“Forty, Flaky, and Fabulous: My Skin’s Midlife Crisis (and How We’re Coping Together)”
Ah, the 40s.
That magical age where your Spotify ads suddenly include joint supplements, your hangovers now last two business days, and your skin has the audacity to throw a full-blown identity crisis. I mean, I expected wisdom, a touch of elegance, and maybe a few tasteful laugh lines. What I got was a combination of teenage acne and crow’s feet holding hands like they’re on a school trip together.
But don’t worry, fellow glow-seekers! We’re not going down without a fight (or at least a reasonably priced serum). Grab your reading glasses—we’re going in….
1.Vitamin C is like that friend who always shows up in a bright outfit, ready to hype you up. It boosts collagen, evens out skin tone, and protects you from environmental villains like pollution and the sun’s evil twin, UV damage. Plus, it brightens your skin, reduces the appearance of dark spots and is like a little pick me up for your face!
Pro tip: Always follow it up with sunscreen, because vitamin C helps neutralize free radicals while SPF blocks them from forming in the first place. Think of them as Batman and Robin, but for your face. (And yes, SPF every day—even if it’s cloudy, winter, or you’re just going to “quickly run into Sainsburys.”)
Recommendation: Obagi professional-c serums, they come in differing potency to meet different skin needs 10% for dry or sensitive, 15% for normal to combination and 20% for oily resilient skin, I’ve been using 15% and loooovvve it! Obagi is known for their medical grade quality and potency, a little goes a long way and worth every penny.
2.SPF (Not just for beach days!)
Listen, if you’re over 40 and still using SPF “only when you go on vacation,” I’m legally obligated to gasp dramatically. Sunscreen is no longer optional—it’s the glue holding your face together. It protects you from sunburn, helps to slow down aging and and reduces hyperpigmentation
You need SPF like you need your daily dose of chocolate. The sun is a sneaky beast, and it’s working overtime to make you look like a wrinkled raisin. SPF is your superhero—unseen but always there, quietly doing its job so you don’t end up looking like you spent the summer in a tanning bed.
Recommendation: EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 — It’s lightweight, doesn’t leave that weird white cast, and makes you feel like you’re doing something right for your skin, even if you’re secretly wondering if you should’ve gone for that third glass of wine.
3. LED Masks (the future is bright!)
Yes, you will look like a cross between Iron Man and a sleep-deprived stormtrooper. But LED masks are the real deal. Red light helps with fine lines and collagen production, blue light zaps acne-causing bacteria, and if nothing else, it’s a great way to scare your children into doing their homework.
Start with 2-3 sessions per week, 10-20 minutes a go. You can even wear it while watching Netflix and pretending you’re not eating cheese straight from the block.
recommendation: Lanvenza- LED facial beauty mask– with noticeable results after just a few uses and a price tag that wont break the bank balance, this is a win win for us!
It’s not just during the day that we have to carefully prepare our skin, Night time is recovery time, with the aim of waking up looking 10 years younger (we can dream!, but we can also try)….at night be sure to:
- Double Cleanse (because your face deserves it)
At night, your skin has been exposed to pollutants, makeup, dirt, and sweat. A good cleanse is essential. If you wear makeup or sunscreen, start with an oil-based cleanser to break it all down, followed by a gentle foaming or hydrating cleanser. Recommendation:- CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser — Perfect for normal to dry skin. It’s hydrating and non-foaming, which means it won’t strip your skin.
- Retinol (the secret weapon for aging gracefully)
In your 40s, retinol becomes your best friend. It encourages skin cell turnover, helps with fine lines, and gives your skin that youthful glow. Start slow with a lower concentration and build up as your skin adjusts. Recommendation:- La Roche-Posay Retinol 0.5 — A nice, gentle option for beginners or those just getting into retinol. It targets fine lines and texture without being too harsh.
- Moisturizer (your skin’s best friend at night)
After cleansing and applying serums, locking in moisture is key to keeping your skin hydrated overnight. A good moisturizer will help repair your skin’s barrier, keeping it soft and smooth. Recommendation:- Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel — Lightweight yet deeply hydrating. Plus, it won’t clog pores, making it a great option for all skin types.
- Obagi Rebalance skin barrier recovery cream– soothing and hydrating, this cream rebalances the skin and restores hydration with its blend of postbiotics, ceramides, Niacinamide and green algae.
- Eye Cream (because those under-eye bags aren’t going to disappear on their own)
As we age, the skin around our eyes gets thinner and more prone to puffiness and dark circles. An eye cream with caffeine or peptides can help de-puff and brighten the area. Recommendation:- Kiehl’s Avocado Eye Cream — Rich and moisturizing, it’s great for dry under-eye areas and helps reduce puffiness.
- Trinny London’s Turn Back time– Thick yet non-greasy this absorbs quickly into the skin. It helps repair existing sun damage and reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
Important things to remember on our quest to lovely, healthy mature-ish skin:
- Consistency is Key
Your skin care routine doesn’t need to be perfect every day, but consistency is where the magic happens. Even if you’re not feeling it, try to stick to the basics—cleanser, serum, sunscreen, and moisturizer. - Don’t Forget the Neck and Chest
These areas are often neglected but show signs of aging quicker than the face. When applying serums and moisturizers, extend the products down to your neck and chest. - Drink Water (for real this time)
Hydrated skin is happy skin. No serum or cream can replace the benefits of proper hydration from within. Aim for at least 8 cups a day, and if you’re not into plain water, herbal teas work too! - Avoid Over-Exfoliating
Exfoliation is essential, but too much can damage your skin. Aim for gentle exfoliation once a week, whether chemical (like AHA/BHA) or physical (but nothing too abrasive, please). - Be Patient
Skin care isn’t an instant fix. Results take time, especially in your 40s. Keep at it, and you’ll start seeing the benefits of your routine in a few weeks. In the meantime, enjoy the small moments of pampering—it’s all part of self-care.
Final thoughts from the crows feet frontline:
Aging skin in your 40s isn’t a tragedy—it’s a transition. It’s your skin saying, “Hey, we’ve done some stuff. Let’s not pretend we’re 25, but let’s not give up, either.”
So yes, slap on your vitamin C, smear on the SPF like you’re frosting a cake, and glow boldly into the next decade. You—and your laugh lines—deserve it.