To attain a smoother complexion and combat wrinkles, fine lines, and textured skin, we consulted a skincare expert and dermatologist for three valuable tips. While they may not deliver instantaneous results, implementing these suggestions into your daily routine can lead to a more supple, radiant, and smooth appearance over 40.
Specifically, Dr. Anna Chacon, MD, board-certified dermatologist and writer at My Psoriasis Team, recommends using a vitamin C serum, a moisturizer with sunscreen, and a hyaluronic acid serum on a regular basis to not only improve your complexion but also shield it from the damaging effects of the sun.
3 Skincare Hacks For Smoother-Looking Skin Over 40
1. Apply Vitamin C Serum After Washing Your Face In The Morning
Chacon points out that apart from natural aging, the "biggest contributing factor for sagging skin" is sun exposure. Overtime, "UV rays damage fibers in the skin called collagen and elastin, which causes the skin to sag," she stresses, "stretching it, and losing its ability to quickly snap back after stretching."
To help combat these effects and to protect your skin along with sunscreen, Chacon advises using a vitamin C serum every morning after washing your face and before moisturizing.
This ingredient, which acts as an antioxidant, can help shield the skin from damage caused by UV and air pollutants. Furthermore, vitamin C plays a key role in collagen synthesis, resulting in a more youthful, firm complexion with consistent use.
She also says that using this serum every morning can help you address common skin concerns over 40 like discoloration, fine lines, wrinkles, and skin barrier repair.
2. Add A Moisturizer With Sunscreen Before Leaving The House
Some moisturizers contain sunscreen and SPF built-in, and this is a great product to apply every day, year-round, Chacon says. Your skin, she stresses, needs sun protection all 365 days per year, and especially if you want to prevent a sagging, dull look and premature age spots and wrinkling (or to inadvertently speed up the aging process).
"Definitely the biggest mistake that people can make when caring for aging skin in their daily routine is not avoiding exposure to sunlight. This is a single biggest culprit in skin that is aging," she says.
"Over time, the sun's UV light and ultraviolet light exposure damages certain fibers in the skin, including collagen and elastin."
To prevent this, she stresses applying a moisturizer with sunscreen and SPF built-in, or putting on moisturizer and then a sunscreen with SPF to your face and neck.
"The most crucial piece of everyday skincare is sun protection," she emphasizes. "No matter what other products you use, your skin won't look its best if you don't initially protect it. Everyone should consistently use sunscreen and moisturizer."
3. Use Hyaluronic Serum After Cleansing At Night
Chacon also suggests applying a hyaluronic acid serum to freshly cleansed skin at night to give your skin an instantly more hydrated look. This ingredient, she says, helps "replenish and lock in moisture to the skin."
Hyaluronic acid is "also generally safe for all skin types, and rarely has adverse skin reactions as it is a natural substance in the skin," Chacon continues.
This skincare classic also "functions as a humectant," Chacon points out, which means it "attracts moisture and draws it into your skin via its large molecules."
This ultimately "prevents water loss by sealing the moisture in," and forms a "protective film on the skin to prevent vaporization."
Overall, enhancing the appearance of hydrated skin beyond the age of 40 is achievable through various means such as diet and skincare.
According to Chacon, these three practical pointers can establish an uncomplicated yet potent skincare regimen that can rejuvenate aging skin, which tends to lose moisture naturally.
