Skin care after 40: A complete guide

The biggest concerns among skin changes in women over 40 are wrinkles. Should you really be worried? Dr. n. med. Danuta Nowicka provides the answers. We invite you to read the full article with practical tips on skincare after the age of 40.

How Does Skin Change After 40?

After forty, the skin begins to undergo significant changes that require special attention and proper care. Primarily, collagen and elastin production decreases with age, leading to a loss of firmness and skin elasticity. Deeper wrinkles appear, and the skin becomes thinner and more prone to dryness. Skincare after the age of 40 should therefore focus on intensive moisturizing, using products containing retinol and hyaluronic acid, and protection against harmful UV rays. Regular use of such products, combined with a proper diet and a healthy lifestyle, can significantly improve skin condition and delay the aging process.

Wrinkles – A Challenge in Skincare After 40

Generally speaking, wrinkles become more noticeable between the ages of 38-50. They primarily appear in areas with intense facial expressions (crow’s feet, forehead) and in areas with fewer sebaceous glands (lower eyelids, neck, around the mouth – smoker’s lines).

However, it is important to emphasize that skin aging is a complex process influenced by endogenous (internal) and exogenous (external) factors, which we will discuss below.

Endogenous Factors:

• Genetics: The first signs of genetic aging can appear as early as age 25.
• Hormonal Balance: Hormonal changes, especially during menopause, can accelerate skin aging.
• Skin Diseases: Atopic dermatitis, rosacea, acne vulgaris.
• Systemic Diseases: Thyroid disorders, cancers.
• Facial Expressions: Intense facial movements contribute to the formation of expression lines.

Exogenous Factors:

• Sun Exposure: UV radiation is the main factor accelerating skin aging.
• Smoking: Tobacco smoke damages the skin and accelerates its aging.
• Stress: Negatively affects skin condition.
• Poor Skincare: Inadequate skincare accelerates the aging process.

Also, check out the video where Dr. n. med. Danuta Nowicka explains what the skin aging process entails and its causative factors.

Sebumetry After 40

Sebum, the secretion of sebaceous glands, plays a crucial role in protecting the skin from drying out. Observations by Dr. Danuta Nowicka show that in the age group of 38-50 years, half of the women have dry skin. This is often due to skincare mistakes after 40, stress, and spending time in air-conditioned environments. Women with a tendency for oily skin should pay attention to possible hormonal imbalances, especially during menopause.

Moisturizing – A Fundamental Element of Skincare After 40

To maintain a youthful appearance, proper skin hydration is essential. A key element of daily skincare is the use of moisturizing creams, as they help retain water in the epidermis and prevent dryness.

The T-zone includes areas with fewer sebaceous glands, such as the cheeks and around the eyes. The epidermis in these areas often becomes dehydrated, which can lead to feelings of tightness, flaking, and the formation of fine lines. Therefore, it is important to use products rich in moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides in these areas.

In the T-zone, which includes the forehead, nose, and chin, sebaceous glands are more active. The “T” indicates that they produce more sebum, which acts as a natural moisturizing and protective agent. Sebum creates a barrier on the skin’s surface, protecting it from moisture loss and harmful external factors such as pollution or UV radiation. The protective effect of sebum in this area confirms its role in maintaining proper hydration levels, but excessive production can lead to issues like oily skin or clogged pores.

It is also important to remember that skin hydration is not only about using the right cosmetics but also about a healthy lifestyle. Drinking an adequate amount of water, maintaining a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, and avoiding excessive sun exposure and stress are crucial for keeping the skin in good condition. Regular exfoliation of dead skin cells and the use of hydrating masks and serums also contribute to improving skin hydration and elasticity.

Essential Steps in Skincare After 40

1. Year-Round Sun Protection

• Use sunscreens with a minimum SPF of 25 daily, and SPF 50+ during the summer.
• Wear breathable clothing, hats, and UV-filtered sunglasses.

2. Lifestyle Changes

• Don’t smoke, as tobacco smoke accelerates skin aging and is harmful to health.
• Avoid tanning beds. Why? Simply put: UV radiation in tanning beds is harmful.
• To prevent skin dryness, limit time spent in air-conditioned environments.
• Daily follow a balanced diet rich in vegetables and fruits.
• Exercise regularly and spend time outdoors.
• Additionally, remember to relax and take time for yourself.

3. Daily Skincare

• First, a good moisturizing cream is the foundation of proper skincare after 40. Not sure which cream to choose? PRO-AGING DERMA CREAM DAY is a fundamental element of conscious pro-aging skincare. Its unique formula allows for 20% more effective skin hydration, and the abundance of active ingredients ensures that the skin becomes nourished, visibly firmer, and radiant.
• Second, remember retinol. Use products containing at least 0.1% retinol. Retinol stimulates the synthesis of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid, and regenerates epidermal cells. The treatment should last at least 6 weeks.
• Third, occasionally use fruit acid treatments. Glycolic acid at around 30% concentration and pH 2.0 stimulates collagen and elastin production. Recommended are 4-6 treatments every 14 days, at least once a year. For photoaging, choose azelaic or lactic acid. You will achieve the best results by combining retinol and fruit acid products.

4. Aesthetic Dermatology Treatments

• Let’s start with the problem of expression wrinkles. The best treatments for them are those using botulinum toxin.
• For loss of firmness, the most appropriate treatment is mesotherapy with hyaluronic acid, peptides, and vitamins.
• Deep grooves will benefit from filling with hyaluronic acid.

Summary

In summary, skincare after the age of 40 requires special attention and care. Wrinkles, loss of firmness, and hydration are the most common issues faced by women over forty. To effectively combat them, use appropriate products and treatments. Regarding sun protection, it should be remembered year-round, not just in the summer. As mentioned, a holistic approach involves lifestyle changes and regular, thoughtful skincare as the key to healthy and beautiful skin. Remember that the best results are achieved by combining various methods and taking comprehensive care of yourself.

Skincare After 40 – Frequently Asked Questions and Answers