While there’s no magic formula for stopping the aging process, the habits you build in your 40s can have a major impact on how you look and feel decades later. According to Mary P. Lupo, MD, healthy aging isn’t just about expensive skincare—it’s about taking care of your body from the inside out.
From maintaining muscle mass to protecting your skin barrier, Dr. Lupo says these proactive steps can help support healthier skin, stronger bones, and a more youthful appearance well into your 70s.
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Maintain a Stable, Healthy Weight
Dr. Lupo recommends reaching a healthy weight and avoiding large fluctuations over time.
"Get to an ideal weight and don't fluctuate more than five pounds one way or the other," she advises.
Frequent weight gain and loss can contribute to changes in facial volume and skin elasticity, which may become more noticeable with age.
Don't Ignore Your Dental Health
Your smile does more than brighten your face—it also plays a role in how youthful you look.
According to Dr. Lupo, issues such as gingivitis, shifting teeth, and teeth grinding can alter your facial structure over time and contribute to visible signs of aging.
Regular dental checkups and addressing these concerns early may help preserve facial support.
Check Your Bone Density Early
Bone health also influences your appearance. Dr. Lupo recommends checking your bone density by around age 45 to screen for osteopenia, a condition marked by lower-than-normal bone density that can progress to osteoporosis if left untreated.
Maintaining healthy bones also helps support posture and facial structure as you age.
Prioritize Strength Training
One of the most important habits Dr. Lupo recommends is resistance training. "Building muscle is crucial as you get older for maintaining balance," she explains. "It's also good for your skin, and building muscle helps build bones."
Strength training supports healthy aging by preserving muscle mass, improving stability, and helping maintain bone density.
Wear Sunscreen—But Monitor Your Vitamin D
Daily sunscreen remains one of the best anti-aging habits, but Dr. Lupo notes there's another important piece of the puzzle. Because sunscreen helps block UVB rays, she recommends talking with your healthcare provider about checking your vitamin D levels.
While individual needs vary, your doctor can help determine whether your vitamin D status is appropriate and whether supplementation is necessary.
Have a Plan for Perimenopause
Hormonal changes can significantly affect both your skin and overall health. Dr. Lupo encourages women to speak with their gynecologist early about what their approach to perimenopause and menopause might look like, including whether hormone replacement therapy is appropriate for their individual health needs.
Protect Your Skin Barrier
As estrogen levels decline, skin naturally becomes drier and more prone to dehydration. That's why Dr. Lupo recommends paying close attention to your skin's lipid barrier by using moisturizing products that help lock in hydration and support the skin's natural protective function.
The Bottom Line
Looking youthful in your 70s isn't just about what you apply to your face—it's about the healthy habits you establish decades earlier. By focusing on strength training, bone and dental health, sun protection, skin barrier care, and overall wellness in your 40s, you can help set the stage for healthier aging inside and out.
