The secret to a flawless complexion in your 40s is prevention. While there are a myriad of products available on the market to target visible aging, there’s no miracle serum or cream that will restore skin to its former radiance.

The good news is, prevention comes easy! Read on to discover the best dermatologist tips and tricks to follow for skin care in your 40s and some of our favorite products for preventing and correcting signs of aging.

Switch to a hydrating cleanser.

The older we get, the more our skin slows down, leading to reduced collagen and elastin production, slower cell turnover and oftentimes drier skin.

By using a cleanser that cleanses without stripping skin of its natural oils, you can ensure skin is balanced and hydrated prior to the application of your favorite anti-aging skin care products.

Our pick: LovelySkin LUXE Gentle Cream Cleanser

This facial cleanser contains meadowfoam seed extract and olive oil to balance, nourish and soothe skin while afaLUXE™, a blend of amino-based antioxidants, repairs skin’s barrier functions, nourishes and gently exfoliates skin.

We spoke with Dr. Joel Schlessinger, board-certified dermatologist and LovelySkin CEO, on the perks of this unique formula:

“afaLUXE™ is really an unparalleled ingredient and one that I am proud to have helped develop. afaLUXE™ offers many of the same benefits of traditional exfoliators like glycolic acid, without the irritation commonly associated with them. We added afaLUXE™ to this particular formula as those with dry, sensitive skin can sometimes have issues with more aggressive products and it is the perfect choice for someone with sensitive skin who still wants an 'active' product!”

Get serious with your exfoliant.

Since cell turnover tends to slow with age, exfoliation becomes all the more important.

Exfoliating one to two times weekly can slough away the dead cells and impurities that clog pores and sit on the surface of the skin, allowing products to penetrate more effectively and improve overall radiance.

Our pick: Obagi Professional-C Microdermabrasion Polish + Mask 30%

Designed to be used as a mask and a skin-refining treatment, this powerful formula promotes a more youthful, radiant complexion with exfoliation and an infusion of vitamin C.

It’s time to start using retinol.

Retinol is considered the gold standard in skin care for its ability to provide multiple anti-aging benefits.

It comes in many forms, including retinol, retinaldehyde, retinyl palmitate and more.

Many forms are available over the counter, but some stronger versions, such as isotretinoin, require a prescription.

What does retinol do?

This powerful ingredient has years of scientific studies backing its efficacy, so we know it’s dermatologist-approved!

Retinol is known for its ability to:

• Smooth lines and wrinkles
• Stimulate collagen production
• Diminish the appearance of dark spots
• Reduce the appearance of pores
• Boost cell turnover
• Improve acne

Our pick: Revision Skincare D·E·J Night Face Cream

This innovative night cream contains a blend of powerful ingredients to boost collagen production, protect against environmental stressors and improve visible signs of aging. In addition to retinol, this cream also uses bakuchiol, an antioxidant that improves retinol’s performance. Together, they work to soften and smooth skin.

Bump up your eye care.

One of the first places that aging becomes visible is around the eyes. To ensure your eye area stays youthful-looking, use an eye treatment with hydrating and anti-aging benefits.

Our pick: Neocutis Lumiere Eye Cream (with PSP)

Formulated with PSP, or Processed Skin Proteins, this customer favorite eye cream minimizes the appearance of crow’s feet, fine lines and puffiness while repairing damaged cells. Additionally, the powerful formula contains hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture.

Make moisture a priority.

The key to skin care in your 40s is excellent hydration, so moisture should be your number one goal. Look for products containing ceramides, hyaluronic acid or natural oils such as jojoba.

Our pick: SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 Moisturizer

This powerful moisturizer contains a unique balance of lipids, ceramides and fatty acids, which are natural compounds found in our skin. When combined, these ingredients boost skin’s ability to repair itself, improving the moisture barrier and helping to improve skin’s firmness.

Prevent future signs of aging.

Next to retinol, every skin care regimen should contain a sunscreen. Since UV rays are responsible for up to 80% of skin aging, sunscreen is a must. After all, it’s easier to prevent aging than it is to correct it!

Our pick: La Roche-Posay Anthelios AOX Daily Antioxidant Serum with Sunscreen SPF 50

We love this gentle formula because it combines sun protection with antioxidants for powerful protection against UVA/UVB rays and free radical damage. The award-winning formula has a serum-like texture that can be worn alone or under makeup!

Choose products containing ingredients like peptides or growth factors.

Starting in your twenties, the natural production of collagen and elastin slows.

While nothing can truly prevent the body’s natural decrease of collagen, these ingredients do slow this process, allowing skin to remain youthful longer.

What are growth factors, and what do they do?

Growth factors are proteins that naturally occur in our bodies, and they communicate with our skin’s cells to help them behave normally.

The older we get, the fewer growth factors our bodies produce, causing visible signs of aging such as thinning skin or wrinkles.

Adding a growth factor product to your regimen can help with:

• Boosting the production of collagen and elastin
• Reducing inflammation
• Repairing damaged skin
• Improving firmness and elasticity

What is a peptide, and what does it do?

Peptides are also proteins found in the skin that form amino acids. As we age, our skin loses firmness and elasticity, and peptides work to re-activate the skin, encouraging it to behave more youthfully.

There are a variety of peptides available on the market, all of which offer different benefits such as:

• Improving collagen production
• Inhibiting muscle contraction to prevent wrinkle formation
• Improving the natural production of hyaluronic acid in our skin
• Regulating cellular repair
• Diminishing fine lines and wrinkles
• Softening skin’s texture

Our pick: DefenAge 8-in-1 BioSerum

Formulated with a blend of proprietary peptides called Defensins, this cutting-edge serum works to improve the look of wrinkles and discoloration while boosting collagen production. Additionally, niacinamide soothes inflammation and improves microcirculation, which supplies nutrients to the skin.

Not ready to mix and match products? Try a system.

Putting together a skin care regimen can be overwhelming, especially if you’re unsure where to begin.

However, many brands have packaged some of their bestselling products in easy-to-use kits, ensuring all the products you need are in one place.

Our pick: Jan Marini Skin Care Management System – Normal/Combination

Named the “Best Anti-Aging Skin Care System” by NewBeauty nine years in a row, this comprehensive collection contains a cleanser, a serum, an exfoliator, a moisturizer and a sunscreen that work synergistically to diminish the look of lines and wrinkles, uneven texture and sun damage. The collection features tried and true ingredients such as vitamin C, peptides, growth factors and exfoliators to promote a more radiant complexion and address a variety of skin concerns.

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