Bring it on 40, Skin Care Tips for Skin after 40

VIVIAN + GRACE, SKINCARE AFTER 40

The other day I was in line at Starbucks and the Barista says to me " I'm so pissed," naturally I ask why.  She hands me my coffee and says, " this woman thought I was 40!" She was so upset, and I thought this might be interesting. The barista goes on to say " I'm only 28 and women like that are only trying to bring our confidence down a notch." Now, I am thinking about who is"our" could I be "our?" Turns out, I was the "our" who she was talking about. Being way past 28, I was fully playing this game, and quite frankly, I was feeling myself, and proud of my skin.  As I drove off I started to realize I was embarrassed to share my age.  In the grand scheme of things, getting older is a gift.  There's nothing to be afraid of 20 and 30 somethings, I promise.  Take care of your skin and your fitness ritual and you can survive the '40s and 50's looking "Fresh as a Daisy Baby!"  I mean, have you seen Kerry Washington lately?

1. Antioxidants are your friend.

Don't forget that oxidants aid in free radical damage and inflammation. These are the two causes of aging.  Our skin is thirsty for vitamins and nutrients.  Have a vitamin-filled green juice.  Feed your skin.

2. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate.

As we get closer to 40 then 45 then OMG, 50!!! Yikes, our skin will innately lose moisture and elasticity.  Invest in a hyaluronic acid serum and follow it up with a face moisturizer. 

3.  Sun Protection even for my Melanin Lovelies.

UV rays accelerate the aging of the skin.  Me, being a lover of the sun should be especially aware of this one.  From what I have read many times over the years that it is best to keep your face, neck, chest, and hands out of the sun entirely.  I usually fail to succeed at this one, so I am sure to always, always, always wear sunscreen. Jennifer Lopez has made this a part of her skincare routine, and we all know how that has worked for this beauty.

P.s. She's over 50! One word, Flawless.

4.  Retinol is a requirement.

Please add retinol to your skincare routine, by 40 it is time.  Retinol helps with skin texture and tone, also diminishing fine lines, and discoloration, and even acne-prone skin.  Lately, I am experiencing adult acne and discoloration.  Retinol is on my to-do list.  I think I'm making an Ulta run after writing this article.  

5.  Collagen oh sweet Collagen.

Collagen is a whole vibe.  I am all about this vibe, and from the looks of Halle Berry lately, she's retained skin elasticity since we first met her in the '90s. I suppose it's very likely that collagen has played a role in this timeless beauty's skincare routine.

Last but not least, have a fantastic dermatologist on speed ☎️ dial.

Occasionally, Adult acne, dermatitis, eczema, and skin cancer require a Derm. Yearly or bi-yearly visits are a healthy addition to your skin ritual after 40 as well.  So if you're coming upon the 40 sides of life and Mommyhood don't be Scared, be Beautiful.

Always, Vivian.

Written by: Katina Kennedy

August 14, 2021