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The reality is that as we age, so does our skin.

“Adopt skincare habits that are enjoyable to you,” says dermatologist Craig Kraffert.

Close up of woman’s face applying skincare

Stocksy

“If your skincare routine is not enjoyable, continuity is difficult.

Choose products of high quality, and select your active ingredients carefully.”

Meet the Experts

How Should Your Skincare Routine Change in Your 40s?

To start, dermatologist Dr.Dendy Engelman, recommends switching your facial cleanser.

There are also certain ingredients that can help solve targeted concerns that we outline below.

As for additional lifestyle changes, tweaking your diet may help, too.

A steady amount ofcollagen-boosting foodsandhealthy fats, along withplenty of watercan all contribute to clear, plump skin.

Dermatologists recommend incorporating the below into your skincare routine.

Retinoids

Dr. Engelman loves the wrinkle and acne-fighting prowess of retinoids.

They fight free radical damage, contribute to glowing skin, prevent inflammation, and so much more.

Dr. Engelman prefers to target anti-aging with her favorite “gold standard” product, SkinCeuticalsC E Ferulic.

“This product will noticeably reduce fine lines and wrinkles while improving overall skin appearance,” she says.

All of our experts agree that keeping your skincare routine basic is the way to go.

“If topical treatments have not reduced acne, talk to your dermatologist about prescriptive oral remedies.

There are plenty of at-home treatments that can support your skin health journey.

Amicroccurent deviceused to stimulate the facial muscles.

While you’ll have better results in an office, LED Therapy at home is a few minutes away.

Micro-needling

Dr. Gerstner says thatmicro-needlingis an excellent preventative measure to take.

Dr. Engelman is keen to administer injectables when necessary.

Poly-L-lactic acid fillers are synthetic fillers, but last longer than the aforementioned.

Lasers

When you think of laser therapy, most often the nameFraxelwill come to mind.

It could be a good option if you’re on the fence about laser therapy.

You’ve probably seen PRP touted as “vampire facials” a la Kim Kardashian West.

When used in tandem, the anti-aging benefits are multiplied.

Once you identify what those needs are (dullness, fine lines, discoloration, etc.

), consistency in skincare is key.

Wearing sunscreen and getting yearly skin checks should be a non-negotiable.

Thornton MJ.Estrogens and aging skin.Dermatoendocrinol.

2016;33(6):416-420. doi:10.5114/ada.2016.63880

Skin Cancer Foundation.All about sunscreen.

Updated May, 2021.

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Prospective randomized study on the efficacy of blue light in the treatment of psoriasis vulgaris.Dermatology2011;223:251-9.