Expert consulted: 
Your 40s is a decade worth celebrating—you’ve gained wisdom, navigated stressful moments (hello, 2020!), and experienced countless smiles. And there's no reason to wipe that hard-won experience off your face. No, caring for your skin right now isn’t about turning back time, but rather refreshing your complexion to ensure it remains healthy, glowy, and protected from the elements. It's less about anti-aging than it is about skin longevity.
While genetics play a role in some of the changes you may be seeing on your face, other contributing factors, including perimenopause and menopause, a natural loss of collagen and a decrease in exfoliation, and cumulative sun damage also play a role. The good news: There's plenty you can do to achieve your #skingoals, says dermatologist Alicia Zalka, MD. Pros advise using research-backed essentials and investing in smart beauty tools, like red light therapy devices. I've got plenty of those options here for you—products that I, and the rest of the Women's Health beauty team, have tried and recommend.
Meet The Experts: Corey L. Hartman, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, AL. Alicia Zalka, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist, associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale University, and the founder of Surface Deep. Dara Spearman, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist and owner of Radiant Dermatology Associates in Fort Wayne, IN. Brendan Camp, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist practicing at MDCS in New York.
At the end of the day, skincare in your 40s is about being preventative and corrective. Searching out proven ingredients in products that are formulated well can help reverse some of the issues mentioned above—or prevent them from popping up in the first place, says dermatologist Corey L. Hartman, MD.
The doctors I spoke with also debunk common myths about mature skin and share proven strategies to help keep your face firm and glowy for years to come.
How your skin changes in your 40s.
Welcome to the decade when your complexion will reflect many biological and environmentally-driven shifts. This is when the signs of aging may appear, with fine lines, sun spots, and dryness becoming more noticeable, according to our experts. You may see some (or all) of the following in the mirror:
Increased dryness and sensitivity
A good deal of this is due to the fact that most women in their 40s hit perimenopause—and when certain hormones begin to fluctuate, your skin will begin to produce less sebum, the natural oil that lubricates your outer layer. In turn, your face will often feel dry and sensitive, says dermatologist Brendan Camp, MD.
Sagging and fine lines
Once you hit menopause—when you go 12 consecutive months without a period—studies show that the visible signs of aging only increase. That's because as your estrogen levels drop, your skin loses its ability to help stimulate collagen and elastin production, Mona Gohara, MD, previously told WH. One study found that collagen, which keeps the skin plump, firm, and youthful-looking, decreases by up to 30 percent after 5 years post-menopause.
In addition to noticing more fine lines, you may also seem some facial drooping—that's because collagen provides facial volume and works with another protein called elastin to keep your skin firm and taut. You’ll want to support your skin barrier by building collagen, says dermatologist Dara Spearman, MD. I'll show you how below.
Dullness
Skin's natural exfoliation also slows with age, leaving the top layer covered in dead cells—similar to autumn leaves blanketing the sidewalk or grass. And in the same way that those rustic orange, red, and yellow leaves camouflage the ground, so do the dead skin cells that hide your natural glow. Dr. Hartman's go-to fix is using a chemical face exfoliator made with alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) for mature skin. (Again, more on that in a bit.) These exfoliating acids loosen the glue-like substance that holds skin cells together, revealing a fresh complexion ready for face cream application. Start by exfoliating up to twice weekly, then increase to three times per week once your skin builds tolerance, says Dr. Hartman.
Uneven skin tone
Cumulative sun damage also causes changes in the skin. Daily activities—working near an open window, running errands, even driving in your car—plus sunburns and tanning bed use expose your skin to ultraviolet (UV) damage, according to dermatologist Hadley King, MD. “Your skin records sun exposure like your car tallies mileage. You can't turn back the odometer on your car, and you can't turn back sun damage from your skin," Dr. King says. This damage often manifests as dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
A dermatologist-approved hack for confirming if you sun damage or age spots: Check your stomach and bum in the mirror. "Your butt is how your whole skin would look if you always protected it from the sun," says Dr. Zalka. "If these spots were strictly from age, you'd see them on your buttocks, too." And although you can't reverse aging without a time machine, using sunscreen in the morning and a retinol serum at night helps minimize further damage from ultraviolet rays and maximize your skin's current beauty, explains Dr. Zalka.
And, with that, I offer you the best morning and evening skincare routine for your forties.
The best morning skincare routine for your 40s.
Great news: Dr. Camp and Dr. Spearman agree that our skincare results don’t always depend on price. “A well-formulated drugstore product can work as effectively as luxury creams if it has the right ingredients and consistency,” says Dr. Camp. He admits that luxury products often feel nicer or have more advanced textures, but it’s the active ingredients and your daily routine that matter most. To help you build out a full routine under $100, I vetted promising picks from dermatologist-approved brands, such as Cetaphil, La Roche-Posay, and Olay.
