4 Important Skincare Habits To Establish In Your 40s

If you’re in your 40s and haven’t started getting serious about skincare, it’s not too late to start. While you might have noticed a line or two in your late 20s and more in your 30s, skin shows signs of damage in your 40s. Your skin’s natural repair processes slow, and sun damage starts to surface. But it’s not all bad news: while you may have to show your skin some extra love, there are plenty of effective ways to reverse signs of aging and keep your skin glowing.

1. Exfoliate More Often

After 40, skin cell turnover can slow dramatically, which means that your skin is no longer great at sloughing off dead cells on its own. To keep your skin fresh, use multiple exfoliating products every week. This will help boost cell turnover so your skin looks smoother, brighter, and more hydrated. When in doubt, reach for a peel like our TCA Multi-Acid Face Peel a few times weekly. Unlike harsh scrubs, at-home peels evenly remove the top layer of dead skin without causing micro-abrasions. For maximum results, use the peel 3-4 times a week to keep your skin looking its best.

For a deeper exfoliation, 2-3 times a month, start with our Dermaplaning Tool to physically exfoliate the topmost layer of dead skin cells and peach fuzz. Then, immediately follow with the TCA Multi-Acid Face Peel. This combination will provide an even more intensive exfoliation experience, leaving your skin feeling and looking dramatically smoother.

2. Get Serious About Serums

While three-step cleanse/tone/moisturize regimens might have worked for you in your 20s, it’s time to level up your routine with potent serums. Look for collagen boosters like epidermal growth factors, peptides, and retinol—all of which can help soften fine lines and give your skin a plumper, firmer look. One of the most essential ingredients for your 40s is retinol, and our StackedSkincare Advanced Retinol Serum is a powerhouse for aging skin. Retinol works by increasing cell turnover, stimulating collagen production, and helping to fade hyperpigmentation and fine lines. In your 40s, your skin's natural renewal process begins to slow, so incorporating a retinol serum can help accelerate skin cell turnover, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and improve skin tone and texture. It's a must-have for anyone looking to minimize signs of aging. Pair these ingredients with a hyaluronic acid serum like our HA Hydrating Serum. This potent moisturizing ingredient will help counteract the drying effects of aging and plump your skin with moisture

3. Remember Your Body

As we age, skin damage we acquired earlier in life starts to surface through dark spots, crepey texture, and uneven skin tone. If you got a lot of sun in your teens and 20s, you’ll probably see this everywhere, from your neck to your legs. To help brighten and hydrate from head to toe, reach for a body peel like our TCA Multi Acid Body Peel. The gentle acids will help visibly lift dark spots and remove dry, flaky skin. Over time, the peel can also help improve crepey skin texture. For added hydration and improved skin elasticity, follow up with our Hydrating Body Serum to deeply nourish and smooth your skin, leaving it softer and more radiant.

4. Focus on Health

Taking care of your skin isn’t just about what you put on it—it’s also about how you care for your body. Prioritize sleep, a balanced diet, and regular exercise. These elements are essential for maintaining healthy, glowing skin. Sleep gives your skin time to repair, a balanced diet rich in antioxidants helps protect it from further damage, and exercise boosts circulation, giving your skin that natural glow. Don’t forget to drink plenty of water and eat water-dense foods like melon, apples, and cucumbers to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.