Glow & Tell

8 Best Face Creams for Women in Their 40s: How to Fight Signs of Aging

Dec 01, 2024·By Emma Caplan-Fisher

Aging is beautiful, but it does come with a few telltale signs like fine lines, wrinkles, and changes in skin texture. For women in their 40s, finding the right skincare products, especially face creams, becomes more essential as skin concerns pop up.

Thankfully, there are numerous face creams tailored for aging skin that provide hydration, promote collagen production, and enhance skin elasticity, all while minimizing wrinkles and dark spots. Here, we’ll explore what to look for in a face cream in your 40s, why certain ingredients are beneficial, and some of the best face creams for 40 year old women to help you achieve and maintain youthful, radiant skin.

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Quicklist: Best face creams for women in their 40s to fight signs of aging

Understanding skin changes in your 40s

In your 40s, skin undergoes a series of transformations due to hormonal changes, reduced collagen production, and exposure to environmental stressors. Because of these changes, women in their 40s need creams that not only moisturize but also help to repair and rejuvenate the skin.

Here are some common skin issues many women face during this decade:

Reduced collagen production

As you age, collagen and elastin (proteins that keep skin firm and smooth) production slows, leading to sagging and wrinkles.

Drier skin

The skin’s natural moisture barrier weakens with age, making it harder to retain hydration. This results in dryness and dullness.

Sun damage and hyperpigmentation

Years of sun exposure can lead to dark spots, age spots, and uneven skin tone.

Decreased cell turnover

As skin renewal slows down, dead skin cells can accumulate, making the skin look dull and uneven.

What to look for in a face cream for aging skin

If you'd like to delay the signs of aging skin, here's what to look for in a quality face cream.

Moisturizing ingredients

Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides, which attract moisture to the skin and help to keep it plump and hydrated.

Retinoids

Known for their powerful anti-aging properties, retinoids (vitamin A derivatives) are excellent for boosting collagen production, reducing fine lines, and increasing cell turnover.

Peptides

These amino acids act as building blocks for collagen and elastin, helping to firm the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines.

Antioxidants

Vitamin C, E, and green tea extract are antioxidants that protect the skin from environmental stressors like pollution and UV radiation, which can accelerate aging.

SPF

Sun protection is crucial at any age, but it’s especially important in your 40s to prevent further sun damage and dark spots. Opt for a cream with SPF 30 or higher if it’s intended for daytime use.

Exfoliating agents

Mild acids like AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids) and BHAs (beta-hydroxy acids) are great for removing dead skin cells, revealing fresh skin underneath, and reducing the appearance of fine lines.

Best face creams for women in their 40s

Without further ado, here are some top-rated face creams specifically formulated to address the signs of aging, helping you achieve smooth, radiant skin.

1. Editor’s Choice: IT Cosmetics Confidence in a Cream

Price: From $17.25

Amazon Customer Reviews
Shop Amazon for IT Cosmetics Confidence in a Cream

A classic: IT Cosmetics’ silky smooth Confidence in a Cream does an excellent job of reducing the look of aging while moisturizing the skin throughout the day. I absolutely loved that the cream firmed my skin and reduced the look of those pesky crow’s feet.

This vegan formula contains no parabens, SLS/SLES, or mineral oil. It uses potent, active ingredients that reverse visible signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles, dark spots, and the loss of elasticity, firmness, and plumpness, including:

nicotinamide (4%) to even out skin tone and lessen the look of fine lines and wrinkles
squalane (3%) to hydrate and help reinforce the skin’s moisture barrier
peptide-lipid complex (2.5%) to improve firmness and tightness, hydrate, and smooth

Get IT Cosmetics Confidence in a Cream or find information and reviews.

2. Runner up: Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream

Price: From $24

Amazon Customer Reviews
Shop Amazon for Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream

Pros:

Firms and tightens quickly
Super hydrating and lightweight
Great for sensitive skin

Cons:

Some had issues with dispenser
May not suit very oily skin

This protini polypeptide cream from cruelty-free certified Drunk Elephant is very lightweight and combines vitamin B folic acid, amino acids, a nine-signal peptide complex, and pygmy waterlily to improve skin’s tone, feel, strength, and texture. It does this fast –- something I can attest to as it’s become a long-time go-to.

The soothing formula hydrates and moisturizes, leaving the skin plumper, firmer, more balanced, and replenished with a reduced look of wrinkles and fine lines. And the stuff lasts a long time – you don’t need much at all to see results.

Get Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream or find information and reviews.

