9 Best Anti Aging Skincare for 40s

Updated:

12 Nov 2024

I've been in the beauty industry for 4+ years now, although my background is originally in fine arts. In between researching and publishing our guides, I’m usually snacking and making spontaneous (and somewhat chaotic) choices about what to do with my hair.

When was the last time you updated your skincare routine? We can so easily get set with our favourite products, but as we get older, our complexion presents new concerns we want to address.

For some, after spending years in the sun, it’s time to focus on hyperpigmentation, or dark spots, that come from UV exposure. Or maybe you’re noticing deeper-set smile lines, wrinkles, and just an overall loss of plumpness?

Let’s get started! Here are our picks on how to age well in your 40s.

It’s time for an arsenal of proven anti-agers to help fight the battle by repairing damage, smoothing skin tone, and increasing collagen production.

Anti-aging all-rounder

Vitamin B3, also known as Niacinamide, is a highly effective multitasker. At a concentration of 4% to 5%, Niacinamide has been shown to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, diminish age spots, reduce sallowness (yellowing of skin), and stimulate the synthesis of new collagen.

Our picks for the best Vitamin B serum:

Aspect Extreme B 17 is a powerful night and day facial serum to rejuvenate and replenish your skin. Fine lines and wrinkles are reduced, redness is minimised, oil levels are rebalanced, and skin is left firmer, brighter, and smoother. Aspect Extreme B 17 can tackle any skin care concern and is suitable for all skin types, making it the perfect addition to any skin care regime. Find Aspect Vitamin B serum reviews here.

Alpha-H Vitamin B Serum with 5% Niacinamide 25ml is fortified with Niacinamide and Copper Tripeptides. This potent anti-aging serum is what you need to get your bounce back. Not only does it take on environmental factors linked to premature aging, but this Vitamin B serum also assists in hydrating and plumping skin. Alpha-H Vitamin B Serum with 5% Niacinamide 25ml also utilises Copper Peptides to create a kind of ‘daily protein powder’ for your skin that energises and invigorates the complexion while promoting elasticity. This serum is suitable for all skin types, especially dry, dull, or dehydrated skin with uneven skin tone. Find Alpha-H Vitamin B serum reviews here.

The anti-aging favourite

If you haven’t added Retinol to your routine, now’s the time! A concentrated version of Vitamin A, Retinol has been clinically proven to improve skin cell turnover, minimise the breakdown of collagen, and minimise fine lines and wrinkles. Choosing the right Vitamin A and Retinol-infused product for your skin type is a must for avoiding discomfort and other adverse effects.

Our picks for the best Retinol serum:

Murad Resurgence Retinol Youth Renewal Serum 30ml is created with breakthrough Retinol Tri-Active Technology. This powerful serum contains 3 types of Retinol: a fast-acting Retinoid to encourage cell turnover; a time-released Retinol to gradually deliver Retinol and Ceramides to prevent dry skin and reduce possible irritation; and a Retinol booster to increase efficacy. Murad Resurgence Retinol Youth Renewal Serum 30ml is hypoallergenic and suitable for all skin types.

Aspect Retinol Brulee is a powerful anti-aging treatment. Key ingredients such as Retinyl Palmitate Complex 0.5% and a Retinol Molecular Film accelerate skin cell turnover and allow for other skincare products, such as night creams and oils, to work more effectively.

As Retinol is a strong ingredient, it’s important to build up usage. Start by using it once weekly before building up to alternate nights and then nightly use. Remember to wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen the next day, as Retinol increases the skin’s sun sensitivity.

Dry skin’s saviour

Hyaluronic Acid is a hydration wonder ingredient for mature skin. As skin ages, it becomes drier due to its decreased ability to retain water, resulting in loss of firmness and fine lines. Topical Hyaluronic Acid can rehydrate your skin for a plumper appearance and minimise the signs of aging. Hydration isn't the only benefit of Hyaluronic Acid; it also has antioxidant properties to protect your skin from the environment, sun exposure, and harsh chemicals.

