How to start taking care of your skin at 40 to slow down the appearance of wrinkles as you get older

As you age your skin changes. Over the years it begins to be thinner, less elastic, and expression lines and wrinkles begin to appear.

The worst, all this appears in an almost drastic way from the age of 40. As if the world wanted to remind you that youth is gradually being left behind.

In women, the hormonal changes of this stage, for example the decrease in estrogen, lead to many of these inflections in the skin.

It is not the only thing that decreases.

“After age 30, we have 1% less collagen production and start to lose about a teaspoon of fat per year from our faces, explains Dr. Michelle Henry, founder of Skin & Aesthetic Surgery of Manhattan, in The Strategist.

To this is added that decades of sun damage and accumulated oxidative stress can appear, which translate into fine lines of expression. While the loss of mass and bone is contributing to the formation of wrinkles.

"The natural life cycle of the skin begins to slow down, which means that discoloration, wrinkles, sagging and reduced collagen production take place," summarizes dermatologist David Lortscher, founder of the online center for the Curology skincare.

However, there is no reason to despair. It is not the end of the world to start having the occasional wrinkle. Also, if in the previous years you have dedicated yourself to taking care of your skin, it is possible that the effects of quarantine are not noticeable on your face.

And if not, there is also time. Here are some tips and key active ingredients to take care of your skin after 40.

Protect your skin from the sun

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It's never too late to start protecting yourself from the sun, so if you haven't done it before, it's time to start doing it.

But not only on the beach or on summer days. "Daily sunscreen with SPF 50 should be used at all ages," emphasizes dermatologist Elena de las Heras.

The sun is an agent that can seriously put your skin at risk. The deterioration it can cause includes accelerating aging.

This is because UV radiation damages, among other things, certain fibers known as elastin, which will precisely affect the elasticity of your skin.

Retinol and vitamin C two key ingredients at this age

If you haven't started with anti-aging cosmetics yet, it may be time, according to Lortscher.

In particular, the specialist points out two key ingredients that you should look for in skin care products at 40: aminoids and vitamin C.

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Retinoids, such as retinol, are derivatives of vitamin A and can treat the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines as well as acne.

These compounds work by activating skin cells in the outermost layer to renew themselves faster. It also increases the production of natural chemicals such as hyaluronic acid or collagen, keys to smoother and firmer skin.

However, keep in mind that retinol also makes you more susceptible to sun damage. Therefore, it is best to use it at night with a high sunscreen in the morning, advises De las Heras.

at night, along with a broad-spectrum sunscreen every morning, even when indoors.

For its part, vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can help combat the effect of free radicals on your skin. It also helps "fade dark spots," says Jennifer Herrmann in Byrdie.

This compound is also suggested for skin care by Dr. De las Heras, who indicates that "it must be in concentrations between 5 and 10%, at acidic pH and in a serum-type excipient."

Vitamin C is easily oxidized, so "to be stable, your cosmetic formulations must contain the left-handed forms of the vitamin," she adds.

Boosts hydration

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With age the skin becomes drier and from the age of 40 this effect may begin to be evident.

Also in women, the decrease in estrogen associated with this time also makes the skin thinner.

So experts recommend changing your moisturizer for a more powerful one.

Herrmann specifically recommends "products that are fragrance-free and formulated for sensitive skin."

"Hyaluronic acid is another skin moisturizer that locks in water and keeps skin looking dewy and youthful," she says.

Use a cleanser that promotes hydration

A key step in any beauty ritual, whatever your age, is to cleanse your face to free it from harmful agents and dirt.

Do it every morning when you wake up and before you go to bed. For this, a little soap and water can help, although there are also specific products for this.

Whichever option you choose to make your skin look better, look for ingredients that enhance hydration.

Based on the advice of popular dermatologist Arash Akhavan, in The Strategist, glycerin draws moisture into the skin as you wash. Also ceramides, lipids that strengthen the skin barrier and help the skin retain more moisture.

Includes an eye contour with hyaluronic acid

The eye contour is one of the areas that usually requires the most attention. Well, it is an area in which unpleasant signs begin to appear easily.

Dark circles, puffiness, and fine lines are some of the things you might want to combat.

To eliminate wrinkles in this area, you can try a contour containing hyaluronic acid, as "it helps stimulate and retain moisture around the delicate eye area."