How to restore your skin’s resilience in your 40s

When we are in our 40s, hormone fluctuations and years of lifestyle choices start wreaking havoc on our skin.

The skin loses more moisture and becomes dryer as estrogen levels fall. Loss of collagen and elastin causes loose, sagging skin. This results in thinner, more unevenly textured skin. The appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes and mouth can be exacerbated. Increased hyperpigmentation due to sun damage can cause brown spots and red blotches. Simply put, your once vibrant complexion is now losing its youthful glow.

No matter how hard you try, we can’t stop the aging process. However, we can reduce its visibility. These are some tips to restore your skin’s resilience.

Re-evaluate your skin type. Our skin needs change as we age, so our skincare routines must be adjusted. People who used to have oily skin in their teens or twenties might now experience unusual dryness. This is because the skin loses more moisture with age. If this happens, you should switch to hydrating products that aren’t as drying. Talk to a professional skin care practitioner about your needs and how to reset your skincare routine.

Hydrate. As our skin ages, it becomes drier. Many factors influence how much water you need daily, such as your health, activity level, and where you live. The Institute of Medicine states that men need approximately 125 ounces (or 3.7 liters) of fluid daily, while women require about 91 ounces (or 2.7 liters). By comparison, eight glasses per day (often recommended) yield 64 ounces or about 1.9 liters. It doesn’t have to be plain water. Drinks and foods that are water-based count as well.

Moisturize. Moisturize daily. A moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid is a good option if your skin is dehydrated. This forms a moisturizing layer to protect the skin from drying out. Copper peptides can help your skin look more supple and smoothen wrinkles.

Use sunscreen. Sun exposure can lead to premature aging. The cumulative effects of this sun exposure will only get worse with age. Use a broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB protection) sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or more. Sunscreen is already in some moisturizers. Apply a different moisturizer if yours doesn’t.

Exfoliate. When cell renewal slows down, the skin may become dull, mottled, and lifeless. Chemical peels and skin products that contain alpha hydroxy acid (glycolic acid and lactic acid), beta-hydroxy acids (salicylic acids), and retinoic acids encourage cell turnover and stimulate collagen production. This results in brighter and healthier skin. Microdermabrasion is a gentler option.

Accept retinoids. The retinoid products made with vitamin A derivatives reach the deepest layers of the skin to reverse signs of aging. They increase collagen production, speed cell turnover to combat wrinkles, uneven texture, and acne, and minimize pores.

IPL can remove cumulative sun damage. IPL uses a broad wavelength to treat hyperpigmentation. It does not damage the skin’s upper layers. IPL can also treat sunburn, freckles and redness, brown spots, freckles, rosacea, and other skin conditions such as sun damage. It can also stimulate collagen production and reduce pores.

Consider dermal fillers. Skin begins to lose elasticity as the fine lines get more profound, and the skin starts to sag. To plump up lines, cheeks, under-eye space, and lips, dermal fillers can quickly be injected into hollow parts of the face. You don’t have to look perfect. Hyaluronic acid is a substance found in youthful skin and connective tissue. Restylane, Juvederm, and Perlane are some of these options. Botox temporarily relaxes the muscles and helps to prevent new wrinkles from forming.

Take in more omega-3s and antioxidants. Your skin is affected by what you put in it. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in foods such as avocados, walnuts, flaxseeds, spinach, and wild salmon — help reduce inflammation in the body, which can cause skin irritation and redness. Antioxidants, essential nutrients and include vitamins C, D, E, beta-carotene, and selenium, protect the skin against free radicals, and unstable molecules, that can damage healthy cells due to radiation and pollutants.