Our picks for best Hyaluronic Acid serum:

Alpha-H Hyaluronic 8 Serum 25ml combines 8 active anti-aging ingredients to reduce the appearance of expression lines and restore radiance, elasticity, and firmness to your skin. Expression lines, crow’s feet, fine lines, and wrinkles are all targeted by this smart blend of actives. Multiple weights of hyaluronic offer multi-level hydration.

Société Brightening Serum 15ml is a multitasking anti-aging serum that helps manage the enzymes that cause pigmentation. This gel-serum works well to nourish and condition all skin types for long-term improvement.

Multitask while you sleep

Night-time is when skin regenerates best and benefits the most from potent anti-aging products. Choose a wrinkle cream and eye cream that will work their magic while you sleep.

Our picks for the best anti-aging night cream for 40s:

SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced is a unique treatment formulated with 4% Blueberry Extract, 30% Proxylane, and 0.2% Phytosphingosine. This night cream works to correct signs of aging in mature skin from factors such as hormonal shifts and metabolic slowdown. The potent treatment formula helps increase the skin’s elasticity and thickness to combat skin sagging, creping, thinning, and cracking. It can be used by all skin types and with Retinol products.

Clarins Super Restorative Night Cream - All Skin Types 50ml is a rich, luxurious night-time moisturiser that perfects mature skin. The formulation penetrates deeply to lift, firm, and nourish even the most damaged complexions. Key ingredient Harungana Leaf (the ‘healing tree’ from Madagascar) helps replenish the skin, fights skin slackening, and restores the skin’s former youthful appearance with consistent use.

Don’t forget the eyes!

The eye area is often the first part of the face to show signs of aging in the form of fine lines, puffiness, or dark circles.

For the best anti-aging eye cream for 40s, we recommend:

Skinstitut Ultra Firming Eye & Neck Cream isn’t your average eye cream. Infused with potent Peptides and Marine Collagen, this high-intensity corrector nourishes and hydrates your skin’s most delicate areas, proactively combating aging. Learn more about Skinstitut moisturisers.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by SkinCeuticals Australia (@skinceuticalsau) on Oct 31, 2019 at 10:19pm PDT

Brand and product inclusions are at the sole discretion of Adore Beauty’s highly trained Customer Service team. We do not seek or accept payment from brands or individuals listed in our guides.

Let's recap the Best Anti-Aging Skincare for 40s

keep shopping anti-aging products

Anti-Ageing Skincare

We've hand-picked our favourite anti-ageing products, whether you're looking to prolong youthful skin or recapture it. A great skincare routine can help speed the skin's natural regeneration process, leaving your skin more hydrated, firmer, brighter, and even-toned.   Our number one pick for fighting the signs of ageing is an oldie but a goodie - a great sunscreen! Wrinkles are usually due to a breakdown in your skin's natural collagen and elastin, which are primarily broken down by the sun and environmental damage. Your best bet is a product with a high SPF. Try to look for a sunscreen or moisturiser that defends against both UVA and UVB rays. In addition, any product that contains active anti-ageing ingredients will work better if you are protecting your skin during the day.   Your other essential product to add to your skincare routine is an antioxidant. We recommend trying an antioxidant serum such as product that contains Vitamin C, which defends your skin from the ageing effects of oxidation and environmental pollutants. Some Vitamin C products also gently exfoliate, leaving you with skin that is firmer, brighter, and more even.   It's important to make sure that you are exfoliating diligently to increase cell turnover and promote regeneration of the skin. Ageing skin can be delicate, so skip a physical scrub - try using a product that contains active exfoliators. Serums that contain Alpha Hydroxy Acids (such as glycolic acid, or for drier skin, lactic acid) or Retinoid ingredients will ensure your skin remains bright and hydrated.   Still not sure on the best option or routine for your skin, or need some instructions? Contact us, we'd love to help! Get in touch with our trained customer service agents, by <a title="Skincare Product Recommendation Form" href="http://www.adorebeauty.com.au/skincare-recommendation" target="_blank">simply filling out this form</a>.