Winter Skincare Tips for Women Over 40

It's no secret that when we hit our 40's our hormones change and so does our skin.   Hyperpigmentation, fine lines, wrinkles, and dryness are more apparent as collagen production declines.  The seasons can also impact ageing skin, with winter being the biggest culprit. Winter's low humidity levels, cold weather, combined with having the heating on, can cause the skin to feel drier and appear dull.

However, there are ways to keep your skin from succumbing to the blistering cold and keep 40-plus skin looking its best all winter long.  A complete product overhaul isn't necessary once winter rolls around, as long as you have a handle on your skin type and how it responds to seasonal changes there isn't that much of a need to completely change your routine.

Some of us just need to add in a hydrating serum, a face oil and a richer moisturiser if your skin is dry.  Using more skin barrier repairing ingredients like ceramides, and collagen boosting serums that contain peptides are the answers.  Of course hyaluronic acid to attract moisture and keep the skin hydrated and healthy are a must on any given day.

It is so important to be intentional about our morning and nighttime skincare routines when it comes to self care.  Starting the day with a gentle cleanser formulated for dry sensitive skin makes all the difference.  Always follow on with an antioxidant rich Vitamin C serum to protect the skin and offset the effects of oxidative stress.  The serum will help brighten the skin and boost elasticity with its collagen boosting properties.  Our day serum also contains Sodium Hyaluronate (Hyaluronic Acid) which has the lowest molecular weight, designed for the deepest absorption into the dermis and has the longest lasting effect.  This wondrous ingredient will help to retain moisture and plump the skin almost instantly.  

Remember, it is just as important to wear 30-50+ SPF in the wintertime as it is in the summer.  Harmful ultraviolet light, which is an invisible radiation, is present all year round, so don't be fooled by grey skies.

For nighttime, following the same routine with a few substitutions. After cleansing, apply a layer of our 1% Retinol + Rosehip serum topped with our nourishing moisturiser.  Frequency of using Retinol should be according to your decade, for example if you are in your 40’s you can use retinol up to 4 times weekly.  Some people with eczema/psoriasis prone skin may not be able to use retinol, so use it as often as tolerated by your skin.  Our retinol Serum is blended with nourishing oils that won't leave the skin dry or peeling the next morning, instead your skin will be bright and soft.

Some people believe they should avoid using retinol during the winter for fear of it causing excessive dryness and irritation. But retinol can be used all winter long. On the nights following your retinol focus on restoring and hydrating using our Peptide Super Serum and our restoring moisturiser.

Exfoliation is essential for healthy skin since it lifts away dead skin that can dull the complexion. In addition to sweeping away pore-clogging dead skin cells, regular exfoliation allows hydrating products to absorb better. We suggest using our Alpha Hydroxy Acid Serum the evening prior to your first Retinol day each week.  Of course, always keep your skin type in mind when developing your exfoliation routine.  Exfoliating one to two times per week is enough to make a difference in skin over the age of 40, especially since a buildup of dead skin cells on the surface can emphasise the look of fine lines and wrinkles.

However, it's so important to avoid harsh exfoliants like scrubs as they can cause a lot of irritation and damage to your skin barrier.  If your skin is sensitive or suffers with conditions such as eczema/psoriasis and cannot tolerate retinol or chemical exfoliants, try gently exfoliating with a square of cotton gauze as this will help remove dead skin on the surface without causing any irritation.

Using at-home tools and devices can enhance your routine. For example, Gua Sha tools are a great treatment to boost circulation and de-puff the face as our lymphatic system slows down in our 40's.  LED masks are another at-home winter skincare staple. They combine red, blue, and near-infrared light to stimulate a cellular response, target pigmentation, and visibly diminish fine lines and wrinkles. But that's not all they're good for. Breakouts on 40-something skin often occur due to hormonal fluctuations, and an LED mask can help clear them up along with our above suggestions.  There are plenty on the market so do your research before you click buy.

Humidifiers are another tool worth investing in during the winter.  Try sleeping with a humidifier in your bedroom at night to add moisture back into the air.  This will help keep the skin comfortable and hydrated.

The best approach to healthy skin comprises at-home care and professional treatments. In your 40's it’s important to pick treatments that complement your skin type because, although the skin can become drier with age, skin type takes precedence, so always check with your therapist if you are unsure.

Winter calls for more hydrating products not just on your face but on your body too. So trade lightweight lotions for creamy balms and moisturisers, their thicker consistency helps lock in hydration.  Ingredients like shea butter or and plant based oils applied after your shower will help to deeply hydrate the skin and lock in moisture.

Skin Love + Self Love is what we all need to do a little more of, don't you think!