How to care for your skin over 40

Entering my forties brought about a whirlwind of changes, especially when it came to my skin. Suddenly, the reflection staring back at me in the mirror seemed different – dull, tired, and marked with signs of aging that I hadn't noticed before. It was as if my skin had a mind of its own, rebelling with random breakouts and wrinkles that seemed to appear overnight.

While navigating these changes may present challenges, with the right approach and a commitment to self-care, you can maintain healthy, radiant skin that reflects your inner vitality and confidence.

In this blog, we'll explore effective strategies and products tailored specifically for maintaining healthy, radiant skin in your 40s and beyond.

Understanding skin changes in your 40s
Skincare Tips for your 40s
AM skincare routine in your 40s
PM skincare routine in your 40s
Lifestyle Factors for Healthy Skin in your 40s

Understanding Skin Changes in Your 40s

In our forties, our skin undergoes a series of physiological changes that can significantly impact its appearance and texture. One of the most notable changes is a decrease in collagen production, the protein responsible for maintaining skin's firmness and elasticity. This decline leads to a loss of skin elasticity, resulting in the formation of wrinkles and fine lines.

Additionally, hormonal fluctuations, particularly in women approaching menopause, can contribute to changes in skin texture and tone. These hormonal shifts may lead to increased dryness, as well as a decrease in oil production, leaving the skin feeling parched and dull.

As we age, our skin's ability to retain moisture diminishes, leading to increased dryness and a compromised skin barrier function. This can result in a rough, flaky texture and an overall lack of radiance.

Furthermore, environmental factors such as sun exposure and pollution can exacerbate these changes, accelerating the aging process and causing further damage to the skin.

Overall, understanding these physiological changes is essential for developing an effective skincare routine tailored to the specific needs of mature skin. By addressing these concerns with targeted treatments and lifestyle modifications, we can help maintain the health and vitality of our skin well into our forties and beyond.

Essential Skincare Tips for Your 40s

Hydration Is Key!

Hydration is essential for skincare in your forties as it helps combat the increased dryness that often accompanies this stage of life. Adequate hydration not only helps replenish lost moisture but also supports skin elasticity, minimising the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Daily Skincare Routine

A simple morning and evening skincare routine for your 40s can make a world of difference in maintaining healthy, radiant skin. It doesn't have to be complicated, simply having one is the cornerstone of effective skincare, ensuring that you give your skin the attention and care it deserves to age gracefully and maintain its natural glow.

AM skincare routine in your 40s:

1. Cleanse

Starting your morning with a natural organic cleanser is a rejuvenating ritual that sets the tone for the day, especially for skin in the 40s. Cleansing not only removes impurities and excess oil but also prepares the skin to better absorb the nourishing ingredients of your skincare routine. Opting for a cleanser enriched with organic Patchouli essential oil can be particularly beneficial. Patchouli oil boasts anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, helping to soothe and protect mature skin from environmental stressors. Its natural astringent properties also help to tighten and tone the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles over time. By incorporating a patchouli-infused cleanser into your morning routine, you're not only cleansing your skin but also giving it the love and care it deserves, ensuring a radiant and youthful complexion throughout the day.

2. Apply a face oil

Using a Rose Geranium Face Oil can be a game-changer for skin in your 40s. This luxurious oil is packed with benefits that cater to the specific needs of mature skin. Rich in antioxidants, Rose Geranium oil helps to combat free radical damage, which can contribute to the visible signs of aging. Its hydrating properties deeply nourish the skin, restoring moisture and elasticity for a more plump and youthful complexion. Additionally, Rose Geranium oil has a balancing effect on the skin's natural oils, making it suitable for all skin types, including the combination and oily skin often experienced in your 40s. Its soothing aroma also offers aromatherapy benefits, promoting relaxation and reducing stress, which can further benefit your skin's overall health and appearance. Incorporating Rose Geranium Face Oil into your skincare routine can leave your skin looking and feeling rejuvenated, radiant, and beautifully hydrated throughout your 40s and beyond.

3. Moisturise

In your 40s, maintaining optimal skin hydration is essential for a youthful and radiant complexion, and using a Patchouli Light Cream can make a significant difference. This light yet nourishing cream is specifically formulated to address the unique needs of mature skin. Patchouli oil, a key ingredient in this cream, offers a myriad of benefits, including its ability to soothe inflammation, promote cell regeneration, and balance oil production. These properties make it particularly effective in addressing common concerns of aging skin, such as dryness, fine lines, and loss of elasticity. The lightweight texture of the cream ensures that it absorbs quickly into the skin without feeling heavy or greasy, leaving your skin feeling soft, supple, and deeply moisturised. Incorporating Patchouli Light Cream into your daily skincare routine can help rejuvenate and revitalise your complexion, providing the hydration and nourishment your skin needs to look its best.

