There are a few things to consider when we talk about aging in our forties. Some of us may be facing perimenopause and menopause, and it is proven that the skin’s ability to renew itself has been declining for the best part of 15 years, with collagen production following suit. This is seen in our skin as less radiance, a loss of elasticity and firmness causing those cheeks to look a little less full and not to mention those tiny fine lines seem to just appear overnight. With all these changes it’s important to optimise your skincare in your 40’s to address any new concerns.
As I move through my mid-forties, I reflect on what positive-aging means to me. What had worked for me in my late thirties even into my early forties was no longer cutting it. Small shifts in the texture of my skin have become more evident and its bounce-back, or lack thereof, especially if I have had a sleepless night or one too many vinos with dinner.
I am thankful to my younger self for my dedication to a daily and nightly routine, but now in my mid-forties I find myself trialling and testing formulations supercharged with anti-aging actives to address my “new skin concerns”. Let me share with you a few golden rules and simple tips that have become a staple part of my weekly well-being ritual.
Cleansing and exfoliating is not just about washing away makeup and the debris of the day. It’s a vital step for encouraging cellular renewal and regardless of skin type cleansing is essential, even the driest skin will benefit from a morning cleanse. Using a gentle cream cleanser like Laurel Effortless Cleanser or Luxe Botanics Camu Brightening Cleanser in the AM helps to slough away dead skin and create a clean canvas to layer your morning skincare.
Camu Brightening Cleanser
In the evening I am a devotee of double cleansing. A general rule of thumb use an oil or balm-based cleanser like the AMLY Deep Reveal Cleansing Balm to remove makeup, excess sebum and sunscreen and follow with a water-based cleanser to remove excess residue and lift remaining grim. This ritual takes me no more than 5 minutes and the cost of two really good quality face cleansers that last me 6 months is well worth the results and more economical in the long run than endless bottles of makeup remover or gel cleansers. Since double cleansing my skin quality and clarity has never been better.
Deep Reveal Cleansing Balm and Mask
I choose to exfoliate once a week in the morning, followed with a treatment serum for day and sunscreen. Exfoliating keeps the skin texture and pores looking clear and flawless while stimulating collagen production. My morning serum always has a Hyaluronic Acid base, as this helps to plump and hydrate the skin giving my skin a glowing radiance for the day ahead. Fact, hydrated skin looks younger, and a daily dose of hydration is effective in keeping fine lines and skin at bay.
Flower and Spice Calming GLOW Exfoliator is a great dual action exfoliator that leaves the skin smooth and hydrated. Follow with VENN Compound K Hyaluronic Booster for deep all day hydration and plumping.
Age-response Compound K Hyaluronic Booster
An anti-aging and brightening serum that features VENN’s patented technology to water-solubilize Compound K in high concentrations and effectively deliver for brighter, firmer, and more even-looking skin.
Best For: first signs of aging and skin needing a boost of hydration.
Volume: 30ml
As an Organic Skincare Formulator, I have spent many years researching potent botanical actives. Studying their profiles and understanding their true power in transforming the skin barrier is key in natural and organic skincare. Below are the three superhero anti-aging actives that are often combined in formulations to work in harmony for visible results. These are the three absolute must-have all-natural actives in my skincare regime.
Retinol is a form of Vitamin A and is often referred to as the gold standard in anti-aging skincare. What makes Retinol so remarkable is its ability to boost the skin’s natural production of collagen and reduce the signs of environmental aging. It works by essentially encouraging cellular turnover, where we see a constant renewal of fresh baby cells from the dermal layer of the skin. The result is firmer and more glowing skin.
Using a natural Retinol is not a race it is a long-term game. Results can be seen in around 8 to 12 weeks, generally a good month longer than synthetic Retinols. However, the results compound over time and come with considerably less irritation and dermal disruption than non-clean synthetic Retinol creams. If you have sensitive skin, incorporate every second day and always wear sunscreen! Also be mindful not to over-exfoliate, no more than once a week for the first month.
I choose a formulation where the retinol is supported with skin calming fatty acids, ceramides and soothing linoleic rich plant oils, like in AMALA Pro-Retinoic Treatment Oil.
Retinol not for you? A very gentle and effective way of introducing a multitude of Vitamins and antioxidants including Vitamin A into your regime is with daily use of an all-round serum such as the Laurel Antioxidant Serum. Gentle and effective with all the skin nourishing nutrients your skin needs.
Peptides are the building blocks of collagen and elastin fibres. Naturally occurring in our skin, a peptide is a chain of amino acids all joined together. They are beneficial in improving the skin barrier, for reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and helping to firm and tone the skin.
Our ability to produce peptides slows with age, resulting in unbalanced skin and hair. We can supplement peptides in our skincare to encourage and stimulate collagen production.
VENN Age-Reversing All-In-One Concentrate delivers essential peptides deep into the dermis to aid in collagen and elastin production. Pro tip- add a drop of the AMALA Pro-Retinoic Treatment Oil to boost anti-aging and hydration benefits both morning and night.
