Skincare Routine: You seem to age suddenly and drastically in your 40s due to the onset of hormonal changes in your skin. However, if we make healthy choices, it can minimize the visible signs of ageing. During aging, the production of collagen, natural oils, and elastin decreases, causing our skin to look dry and lifeless. Skincare Routine for Women in 40s Remember, good skin reflects good health. And, if we start taking care of it early, we can reverse the signs of ageing. The skincare mistakes one may have made at a younger age start becoming visible in the late 30s or early 40s. The skin forms the outer protective layer for humans and is a barrier against microorganisms, toxins and other harmful substances. Think of it as a fortress against external threats as it shields us from harmful UV rays, regulates temperature, helps retain moisture, and boosts our immune defence. While skin does a commendable job on its own, reinforcements are sometimes necessary. The skin can lose its ability to act as a faithful barrier due to our genetics, lifestyle or environmental factors. In such cases, a proper skincare routine as well as overall health and diet interventions can help repair the damage. The most common visible signs of ageing on the skin are fine lines and wrinkles, age spots, hyperpigmentation, dryness, dehydration, uneven skin tone, and loss of plumpness. The severity and occurrence of these skin problems can vary from person to person. Apart from an individuals DNA, the factors that can promote ageing are lifestyle-related aspects such as sun exposure, diet, smoking, and stress. However, we can mitigate the skin damage by following a proper skin care regimen. This includes cleansing, moisturizing, and applying targeted skincare products that address your specific concerns (after consulting with a dermatologist). Some ingredients like hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, and retinoids can be beneficial in promoting skin health. However, the products that contain active chemicals should be used after expert advice. In your morning routine, do not forget to add sunscreen. This is essential to reduce premature ageing, sundamage and age spots. A broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF in the range of 30 or higher should be used before stepping outdoors and reused every 2 hours. It is also advisable to wear sunscreen indoors too if your house or office has a lot of natural light. Hydration is also key to supple skin. Drink adequate amounts of water and use moisture lock-in products to keep the skin hydrated. This will give the skin a natural glow and make it appear plump. Round up your skin care regimen with sufficient sleep and a balanced healthy diet. These are often overlooked but contribute heaps to good-looking and good-feeling skin. And last but not the least get some exercise, quit smoking and stress less. Far more than the topical application of products, good sleep, healthy diet and activity can do wonders for your skin and body. Pack all of these things into your daily routine and get ready to receive compliments on how fresh you look. Your skin and your body will thank you for it. Written By: Dr. Akanksha Singh, Senior Cosmetologist, SENS Clinic
