Good skin care habits should start early, but they can look a little different once you reach the fourth floor. By the time we reach our 40s, our skin turnover is much, much slower than it was in our 20s or 30s. What that means is that, essentially, healing from things like adult acne takes much longer, and let’s face it: 40 years is a pretty long time! We’ve probably spent a ton of time under the sun and exposed to pollution and our skin is much more prone to breaking down.

Even though I always recommend my clients to book a consultation at Bella so we can create a perfect skin care routine for them, here are the basic ingredients and products that can’t miss in your skin care routine in your 40s!

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is one of the best vitamins for clear skin and even though I recommend using it at pretty much any age, it becomes more essential in your 40s.

Put in simple terms, vitamin C uses electrons to neutralize free radicals (like pollution!) and blocks the enzyme that is responsible for issues like skin pigmentation (uneven skin tones and dark spots). In short, is vitamin C is king when comes to brightening dull skin, evening out skin tone, and beating dehydration on your skin, all of which are issues with skin care in your 40s!

With that said, don’t forget to give your skin a little love with vitamin C in your regimen. You’ll find it in serums, face masks, and moisturizers. Here are two of my go-to skin care products with vitamin C in them:

Retinol

These Vitamin C lotions are formulated with the newest, highly stabilized form of Vitamin C for healthy, radiant skin. The 30% formula contains one of the strongest concentrations of Vitamin C available. Contains THD Ascorbate, a very powerful form of Vitamin C Brightens dull skin Provides a full line-up of antioxidants, including Vitamin E and Coenzyme Q10 Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

A Hydrating Cleanser

SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF provides powerful antioxidant protection to normal, oily, and combination skin types. Designed for daytime use, this antioxidant serum neutralizes free radicals to prevent signs of accelerated skin aging. The blend of phloretin, pure vitamin C, and Ferulic acid improve the appearance of discoloration, fine lines, and uneven skin tone.

When you apply retinol topically, it basically increases your cell turnover and gives your skin a little boost to stimulate collagen and producing elastin. This results in your skin looking firmer and younger! As if that weren’t enough, it also helps with pigmentation issues and minimizes breakouts, so it’s like a golden ingredient when it comes to skin care (and yes, it’s backed up by science)! My go-to is Revision Skincare Retinol Complete® 0.5.

Washing your face before you go to bed not only helps your skin get rid of oil, makeup, and dirt, but also decreases the chance of clogged pores. Cleaning thoroughly is a must to help your skin cells reverse daily wear and tear.

$33.50

Papaya Fruit Extract lifts away impurities, gently polishes away dead skin cells, and nourishes skin with vitamins and minerals. Leaves all skin types feeling soft, clean and moisture-balanced. The Papaya Fruit Extract contains Papain, an enzyme that gently exfoliates for naturally vibrant skin.