It's never too early to start prepping your skin for the change, but if you're like me you're not too concerned about ageing and hormones until the changes are inevitable. Why do I suddenly have bad skin in my 40s?
You might be experiencing redness, pimples and spots, more prominent fine lines and wrinkles, lack of that radiance and dull and dry skin. Let's dive in and explore why your skin might be misbehaving, and more importantly, what you can do about it.
Why do I have bad skin in my 40s?
Changing Hormones
Ah, hormones – in your 40s, hormonal fluctuations, especially during perimenopause and menopause, can throw your skin for a loop. Decreased oestrogen levels can lead to a decrease in collagen production, resulting in thinner, drier skin, and increased sensitivity. Not to mention hormonal breakouts that seem to pop up out of nowhere.
Solution: Embrace skincare products with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and peptides to hydrate and plump up your skin. Don't forget sunscreen – it's your best friend in the fight against premature aging. And consider consulting with a healthcare professional about hormone replacement therapy or other treatments to help balance your hormones.
Sluggish Cell Turnover
As we age, our cell turnover slows down, meaning that our skin takes longer to shed dead skin cells and generate new ones. This can lead to a dull, lacklustre complexion and make it harder for skincare products to penetrate and do their magic.
Solution: Incorporate exfoliation into your skincare routine to slough off dead skin cells and promote cell turnover. Opt for gentle exfoliants like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) to reveal smoother, brighter skin.
Product recommendation: Rehydrate & Balance Beauty Essence
Environmental Assault
Pollution, UV radiation, and other environmental stressors can take a toll on your skin, causing damage and accelerating the aging process. Add in the fact that your skin's natural defence mechanisms weaken as you age, and you've got a recipe for disaster.
Solution: Double down on antioxidant-rich skincare products to help neutralize free radicals and protect your skin from environmental damage. Look for ingredients like vitamin C, vitamin E, and green tea extract. And of course, never leave the house without applying sunscreen – even on cloudy days.
Product recommendation: Glow & Revitalize Oil Serum
Lifestyle Factors
Your lifestyle habits can also play a significant role in the health of your skin. Factors like stress, lack of sleep, poor diet, and smoking can all contribute to dull, tired-looking skin and exacerbate existing issues.
Solution: Practice self-care and stress management techniques like meditation, yoga, or simply taking time for yourself to unwind. Prioritise getting enough sleep and maintaining a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids. And if you're a smoker, consider kicking the habit for the sake of your skin (and your overall health).
Recommended reading: How lack of sleep affects the skin.
Skincare Product Overload
With a plethora of skincare products available on the market, it's easy to fall into the trap of overloading your skin with too many products or using ones that aren't suitable for your skin type or concerns.
Solution: Simplify your skincare routine and stick to the essentials – cleanser, moisturiser, sunscreen, and targeted treatments if needed. Listen to your skin and adjust your routine as necessary, focusing on quality over quantity.
Recommended reading: How to build a minimal skincare routine in your 40s.
The Take-Away
In your 40s, hormonal fluctuations, sluggish cell turnover, environmental stressors, lifestyle habits, and skincare product overload can all contribute to skin issues like dryness, dullness, and breakouts. Combat these challenges by prioritising hydration, gentle exfoliation, antioxidant protection, self-care practices, and a simplified skincare routine with quality products suited to your skin's needs.
Remember, taking care of your skin is an act of self-love, so embrace these solutions to reclaim your glow and confidence. You've got this!
Love and hugs,
Jenny
Founder of Jenny Nordic Skincare and Gua Sha Facialist
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