It’s inevitable—as we age, our external appearance changes and often it’s not to our liking. But, before throwing in the towel, know that it’s not impossible to maintain a youthful appearance well into our 40s or beyond. Whether it’s using the right skincare regimen, indulging in aesthetics treatments, or making subtle tweaks to our wardrobe and hairstyle, there’s always something we can do to look and feel more youthful.
Below, we offer some of the best tips for looking younger and refreshed after 40. Just keep in mind that as with any anti-aging measures, consistency is key—what works for one individual won’t necessarily work for another. So, don’t be shy about trying whichever of the below strategies work for you.
- Pay Attention to Skincare
As the first line of defense against wrinkles, sagging skin, and age spots, it is important to take good care of your skin. This starts with cleansing and moisturizing your face every morning and night, using products specifically designed for older skin. Generally, this means avoiding anything too rich or greasy, which can just make the skin look duller and make wrinkles appear more prominent.
One of the most important ingredients to add to your skincare routine when you reach 40 are retinoids, which are available both with a prescription (like Retin-A) and without. Retinoids help create healthier skin cells and boost collagen, thereby minimizing the visibility of wrinkles.
- Opt For Aesthetic Treatments
Modern medicine has made it possible to reduce or even eliminate the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles through a variety of procedures. The most popular are dermal fillers, which are injectables that fill in hollow spaces caused by loss of fat from aging. Nowadays, these types of treatments are more accessible than ever and take only a few minutes.
Another popular aesthetic treatment for those over 40 is Ultherapy, a revolutionary therapy that uses ultrasound technology to help tighten the skin for an immediate effect. However, you’ll need to have it done on an ongoing basis in order to keep up with the natural aging process and maintain the desired results.
- Change up Your Makeup and Hair
It doesn’t matter what age you are, one of the most powerful ways to look refreshed and younger is by changing up your makeup and hair. Think about how often Kim Kardashian pushes us out of our beauty comfort zone by going for bold colors, highlighting certain features, and switching up her hairstyle.
For age-defying makeup, it’s all about creating more definition and volume, rather than doing too much. Think about applying a light-reflecting primer and foundation on your skin, wearing a light pink or nude lipstick, and enhancing your eyes with a few layers of mascara. As for hair, middle partings, beachy waves and tidy bobs look much younger and more modern than outdated styles.
- Dress the Part
Good makeup and hair are always essential, but when it comes to fooling the ageing process, the devil is in the details. The key is to look beyond the latest trends and get creative with how you dress. By going for silhouettes and cuts that fit you well and make you feel comfortable, you can look instantly younger.
Look at Meghan Markle or Gal Gadot, they know how to look effortlessly youthful and modern with tasteful, sophisticated clothes. This means investing in a good pair of tailored trousers, wrap dresses, and blazers—any combination of which can help cover the figure and create an almost timeless look.
- Watch What, and How, You Eat
Let’s face it: If you’re fuelling your body with processed foods and too much sugar, your skin won’t thank you for it. Instead, opt for a cleaner diet that includes a wide variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables, legumes, and healthy sources of proteins. Don’t forget to stay hydrated for proper cell function, too.
Plus, research shows that how you eat can also influence how young you look. For instance, eating smaller, more frequent meals that are easier to digest can help keep your digestive system running smoothly and prevent inflammation. Eating slowly and chewing each bite thoroughly is also important, as it helps improve digestion and metabolism, which can help with the appearance of wrinkles.
- Get Your Rest
When it comes to ageing, beauty sleep is no myth. While we’ve all had our slips due to a late night or two, not getting sufficient sleep can have a profound impact on how you look and feel. Inadequate sleep can lead to more serious skin concerns, such as dullness, a decrease in collagen production, and even increased wrinkles.
Experts suggest that adults over 40 get about seven to nine hours of sleep each night. Developing a bedtime routine and avoiding screens and caffeine in the evening can help you make the most of that time. If you have trouble sleeping, consider avoiding blue light devices for an hour before bedtime, practising yoga and stretching, and sipping on chamomile tea.
Looking and feeling younger after 40 isn’t a lost cause. The main thing is to focus on preventative measures, such as using the right skincare products, indulging in aesthetics treatments, and eating clean, to slow down and minimize visible signs of ageing. Other measures, such as experimenting with makeup and hair, finding the right style of clothing, and ensuring you get plenty of rest are also important.
The best thing about most of these tips is that you don’t need to break the bank to look younger and refreshed. Try out a combination of steps until you find the one that’s right for you, and remember that consistency is key.
