What is the best anti ageing serum for 40s?
I’m often asked which is the best anti ageing serum for 40s, and actually beyond! There isn’t a one size fits all to skincare needs, so there isn’t one magic serum for anti aging, but there are certainly some products that will work their anti aging magic on you, wherever you are on the aging scale.
Lets start with some brutal (and frankly cruel!) facts. Our skin starts to enter the ‘ageing’ faze from our mid 20’s. Yes, you read that correctly, our mid 20’s! It used to be documented that it was our late 20’s, but now its firmly in the mid range. I can’t help thinking that the modern day stress and demands have forced our skin to start aging much earlier. As your natural collagen and elastin levels decline, you’ll start to see those pesky lines & wrinkles appear, with most women experiencing the early signs of sagging skin by their 40’s.
The health of your skin is much more complex than just serums, as they only work on the surface layers of your skin. So whilst I can recommend the best anti ageing serum for 40s, and actually 30+, you’ll get a whole lot more benefit if you look after your skin from the inside out too.
What is the best anti ageing serum for 40s?
As I’ve mentioned many times, there’s never a one size fits all, and the same goes for the best anti ageing serums for 40s, or for any age, for that matter. There are also many different brands available, and not every single brand suits every skin type.
Have you ever had a friend that has had amazing results with a product, or claimed that she has the best anti ageing serum EVER, only for you to use it and to be seriously disappointed? That has happened to me, on more than one occasion! When I was in corporate, and my skin was savaged by stress, lack of sleep and generally not looking after myself, I was desperate to try anything. Of course, I didn’t know at that point that what I know now, so I would just buy anything that was promising results, often ending up with sensitive skin and no improvement in my ever increasing wrinkles and bags!
When you’re thinking about skin care products, I would always encourage you to speak to a professional, simply because you will get the best results if someone helps you with your specific skin concerns. Don’t worry about it being overly expensive, often it isn’t as expensive as you think, as most of my clients end up using LESS products – and they don’t buy the latest ‘miracle’ serums – so they save money there. I spend a lot less now that I have a simple skincare routine, that suits my skin. I am also not quite so blind sided by the latest advert for creams that claim to make me look like I’m in my 20s again!
Medical grade skincare will be better, every time. It will have better quality active ingredients, with higher grade/levels. For example, 0.25% retinol with Alumier is a lot stronger (and kinder) than 1% with an over the counter brand. I’m an approved Alumier skin clinic, but there are other great brands out there, such as Obagi. With Alumier, it’s all about progressive skincare, that’s adaptable to your skins needs – This is really important, as our skin changes constantly. Most clinicians will be able to offer you some samples of a range to try, although not with the higher level active ingredients, but it’s a good way to see if you like a brand.
Key ingredients for best anti ageing serum for 40s
Rather than go through a list of brands, for your best anti ageing serum for 40s, lets have a look at some of the key ingredients to look out for. These ingredients are great for anyone that is looking for anti ageing serums, but different strengths and combinations are more suitable and effective at different stages of your ageing process. A trained professional will be able to help you, and prescribe the right products for you.
VITAMIN C: This little superhero is a powerful antioxidant. Serums containing vitamin C help to fight free radical damage, caused by UV rays and pollution. Vitamin C is also ESSENTIAL to the formation and production of healthy collagen within your skin. So including a serum with vitamin C improves the quality and quantity of the collagen your skin produces. It has also been clinically proven to reduce lines & wrinkles, even out skin tone and give a clearer complexion. Use it in the AM only, followed by your sunscreen. Really boost your skin from the inside, by taking a vitamin C supplement, ideally with zinc. This way, you’re supporting your skin from the inside out, and outside in.
RETINOL: This product is some misunderstood. I have seen so many people suffer unnecessarily, as they use strong and aggressive retinol serums. Please don’t be scared of retinol, it really is as magical as they say it is – when it’s used correctly. Firstly, retinol is a derivative of retinoids – which is a pure form of retinoic acid, making it the strongest form. With retinol, your body has to convert it to retinoic acid, whereas retinoids are already in that state. It can be complicated and confusing, so my advice is to look for encapsulated retinol – which means it delivers a slow release of retinol, avoiding much of the unnecessary redness, sensitivity and flaking, that is commonly associated with it. Also, build up GRADUALLY! This is so important, especially with medical grade products. If you skin is sore and flaky with retinol, then dial it back and use a lower strength. Ideally consult a professional, who will assess your whole skincare routine, to make sure you aren’t over doing it with products/exfoliation! Use in the PM only. Vitamin A can be broken down by sunlight, so do not use this in the AM.
AHA’s: Short for Alpha Hydroxy Acids. They are water soluble and come from sugary fruits. Both glycolic and lactic acids are AHA’s. These little wondrous acids dissolve the bonds between the dead skin cells, and the fresh, healthy skin that sits beneath. AHA’s are great for dull looking skin, skin with a rough, uneven texture and dark spots. They can cause sensitivity, so use with caution. I recommend using medical grade AHA serum in the PM, on nights when you’re not using retinol. Introduce them slowly. Although as your skin strengthens, you can combine these and also use AHA’s in the morning – provided you are applying your sunscreen. AHA’s can cause sensitivities, so don’t be tempted to do too much at once, particularly if you’re new to medical grade active ingredients.
