best anti ageing serum for 40s

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!