The body develops as it ages. The differences are more evident during puberty, especially with the skin. Most people notice a lot of skin changes as they reach their 40s. If you’re in your mid- or late-30s, you may wonder what you’ll look like when you turn 40.
To help you prepare, here are five common skin concerns to expect.
- Wrinkles And Fine Lines
You may notice wrinkles and fine lines around your face in your 40s. Fine lines are commonly associated with aging, but factors like skin regimen and genetics may cause them.
Dry, dehydrated skin is prone to wrinkling. As people age, the skin’s oil production and water content reduce, causing dryness and dehydration. Likewise, wrinkles and fine lines may be caused by long exposure to the sun.
- Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation, also called age spots, appear like skin patches that are usually black, red, or brown. The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) light can damage your skin. Sun damage may lead to the overproduction of melanin, which can further result in skin discoloration.
Although this may not cause other health symptoms, most people still prefer to have them treated. One simple way to prevent hyperpigmentation is using sunscreen and other protective clothes and accessories that block the sun. Some facilities specialize in treating skin conditions like hyperpigmentation. Most skin clinics use effective machines made by innovative tech companies. You may want to see how InMode’s solutions help with pigmentation removal or explore different procedures to treat your age spots.
- Saggy Skin
Your skin may start sagging as you age. Some people notice this change as early as their 40s. As you mature, your body starts to reduce the production of elastin and collagen. These two are essential proteins that maintain the skin’s elasticity. The skin starts to sag with less elastin and collagen.
Furthermore, UV light can also damage your skin’s elastin. So, you’re more likely to experience saggy skin without sun protection.
- Acne
You might think you’re over your acne-prone years, but acne can still be a problem as you age. Women’s 40s is their perimenopausal period, so hormones change during this time. The skin may be prone to acne as hormones fluctuate.
Acne is not only linked to hormonal changes. Stress and an unhealthy diet and lifestyle may also make you prone to acne in your 40s.
- Dull Skin
Your skin may not look as glowing as in your younger years when you turn 40. The skin has its way of regenerating itself. Skin cells are replaced every few days. However, cell regeneration takes longer as people age, making the skin look dull and less radiant.
How To Take Care Of Your Skin
You can expect other skin concerns in your 40s. But the good news is there are ways to care for your skin and prevent these concerns.
- Protect Yourself From The Sun
As mentioned, prolonged UV exposure has risks to your skin, like skin aging, sunburn, or skin cancer. To prevent this, protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays. Use sunscreen every day. Dermatologists suggest sunscreens with at least a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher.
If you can’t avoid staying under the sun, wear protective clothing like long sleeves and use other accessories such as a wide-brim hat or umbrella.
- Maintain A Healthy Diet And Lifestyle
You can prevent a lot of health concerns by improving your diet and lifestyle. Include foods rich in antioxidants, like tomatoes, guava, and almonds, in your meals. Antioxidants help the skin repair itself and boost collagen production, making your skin look healthier. Aside from a healthy diet, drinking water also benefits your skin. Hydrate yourself to help your skin lock in moisture and maintain its elasticity.
Besides food, it’s best to avoid stress as it can negatively affect your skin. Stress causes the overproduction of oil, making your skin acne prone and sensitive. One way to prevent the effects of stress from showing on your skin is by getting adequate hours of sleep. Likewise, it’s essential to find ways to relax, such as reading a book, hiking, or going to the beach.
Lastly, smoking can also cause wrinkles and fine lines. It damages your skin’s collagen and elastin, causing premature skin aging. Hence, it’s best to stop before it poses more risks to your skin and overall health.
- Update Your Skincare Regimen
Your skincare products must be suited to your skin’s needs. And because your skin changes as you age, you should also update your skincare regimen. You can use products with hyaluronic acid to rehydrate your skin and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Creams, serums, and drinks can also help boost collagen production to improve skin elasticity.
Add products with retinol to your regimen to reduce wrinkles and fine lines. You may complement retinol with vitamin C for better effects. These two help reduce dark spots and increase collagen and elastin for firmer and more glowing skin. Just ensure to start slow to avoid harsh skin reactions.
Aside from using day and night serums and creams, don’t forget to exfoliate regularly. Your skin cells take longer to regenerate as you age. Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells and makes other skincare products more effective.
Bottom Line
Skin concerns are common, especially as you age and reach your 40s. Natural body changes can affect your skin, but you can do something to prevent and treat common skin concerns.
Remember, good skincare practices can lead to healthy and youthful-looking skin. Take care of your skin to always look and feel your best.