4. Sun protection

A little sun can indeed be beneficial for your skin, as it provides vitamin D and a natural glow. However, it's crucial to be mindful of exposure time. Limiting sun exposure to no more than 20 minutes at a time can help prevent skin damage. The best defense against harmful UV rays is to take breaks from direct sunlight altogether. If extended time outdoors is unavoidable, choosing an organic SPF sunscreen offers effective protection while minimising exposure to potentially harmful chemicals. Additionally, many natural SPF formulations are infused with antioxidants, vitamins, and hydrating botanicals that nourish and replenish the skin while defending against environmental damage. Remember, moderation and protection are key to maintaining healthy skin under the sun's rays.

When we dive into skincare routines for those of us hitting the fabulous 40s and beyond, let's remember it's not just about the face! Don't forget about your neck, chest, and those hardworking hands! They need some love too!

PM Routine:

1. Cleanse

Cleansing nightly with an Organic Patchouli Soap Bar holds significant importance beyond mere hygiene. Patchouli boasts natural antibacterial properties, effectively removing dirt, pollutants, and excess oils accumulated throughout the day. This cleansing ritual not only purifies the skin but also relaxes the mind, promoting a sense of calmness and tranquility essential for a restful night's sleep. Moreover, choosing an organic option ensures minimal exposure to harsh chemicals, prioritising skin health and environmental sustainability. Our Patchouli soap bar, with its higher volume of essential oil compared to liquid washes, delivers a more concentrated and nourishing cleanse, leaving the skin feeling deeply refreshed and rejuvenated. Embracing this nightly routine fosters both physical and mental well-being, setting the stage for rejuvenation and renewal overnight. Additionally, the natural antibacterial properties of patchouli help reduce blemishes and hormonal breakouts, promoting clearer, healthier-looking skin.

2. Apply a face oil

Follow up with a Rose Geranium Face Oil as described above.

3. Moisturise

Rose Geranium Rich Cream is a great choice for skin in your forties due to its myriad benefits. Packed with nourishing ingredients and the rejuvenating properties of Rose Geranium essential oil, this cream offers targeted care for mature skin. Its hydrating formula helps combat the natural decrease in moisture retention that occurs with age, keeping the skin plump and supple. Additionally, Rose Geranium is known for its ability to balance hormones and sebum production, making it ideal for those experiencing hormonal changes common in this age group. Regular use of this cream can help minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while promoting a radiant complexion.

Remember everyone's skin is different. This is a general skincare routine for mature skin that would best suite someone with dry / combination skin.

For oily or acne prone skin you may want to mousturise less often with a light cream only, if you find a rich cream to heavy for you, or leave it out completely if the face oil is giving you adequate hydration. Don't skip cleansing as it not only removes dirt and pollutants but also removes excess oil and help balance your sebum levels. Keep sun screen application to a minimum by shielding your face with a hat and limiting the time you spend in the sun.

All our products come in sample sizes so you can try them out and find what works best for you!

Lifestyle Factors for Healthy Skin in your 40s

Diet and Nutrition:

In your forties, maintaining skin health extends beyond skincare products to include diet and nutrition. The impact of diet on skin health becomes increasingly significant during this stage of life. Consuming a diet rich in antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, helps protect the skin from oxidative stress and free radical damage, ultimately supporting a youthful complexion. Additionally, staying hydrated by drinking an adequate amount of water throughout the day is crucial for maintaining skin elasticity and promoting a radiant, hydrated appearance. Incorporating foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, like fatty fish and nuts, can also help nourish the skin from within, contributing to a healthy and vibrant complexion.

Stress Management:

In your forties, the connection between stress and skin health becomes increasingly apparent. Chronic stress can wreak havoc on the skin, leading to various issues such as increased inflammation, breakouts, and exacerbation of existing skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Managing stress effectively is therefore essential for promoting overall well-being and maintaining healthy skin. Techniques such as mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, and regular physical activity can help reduce stress levels and promote a sense of calm and relaxation. By prioritising stress management techniques, you can not only improve your overall well-being but also promote a clear, radiant complexion.

Importance of Sleep:

Adequate sleep plays a crucial role in skin regeneration and rejuvenation, as it allows the body to repair and replenish itself. During sleep, the body produces growth hormones that stimulate cell turnover and collagen synthesis, essential for maintaining youthful and healthy skin. Lack of sleep can lead to increased stress hormone levels, which can result in inflammation, breakouts, and accelerated aging. To improve sleep quality, establish a consistent bedtime routine, create a relaxing sleep environment, limit screen time before bed, and practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation. Additionally, taking a lavender oil bath about an hour before bedtime and putting a few drops of lavender essential oil next to your pillow can aid sleep by promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety, helping you to drift off more easily into a restorative slumber. Avoid caffeine after 3pm and heavy meals close to bedtime, and aim for 7-9 hours of uninterrupted sleep each night to support optimal skin health and overall well-being.

Remember, consistency is key, so prioritise self-care and make skincare a daily ritual to enjoy the benefits of healthy, glowing skin in your 40s and beyond.

Through it all, I've come to realise that skincare isn't just about looking good – it's about feeling good, inside and out. It's about embracing the journey of aging with grace and confidence, knowing that true beauty comes from within.