(Beauty)

Why These Products Are A Non-Negotiable For My 40ish Skin-Care Routine

The products that are saving me as I age like a fine wine.

April 13, 2023

Aging is a blessing, which is something I’m even more aware of, especially now that I’m in my fortieth decade on earth. Taking care of myself is a priority now more than ever before, and that includes caring for my skin. Now, I don’t have many regrets in life, but having a somewhat laissez-faire attitude about my skin-care routine when I was in my 20s is one of them. It was a miracle when I’d actually take the time to wash my face after a wild night out. And serums? Never heard of her. SPF? Only when I was at the beach, honey. I know I’m not the only one paying for my skin care sins at this age, but to be fair, it was a different time 20 years ago.

As I got older, I began taking a more preventive approach with my skin-care regimen. However, it wasn’t until my 40s when I truly realized that the passing of time was indeed a thing, and that I did not possess the same bouncy, oily, collagen-rich skin as I did in my youth. There are more wrinkles than pimples, signs of sun damage such as dark spots, and my tone and texture is more uneven. But the biggest shock? My skin is so much drier.

All of the things they tell you to keep your skin healthy as we age are all true: a nutritious diet, exercise, enough sleep, and hydration, as well as having ample protection against the sun and other environmental stressors. But implementing a proper skin-care routine can really do wonders, and these four products from Sephora are saving me as I age like a fine wine.

In Your 40s: Wrinkles & Texture

Collagen levels peak between the ages of 25 and 34, and begin to decline about 1 to 1.5 percent every year. So, if you’re in your 40s and start to notice something amiss with your skin like me, it’s because those levels are dropping low (just like I used to at the club when my knees were in better shape). This is why wrinkles and fine lines start to get more noticeable, along with changes in skin texture. A retinol product is key for combating a variety of skin concerns, including the ones caused by aging.

Biossance Squalane + Retinol Night Serum

$72

This features a double-punch of retinol and retinal, which speeds up cell turnover to fight wrinkles, discoloration, and texture. Even though it’s a retinol serum, it’s made for sensitive skin types. This is personally important, as I used to be afraid that retinoids were too harsh for me. I was wrong! Plus, a powerhouse combination of nourishing squalane and antioxidant ingredients like saffron and rosemary help keep skin hydrated and free from irritation.

Drunk Elephant A-Shaba Complex Eye Serum

$64

Drunk Elephant’s eye serum is formulated with both vegan retinol and copper peptides for reducing the look of wrinkles and improving elasticity. I’ve always been a fan of eye creams, and especially now that fine lines around my eyes are a bigger concern. Perhaps I didn’t even notice them until now (curse you, magnifying mirrors!), but I just try to keep the areas around my eyes hydrated. This eye serum also contains caffeine derived from fermented black tea which helps with puffiness.

In Your 50s: Firmness & Hydration

Remember how our collagen levels peak by our mid-30s? Well, in the first five years of menopause, women can lose up to 30 percent of collagen production. So, by the time we reach our 50s, that loss is even more noticeable. Skin can dramatically lose its elasticity, and isn’t able to bounce back like it did in its youth. Not only can it result in deeper wrinkles, but also sagging and loss of firmness. Not to mention the severe dryness that can occur. It’s important to look for products that are engineered to combat these issues.

Dr. Dennis Gross DermInfusions™ Fill + Repair Serum

$75

This serum is described as an alternative to injectable filler. That’s because it’s full of four weights of hyaluronic acid that penetrate different levels of the skin. Hyaluronic acid, of course, is a moisture bomb, holding 1,000 times its weight in water. The serum also contains four peptide proteins for firming the skin and giving it much-needed lift. It also has one of my favorite skin-loving ingredients, niacinamide, which helps reduce redness.

Skinfix Barrier+ Triple Lipid + Collagen Brightening Eye Treatment

$54

As we get into our 50s, the thin skin surrounding the eyes can become weaker, resulting in drooping. This is another powerful eye care product to keep on hand, especially for anyone dealing with loose and saggy skin on the eyelids or underneath the eyes. It contains a whopping six peptides, which visibly tightens the skin, even on the lids. Caffeine keeps eyes looking more refreshed, and niacinamide helps fight dark circles while brightening the area underneath the eyes.