Like it or not, your skin changes as you age — but how do you know when you’ve reached the point of needing anti-aging skin care? Or when to start using products meant for mature skin? According to dermatologists and estheticians, you can expect to see a noticeable difference around the age of 40 — which is why I consulted five of these skin experts who are 40+ themselves, getting their top tips for transitioning (and maintaining) an effective skin care regimen.
“Collagen production drops more dramatically beginning in your early 40s, which is when many of my patients notice their first signs of sagging skin and fine lines,” shares Dr. Nazanin Saedi, a board-certified dermatologist and clinical associate professor at Thomas Jefferson University. “Expression lines such as forehead lines, frown lines and crow’s feet are usually the first to appear.”
The rate your skin changes is determined by a lot of factors, some genetic and some external, so Amy Peterson, medical aesthetician and founder of Skincare by Amy Peterson medspa in Miami, recommends taking preventative steps as early as your 30s.
“Skin can change due to external factors like hormones, stress, environment and lifestyle, so it’s important to adjust your routine accordingly and not stay so set in your ways,” she says. Saedi agrees, adding, “Some people think that the skin type they have in their 20s is the skin type they have for life. This is not true. Your skin type can change as you get older as hormones change and sebum production slows.”
So whether you’re starting to see some changes or have already entered a new phase, the experts are here to share five important tips that will actually make a difference in keeping your skin looking and feeling young and healthy.
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!
“Mature skin often becomes drier, so using a good moisturizer is essential,” Petersen says. Besides dryness, keeping skin hydrated is one of the first lines of defense against fine lines and wrinkles too. “Incorporating products and ingredients that help drench the skin with hydration will help plump the skin and reduce the appearance of lines,” Saedi explains. She says to look for moisturizers with peptides, vitamin C, niacinamide, snail mucin and growth factors.
Those approaching menopause will especially want to examine whether their current routine is providing enough hydration — Saedi says the hormonal changes of perimenopause and menopause trigger changes in the skin. “When hormone levels lessen, the skin will feel and appear noticeably drier and duller,” she notes. So, the dermatologist says to opt for products that support the skin barrier — “A healthy skin barrier will help the skin stay moisturized longer. Moisturizers with ceramides will help reinforce and repair the skin barrier.”
Vanicream Moisturizing Cream
“Vanicream Moisturizing Cream is a thick, nourishing moisturizer for dry, thirsty skin,” Saedi says. “It’s thick but won’t clog your pores. It does not feel greasy, absorbs quickly and is formulated for the most sensitive of skin types. It’s a great choice for dry, sensitive skin and will help seal in any treatments or serums that come before it.”
$14
Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream
Petersen says to look for a moisturizer that “will soothe and moisturize the skin barrier while simultaneously stimulating collagen production.” She and celebrity facialist Vee Mistry recommend the cult-favorite Rich Cream from Augustinus Bader, which is beloved by dermatologits, estheticians and celebrities. It contains the patented TFC8, which is backed by over 30 years of clinical study and aims to support healthy aging at a cellular level. “It works beautifully in all climates, and I absolutely adore it,” Mistry says.
$96
Tammy Fender Intensive Repair Balm
This bestselling moisturizer from Tammy Fender’s eponymous skin care line is packed with botanical ingredients that nourish the skin. It even trades plain water (which is often the first ingredient in a moisturizer) with rose water and marigold flower waters to add in extra nutrients. You’ll also spot herbal remedies in the ingredients list, including helichrysum, white lily and lotus to further calm and heal the skin.
$150
Add retinol to your routine
Celebrity facialist Shani Darden, who turned 50 this year, says that anyone over 40 should consider adding retinol to their skin care routine. “Retinol is the most effective anti-aging ingredient and one of my absolute favorite ingredients for glowing, youthful skin,” she explains. “Retinol works at the cellular level to address so many different issues from fine lines and wrinkles to dark spots and uneven tone. It’s such an incredible multi-tasker. Retinol not only helps decrease the signs of aging but can also help reverse the signs of aging.”
Shani Darden Retinol Reform Serum
“I created my Retinol Reform to have a gentle, yet potent formula, that delivers a steady stream of encapsulated retinol throughout the night to minimize the irritation of ordinary retinol,” Darden shares. It’s one of my personal favorite retinol formulas that I recommend for those new to the active ingredient — like Darden said, it has an effective formula that doesn’t irritate the skin like other retinols.
$32
Differin Gel
This dermatologist-recommended gel utilizes adapalene, a gentle retinoid, that’s great for mature skin. It was formerly prescription-only, but is now available over-the-counter, so you’re getting a clinical-level product at an affordable price point. It’ll also help get breakouts under control for oily and acne-prone skin types.
$11
Empelle Night Cream
Saedi recommends this product, which she says is specifically formulated for estrogen deficient skin and is ideal for women in perimenopause or menopause. It’s made with snail mucin, a trendy K-beauty ingredient, as well as retinol, niacinamide and peptides to boost collagen production. “My mother swears by the Empelle Night Cream,” Saedi adds. “She says it’s the only moisturizer that keeps her skin hydrated after menopause!”
$156
Don’t skip the SPF
“If you’ve spent too many hours in the sun without sufficient sun protection, you may experience the first signs of aging skin earlier,” Saedi warns. “Repeated sun damage in your teens and 20s can show up as hyperpigmentation, lines and wrinkles as early as your 30s.”
Peterson also emphasizes the importance of wearing sunscreen daily, even on cloudy days. “If you haven’t started before your 40s, start this asap,” she says.
“Remember, it’s not just a sun burn that damages the skin, tanned skin is a sign of sun damage too,” Saedi adds.
Sonäge Roux Tinted Day Créme With SPF 30
“This morning moisturizer checks so many boxes,” raves Saedi. “It’s tinted to provide light coverage, which I love on days that I’m not wearing makeup. And it’s a great primer on the days that I am wearing makeup! It’s filled with ceramides, peptides, niacinamide and SPF —which all have great anti-aging effects.”
$64
Alastin Skincare HydraTint Pro Mineral Sunscreen SPF 36
Since you should wear sunscreen every day, it’s important to find one that you’ll love. Peterson’s go-to is this tinted formula from Alastin, which she says blends well.
$78
EltaMD UV Clear Tinted Face Sunscreen
Underscored editor Tobey Grumet Segal says she doesn’t leave home without applying this light, tinted sunscreen. It’s an oil-free, hybrid chemical and mineral sunscreen, with zinc oxide and octinoxate UV filters.
$36
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