HYALURONIC ACID: This is your ULTIMATE hydrating, moisture boosting ingredient. Do not be afraid of the fact it’s called ‘acid’, it’s actually a sugar molecule that is naturally present in your skin. It can hold 1000 times it’s weight in water, and draws moisture to the surface. You can also buy spritz’s with HA, to boost your hydration levels during the day, this is a great little tip, if you are a frequent flyer. It’s amazing for lines & wrinkles, hydration, skin tone and overall skin health. Apply in the AM and PM.
SUNSCREEN: If I had to tell you what THE BEST ANTI AGEING SERUM FOR 40s is, then it’s sunscreen. If you aren’t going to bother with this, then don’t waste your money on any of the others! UV rays are responsible for 90% of premature ageing, and you’re exposed to them 365 days a year. UVA (A = Ageing) is present all year round, whenever it’s daylight. UVB (B is for Burning) is present when the sun is out, and is at it’s strongest in the summer between 11am and 3pm. You need a broad spectrum (UVA & UVB), minimum factor 30, 4/5 star rating. This should be applied every 2-3 hours when you’re exposed to the sun. Ideally, a natural sunscreen that contains titanium dioxide and zinc oxide will be better for your skin, than a chemical sunscreen. Use 365 days a year.
I hope that has given you an overview of some of the key ingredients to look out for, when choosing your anti ageing serums. If you do need any help, then please get in touch. And, if you try one brand and you don’t get on with it, then try another one.
Your skin goes through a 28 day cell turnover cycle typically, although this increases to 50-60 days as we mature into our 50’s and beyond. You’ll need to give any new skincare range 4-6 weeks, before assessing whether it’s right for you. With medical grade ranges, you may experiences some tingling with the active ingredients, this is entirely normal – although you shouldn’t have sore or inflamed skin. And honestly, there’s no need to have dry, flaky or sore skin with retinol serums. If you’re concerned then speak to your skincare professional.
Retinol takes around 6 weeks before you start to see the results. Vitamin C around 3 months. Be patient with your skin, and let it adjust to your new skincare routine, and let the active ingredients work their magic!
Lets talk anti ageing treatments
Of course, there are some incredibe treatments that can help you fight those pesky signs of aging!
My most popular anti ageing facials are radiofrequency microneedling and HIFU. These are both non surgical face lift treatments, and are amazing at targeting lines & wrinkles, skin tone & texture and tightening and lifting. You can click below to find out more.
I also have targeted treatments for pigmentation, thread veins, acne and rosacea. All carried out with medical CE grade systems, from the amazing, award winning, Lynton Aesthetics.
Skin care tips - inside out
You’ll never hear me giving skin care tips that don’t include the ‘inside out’ too. Your skin is the largest organ of your body and entirely unique to you (incredible, I know). So ensuring that you nourish your skin from within, is so important. Quite often, when I work with clients to manage conditions such as acne or rosacea, we find the biggest improvements come from tweaking their diets. It’s powerful stuff, so absolutely deserves a huge shout out for my top skin care tips!
WATER: I know you’ve heard it before, but that’s because it’s super important. Your body is almost 70% water and every single process in your body needs it. Aim for 2-3 litres per day, more if you’re exercising.
LEAFY GREENS: Increase your intake of green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, kale broccoli and cabbage. These are super cleansing and nutritious.
BERRY GOODNESS: Increase your intake of low sugar fruits, such as blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries. Full of antioxidants and help to balance those blood sugar levels.
PROTEIN: Make sure you’re eating good sources of protein at every meal. Protein is important for the health of your skin and collagen production. If you’re struggling to find protein sources, then there are some great protein powders available.
VITAMIN C: Eat foods that are rich in Vitamin C, such as berries, oranges, sweet potato, papaya, and pumpkins/squashes. Essential to produce healthy collagen, and it’s a powerful antioxidant.
VITAMIN E: This is essential to healthy skin growth and protects your skin. Avocado, pine nuts and hazelnuts are great sources.
SELENIUM: Great for your immune system and skin health. Find it in eggs, tomatoes, wheatgerm, shellfish, broccoli, and brazil nuts
ZINC: Helps your skin to repair and keeps it supple. Find it in lean meat, poultry, whole grains, fish, shellfish, nuts & seeds.
SPICES: Turmeric is a wonderful anti-inflammatory. Cinnamon is great for balancing blood sugar levels. Ginger is amazing for its ability to flush out toxins and aid blood circulation – it’s also said to increase collagen production and reduce inflammation. Add these little powerhouses to your cooking or soups!
I don’t think I REALLY need to say this, but cut back on processed foods, starchy carbohydrates, and alcohol. I’m not going to teach you to ‘suck eggs’ – you know the drill! When you’re thinking about how to detox your skin, it’s really important to look at the inside out, as well as the outside in. Your skin responds to everything you put into it, it’s the largest organ in your body – so if your body is stressed internally, it’s going to show up on your skin.
I hope that you’ve enjoyed my blog on best anti ageing serum for 40s has been helpful. If you’d like to discuss your skin concerns, or discover how I can help you look and feel fabulous in your own skin, then please get in touch.
I offer a complimentary Zoom consultation, which you can book via the link below.
I look forward to welcoming you to my boutique clinic in Alton, Hampshire – which is at the heart of Jane Austen country. If you are planning a visit then let me know, and I’ll happily recommend some fabulous tea rooms near Jane Austen’s house, only 2 miles away – well worth a visit