let it act between 15 to 20 minutes. Then rinse your skin with lukewarm water.
• Moisturizing mask for oily skin. If you have oily skin, you may love this moisturizing mask. And it is that for its preparation we need 1/2 cup of natural yogurt and 1/4 cup of fresh strawberries. It is a mask with a high content of vitamin C, and also, since strawberries are a naturally acidic fruit, they are useful for removing excess sebum from the skin, nourishing and revitalizing the tone, as well as lightening blemishes and scars caused by the acne. For its preparation, lightly beat the yogurt and put it in a bowl. Next, wash the strawberries, remove the tops, and mash them into a paste. Add them to yogurt, and mix well. Then simply apply this mask on your face, and leave it on for 20 minutes. After the time, rinse your skin with warm water.

Other Helpful Treatments You May Consider

In addition to the skin care routine that we have proposed throughout this note, there are also a series of dermatological and aesthetic treatments that can be extremely useful and helpful. Here we summarize what its main characteristics (and benefits) are:

• Professional exfoliation. A professional exfoliation, in addition to the one you can carry out weekly at home, is a great idea, since it favors the renewal of skin cells, helping to brighten it and reduce hyperpigmentation usually caused by the presence of acne.
• To be. If you want to deep clean your pores, while improving skin texture, the so-called Isola laser can become an effective treatment, as it is able to penetrate inside the skin.
• Botox. Botox, properly applied, can be truly discreet, and can be helpful in preventing the visible presence of existing expression lines, or even preventing future ones from deepening. If you have doubts, it is advisable to ask the expert about Botox.

Even if you haven’t bothered to follow a skin care routine before, any dermatologist will tell you that it’s never too late to start. Although, it is true, the sooner you develop a beauty routine, the better, since prevention tends to be much more effective than correction.

However, by following some of the guidelines that we have indicated throughout this note, you will be able to enjoy not only much more cared for skin, but it will end up becoming firmer, brighter, and above all, healthy.

Should you also cleanse your skin in the morning?

Most skin care routines are carried out in the afternoon, late-night, after a long day in which dirt or grime, environmental pollutants, dead cells… and also the cosmetic products themselves have accumulated. as for example could be the case of makeup.

Given that it is not a very good idea to leave your makeup on at night, after a long and intense day (it is even counterproductive not to remove it well, leaving some remains on the skin), the most common thing is that the beauty regimen is carried out when you get home, or before going to bed.

And why should you remove both dirt and especially makeup? Although it is true that during the day, it does not usually cause problems, when you leave it on for longer hours (for example, at night), it can end up clogging the pores, increasing the risk of acne breakouts. In addition, the skin can become inflamed and irritated more easily. And the problem can be even greater if, in addition, the next morning you apply more makeup on top.

When it comes to the question of whether it is useful or advisable to wash or clean yourself in the morning as well, everything will depend on our personal taste, our needs and, in particular, the time we have. There are those who prefer to do it, and others simply choose to rinse their skin with warm water.

The truth is that if you have oily skin, you will probably be surprised to discover that, at night, the skin also tends to produce sebum. Hence, later, when you wake up and look in the mirror, you realize that it is slightly greasy and shiny.

Regardless of whether or not your skin is oily, you can also benefit from the qualities of washing your skin in the morning. Of course, without overdoing it: it will only be enough to rinse your skin a little with warm water, and apply your favorite day moisturizer.

Some common mistakes to avoid in your skincare routine

You are not born learned, and when it comes to following a skin care routine on a regular basis, it is possible to make some mistakes. The key, especially to achieve the desired results, is to know what they can be and try to avoid them as much as possible.

Not applying moisturizer quickly enough after cleansing

Many experts advise applying moisturizing cream or lotion immediately after thoroughly cleansing your skin. In fact, if you don’t apply moisturizer within a minute of finishing cleansing, you’re not applying it at the recommended time.

Did you know that skin can become dehydrated so quickly after cleansing? Moisture evaporates quickly, so it is essential to apply a moisturizing cream or lotion right away, as it is still damp. It will provide interesting benefits, since it will help reduce that dry, tense and tight feeling that we commonly have after having washed our face, or after having showered or bathed.

