Skincare Reviews for Women Over 40

Over time I've embraced more advanced skincare products to really take care of my skin and look as youthful as I feel. I use the following brands and products diligently - some are new, others I've been dedicated to for years. Beyond skincare, I'm also a decade long disciple of regular infrared heat (aka Skin Tyte) and microneedling treatments.

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Skincare Reviews for Women Over 40: from my personal skincare routine

This curated selection of skincare products I personally use and can vouch for, cater to the needs of women over 40 with more mature skin, providing an effective and nurturing regimen for a youthful, glowing and healthy complexion.

Innisfree Green Tea Seed Hyaluronic Skincare

Innisfree is a Korean brand that has been a trailblazer in harnessing the power of nature for skincare. Their Green Tea Seed Hyaluronic Skincare line is a testament to their commitment to using natural ingredients to promote skin vitality. From this particular range, I have a twice daily routine starting with the Amino Acid Cleanser, which lathers up amazingly well with the smallest amount. This is followed by the Toner Serum, Eye Serum and Moisturizing Cream. After using these 4 products, my skin is instantly plumped and hydrated and I look like I got a full night's sleep - which rarely happens these days. The star ingredient, green tea, is known for its antioxidant properties that help combat free radicals, while hyaluronic acid ensures optimal hydration. This collection addresses the fine lines, dryness, and dullness that often accompany aging skin, leaving it plump, radiant, and resilient. Learn more about this line and their innovative recycling program.

Forget Beauty Nurtured Replenishing Oil & Empowered Collagen Revival Serum

Forget Beauty is a brand that I love and have recommended to anyone and everyone who's ever complimented my skin. This line was created by Amanda Beisel, who is also the founder of SKN Holistic Rejuvenation Clinic here in Vancouver where I've been getting Skin Tyte and microneedling treatments for well over a decade. If you happen to be in Vancouver, I highly recommend you check out this clinic in Yaletown. The staff creates a relaxing, spa experience and their treatments are amazing and highly effective. Click here to book an appt and receive 10% off your first treatment. Now, back to the Forget Beauty skincare. I'm completely obsessed with two of their key products, the Nurtured Replenishing Oil and Empowered Collagen Revival Serum. These products are designed to replenish and revitalize your skin. The Replenishing Oil delivers a potent blend of nourishing oils that restore the skin's barrier function, providing deep hydration and improved elasticity. I used to be intimidated about using a skin oil as I have combination skin. But my skin drinks this oil up. I use 2-3 drops and press the oil into my skin after my serums and before my moisturizer.

The Collagen Revival Serum, on the other hand, is formulated with collagen-boosting ingredients that help firm the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and promoting a more youthful complexion.

This is NOT your standard retinol. This product contains encapsulated Retinaldehyde, which respects the skin barrier and provides long lasting results. This Vitamin A product is also less irritating to the skin. You should build up to using the serum, in the evening, a few times a week.

Click here to learn more about Encapsulated Retinaldehyde.

Osmosis MD Cranberry Enzyme Mask

This product was recommended to me by the professionals at SKN Holistic Rejuvenation Clinic to address congestion in my pores. Osmosis MD Cranberry Enzyme Mask offers a gentle yet effective solution. Long gone are the days of skin damaging pore strips. It's the BEST most effective product I've used for exfoliating and clearing pores. Enriched with cranberry enzymes and lactic acid, this mask exfoliates dead skin cells, promoting cell turnover and revealing a brighter and smoother complexion. Regular use can help diminish the appearance of pores, improve skin texture, and enhance the absorption of other skincare products.

Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Balance Cream & Daily Milkfoliant

Dermalogica has been a trusted name in the skincare industry, and their Intensive Moisture Balance Cream is a boon for mature skin. This rich moisturizer is infused with hyaluronic acid and antioxidants, providing long-lasting hydration and strengthening the skin's natural barrier. Full disclosure; I don't love the scent of this cream, but it's incredibly effective when my skin needs an extra boost of hydration overnight. Paired with the Daily Milkfoliant, a gentle exfoliating powder you mix with a small amount of water to create a rich lather, these products work together to maintain a balanced and radiant complexion. I love how gentle this product feels on my skin while still being incredibly effective. I use this one in the shower every other day.

Elta MD UV Clear Broad Spectrum SPF 46 Facial Sunscreen

There is absolutely no point in putting the time, energy and money into your skincare routine if you don't use a daily sunscreen. Period. Full stop. Thus, sun protection is non-negotiable in any skincare routine, especially for mature skin. Elta MD UV Clear Broad Spectrum SPF 46 Facial Sunscreen offers broad-spectrum protection against harmful UV rays while also calming and soothing the skin. With added niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, this sunscreen addresses pigmentation concerns and maintains optimal hydration, ensuring your skin remains youthful and shielded from environmental damage. Dr. Heidi Rootes of Surface Skin Lab, who I see and follow on social media, has recently posted a video about reapplying your skincare every couple of hours if you're outdoors. I love her straightforward and informative reels. Follow her on Instagram here.

Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream

This product is a great way to double up on sun protection. It's a really light coverage tinted moisturizer that I essentially use as foundation all summer. I'm not one for heavy coverage. So, for a natural and radiant makeup base, the Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream is an ideal choice.

This lightweight formula provides buildable coverage, along with SPF 30 protection, making it a multitasking product that evens out your complexion while safeguarding your skin from the sun's harmful rays.

The Body Shop Coconut 96 Hour Nourishing Moisture Body Butter

Skincare extends beyond the face, and The Body Shop Coconut 96 Hour Nourishing Moisture Body Butter caters to the needs of the rest of your skin. Enriched with community trade coconut oil, this body butter delivers intense hydration and nourishment, addressing dryness and promoting skin elasticity. The luxurious texture and long-lasting moisture make it a must-have for a comprehensive skincare routine. I especially love this product to moisturize my legs after I shave. They really do stay hydrated for a lot longer than other creams I've tried. I'd say, at least 48 hours. