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Skin care for women in their 40s

Your forties are a critical time for your skin

Author: Marilynn Syrett July 2 2009

When you enter your forties, you might start noticing more wrinkles and fine lines around your eyes, mouth and forehead. On top of that, your complexion may start looking duller. However, if you practice a good skin care routine and care for your skin you can enhance your complexion and diminish the appearance of the signs of aging. Here are some tips to care for your skin during your 40's and maintain its good health.

Re-evaluate your skin type

As we grow old, our skin ages and looses collagen and elastin fibers. As a result, the skin tends to become dry and saggy. Even if you had normal skin throughout your life, you will start noticing that your skin becomes drier as you age; this is a signal that you need to change your skin care products and use ones that cater to dry skin types.

Upgrade your skin care regimen

Up till now, you may have been practising a regular skin care regimen of cleansing, exfoliating and moisturizing which was working fine. However, once you enter your forties, you need to re-evaluate your skin and upgrade your skin care regimen to suit the changing needs. Your forties are a time when you start to see the results of how you have treated your skin so far - this will further decide how much you will need to adjust your skin care regimen. If you have always worn sunscreen and practised preventive care, then your skin probably will not show much of a difference. However, if you have been neglecting skin care all these years, you will see wrinkles and fine lines become more prominent as you approach your forties.

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Use anti aging skin care products

It is high time to start using anti aging skin care formulations. These skin care products contain specialized ingredients that help soothe the skin and fight against the signs of aging. Look for ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids and retinoids. They not only stimulate the collagen production within the skin cells but also help diminish the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

Treat acne

Acne is a common skin concern during the forties because of the hormonal fluctuations that the body goes through. Adult acne is a serious skin concern. Therefore you need to use special acne skin care products that identify the root cause of acne and treat it from the roots.

Go low on make-up and cosmetics

When women hit their forties, they generally end up using heavier make-up in order to camouflage the aging signs and make their skin look radiant. However, this has a detrimental effect on the skin; heavy foundation and excessive compact powder can actually create a cakey impression and highlight the wrinkles and fine lines on your face. Moreover, the harsh chemicals contained in these products may seep into your skin and further degrade the internal tissues. Instead you should use creamy and hydrating skin care products that don't highlight the age lines but makes the skin appear smooth and supple. Look for ingredients like petrolatum and glycerin in your cosmetics.

Product suggestions

• Kinerase Cream – This is an anti-aging moisturizing cream that not only improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles but also increases the skin's capacity to retain moisture. It contains an ingredient called Kinetin, a plant based agent that helps the skin retain moisture.
• iS Clinical Youth Complex - an anti-wrinkle formulation that provides immediate relief against wrinkles in addition to long term benefits as well. You can use it as a spot treatment for really stubborn wrinkles. It contains a blend of potent anti-oxidants, natural hydrators and an exclusive compound called Innovase that irons out wrinkles and fine lines. It promotes controlled exfoliation of dead skin cells and stimulates the production of collagen and elastin in the skin fibers
• iS Clinical Active Serum - This is a highly concentrated serum that effectively treats acne and improves skin texture and pigmentation. With regular use the product claims to provide about 94 % reduction in acne.

About the Author

Dr. Marilynn Syrett graduated from Western University of Health Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine Of The Pacific, in 1998 and has since nurtured an ardent interest in skin care products. She has reviewed many skin care products from Obagi and iS Clinical line.