How To Use: This is the first step of your morning and evening routines. Wet your face, apply the creamy cleanser, rub in circular motions, and rinse with lukewarm water.
Why It's Effective: Dr. Zalka says niacinamide a helpful addition to your 40s skincare routine. It soothes redness, irritation, and blotchy skin. Niacinamide also brightens dull complexions, evens out discolorations, and minimizes the look of large pores.
Our Review: This beloved non-foaming face wash removes dirt, oil, and grime for less than the cost of a Sweetgreen salad. A combination of glycerin, niacinamide, and panthenol provides hydration for up to 48 hours.
How To Use: Pour the toner onto a cotton round and swipe across your face and concentrate on areas that are flaky or congested, like your forehead, nose, and chin.
Why It's Effective: Around ages 45 to 50, our skin’s ideal 5.5 pH level tends to creep up to 7.0 or higher, says Dr. Zalka, an associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale University. A higher pH causes sensitivity, dryness, and dullness. She recommends using a glycolic acid-based face wash or toner to rebalance pH.
Our Review: Dr. Zalka likes this budget-friendly toner that’s gentle enough for daily use on most skin types. Dr. King adds glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that gently sheds dead skin cells and reveals smoother, brighter skin underneath. Research also shows that glycolic acid can increase collagen production and thicken the outer layer of your skin for a plumper, more even complexion. It's also infused with aloe vera leaf water to soothe redness.
How To Use: Squeeze a pea-sized drop of Eye Repair Cream on your ring finger and gently pat it around your eye area each morning and night.
Why It's Effective: Your eye area is very delicate and can show early signs of aging. Dr. Zalka advises using an eye moisturizer starting in your 30s. If you haven't started yet no worries—now is the right time to start. She likes the Kora Organics Noni Eye Oil, but it's $45. CeraVe is a more affordable option that lightens dark circles and depuffs for a fraction of the cost.
Our Review: Hyaluronic acid hydrates your delicate skin, while niacinamide brightens undereye darkness. Three essential ceramides restore and maintain your skin barrier.
How To Use: Each morning apply up to three drops of this serum to your face and neck, then gently massage it into your skin.
Why It's Effective: All four dermatologists I consulted recommend an antioxidant-rich vitamin C serum in the morning to brighten skin, minimize wrinkles, and even out tone. It guards your skin against environmental pollutants, including sunlight and poor air quality, dermatologist Dr. Morgan Rabach, MD, previously told us. Vitamin C also triggers collagen and elastin production, which helps with skin firmness.
Our Review: A potent concentration of vitamin C blocks the enzymatic process that causes hyperpigmentation in the skin. Meanwhile, salicylic acid, a beloved BHA, tackles surprise zits. It’s also a favorite of our beauty director, Brian Underwood, who enjoys the serum’s cushiony consistency, which reminds him of a face moisturizer.
How To Use: Scoop out a dime-sized amount of moisturizer for combination and oily skin, while normal and dry types can soak up a nickel-sized dollop of face cream.
Why It's Effective: All skin types need proper hydration. “A moisturizer not only corrects dryness, but maintain moisture levels and the integrity of the skin barrier,” says Dr. Camp. And since it only takes a few weeks for initial results to appear—think glowy skin and less flaking—your foundation will stop pilling and settling into fine lines.
Our Review: Olay’s iconic red jar is packed with hyaluronic acid and shea butter for intense hydration. It’s rich without being too greasy, and a little goes a long way. “My skin always feels more hydrated, plumper, and firmer after I use this cream for a few weeks,” says Underwood. It also contains antioxidants to protect against free radical damage caused by sun exposure, smoke, and air pollution that can weaken collagen and cause wrinkles.
Coppertone Every Tone Invisible Finish Face Hydrating SPF 60+
How To Use: Your final step is to slather on this water-resistant SPF 15 minutes before sun exposure. You'll need to reapply at least every two hours and after sweating or swimming.
Why It's Effective: Your skin becomes more sensitive with age, and it doesn’t help that research shows skin cancer impacts 1 in 5 Americans by the age of 70. Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen protects your skin from aging ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays, which can cause burns. Slathering on sunscreen isn’t just preventative—a yearlong study shows that applying a broad-spectrum SPF daily also helps reverse existing photodamage. Consider it the ultimate power move to more youthful skin without painful jabs from fillers.
Our Review: This velvety sunscreen absorbs quickly and doubles as my face primer. Thanks to hyaluronic acid and ceramides, Coppertone hydrates, protects against UVA and UVB rays, and feels lightweight on my skin. It also boasts a non-comedogenic formula that prevents adult acne, a surprise issue for women in their 40s. And as it name implies, Every Tone Invisible blends out clear on all skin tones.
The best evening skincare routine for your 40s.
