In your 40s the changes become clearer: less collagen, reduced bounce, drier skin and a more uneven tone. The focus shifts to actively rebuilding, with collagen-building treatments such as microneedling and growth factors, nourishment and moisture, and ideally a plan that meets several needs at once. The skin still responds excellently, which makes this one of the best ages to invest in it.
Here is what happens to the skin in your 40s and how best to look after it.
What happens to the skin in your 40s?
By now collagen levels have fallen more noticeably. The skin loses bounce and some of its volume, fine lines can become deeper and more permanent, and the contours of the face begin to soften. Dryness often increases, because the skin produces less oil, and skin tone can become more uneven, with more visible pigmentation after years of sun.
For many, the hormonal changes leading up to the menopause also start to affect the skin towards the end of the decade, with more dryness and sensitivity. Taken together, you are often facing several needs at the same time: firmness, moisture, glow and a more even tone.
The most important thing: rebuild, do not just maintain
In your 40s it is no longer enough simply to support the skin, now it is about actively rebuilding what it has started to lose:
- Prioritise collagen-building treatments, they are at the core of regaining firmness.
- Focus on moisture and nourishment, drier skin needs more, both in treatment and at home.
- Work on several needs at once, a well thought-out plan beats scattered individual efforts.
- Be patient, results are built over months and then maintained over time.
Treatments that suit your 40s
This is when the more powerful renewing treatments really come into their own. Microneedling stimulates collagen in depth, and growth factors supply the signals the skin itself produces less and less of, one of the most effective routes to firmer, better-recovered skin at this age. Combined with oxygenating and nourishing treatments that give moisture and glow, and the right skincare at home, the result is skin that feels and looks good.
This is also when a treatment plan makes the biggest difference, precisely because several needs have to be met at the same time. At a consultation we can put together a plan for skin rejuvenation that rebuilds the skin in the right order and at the right pace.
Carry on with skincare in your 50s and beyond, or read about our work on long-term skin health.
