Skin Care Routine for 40s’ Skin Concerns: The 16 Best Products in 8 Easy Steps
In your 40s, skin care takes on a new level of importance. With changes in hormone levels, collagen production, and hydration, the skin begins to show signs of aging, including fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone.
Crafting an effective skincare routine that addresses these concerns can help keep your skin radiant and healthy. In this article, we’ll break down the essential steps and recommended products to create a routine that nourishes, protects, and revitalizes skin in your 40s.
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Sample skincare routine for women in their 40s
Here’s a quicklist of skincare routine steps you can start implementing today.
| Step | Morning Routine | Night Routine |
| 1. Cleanser | Hydrating cleanser | Hydrating cleanser |
| 2. Toner | Hydrating or antioxidant toner | Hydrating or exfoliating toner |
| 3. Exfoliate (skip if covered in Step 2. Toner) | Not needed* | Chemical exfoliant (1-2x weekly, more as tolerated) |
| 4. Serum | Vitamin C or peptide serum | Retinoid or hyaluronic acid serum |
| 5. Moisturizer | Lightweight hydrating moisturizer | Rich moisturizer |
| 6. Eye cream | Brightening eye cream | Retinol or hydrating eye cream |
| 7. SPF | Broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher | Not needed |
| 8. Night treatment | Not needed | Retinoid (1-7x weekly, as tolerated) |
* Exfoliation is scheduled at night 1-2 times weekly to avoid over-sensitizing the skin, especially when combined with retinoids. If you prefer to exfoliate daily, check the product’s instructions and how your skin handles more frequent use.
Understanding skin concerns in your 40s
As you enter your 40s, skin changes begin to accelerate, which can impact texture, tone, and elasticity. Here are some common skin concerns you might be noticing.
Reduced collagen production
Collagen is a structural protein that keeps skin firm and plump. Production declines with age, leading to fine lines and sagging.
Decreased cell turnover
Skin renewal slows, causing a buildup of dead skin cells that can leave your complexion looking dull and uneven.
Dryness
Hormonal changes can disrupt your skin’s natural moisture barrier, resulting in dryness and flakiness.
Sun damage and hyperpigmentation
Years of sun exposure can lead to age spots, uneven skin tone, and pigmentation issues.
Create an effective skincare routine for your 40s
An effective skincare routine for women in their 40s focuses on hydration, exfoliation, and protection. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create a targeted routine with products that address each of these essential needs.
1. Gentle cleansing –- morning and night
Cleansing is a vital first step to remove dirt, oil, and makeup from your skin. Opt for a gentle, hydrating cleanser that won’t strip away natural oils. Cleansers with mild surfactants and moisturizing ingredients are ideal, as they clean without disrupting the skin barrier.
Recommended products
CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser: A gentle, fragrance-free cleanser with ceramides and hyaluronic acid for added moisture. Buy now for $15.48 or read reviews.
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser: Suitable for sensitive skin, this creamy cleanser effectively removes impurities while soothing the skin. Buy now from $17.99 or read reviews.
2. Toning –- balance and prep the skin
A toner helps balance the skin's pH and prepares it for the rest of your routine. In your 40s, a hydrating or antioxidant-rich toner is best to keep your skin nourished and protected from environmental stressors.
Recommended products
Pixi Glow Tonic: Contains glycolic acid to gently exfoliate and brighten the skin. Buy now for $29 or read reviews.
Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner: Hydrates and soothes with hyaluronic acid and botanical extracts, ideal for sensitive skin. Buy now for $18.70 or read reviews.
3. Serum –- target specific concerns
Serums are the powerhouse of any skincare routine, delivering high concentrations of active ingredients to the skin. For women in their 40s, serums with ingredients like vitamin C, peptides, and hyaluronic acid are particularly beneficial.
Recommended products
Korres Black Pine Sculpt + Lift Serum: A water-gel serum with six forms of hyaluronic acid to brighten, plump, and revitalize skin. Buy now for $44.50 or read reviews.
Fiera Citrus Stem C Serum: This brightening serum was designed for 40+-year old skin. Vitamin C, regenerative citrus stem cells, hyaluronic acid, and more help tighten, firm, and rejuvenate. Buy now for $38 or read reviews.
