As we get older, our skin experiences different types of physical changes, like a decrease in the production of collagen, elastin, and natural oils, and that can result in dry, coarse-looking skin. What’s more, skincare mistakes that we committed in our younger age (like not wearing sunscreen, failing to moisturise, and wearing too much makeup) can result in more visible signs of ageing, such as wrinkles, age spots, and fine lines. In short, it can make us feel old.
The good news, however, is that changing your skincare routine can correct and prevent signs of ageing, helping promote collagen and elastin production and ensure you look your best. Below, we’ve put together some strategies that you should work into your routine…
Give your under-eye skin some love
When you enter into your 40s, the chances are that you’ll spot fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes – it’s one of the most common signs of ageing and can make you look older than you actually are. As well as using makeup to hide these lines, invest in a quality under-eye gel or cream that can nourish and rejuvenate your skin around your eyes, turning back the clock.
Exfoliate on a regular basis
Exfoliating your skin on a regular basis can help to remove the layers of dull and lifeless skin to reveal glowing, wrinkle-free skin underneath. We recommend using a cream-based scrub that will not only exfoliate but moisturise your skin – the last thing you want to do is to remove the natural oils that are vital. If you suffer from oily skin, consider a gel-based scrub instead.
Stay healthy
It’s the oldest trick in the book, but the truth is that your diet and lifestyle can have a massive impact on the way your skin looks, whether you’re 14 or 44. Drink enough water throughout the day to keep your skin well-hydrated (The U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine says women should drink 11.5 cups of fluids a day). You should also maintain a healthy diet, adding fresh fruits and vegetables to your meals, packed with antioxidants, and avoid the common nasties like smoking and drinking too much alcohol.
Choose a gentle cleanser
One of the biggest problems for women in their 40s and beyond is moisture, and when you cleanse your skin, you could actually be sucking out the natural moisture and oils that are so vital to your skin’s health. Instead of using harsh oil-based cleansers that will strip out your skin’s natural goodness, look for a non-foaming variety. Kate Somerville has put together a great guide to the differences between foam face cleansers and gel-based face cleansers.
Buy an oil-based moisturiser
As you get older, oil-producing glands in your face are less active, so choosing an oil-based moisturiser can help to keep your skin soft, supple, and slow down the drying and wrinkling process. And don’t be fooled: you don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars on an expensive anti-ageing moisturiser; a high-quality cream from a supermarket or drugstore is just as good.
Make nighttimes count
One of the most common mistakes women make with their skincare routine is forgetting about nighttimes. First up, make sure you remove your makeup when you’re at home – if you know you’re not going out, consider taking it off earlier than usual to give your skin a chance to breathe and relax. You should wash your face on an evening with a light, mild cleanser and apply a night cream. This will keep your skin hydrated and ensure it’s soft and glowing.
Depend on vitamins
Look out for skincare products that contain antioxidants such as vitamin C, and retinol creams with vitamin A. Not only will this help to correct the texture of your skin and leave you looking fresh and glowing, but it can reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Again: don’t be fooled by expensive brands. Many budget creams contain these vitamins, too.
Banish dark spots
As we get older, skin problems like blemishes, dark spots, ‘age spots’, acne scars, and skin pigmentation appear. You can banish most of these using a dark spot corrector that contains vitamin C. Apply onto spots and imperfections regularly and they’ll fade over time. You can find medicated creams that will reduce pigmentation, or you can stick to the old-fashioned method of applying lemon juice and water to your skin. It’s acidic, but in time, it can fade spots and blemishes and make your skin appear youthful and rejuvenated once again.
Don’t forget about the sun
Finally, remember that it’s just as important to protect your skin from the sun now as it was in your 20s – perhaps even more so. According to the World Health Organization, there are now between two and three million non-melanoma skin cancers and 132,000 melanoma skin cancers occur globally each year. Look for sunscreens with an SPF of 30 or 50, and a PA rating of three stars or above. You should look for creams that contain zinc oxide, as this can help to prevent skincare damage from artificial lights as well as the sun.
Follow these tips and you can ensure you look your very best, every day. To find out more about how our anti-ageing device could help you turn back the clock, visit our website.