How to Care for Forty-Something Skin

By eHow Fashion, Style & Personal Care Editor

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The most common skin problems in your forties are deeper wrinkles and the loss of elasticity and firmness caused by years of sun and UV exposure and a declining amount of estrogen. You may be notice brown sun spots and age spots for the first time and a change in your skin's texture and tone. Caring for your forty-something skin is a continuation of the good habits you started in your twenties and thirties. Read on to learn how to care for forty-something skin.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Step1

Use cleansers and toners with added moisturizers. In your forties, your skin loses the ability to retain moisture on its own so choose rich creams to soothe and protect your skin.

Step2

Apply anti-aging products with alpha and beta hydroxy acids to firm, brighten, reduce lines and re-texture skin. Choose natural skin care products formulated for your skin type.

Step3

Exfoliate. Increase frequency of exfoliating to two to three times a week to make up for slower cell renewal. The outer layers of skin hold onto dead cells for longer and need more frequent exfoliation.

Step4

Use eye creams formulated for eye puffiness, wrinkles and discoloration. The skin here is thinner so lines tend to show more.

Step5

Wear less makeup in your forties. Use a tinted moisturizer or a light powder instead of a heavy foundation, which can look "cakey" or pull at wrinkles.

Step6

Check for skin cancer. Early detection is always best, so ask your doctor about those moles or sun spots that change color or size or just worry you. Continue to use sunscreen to prevent further damage.

Step7

Visit a dermatologist for information on collagen and botox injections, chemical peels, dermabrasion and other procedures.

Tips & Warnings

Get plenty of sleep and limit stress.
Remember to moisturize your chest and hands as those two areas can show age quicker than the rest of your body.
Stop smoking or avoid starting. Smoking can cause fine lines and wrinkles to form around your mouth and inhibit oxygen from getting to the outer layer of your skin.