Throughout our ‘skin care through the decades’ series, we’ve discovered how your skin ages during your twenties and early thirties, and also throughout the rest of your thirties. Now, for the final instalment, it’s time to find out the changes your skin goes through as you reach your forties and beyond.
To get all the facts, we spoke to NIVEA skincare expert and consumer services manager, Robyn Hutch, about all things ageing after forty…
How does your skin change during your 40s and beyond?
As you hit your forties, your mature skin is likely to look and feel thinner and drier due to these three key changes within the skin:
Your blood circulation slows down…
“This is usually the time of life when you are able to notice how thoroughly your skin has been cared for over the years,” says Robyn. “In our 30s and early 40s, the body experiences a reduction in blood circulation. Blood carries the nutrients the skin needs to produce cellular energy to perform cell functions, [such as] skin cell renewal.” In effect, your skin is slower at capturing the vital nutrients it needs to look fresh, young and healthy.
Your skin cells have become slower at renewing themselves…
“Skin cells naturally move from the lower layers of the epidermis to the higher layers where it is shed off the surface. This process is called ‘desquamation’ and can be helped along with exfoliation,” explains Robyn. “Desquamation is a natural process, which reveals newer skin cells underneath. Younger skin needs 28 days to renew itself but at this stage of life it can take 40 days or more.” As a result, your skin can appear dull and dry and can become less able to heal wounds like bumps and scratches.
Your collagen is beginning to deplete…
“The amount of collagen in our skin begins to deplete, which affects the structure [of the skin] and reduces the skin plumpness. As this occurs, the skin is no longer flexible or plump and smooth, and this can further contribute to the formation of wrinkles.”
Which key skin care ingredients will help address these issues?
Hyaluronic acid: “Hyaluronic acid is naturally a major component of skin and acts as a water binding magnet holding moisture to improve skin hydration and suppleness and tone. It also assists in the regulation of repair and cell renewal of skin.”
Magnolia extract: “Skin is a major target of oxidative stress due to exposure from environmental stressors such as ultraviolet radiation (UVA and UVB), pollution, smoke, microorganisms and external stress,” explains Robyn. “Antioxidants work to neutralize these free radicals. Magnolia extract is one antioxidant which can increase skin resistance to the damaging effects of these free radical molecules in skin.” In addition, Robyn also suggests choosing a product that contains SPF protection to help relieve the skin from this stress.
Creatine: “Creatine is the skin’s natural energy reserve. As our age increases, the level of creatine in our skin decreases,” says Robyn. “Creatine works to combat stress in skin cells by boosting cellular production of collagen levels, which begin to decrease in ageing skin.”
Introducing your new anti-ageing go-to product for your 40s and beyond…
According to studies by NIVEA, the combined effect of hyaluronic acid, magnolia extract and creatine has been shown to help reduce the effect of cellular ageing of the skin. So, to help you get visibly smoother and firmer skin, NIVEA has created the NIVEA Cellular Anti-Age Skin Rejuvenation Day Cream SPF15.
Rich in each of these age-fighting ingredients, this day cream essentially helps to reignite youthful skin from deep within so that older cells behave like they are young again. Hyaluronic acid deeply hydrates the skin to help visibly reduce the appearance of wrinkles and helps to hold moisture for firmer, smoother skin.
Thanks to magnolia extract and creatine, you can rest easy knowing that your skin is protected every day from the harmful effects of free radicals and stress, and the addition of SPF means that your skin will be shielded against sun-induced ageing.
Use this cream to fight the signs of ageing during the day, and battle lines and wrinkles overnight with the NIVEA Cellular Anti-Age Skin Rejuvenation Night Cream and NIVEA Cellular Anti-Age Skin Rejuvenation Eye Care. This way, you’ll know that you’re covering all bases to help protect and prevent ageing both day and night.
All NIVEA’s products are clinically proven, value-for-money and designed to work in harmony with your skin. With over 100 years of research and skin care expertise, NIVEA truly are the experts in skin care.
Would you like to win your very own NIVEA Cellular Anti-Age Skin Rejuvenation Day Cream SPF15? We’ve got five to give away, so simply CLICK HERE to be in the running to win. Good luck!
In your twenties? CLICK HERE to find out the best way to care for your skin.
In your thirties? CLICK HERE to discover how to deal with lines, wrinkles and dryness.
To read more reviews for the NIVEA Cellular Anti-Age Skin Rejuvenation Day Cream SPF15, CLICK HERE.To read more reviews for the NIVEA Cellular Anti-Age Skin Rejuvenation Night Cream, CLICK HERE.To read more reviews for the NIVEA Cellular Anti-Age Skin Rejuvenation Eye Care, CLICK HERE.
If you’re in your forties or beyond, what are your biggest skin concerns? How do you care for your skin?
Just be happy to e here into your 40’s, 50’s and so on…. Moisturiser is the key
I think that making sure that you clean your face every night and never go to bed with make up on you are on the right road. As one ages it becomes harder and harder to look young, but keep smiling that helps.
At least we’re here and caring for our skin
My mother always used to use Olay and her skin was not flawless but it was pretty good for an older lady. She also used to go to the hairdresser every week and never left home without her stocking on!!!
Try SPF 50 not 15.
Agree. A higher rating is better. I’m also a Perth person. The sun is literally lethal here. Finding a good sunscreen for dry and sensitive skin is literally a trial.
Totally agree Normap, I love seeing older people with laugh lines around their eyes, shows they’ve had a good life and I feel naturally drawn to them like they will be a more fun person to be around.