Skincare over 40s: skin tips from dermatology experts

Lots of anti-aging products claim to turn back the clock on our skin, but what works, and what’s just marketing fluff? At Curology, we believe in skincare that’s backed by research and experience. So we turned to our team of medical providers to get the facts when it comes to things like firming face creams and getting rid of dark spots. Here’s some of our best advice for anti-aging skincare for your 40’s and beyond.

Tip 1: Prescription retinoids

All aboard the retinoid train! Prescription retinoids, like tretinoin, have been repeatedly shown to improve signs of aging when used consistently and as instructed.¹

• “Use Tretinoin! You need something to boost cellular turnover to keep skin looking young, and tretinoin is your ally!” — Jenn, Nurse practitioner

• “My Curology formula contains tretinoin, and I’ve definitely noticed that my skin tone has become more even since I started using it.” — Leslie, Nurse practitioner

• “I love tretinoin! I have been using it for almost two years, and I’ve seen a significant improvement in dark spots, skin firmness, and fine lines.” — Rebecca, Nurse practitioner

Tip 2: Vitamin C serum

A topical vitamin C serum can help fade dark spots and boost collagen production to improve fine lines and wrinkles.² Use it in the morning before sunscreen or at night. You can check out some of our favorite products here!

• “A good vitamin C serum can protect your skin from all the environmental pollutants and free radicals that your skin encounters on a daily basis.” — Jenn, NP

• “A hydrating vitamin C serum is a great way to add a boost of sun protection in the morning (as well as improve signs of aging!). I like the Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Rose oil.” — Phuong, Physician Assistant

Tip 3: In-office procedures

In-office procedures aren’t necessary, but we love to advocate for whatever makes you feel confident and able to put your best face forward. If you’d like to try an in-office procedure like Botox, go for it. If you’d rather stick to at-home treatments, that’s a great choice too. We want to empower you to make the best decision for you. We’ll provide the info, but you get to make the final choice.

• “I generally like to keep things very simple, but I do get Botox twice a year!” — Leslie, NP

• “I love my Botox, and I get it in my forehead, around my eyes, and between my brows. I also get filler once a year in my folds around my mouth and once every few years under my eyes in the hallowing areas. Gentle cosmetic enhancements are great, but it’s important to never overdo it and look fake! And I get an in-office chemical peel, do micro-needling, and/or get laser treatment least once a year.” — Shannon, Nurse practitioner

Tip 4: Daily supplements

In general, sticking with a healthy, balanced chock-full of fruits and veggies is great for your body — and your skin! That said, certain supplements may help improve some signs of aging.³ Just be sure to check with your medical provider before starting anything new!

• “I take a daily Omega and Hyaluronic Acid supplement daily which helps a lot with the loss of moisture in my skin. I also make a lot of effort to eat nuts and fish regularly.” — Shannon, NP

Tip 5: Exfoliate

Let’s talk about exfoliants! They’re optional, but they can be a great “boost” to your skincare routine. You might consider an AHA (like glycolic or lactic acid) which can help fade dark spots and improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and skin texture.⁴ What a powerhouse! *If you do add an exfoliant, start slowly to help your skin adjust.*

• “Exfoliate regularly, but do it gently… consider a gentle chemical exfoliator that you use daily, or every other day, to keep your skin glowing!” — Jenn, NP

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Tip 6: Silk pillowcases

Although there’s no medical evidence that silk pillowcases help with signs of aging, nothing screams “treat yo-self” like a silky soft spot to rest your head. Not to alarm you, but there’s some suspicion that wrinkles may be influenced by your sleep position. You can learn more here.

• “I am a side sleeper so I make sure to push my face into my pillow to avoid sleeping wrinkles. Silk pillowcases are amazing!” — Shannon, NP

Tip 7: Eye cream

If you’d like to try an eye cream, there are lots of great products out there. You can find some of our favorites here. This is an optional step, but it can feel so luxurious to treat the sensitive skin around the eyes with some well-deserved TLC.

• “I love using eye cream in the morning and at night! I’m currently using Biossance Squalane + Peptide Eye Gel.” — Phuong, PA

• “I actually use Vaseline as my go-to eye cream! I apply it almost daily, especially to my outer eye area. It helps to keep my skin moisturized so my fine lines and wrinkles don’t show as much.” — Rebecca, NP

Tip 8: Sun protection

We know we sound like a broken record at this point, but it’s worth repeating again and again! Sun protection is your best friend when it comes to protecting your skin and preventing signs of aging.

• “Use sunscreen like your life depends on it, and make wide brim hats your BFF.” — Jenn, NP

• “I use sunscreen every morning. Right now, my favorite is Kinesys SPF 50 Fragrance-Free Spray Sunscreen.” — Phuong, PA

• “I always apply sunscreen on my face, neck, chest, arms, and hands every morning no matter what my plans are, and I ALWAYS wear a hat when doing outdoor activities.” — Shannon, NP

So there you have it, folks. Our providers may vary a bit when it comes to their skin-care routines, but almost all of them really do use their Curology to help put their best face forward. And so can you! If you’re not a member yet, you can sign up for a free month of Curology (just pay $4.95 + tax to cover shipping and handling). Members get paired with an in-house medical provider for a custom skincare experience.

1. Jessica H Rabe, et al. Photoaging: mechanisms and repair. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2006 Jul;55(1):1–19. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2005.05.010. PMID: 16781287.

2. Pinnell S. R. (2003). Cutaneous photodamage, oxidative stress, and topical antioxidant protection. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 48(1), 1–22. https://doi.org/10.1067/mjd.2003.16

3. Silke K. Schagen, et al. (2012). Discovering the link between nutrition and skin aging. Dermato-endocrinology, 4(3), 298–307. https://doi.org/10.4161/derm.22876

4. Jessica H Rabe, et al. Photoaging: mechanisms and repair. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. (Ibid).

Written by

Curology Team