4. Moisturizer –- lock in hydration
Hydration is essential to maintaining plump, youthful skin. Look for a moisturizer that contains hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or peptides to reinforce your skin’s barrier and lock in moisture. The best creams for aging skin will often include additional ingredients to address firmness and elasticity.
Recommended products
Korres Black Pine Primus Wrinkle Defying Day Cream: Deeply hydrating yet lightweight, this gel-cream smoothes wrinkles, re-plumps skin, and brightens thanks to a triple hyaluronic acid complex and hexapeptide-8. Buy now for $54 or read reviews.
Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream: Packed with peptides and amino acids, this lightweight moisturizer helps firm the skin and improve its texture. Buy now from $24 or read reviews.
5. Eye cream –- brighten and hydrate
The skin around the eyes is delicate and often shows signs of aging earlier than other areas. An eye cream with ingredients like caffeine, peptides, or hyaluronic acid can reduce puffiness, hydrate, and minimize the appearance of fine lines.
Recommended products
Graydon Berry Rich Face + Eye Cream: This luxurious probiotic face and eye cream is velvety-rich with moisture thanks to the superfood active ingredients. Blueberry seed oil rehydrates mature skin & reduces fine lines and wrinkles. Buy now for $54 or read reviews.
StriVectin Tighten & Lift Peptight 360 Degree Eye Serum: This quick-absorbing eye serum tightens & firms, targets crow’s feet & creping skin, and brightens around the eyes. Buy now for $72 or read reviews.
6. SPF –- daily protection against sun damage
Sunscreen is non-negotiable in any skincare routine, especially in your 40s when skin is more vulnerable to UV damage. Choose a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, and apply it every morning as the final step of your routine.
Recommended products
EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46: Lightweight, non-comedogenic, and suitable for sensitive skin. Buy now for $43 or read reviews.
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40: A weightless formula that provides effective sun protection without clogging pores. Buy now for $41.96 or read reviews.
7. Night treatment –- use retinoids to boost collagen
Retinoids, such as retinol, are essential for a 40s skincare routine. Retinoids promote collagen production, smooth fine lines, and speed up cell turnover. Start with a low concentration to avoid irritation and gradually increase usage as your skin adjusts.
Recommended products
La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Serum: Hydrates and resurfaces the skin as it fights aging signs like lines, wrinkles, and sun damage. Buy now for $44.99 or read reviews.
Shani Darden Retinol Reform: A natural collagen-supporting, gentle face serum that reduces the look of fine lines and wrinkles, scars, uneven skin, and dark spots. Buy now for $89 or read reviews.
8. Weekly exfoliation –- remove dead skin cells
Exfoliating once or twice a week helps to remove dead skin cells and allows other skincare products to penetrate more effectively. Use a gentle exfoliator with AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids) or BHAs (beta-hydroxy acids) for smoother, brighter skin.
You can work up to daily exfoliation if desired, depending on the product. Just be sure to check the instructions and monitor how your skin handles more frequent use.
Recommended products
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant: A powder that polishes and brightens dull, tired skin to calm and balance. Buy now from $19 or read reviews.
SkinMedica Even & Correct Brightening Treatment Pads: Brightens and evens out skin tone and texture. Buy now for $60 or read reviews.
Skin care routine for 40s’ skin concerns FAQs
Do I need a different skincare routine in my 40s?
Yes, skin concerns change over time. In your 40s, focus on hydration, collagen support, and sun protection to keep your skin looking its best.
How often should I use retinol in my 40s?
If you’re new to retinol, start with 1-2 times a week, then gradually increase as your skin adapts. Consult a dermatologist if irritation persists.
Is SPF really necessary even if I’m indoors?
Yes, UVA rays can penetrate windows and contribute to aging. It’s best to wear SPF daily to protect your skin from long-term sun damage.
Should I use both a serum and a moisturizer?
Yes, serums deliver concentrated ingredients for specific concerns, while moisturizers lock in hydration and protect the skin barrier.
Can I skip toner?
Toner isn’t essential, but it can enhance hydration and prepare your skin to absorb other products more effectively.
Can I use multiple serums in one routine?
Yes, you can layer serums, but avoid combining strong active ingredients like retinol and vitamin C simultaneously. For best results, use them at different times of the day.
By following a tailored skincare routine and choosing products that address the unique needs of skin in your 40s, you can enhance your skin’s health and appearance, helping you achieve a glowing, youthful complexion.