3. Korres Black Pine Primus Wrinkle Defying Day Cream

Price: $54

Amazon Customer Reviews
Shop Amazon for Korres Black Pine Primus Wrinkle Defying Day Cream

Pros:

Lightweight yet rich
Amazing scent for those who enjoy fragrance
Makes skin soft & supple

Cons:

Leaves skin a bit shiny
Strong scent can be a deterrent to some

This deeply hydrating yet lightweight gel-cream smoothes out the look of wrinkles, re-plumps skin, and brightens the face thanks to its complex of three hyaluronic acids and hexapeptide-8. The formula contains plant-derived poly-HA peptides (black pine bud) that deliver revitalizing antioxidants, improve epidermis thickness, boost collagen synthesis, and leave skin feeling smooth and soft. On top of all that, I loved the richness, full density, and lightweight properties of this formula.

Bonus: This one’s a great retinol alternative if you’ve got sensitive skin or prefer a gentler, natural anti-aging ingredient.

Get Korres Black Pine Primus Wrinkle Defying Day Cream or find information and reviews.

4. Sunday Riley Ice Ceramide Moisturizing Cream

Price: $55.25

Amazon Customer Reviews
Shop Amazon for Sunday Riley Ice Ceramide Moisturizing Cream

Pros:

Plenty of moisture & hydration & moisture
Leaves skin super soft
Suits various skin types including oily

Cons:

Some find the texture too gritty or thick
Those with very dry skin may need something richer

This rich yet lightweight moisturizer from Sunday Riley contains vitamin F, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid and suits many skin types, even sensitive. The formula is paraben- and phthalate-free. It replenishes and hydrates with beetroot extract and ceramides while strengthening the skin’s moisture barrier at the same time to deliver plumper, dewy, supple skin over time.

To use, apply after all other facial treatments and oils, morning and evening, as your final skincare routine step.

Get Sunday Riley Ice Ceramide Moisturizing Cream or find information and reviews.

5. Meebak Cica Redness Solution Cream

Price: $21.97

Amazon Customer Reviews
Shop Amazon for Meebak Cica Redness Solution Cream

Pros:

Tones down & evens out skin tone
Great as a lighter, natural makeup option
A little goes a long way

Cons:

Clay-like, dense & heavy (but feels nice once on)
Takes a bit of time to blend well

Before Meebak’s Cica Redness Solution Cream, I hadn’t used a color-correcting product before. I was pretty excited to try it but didn’t know what to expect. To be honest, until I applied it, I had no clue that my skin tone was actually uneven (something common for women in their 40s). This was a game-changer, to say the least.

After trying the cream, I noticed my skin was glowing and more consistent in texture, tone, and color. Calming rosacea and cica tiger grass soothed my irritated, red skin by rebuilding and strengthening its barrier. A nice bonus: this not only color-corrects but also works as a concealer, so you can minimize your routine and skip the foundation.

Get Meebak Cica Redness Solution Cream or find information and reviews.

6. L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Pressed Night Cream

Price: $24.94

Amazon Customer Reviews
Shop Amazon for L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Pressed Night Cream

Pros:

Tightens & softens skin
Reduces look of lines & wrinkles
Leaves a nice glow

Cons:

May not be moisturizing enough for very dry skin
Scent not for everyone

This lightweight, oil-free retinol night cream can help reduce aging signs like wrinkles, fine lines, dryness, and uneven texture and tone. The formula won’t clog pores and contains niacinamide to brighten your complexion, retinol, recommended by dermatologists, and hyaluronic acid, panthenol, and glycerin.

The allergy-tested cream absorbs quickly and is ideal for any skin type. It’s also free of parabens, dye, and mineral oil.

Get L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Pressed Night Cream or find information and reviews.

7. Manyo Galactomy Essence Cream

Price: $27

Amazon Customer Reviews
Shop Amazon for Manyo Galactomy Essence Cream

Pros:

Makes skin firm yet soft
Great consistency –- not greasy
Gentle enough for sensitive skin

Cons:

May not suit extra dry skin
Can take a while to absorb

This night cream is lightweight, oil-free, and, thanks to ingredients like retinol, helps reduce aging signs like fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven tone and texture. Niacinamide helps to brighten your complexion, while hyaluronic acid delivers deep moisture.

The allergy-tested formula won’t clog pores and is recommended by dermatologists.

Get Manyo Galactomy Essence Cream or find information and reviews.

8. Luminositie Niacinamide Vitamin B3 Cream

Price: $22.45

Amazon Customer Reviews
Shop Amazon for Luminositie Niacinamide Vitamin B3 Cream

Pros:

Leaves skin visibly younger-looking
Works well as a primer
Smooth and spreads easily

Cons:

May irritate sensitive skin –- start slow
Small quantity

The vitamin B3 niacinamide and collagen booster in this face cream targets aging signs like wrinkles, evens out skin by reducing redness, and rejuvenates with essential nutrients. It also leaves your skin feeling soft, plump, and firm.

