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Most men dread that morning when we wake up and look in the mirror and realize that we are not as young as we used to be.
Whether it's wrinkles or bags under the eyes, we all will experience the tell-tale signs of aging.
However, it doesn't happen overnight. Aging and other skin issues occur slowly over time until they become apparent enough to catch your attention.
Dermatologist DiAnne Davis says, "We all lose about 1% of collagen every year over the age of 20, and we start seeing those changes by 40."
The loss of collagen, sun damage, and a natural breakdown of your skin's antioxidant response can all lead to dark spots, wrinkles, dilated blood vessels, and uneven color. But there are steps you can take right now to help fight aging.
How can a man make his face look younger?
Before you take the leap into products, ingredients, and a solid skincare routine, there are a few lifestyle practices you can do now that can lay a great foundation with healthy-looking skin.
Hydrate
I can't overstate the impact that being well hydrated can have on your skin. When properly hydrated, your skin's natural functionality improves, and your epidermis will inevitably begin to look better.
Exercise
By increasing blood flow, exercise helps nourish skin cells and keep them vital. In addition to providing oxygen, blood flow also helps carry away waste products, including free radicals, from working cells.
Sleep
During sleep, your skin's blood flow increases, and the organ rebuilds its collagen and repairs damage from UV exposure, reducing wrinkles and age spots.
Avoid Damaging Behavior
The first step before adding a regimen to help make your skin better is to avoid those activities that can damage it. That includes avoiding extended periods in the sun, smoking, and stress.
How can I take care of my skin in my 40s?
In your 40s, the skincare game's name is all about anti-aging ingredients that soothe dry skin, fight dullness, and smooth out wrinkles.
Hyaluronic Acid
This naturally occurring substance is vital to skin cells' ability to retain moisture. It's also a humectant, which means it can draw moisture from its surroundings.
Antioxidants
Using skincare products that contain antioxidants like vitamin C or vitamin E can reduce inflammation and not only curb signs of aging but also reduce the appearance of dark spots, uneven skin tone, and redness.
Retinol
While it's a powerful anti-aging ingredient, it's also an effective tool against acne. It works by increasing cell turnover, which means it fast-tracks new skin cells' production and helps clear away dead ones.
Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acids
Exfoliation is key to every skincare routine, but if you suffer from breakouts and acne, using acid instead of scrub to exfoliate can make all the difference. Alpha hydroxy acids help break the bonds between dead skin cells and gently slough them away from the skin's surface. Beta hydroxy acids, meanwhile, get down into the pores and dissolve built-up oil and debris inside.
What is the best skincare regimen for a man in his 40s?
You don't have to be as dedicated to your skincare routine as Patrick Bateman, only a few added steps every day can elevate your skin health tremendously.
Face Cleanser
Washing your face twice daily not only helps to get rid of the day's grime of oil, pollution, and dirt, it also decreases the chance of getting clogged pores.
Face Scrub
As our skin ages, it becomes less effective at regenerating new skin cells, resulting in a buildup of dead skin cells on the skin's outermost layer. This buildup of dead skin cells can result in dull, tired-looking skin that ages your face. One way to combat this particular skin problem is by using a gentle face scrub twice a week to slough away dead skin cells and brighten your complexion.
Face Moisturizer
A good moisturizer will perform multiple functions, protecting skin from UV rays while doubling as an anti-aging cream. Apply it every morning—preferably 20 minutes before you walk out the door. Applying it at bedtime as well will take full advantage of your skin's nighttime regeneration process by ramping up the hydration for your skin.
What does my new skincare routine look like?
Splashing water on your face when you wake up in the morning can no longer be considered proper skincare. The fight to keep your skin looking younger and healthy gets harder and harder as you age, but with a few steps every day, you can help put a stop to Father Time.
Day 1, 3, 4, 6
- Wash your face with warm water and using a natural face cleanser. Using a face wash brush or applicator is always best to remove any dead skin cells on the skin's surface. Be sure to use small circles on your cheeks, forehead, eyes, and nose, under your chin, and around your mouth.
- Gently dab your face with a towel, be sure not to rub the towel to avoid irritating the skin.
- Apply a pea-sized amount of moisturizer on your fingertips and rub it into your face evenly. It is always the final product to apply.
- Repeat the same process before bed.
Day 2, 5, and 7
- Wash your face with warm water and using a natural face cleanser. Using a face wash brush or applicator is always best to remove any dead skin cells on the skin's surface. Be sure to use small circles on your cheeks, forehead, eyes, and nose, under your chin, and around your mouth.
- Gently dab your face with a towel, be sure not to rub the towel to avoid irritating the skin.
- Use a nickel-sized amount of facial scrub on your fingertips and evenly apply it all over your skin in the same places as you applied the face wash above. Add some water to your fingertips and gently rub in circular motions on all areas of your face for about 20 seconds. Rinse your face with warm water.
- Gently pat dry.
- Apply a pea-sized amount of moisturizer on your fingertips and rub it into your face evenly. It is always the final product to apply.
- Repeat the face wash and moisturizer process before bed. You should only use the face scrub 2 or 3 times a week and always in the morning as you have loosened up skin cells overnight, making the morning the perfect time for the product.
Recap: Men's skincare routine in their 40s
The foundation for a men's skincare routine in their 40s is all about using high-quality, natural ingredients.
The same way you need to watch what you eat, you need to watch what types of products you put on your face.
For an amazing kit, suited for 40-something-year-old men, check out our essential skincare kit .
