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We aren't aging like we used to--just take a look at Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Aniston, Jennifer Lopez, Halle Berry and countless others. But what is it in the water that has so many declarating that forty is the new (fill in the blank)? They've discovered the cleansers and serums that work for them and, while many still love to experiment (and should), they know themselves too darn well to fall victim to that $150 moisturizing "cure-all" product that smells really nice, but isn't winning over dermatologists any time soon."Many women in their forties experience fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin," says Dr. Jill Waibel of Miami Dermatology & Laser Institute. "Though it may seem at this age these visible signs of aging can’t be reversed, there are many treatments and habits that can help reduce the appearance of aging skin."
So, let's get to it--here are 8 beauty habits women in their 40s should adapt to help them feel and look their best.
1. Eat Well.
We've said it before: you're only throwing your money out the window if you invest in products but aren't taking care of your nutritional needs. "First and foremost, make sure you’re eating right and drinking adequate amounts of water," Waibel says. "Dehydration can cause wrinkles and lines in the face to be more prominent and visible."
2. Switch to a more gentle cleanser.
Leave harsh chemicals to girls in their 20s, who are desperate to rid their faces of acne-causing oil; women in their 40s need more moisture. "Cleansing your skin is important, but some women are overly aggressive when washing their face," says Dr. Candace Spann. "This can be detrimental because it can strip the skin of its natural oils and create irritation. The best plan is to wash twice per day with a gentle cleanser like First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Wash, which has a mild, non-irritating formulation that soothes skin as it cleans. Either use fingertips or a clean washcloth and rinse with warm water, then start your beauty prep routine."
3. Start using a skin brightener.
If you spent your 20s and 30s on the beach, the proof of your good times might present itself in your skin. "Dark spots getting darker or notice more pigment on your face? As we age, the rate of cellular turnover decreases which can lead to a dull-looking complexion," says Dr. David Shafer of Shafer Plastic Surgery. "Exfoliate once a week and apply SkinMedica Lytera Skin Brightening Complex, which features a proprietary blend of ingredients that work together to help brighten and even skin tone by reducing the appearance of dark spots."
4. Add a supplement to your diet.
Even if your daily diet is packed with vitamins and nutrients, you may not be getting everything you need for optimal hair and skin health. Shafer recommends a supplement like L’Dara Within™ Advanced Age-Defying Skin Supplement, which utilizes the exclusive patent-pending LBP-5 Complex®, an age-defying compound derived from "the miraculous goji berry." If that's not in your budget, head to the drugstore and pick up a hair, skin, and nails gummy supplement that contains biotin and Vitamins C and E.
5. Take care of your hair and lashes.
"Thinning hair is one of the biggest signs of aging," Shafer says. "Incorporate products for a healthy scalp like Keranique Deep Hydration Scalp Stimulating Shampoo and ask your doctor for prescription LATISSE®, which is the only FDA-approved treatment for inadequate lashes."
6. Use a multitasking serum.
Your 40s is the ideal time to add a serum to your daily skincare routine. "Antioxidants, peptides, stem cells... these are all ingredents you should be looking for," Shafer says. "NuGene Universal Serum is formulated with multiple human growth factors, polypeptides, vitamins, minerals and amino acids, which encourages aging skin to behave more like younger skin, making an unmistakable improvement in the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, dark spots, rough texture, and more." Remember to apply your serum right after your cleanser and toner (the most effective skincare products should always come first) and before your moisturizer and eye cream.
7. Keep an eye on your eyes.
"You already know the eye area ages first because its skin is thinnest, driest, and most susceptible to wrinkling," Shafer says. "The undereye is also among the first spots to sag, and when this area stretches out, blue blood vessels (aka dark circles) become more obvious. Finally, because circulation slows as we age, most of us also suffer some blood pooling under the eyes, creating a perma-puff effect. Protect and support the delicate skin around your eyes with an anti-aging serum like Elizabeth Arden Prevage Anti-Aging Serum, which contains a unique combination of advanced Idebenone technology with a complex of highly restorative ingredients helps transform the look of skin around the eyes.
8. Consider professional, in-office treatments.
If you really want to wage war on skin conditions that are giving you a headache, there is no more effective way to do so than to make an appointment with a dermatologist or plastic surgeon and discuss the many options that are out there. "In-office treatments are the best route to go when hoping to get younger-looking skin," Waibel says. Here are a few procedures Waibel recommends for common skin issues you could see in your 40s and beyond:
Fine Lines: "Restalyne Silk is my favorite product to use. It is an injectable that provides excellent results in reducing the appearance of fine rhytides in the upper lip. The addition of lidocaine allows for a comfortable experience for patients and the product provides smooth, natural results."
Severe wrinkles: "I use the Sciton Erbium laser to treat moderate to severe wrinkles, as it allows for the wavelength to penetrate the skin to soften deep wrinkles."
Loss of glow: "When it comes to the overall loss of a youthful glow, I recommend using a combination of the intense pulsed light (IPL) and Fraxel because while the IPL works to get rid of photodamaged skin, including brown and red spots, the Fraxel helps to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles. Both significantly contribute to reversing the visual signs of aging and when used in combination help to bring back a healthy, youthful glow."
