How to Take Care of Your Skin in Your 40s


While the need for a good skincare routine remains constant, our specific needs change throughout our lives. You may be wondering how to take care of your skin in your 40s. We hope this guide will help you achieve healthy and radiant skin throughout your 40s.

Please keep in mind the best anti-aging skincare tips are tailored to your needs, skin type, budget, and challenges. At The Skin Center by CPS, we offer premium, medical-grade skincare products and provide today’s highly desired nonsurgical cosmetic treatments. We would happily guide you in developing a regimen that meets your unique needs.

There are a few types of products and treatments that most people if not everyone, can benefit from.

40’s Skincare Basics

Everyone needs a gentle cleanser to remove makeup, sweat, and dirt, regardless of age. Clean skin can breathe better and absorb serums and hydrating products. If you wear makeup, especially waterproof mascara, you may also need a makeup remover to use before your cleanser.

Most people benefit from an exfoliation product to remove the top layer of dead skin cells and any accumulated dirt, oil, and other impurities your cleanser missed. Exfoliation can be done manually with a soft washcloth or scrub or with a chemical exfoliating product. Remember as we age our skin cell turnover slows down, meaning that without sloughing off and shedding old, dead skin we won’t produce new skin. So exfoliating is how we help nature keep us young and fresh.

A repair serum is next on the list of must-haves. Once the skin has been cleaned and exfoliated it’s ready to soak in the reparative ingredients of a serum.

Many topical serums contain specific ingredients such as Vitamin C, Arbutin, Kojic Acid, Hydroquinone, Niacinamide, Retinol, and many others to help address 40-something skin concerns, such as hyperpigmentation, acne, rough texture, or fine lines.

Most people in their 40s find they need a little extra hydration; this may be true even if you didn’t need a moisturizer in your younger years. Look for products with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which is known for its exceptional hydrating properties, and ceramides that create a protective layer to prevent moisture loss. The consistency and level of moisturizer depend on your skin type and needs. Besides, ask what is a barrier cream to your skin provider for an extra layer of hydration. 

Sun protection remains as crucial as ever. Continued exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays accelerates premature aging, leading to different types of hyperpigmentation issues, loss of elasticity, and an increased risk of skin cancer. Make sure to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day, regardless of the weather. The sooner you start doing this, the better.

Additionally, daily sun protection is imperative.

Tips include:

  • If you don’t like constantly reapplying sunscreen, try using a powder SPF, and consider using clothing and accessories to block the sun’s rays. Some options include scarves, hats, or a rash guard while swimming.
  • Wear sunglasses that also protect against both UVA and UVB rays. The sun damages the eyes as well as the skin. Also, a good pair of sunglasses can prevent unnecessary squinting, which can deepen expression lines.

Don’t forget the importance of a healthy lifestyle. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and proper hydration all contribute to maintaining healthy skin. Remember, skincare is not just about the products you apply to your skin it is also about nurturing your overall health.

While those guidelines are the foundation for an effective skincare routine at any age, people in their 40s have their own specific needs.

Focused Skincare in Your 40s

Taking care of your skin in your 40s might require some extra effort, but with the right approach, you can help your skin age gracefully and maintain its health and vitality for years to come. Everyone’s skin ages differently depending on genetics, lifestyle, and skincare habits.

As we enter our 40s, our skin undergoes significant changes due to factors like years of sun damage, hormonal shifts, and the natural aging process. It’s a time when the skincare routine we’ve been following in our 20s and 30s might need some adjustments to cater to our skin’s evolving needs. Some issues you may notice include:

  • As we age, our skin’s natural cell turnover slows down, which can lead to a buildup of dead skin cells on the surface.
  • Age spots, freckles, moles, and sun spots become more noticeable in your 40s. These are small, dark patches that are caused by prolonged sun exposure over the years.
  • You might notice your skin becoming more sensitive and reactive in your 40s. This can be due to the thinning of the skin and a decrease in natural oils, which can compromise the skin’s barrier function.
  • Changes in circulation and loss of fat under the eyes can lead to more pronounced under-eye bags and dark circles.

Over time, skin loses its natural ability to retain moisture, leading to dryness and the accentuation of fine lines and wrinkles. Incorporating a high-quality, age-appropriate moisturizer into your daily routine can help combat this issue.

You might also notice a loss of volume, firmness, and elasticity. This is an excellent time to introduce anti-aging serums into your routine. Look for products containing ingredients like retinol, peptides, and antioxidants, which can help stimulate collagen production, improve skin elasticity, and combat free radical damage. You probably won’t want to use all of those products, at least not without a sound strategy, as some ingredients may cancel each or lessen their potency. 

If you haven’t started, your 40s are a great time to explore injectable cosmetic treatments and learn what are the different types of Juvederm fillers.  Injectable fillers can reduce the appearance of fine lines, help address volume loss, diminish acne scars, and subtly enhance your facial structure. For example, Botox relaxes some of those muscles you subconsciously contract, leading to expression lines. Many feel they look more rested and relaxed with Botox injections in Charlotte NC. Medispa rejuvenation treatments like microneedling, Profound® RF, Vivace Ultra RF, and medical-grade facials also help keep your skin smooth and radiant at every age.

Of course, getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, and having a healthy lifestyle is even more critical than ever. You may have noticed that even just one night without adequate rest shows on your face.

Your Next Step: Schedule an Appointment

The best way to find the right products and treatments is through a consultation with a skin health professional. Today’s market offers limitless choices and often seems overwhelming with so many nonsurgical and medispa treatments available. Not to mention the plethora of professional-grade products. It’s easy to spend a small fortune trying everything. Before putting your faith in the latest viral Tic-Toc, IG, or social media trend, we like to offer educated, clinically tested, and proven professional guidance that is vital to your skin health, helping you save time, money, and frustration in the long run.

The Skin Center by CPS is part of the Charlotte Plastic Surgery family, and we have a proven track record of helping Charlotte area residents look and feel their very best. We offer a variety of services including non-invasive skincare treatments. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.