Let’s face it…your skincare routine should be as fabulous as you are in your forties, when women often report feeling most happy and comfortable with who they are and where they are at in life. Your skin should reflect how youthful you feel on the inside! Unfortunately, signs up aging really start to creep up in your forties. So here are some skincare essentials to help you stay fabulous through your forties.
1) Quality Antioxidant & Sunscreen
We’re talking every day for life with these two. The sooner you start the better, but don’t wait another year….or day for that matter. Antioxidants will protect your skin from free radicals and daily skin stressors, while a good sunscreen with zinc oxide will block it from potential sun damage. We like SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic with Physical UV Defense sunscreen or TNS Essential Serum plus Daily Defense Sunscreen from SkinMedica.
2) Retinol
A prescription grade retin-A is important to use every night to increase cell turnover in the skin, which ultimately helps combat fine lines and wrinkles. It also improves the texture of the skin and slows the aging process in general, so start this one asap if you aren’t already. It can irritate the skin initially but your skin will adjust with continued use. You can also build up to it by starting every 3 days for 1-2 weeks, then transitioning to every other day, and then to every single day long-term. It’s important to discontinue use for at least one week prior to chemical peels, skin rejuvenation treatments, facial waxing appointments, or other skin procedures.
3) Under-Eye Cream
The skin beneath the eyes is incredibly thin and needs special attention. Eye creams really aren’t just a gimmick to get you to spend more! Under-eye wrinkles is one of the most common things patients come to Utah Facial Plastics to have addressed. Eye cream is not going to do what fillers or surgical procedures can do but is something good to apply day and night at home, in combination with office procedures if needed. We really like Ideal Restorative Complex Restorative Eye Cream by PCA. It treats dark circles, puffiness, fine lines and wrinkles.
4) Exfoliate 3 Times Per Week
Using great products, like retinol and anything with glycolic or salicylic acid, won’t be too beneficial at brightening the skin if dead skin cells are left to sit on the surface. This can leave the skin looking dull and sometimes flaky. It’s important to exfoliate those dead skin cells 3-4 times a week with either a Clarisonic brush or scrub. But don’t over-do it as you can damage the epidermis and leave the skin red and irritated.
5) Additional Products As Needed
Additional products can be added to your regimen according to your concerns and desired outcome. For sunspots and pigmentation, consider something with hydroquinone or SkinMedica’s Lytera Brightening System. Other popular skincare products contain growth factors for increased skin rejuvenation, hyaluronic acid to plump the skin, acne products, and moisturizing creams or oils.
For a skin evaluation with one of our master aestheticians who can help you with the perfect skincare regimen, call (801)776-2220.