We’re pretty sure that at some point in your life, you wished that you could stay young forever. Although that’s clearly impossible, there are ways that you can make yourself look like you’re turning back the clock on aging. One perfect example is being consistent in following a skincare routine.
In fact, there’s one major habit that dermatologists think women, especially over 40, should know about. Keep reading to know the ultimate skincare tip from Dr. Elaine F. Kung, MD, of Future Bright Dermatology and Dr. Rhonda Q. Klein, MD/MPH, FAAD, partner & co-owner of Modern Dermatology.
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What You Need To Know About Your Skin As You Grow Older
According to Dr. Kung, "Starting in your 20s, your body starts losing collagen. By the age of 40, you're likely to lose about one percent of your bodily collagen per year, and menopause speeds up that loss, which contributes to wrinkles amongst other problems."
Dr. Klein confirms this and notes, "Most women in their 40s start seeing changes in skin laxity, texture, and tone. It can feel 'sudden' but it's the result of the gradual reduction in collagen and elastin production paired with skin cell turnover slowing down and fat loss in the face."
"[However], it's not too late!" reassures Dr. Klein. "It's a great time to come to terms with bad choices (such as tanning beds in your 20s). [Now], you can commit to and invest in good skincare and in-office treatments that improve the health of your skin and how you feel in it."
She adds, "Retinols and AHAs are great at manipulating the rate at which our body naturally sheds skin cells and produces new ones. This can help to encourage collagen synthesis, reduce hyperpigmentation, minimize fine lines and wrinkles, and overall give you a brighter complexion."
The Ultimate Morning Skincare Routine Tip For Women Over 40
When it comes to your morning skincare routine, Dr. Kung says, "Sunscreen should be used no matter [what]—rain or shine, summer or winter. Ultraviolet light causes 90% of visible signs of aging on our skin including brown spots, blood vessels, fine lines, and wrinkles. Many sunscreens are made with antioxidants, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, [and] green tea extracts which further protects our skin from ultraviolet light and air pollutants."
Similarly, Dr. Klein suggests to "invest in SPF 30+ that you will actually want to wear daily." She explains, "It's the most important thing you can do to protect the health of your skin as well as prevent new UV-triggered signs of aging. Bonus points if you first apply an antioxidant serum, or choose an SPF that also contains antioxidants in it."
Moreover, Dr. Kung points out that "moisturizer with antioxidants, peptides, and hyaluronic acid should also be used on a regular basis." She mentions, "Menopause is a stone throw away for a 40-year-old woman. So, getting into a habit of using a beneficial moisturizer for the rest of her life is important. Vitamin C, which is a potent antioxidant, is a cofactor for collagen synthesis. Peptides are the basic building blocks for making collagen."
She emphasizes that choosing a moisturizer containing both ingredients–vitamin C and peptides–is essential for good skin care. Dr. Klein also shares, "Hyaluronic acid helps our skin draw a thousand times its weight of water, which really helps plump the skin. This helps make fine lines and wrinkles less obvious."
In conclusion, Dr. Klein believes that "overall, what you do daily in your skincare routine and lifestyle has the biggest impact on how your skin ages." She warns, "There are signs of aging that skincare alone just won't fix—so it's important to know the limitations before you invest big bucks on topicals. No amount of skincare is going to fill deep creases or hollowed under eyes, but when used synergistically with in-office therapies you can achieve really great results in the hands of a skilled provider."
Start your morning right with these skincare tips and send this to someone who just might need it!