Avoid bar soap

If you’re still using bar soap for the purpose of washing your face daily, instead of using a deep cleanser (which, admittedly, can be more expensive, but also just as suitable as it is effective), you’re probably doing more harm than good. And it is that when you do it like this almost immediately you will be removing all the moisture present in the skin, which will lead to the accumulation of dead skin cells.

On the other hand, when you use bar soap, applying moisturizing cream afterwards would be useless, since all you would be doing is repairing the damage caused by this type of soap. In addition, it would also reverse the benefits of any exfoliant you have used in your skin care routine, regardless of whether it is a chemical exfoliant or a homemade exfoliant.

Avoid rubbing the product on your skin

You may think that when applying any skin care product, you should apply it by rubbing it on your skin in order to get more qualities, but the truth is that, in reality, this is a complete mistake. If you do it like this, the only thing you can achieve is that the skin ends up getting irritated.

Therefore, it is best to apply the product with gentle upward movements, not only when you do it on the face, but also on the neck.

You don’t do a double cleanse

As we have already told you at one time or another, double facial cleansing provides the optimal and necessary qualities to achieve perfectly clean facial skin, and in depth. To do this, first use micellar water, a cleansing oil or a balm with which to remove all makeup and dirt. And then a water-based cleaner is used in order to remove absolutely everything else (dirt, accumulation of dead cells…).

If you don’t double cleanse, it’s actually entirely possible that you’re not cleansing your skin enough, which can lead to irritation and increased risk of breakouts.

You don’t remove your eye makeup separately (from the rest of your makeup)

When you remove your makeup, do you just use a little bit of makeup remover on a cotton pad, and then rub it all over your face at once? Or maybe you wash your face with the help of a make-up remover cleanser? If you do it one way or another, it’s not really right.

As you have probably discovered by now, eye makeup is characterized by being more difficult to remove, and requires more attention to be able to remove it gently. We cannot forget that the skin around the eyes tends to be more delicate and fragile, precisely because it is thinner.

Therefore, it is essential to apply a specific make-up remover for the eye area, and also to do it gently (instead of rubbing forcefully), and then continue with the rest of the face.  Likewise, in the rest of the face, the ideal is to continue doing it gently.

Beware of applying skin care products in the wrong order

When you habitually use a huge number of products to care for your skin on a daily basis, especially in your skin care routine, chances are, you may be applying the products in the wrong order. In fact, doing it in the wrong order can cause some of them to simply become ineffective, so that you end up with almost the same result as if you hadn’t applied it: nothing.

Hence, the key is to always follow the correct order. Although we have already told you about this order precisely in the previous sections, we remind you again that it would be something more or less like this: it is advisable to start by cleaning your skin thoroughly.  Then it’s helpful to start with a lighter product, like a serum or toner. Then it might be interesting to apply a product with an antioxidant action, such as vitamin C or vitamin E. It is also advisable to apply eye cream before moisturizing cream for the rest of the skin on your face. And, finally, add your moisturizer and an oil on top.

Don’t forget the neck

Have you ever thoroughly cleaned, then applied toner/serum, moisturizer, and oil to your neck? The truth is, it’s actually extremely common for your skincare routine to stop at your chin. Forgetting about an essential part of the body, since the neck is characterized by having thinner skin, and it tends to age more easily and quickly.

The most suitable? Also use a moisturizing cream on the neck, applying it as a gentle circular massage in the same way that you do with other areas of the face, such as the forehead or cheeks. It is not necessary to use products specifically designed for that area: you will only have to apply a very small amount of moisturizer.

And, above all, avoid applying excess product.

Excesses are never good, and practically the same thing happens in beauty. You may think that by the mere fact of applying a greater amount of product you could obtain a greater number of benefits. Or that, even, the result tends to be faster. But this is not really so.

If we have already seen that applying too much exfoliant -and also doing it aggressively- can be enormously counterproductive for the skin (since it could increase the risk of irritation and the appearance of acne breakouts), when you apply too much moisturizer, it also It would be inappropriate, since in the end the only thing you will be getting is wasting a product that is probably expensive.

The best? Remember that you only need a small amount of product, usually the size of a coin. That will be enough to get the job done. And, ultimately, achieve the expected results. And the same goes for any other product, and not just moisturizer: serum or toner, cleanser, and moisturizer (or oil).