How Your Skin Changes in Your 40s and What You Can Do About It

Turning 40 is a major milestone - not just in life, but in your skin's journey.  Many women notice real shifts in texture, firmness, and radiance during this decade.  Hormones, collagen loss, and cumulative environmental exposure all start to show up more noticeably on the skin.  But with a targeted approach, you can still preserve, correct, and protect your skin to feel confident now - and well into your 50s.


1. How does skin change in your 40s?


In your 40s, your skin starts to:


  • Lose collagen and elastin, leading to a sagging or a "deflated" look
  • Become thinner and more fragile
  • Show signs of sun damage accumulated in your 20s and 30s (think: age spots, roughness, fine lines)
  • Produce less oil, making it more prone to dryness and sensitivity
  • Experience slow cell turnover and healing

This is the time when skin may begin to feel different - less bouncy, less smooth, more reactive.


2. How does perimenopause affect your skin?


Perimenopause is a hormonal rollercoaster that can lead to:


  • Dryness due to a sharp drop in estrogen
  • Loss of volume and elasticity
  • Hormonal breakouts (especially on the lower face and jawline)
  • Thinner, more fragile skin barrier

3. Why rethink your skincare routine in your 40s?


The products that kept your skin glowing in your 20s and 30s might not cut it anymore.  Now, your skin demands:


  • More nourishment
  • Higher-performing actives (like peptides, growth factors, antioxidants)
  • Consistent exfoliation
  • Intense hydration

Think of it less as an overhaul and more as an upgrade - your skin needs smarter support now.


4. What should someone in their 40s start (or stop) doing now to have better skin in their 50s?


Start:


  • Daily SPF 30+ (non-negotiable).  Use one that won't clog your pores - Corrective Skin offers a Pore-Clogging Ingredient checker here.
  • Antioxidants in the morning to fight free radicals
  • Peptides and EGF to rebuild what's breaking down
  • Regular gentle exfoliation to maintain glow and cell turnover
  • Barrier support (think ceramides, fatty acids, stem cells)

Stop:


  • Harsh scrubs or over-cleansing
  • Skipping moisturizer because you "used to be oily"
  • Thinking breakouts mean you need to strip your skin - at this age, inflammation is the enemy

5. What are common skincare concerns in your 40s - and what helps?


Concerns:


  • Fine lines and deepening wrinkles
  • Uneven tone and sun damage
  • Dullness
  • Dehydration
  • Sagging
  • Hormonal acne

6. What changes should be made from your 30s routine?


  • Shift from purely preventive to preventive + corrective
  • Add firming and regenerating actives like peptides and growth factors
  • Swap physical scrubs for gentle acid exfoliants
  • Prioritize hydration layering (serum -> moisturizer -> SPF)
  • Introduce or increase weekly masking or devices to boost collagen

7. What skincare ingredients should people in their 40s look for - and what to avoid


Look for:


  • EGF (Epidermal Growth Factor) - signals skin to regenerate
  • Peptides - support firmness and repair
  • Niacinamide - balances tone and barrier
  • Vitamin C - brightens and defends
  • Ceramides & stem cells - repair and nouris
  • Hyaluronic acid - replenish moisture, improve skin elasticity
  • Gentle exfoliants - like glycolic acid or lactic acid

Avoid:


  • Alcohol-heavy toners
  • Harsh scrubs or over-exfoliating
  • Anything that leaves your skin feeling tight or raw

8. recommended anti-aging regimen for someone in their 40s:


AM:


  1. Anti aging or anti inflammatory cleanser
  2. Vitamin C Serum with Stem Cells
  3. Light Moisturizer with hyaluronic acid (if oily, or go straight to SPF)
  4. SPF 30+

PM:


  1. Double cleanse (especially if wearing makeup)
  2. Glycolic Solutions 2-3x/week or a gentle toner on other nights
  3. Night cream with Epidermal growth factors and peptides
  4. Eye cream
  5. Optional: Weekly exfoliating treatment or mask

9. Thoughts on at-home red l ight therapy and microcurrent devices like NuFACE?


These tools van be very effective when used consistently and correctly.


  • Red light therapy stimulates collagen, reduces inflammation, and speeds up healing (great post-peels or microneedling)
  • Microcurrent devices tone facial muscles and boost lymphatic flow for a firmer appearance

They're best for:


  • Women in their 40s+ who want non-invasive support
  • Those willing to stick to a regular routine

Combine with active skincare(like EGF and peptides) for best results.


10. Recommended products by category for those in their 40s:


Cleansers:


  • Corrective Skin - Cranberry Cleanser - Anti-aging, acne-friendly, prebiotic, gentle for hormonal shifts

Toners/Exfoliants:


  • Corrective Skin - Brightening Solution - glycolic + citric acid, not a Vitamin C but helps with tone and texture.

Serums & Treatments: 


  • Corrective Skin - EGF Healing Cream - top choice for barrier repair, post-treatment care, and deep hydration

Anti-Aging Products:


  • Anything containing EGF, peptides, stem cells, Niacinamide, or gentle acids

Eye Creams:


  • Choose formulas with peptides and hydration
  • Broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher, mineral-based if sensitive
  • Use daily - no exceptions!

Devices/Tools: 


  • Red light mask - for collagen and calming
  • At-home Micro-current device - if your skin tolerates them
  • Pair all with Corrective Skin's calming products like EGF Cream
Back to blog