The cruelty-free formula contains vitamin E to fight free radicals from environmental stressors, witch hazel to slow oil production, redness, and inflammation, coconut oil to moisturize and improve elasticity, aloe vera to hydrate, jojoba oil to seal the skin’s protective barrier, soothe, and soften, and rosemary to encourage cell renewal and collagen production.

The airless dispenser gives the precise amount you need and makes the pump super easy to use.

Get Luminositie Niacinamide Vitamin B3 Cream or find information and reviews.

Tips for getting the most out of your face cream

1. Be consistent. Anti-aging results take time. Consistent use of your face cream, along with a solid skincare routine, will yield the best results.

2. Layer. Apply face cream on damp skin to lock in hydration, and consider layering with a serum for added benefits.

3. Use sun protection. If your cream doesn’t contain SPF, always apply a separate sunscreen during the day. Sun protection is crucial for preventing further aging and pigmentation.

4. Have patience with retinol. If you’re new to retinoids, start by using them once or twice a week and build up gradually. Retinoids can cause dryness or irritation, but skin often adjusts over time.

5. Exfoliate regularly. Exfoliating weekly helps remove dead skin cells and allows your face cream to penetrate more effectively.

Choosing the right face cream in your 40s can make a significant difference in addressing signs of aging like wrinkles, fine lines, and dryness. Look for creams rich in hydrating ingredients, retinoids, peptides, and antioxidants to help nourish and protect your skin.

Whether you prefer affordable options like Meebak Cica Redness Solution Cream or more luxurious brands like Drunk Elephant or Sunday Riley, there’s a perfect face cream out there to help you look and feel your best. Embrace aging gracefully with a skincare routine tailored to your skin’s unique needs, and remember, consistency is key to seeing real results.

Best face creams for women in their 40s FAQs

Why do I need a specific face cream in my 40s?

As you enter your 40s, natural skin changes like reduced collagen production, decreased cell turnover, and dryness become more prominent. Specialized face creams can help address these issues by promoting hydration, firming the skin, and reducing signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles.

What ingredients should I look for in an anti-aging face cream?

Key ingredients to look for include hyaluronic acid for hydration, retinoids for boosting collagen and cell turnover, peptides for firming, antioxidants like vitamins C and E for protecting against free radicals, and ceramides to strengthen the skin barrier. If you plan to use it during the day, also look for an SPF of 30 or higher.

How does retinol help with signs of aging?

Retinol, a form of vitamin A, is one of the most researched anti-aging ingredients. It helps boost collagen production, smooth fine lines, and encourage cell turnover, revealing fresher skin. This can make the skin look firmer, more even-toned, and youthful. However, retinol may initially cause dryness or irritation, so it’s best to start slowly.

Should I use a face cream with SPF during the day?

Yes, sun protection is essential to prevent further skin damage and aging. If your face cream doesn’t contain SPF, be sure to apply a separate sunscreen over it in the morning.

Can I use the same face cream for both day and night?

Some creams are formulated for day or night use specifically. Day creams often include SPF for sun protection, while night creams may have higher concentrations of ingredients like retinol that work best when your skin is at rest. Check the product instructions to see if your cream is suitable for both day and night.

What’s the difference between a moisturizer and an anti-aging face cream?

While both moisturizers and anti-aging creams hydrate the skin, anti-aging creams are specifically formulated with ingredients that target wrinkles, fine lines, and loss of elasticity. They often contain active ingredients like peptides, retinoids, and antioxidants to help combat signs of aging more effectively.

Are there any side effects to using anti-aging face creams?

Some active ingredients, like retinoids and certain acids, may cause mild dryness, redness, or irritation, especially if you’re new to them. Always do a patch test first and introduce new products gradually. If irritation persists, consult with a dermatologist.

How long does it take to see results from anti-aging face creams?

Results can vary depending on the ingredients and your skin type, but with consistent use, you may start seeing improvements in hydration and texture within a few weeks. For noticeable changes in fine lines and wrinkles, it usually takes about 6–12 weeks.

Can I layer other products with my face cream?

Yes, layering products like serums can enhance your skincare routine. Apply serums first (e.g., vitamin C in the morning or hyaluronic acid before moisturizing), and then follow with your face cream. Make sure any retinoids are used in the evening, as they can increase sun sensitivity.

Is it okay to use multiple anti-aging creams or should I stick to one?

Using multiple products can sometimes be beneficial, especially if they target different issues. However, be cautious of ingredient overlap, especially with active ingredients like retinol or acids, as too much can irritate your skin. It’s usually best to start with one effective product and gradually add others as needed.