Skincare advice for your 40s – myths and facts

Once you reach your 40s, it is safe to say there are no short cuts when it comes to skincare. The sad fact is, time is no longer on our side, our skin is losing elasticity and collagen at what feels like a rate of knots, and our past misdemeanours are starting to creep up on us. So when it comes to skincare advice for your 40s, what should we being following religiously, and what should we be turning our noses up at? Here, Louise Thomas-Minns, celebrity skin therapist, expert, educator and product formulator, seperates fact from fiction.

Skincare advice for your 40s

Myth 1: The SPF in my moisturiser will be enough to protect my skin

Fact: It’s not enough to rely on the SPF in your moisturiser or make up as we come into the height of Summer. Don’t be lulled into a false sense of security & think you can get away with just one application a day. You need to opt for a separate product and re-apply regularly.

Myth 2: I can use the same skincare products all year round

Your skin doesn’t necessarily ‘get used’ to products per se. However, it may become accustomed to them as I believe your skin changes every minute of every day so its always good to review your routine. Seasonally is a good marker for change.

Myth 3: I can fix enlarged skin pores

Pores do not open and close. They are not doors so don’t ne fooled into thinking that products can shrink them or eradicate them. Embrace them, deep clean them, which can make them look less prominent.

Myth 4: Drinking water is the key to hydrated skin

I often have clients say to me that they feel bad as they don’t drink enough water so their skin isn’t very hydrated. But, water will not hydrate the skin. You need to rely on good fats through your diet and skin care to do that.

Myth 5: Middle aged acne is caused by dirty skin

Some people perceive that if they have Acne then their skin is dirty so this is the cause and they need to clean it even more. If only it were that simple! Acne is a very complex issue and should be treated individually. It certainly doesn’t come from being dirty. Whilst it’s important to keep the skin clean you can actually make things a whole lots worse by over cleansing or cleansing with products that are too harsh.

Myth 6: Natural skincare is better for my skin

Whilst some may prefer or enjoy so-deemed ‘Natural, botanical skin care’ they are not necessarily any better than other ranges. Be aware that the term ‘natural’ isn’t regulated so could be being used as a marketing term. Aways seek advice around what skin care is right for you whether that be ‘natural’ or otherwise.

Myth 7: Retinol is only for the over 50s

Don’t think you have to be in your 50’s to benefit from Retinol. Starting a couple of times a week early, even as early as in your twenties can be beneficial in helping to assist the skins ability to repair, regenerate and rejuvenate.

 

Skincare advice for your 40s: The non-negotiables

So what are the non-negotiable things women in their 40s should be doing for their skin to keep it in tip top condition? According to Louise these are:

• Apply sunscreen daily – using sunscreen each day, even when it is cloudy, is one of the best ways to prevent skin cancer.

• Drink green tea – green tea‘s anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce skin irritation, skin redness, and swelling

• Eat dark chocolate – the flavanols in dark chocolate can stimulate the endothelium, the lining of arteries, to produce nitric oxide

• Get advice around HRT – several studies suggest there are benefits from using bioidentical hormones to alleviate symptoms from dry, itchy, thin and fragile skin

• Move your body – by increasing blood flow, exercise helps nourish skin cells and keep them vital

• Get a pro facial assessment and treatment- this will give you the tools to make an informed decision under the guidance of a trained professional regarding the health of your skin

• Calm down your sugar and alcohol consumption –  drinking alcohol can cause dry skin, flushing, dark circles, and decreased elasticity whilst sugar damages your skin through a natural process called glycation

• Sleep sleep & more sleep – during good sleep, your body prevents and repairs skin cell damage, significantly improving not only your skin’s appearance but its strength

For more excellent advice on skincare for your 40s see louisethomasskintherapy.co.uk and follow Louise on Instagram.

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