If there’s one thing we’re certain of when it comes to our skin, it’s that its needs are always changing. Whether it’s environmental factors, stress, hormonal changes, or, of course, aging, the care that our skin requires is constantly evolving. Understanding the drastically changing needs of the skin as we age is incredibly important for keeping skin healthy in every phase of life, but it’s also something we may not know much about.
When it comes to skin at 40, many people feel overwhelmed with what products, ingredients and treatments they should be focusing on for maintaining the skin’s health and radiance without overdoing it. If you’re looking to nail your skin-care routine for your skin in its 40s, here is what some of our expert dermatologists have to say about the three ingredients you need to incorporate into your regimen.
Caring For Your Skin At 40: The Skin-Care Ingredients Every 40-Year-Old Should Keep in Their Vanity
Vitamin C
As Delray Beach, FL dermatologist Janet Allenby, MD explains, skin care in your 40s should focus primarily on “skin health, protecting the skin barrier and reversing environmental damage,” which is where vitamin C comes in to play.
The powerful effects of vitamin C help to combat an array of skin concerns, from hyperpigmentation to wrinkles and uneven skin tone. Washington, D.C., dermatologist Tina Alster, MD, reaffirms that all 40-year-old patients should be using vitamin C in the morning in order to maintain radiant healthy skin. If you’re looking for a solid vitamin C product, Dr. Alster recommends her own The A Method C Antioxdant Gel 20% ($118).
“I also like brightening serums for photodamaged skin,” adds New York dermatologist Orit Markowiz, MD. “One of my personal favorites is Melaclear by ISDIN ($85).
Retinol
Retinol has become somewhat of a buzz word in the skin-care world over the last couple of years, but derms and clients alike can’t ignore the benefits of retinol products when used properly.
According to Dr. Alster, all individuals with 40-year-old skin should be using retinol at night to help combat signs of aging and promote healthy skin. “Retina-A has been proven to help prevent fine wrinkling over time, but if that is too strong or drying, ISDIN makes a retinal-aldehyde product that is combined with other active ingredients and less drying,” advises Dr. Markowitz. Dr. Alster also recommends SENTE Bio Complete Retinol ($118).
Mineral Sunscreen
With all the different types of sunscreen on the market today, it can be hard to understand which is best for skin at 40, but our derms all agree that mineral sunscreen is a safe bet for skin at this delicate age. For Dr. Allenby, all Alastin products are a go-to, but she’s specifically a fan of the HydraTint Pro Mineral Broad Spectrum SPF 36 ($64). “It’s a very lightweight formula that doesn’t feel greasy, and it can be used dually as a foundation along with being a great sunscreen.”