Multi-use products help streamline your routine. At night, you can reach for the same face wash, eye cream, and face moisturizer from your new morning routine. You’ll only need to swap in two new products: a retinoid and a hyaluronic acid serum to replace your vitamin C. I included two that cost $22 or less on Amazon. And if you’re looking to amp up your anti-aging routine, consider investing in an LED face mask. Although my recommendation costs over $400, I’ve been using it for several months, and can vouch for its efficacy at plumping up lines.
How To Use: After cleansing, red light therapy is the second step in your nightly routine. Commit to three, 5 10-minute sessions each week.
Why It's Effective: Red light therapy smoothes wrinkles, helps with hyperpigmentation, and enhances your glow. CurrentBody Skin's LED face mask features a trifecta of red, near-infrared, and deep near-infrared wavelengths that deliver more anti-aging benefits than a single-wavelength treatment. Red light boosts collagen production to smooth fine lines and wrinkles, and near-infrared brightens dull complexions. It also uses deep near-infrared wavelengths to penetrate deeper into the middle layer and target more stubborn wrinkles.
Our Review: A mix of 236 LED bulbs addresses firmness, deeper lines, adult acne, and inflammation. It illuminates the skin and brings the spa vibes to the comfort of my home without the pricey appointments. The best part? The flexible silicone mask requires just three 10-minute treatments each week.
How To Use: After cleansing, use your LED face mask and eye cream, then apply this lightweight face serum from The Ordinary.
Why It's Effective: “As we age, our skin loses its sponge-like ability to retain moisture,” says Dr. Zalka. Hyaluronic acid is like a tall glass of water for skin in your 40s. It holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water, keeping your skin hydrated and plump.?Estrogen levels also drop and dry out your skin during menopause and perimenopause, dermatologist Mona Gohara, MD, recently told us in our guide to hyaluronic acid. She suggested layering a hyaluronic acid base underneath your face moisturizer for max hydration.
Our Review: This upgraded formulation enhances hydration, supports barrier function, and smooths your skin. Vitamin B5 and ceramides provide ample support for the skin barrier while retaining deep hydration.
How To Use: After cleansing, applying eye cream, and a face moisturizer, you'll want to use this budget-friendly retinol. Afterward, you can layer your Olay face cream.
Why It's Effective: Our experts say retinoids like retinol are the gold standard for skincare in your 40s. Retinol is a beginner-friendly retinoid that’s gentle and well-tolerated. Once applied to your skin, it goes through a two-step conversion process. The first is retinaldehyde (retinal), then retinoic acid (tretinoin), the active form of vitamin A that helps with wrinkles and texture. Since this is a gradual process, visible results can take a few months.
Our Review: This affordable retinol cream plumps up skin to diminish lines and wrinkles within four weeks. It also contains glycerin, shea butter, and hyaluronic acid to help offset the potential drying effects of vitamin A. Even better? This TSA-compliant container holds enough product to last up to six months of nightly use.
Pro tip: Start with one or two applications each week and gradually increase the frequency. Retinoids also increase sun sensitivity and should only be applied at night.
Shop more beauty products we've tried and love.
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Nicole Saunders is the beauty editor at Women's Health and has nine years of experience researching, writing, and editing lifestyle content. She specializes in breaking down complicated topics, like red light therapy for hair growth and LED face masks, into easy-to-understand guides. Saunders takes great pride in heavily researching and testing featured beauty products, such as strengthening shampoos and body washes for dry skin on our site.
Previously, she was the beauty editor at Best Products where she tested quite literally thousands of launches for her quarterly column and the Best New Beauty Awards package. She also launched the beauty and wellness coverage at NBC News and contributed to CNN, Cosmopolitan, Billboard, The Hollywood Reporter, and Harper's BAZAAR.
You can follow her on Instagram to stay in the loop on her product testing adventures.
Dr. Alicia Zalka, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist, associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale University, and the founder of Surface Deep.
Brian Underwood is beauty director at Women’s Health, where he oversees content strategy for the brand across all platforms, including digital, print, and social. Underwood previously served as beauty and wellness director at Oprah Daily and O, The Oprah Magazine. During his tenure leading beauty content for the Oprah brand at Hearst, stories Underwood commissioned were awarded the Skin Cancer Foundation Media Award and a Fragrance Award for Editorial Excellence (his second). He was the launch Beauty Director of Dr. Oz THE GOOD LIFE, and has held additional editorial positions at Fitness, Organic Style, Good Housekeeping, Life & Style Weekly, and Woman’s Day and has written for Self, Shape, Seventeen, Redbook, Cosmopolitan, and many more. Underwood previously served on the Skin Cancer Foundation’s gala committee and as partnerships director of the Trans Beauty Clinic, a New York-based charitable organization that provided beauty services and workshops to the city’s trans community.
