Essential Skincare Habits

Essential Skincare Habits to Incorporate in Your 40s and Beyond

Make Sun Protection a Priority

Use your sunscreen that is at least SPF 30 daily to prevent sun damage including age spots and wrinkles. Wear your sunglasses and a hat when you go outdoors.

Cleanse Thoroughly but be Gentle

Use a cleanser that is non-stripping and doesn’t dry out your skin to remove dirt and makeup. If you wear makeup or sunscreen, try a double cleanse at night.

Hydrate Both Inside and Out

Hydrate your skin from the inside by drinking plenty of water. Use hydrating cleansers, toners, and moisturizers with oils and butters to lock in moisture and plump the skin. Try apricot, argon, rosehip, jojoba or grapeseed.

Incorporate Retinoids or Retinol

Retinol helps boost collagen production and improve your skin’s texture. However, it can cause irritation, redness, and dryness so start slowly and make sure you use a moisturizer. I will be writing a post on natural retinol alternatives on my website soon so stay tuned.

Exfoliate Regularly, but Gently

Use enzyme-based exfoliants that will remove dead skin and help promote cell turnover. Avoid scrubs that are harsh and will cause microtears in your skin.

Focus on the Eyes

Use an eye cream or serum that has ingredients to reduce fine lines and puffiness. When you apply them, use your ring finger to be gentler around the eyes.

Use Antioxidants Daily

Antioxidants are great for our skin because they fight off free radicals which degrade important parts of our cells and cause dullness, uneven skin tone, and fine lines and wrinkles. Retinol or vitamin A is an anti-aging agent. Niacinamide or vitamin B3, is brightening, improves the skin’s texture, helps maintain the skin’s barrier, and increase hydration. Vitamin C helps regenerate and protect the skin, minimize hyperpigmentation, and smooths out wrinkles and fine lines.

Apply a Nourishing Night Cream

Use a moisturizing night cream with ingredients like rosehip seed oil or squalane to boost hydration. Look for products that support the skin barrier. Find a moisturizer that supports the loss of water with humectants and emollients. You also want ingredients to brighten and strengthen the skin.

Give Yourself a Facial Massage

Use your fingers or tools such as jade rollers or gua sha tools. Face massages can reduce puffiness and improve your circulation. Massages can also help serums and oils be absorbed into the skin. Check out my facial massage video here.

Be Consistent with Your Skincare Routine

Results will take time, especially with anti-aging ingredients so you will need to be patient. Stick to your routine in the morning and evenings and you will see results.

Don’t Forget Your Neck and Hands

Don’t forget to also take care of the skin on your neck, decolletage, and hands as they also need help in preventing the signs of aging. Use your sunscreen and moisturizer on these places too.

Maintain Your Healthy Lifestyle

Taking care of your skin is more than just cleansers and moisturizers. Sleep also affects our skin. See my podcast on YouTube or Spotify on this subject. Eating a balanced diet rich in healthy fats, antioxidants, and vitamins also contributes to glowing skin. Stress can also have an effect on your skin. Help to manage it by using activities such as exercise, gardening, or journaling.

If you enjoyed this, visit me at my website. 🛀🏻🌿I will guide you through the world of herbal infused skincare, rituals, and self-pampering. Let me show you how to care for your skin with love and create skincare for your skin type. Beginners and all curious seekers welcome!