Age-Reversing All-in-One Concentrate
As you have probably gathered cell renewal plays a huge role in keeping our skin looking healthy while stimulating collagen production. AHAs are naturally chemical exfoliants derived from fruits, nuts, sugars and milk. They gently exfoliate you skin, removing the dead skin cells allowing for new healthy skin cells to surface. This helps to diminish the look of fine lines and wrinkles and improving the general overall appearance of your skin. Think more refined pores and the fading of acne marks and pigmentation when used weekly.
AHAs come in many product options from cleansers to overnight serums and a weekly mask. Masking is my most loved skin ritual and the perfect excuse for me time. For those looking for a high performance no mess mask the AMALA Gel Aqua Peel is a rinse off 20 minute mask with clinically proven results.
For a lazy Sunday night in the bath, I love the texture and the indulgence of the Laurel Honey Berry Mask. Pure indulgence and so good for the skin….
Clinical Retexturizing Gel Aqua Peel
A good clean natural foundation is the final step in my anti-aging skincare regime. A lightweight buildable base that enhances without masking and is formulated with skin loving botanicals adds a protective layer against the elements and pollution all day long.
We know Vitamin C is a superfood ingredient for protecting skin tone and supporting collagen integrity. Look for a foundation base formulated with a Vitamin C superfood like Kakadu Plum, such as SAINT Flawless Radiance Foundation. This hard working foundation doubles as skincare, providing flawless makeup cover with all the benefits of a a Vitamin C rich skincare cream. Win Win!
Flawless Radiance Skincare Foundation
Internal Skin Support is a hot topic and with so many supplements on the market it can be overwhelming and disappointing at the same time. I have spent endless hours researching ingredients and not to mention countless coin on supplements.
I have landed on one that works for me. Naturopathically formulated with the purest natural and organic ingredients, Afterglow by The Base Body Co. is a collagen supplement that supports skin, hair and nails at a cellular level. It is said to neutralize free radicals in the body caused by pollution, sun, stress, or a diet high in processed food. I have seen an improvement in skin clarity and hydration.
Why this formula? I like the ingredients of sustainably sourced Marine collagen, said to improve digestibility and is proven to be bioavailable so easily absorbed. Tremella Mushroom is proven to improve hydration of the body and skin. While Australian Kakadu plum, the richest natural source of Vitamin C, supports collagen synthesis. It’s sugar free and I add mine to a berry bowl some mornings or added almond milk for a delicious smoothie.
Research confirms beauty sleep is the real deal. A good night’s sleep actually can make you more beautiful. From glowing hydrated skin and brighter eyes to fuller healthier hair, achieving the right amount of REM is still one of the most elusive beauty and age defying tools to add to your regime. The good news is it’s free and available to us all! Best of all because sleep promotes circulation and hydration it will maximise the effects of any natural oils and moisturisers applied before bed.
My nightly ritual no matter how tired is a nightly spritz of AMLY Sleep Mist on my face, décolleté and pillow. A spritz under and over my night face cream helps calms and soothes any redness in my skin. The heavenly scent transports my mind and this scent I now associate with peaceful happy sleep.
No one loves sleep more than our very own Co-Founder Leesa. Read Leesa’s tried & tested tips for a good night’s sleep in her blog- Beauty Sleep: 8 bedtime rituals to help you wake-up beautiful.
Beauty Sleep Silver-Rich Face Mist
I’ve never been more content in my skin than I am now, in my 40’s. I believe in a dedicated daily routine with few high-quality products. You don’t need to be a ten-step skincare regime kind of girl. Overloading the skin with too many products can disrupt the skin health. I recommend selecting the best scientifically proven multi-tasking all-natural beauty products that save you both time and money in the long term and helps cut down on overconsumption. Better for you, better for the planet.
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One thought on “5 Golden Rules of Skincare in Your 40’s”
“Old woman where was your youth”, this is Bosnian saying. I am 51 and have lived in Australian since I was 5. Like most Australians I spent decades at the beach getting a tan and growing some hectic wrinkles. Despite the sunburn, freckles and those so called character building lines, ha, not on my watch, I have always taken good care of my skin. And this is how I discovered the beautiful, enriching and clean products from thenativesco. The thing to remember when you age is that everything sticks to wrinkles like mud!, true. So chosing wisely is crucial. No glittery matte stuff to touch thy face. Dewy is where it is at. Here are my absolute must haves.
1. Amala Powerhouse Face Cream and eye cream. This product it so rich and velvety that I sometimes have to pinch myself to know that I am 51.
2. Saint foundation mixed with a drop of Namari Nektar. This is stunning, gives great coverage without clinging to any non wanted so called character lines. I LOVE IT.
3. (M)anasi all over colour in chamoisee. This is so creamy and delicious that I could almost eat it. I use this as eye contouring colour and blush. It gives a depth to my face and a natural grace like quality, yes it does, its true.
4. Madame Gabriela lipsticks, the three pack. True to colour and long lasting. Its worth it. Hmm I am looking very sexy.
To summarise, it is never too late to invest in good skin care and makeup. Yes, we all fry out there in the harsh sun and take it from me growing old is OK, you can do it looking like a dewy goddess. You just have to be smart about it. Educate yourselves and nourish your mind and body.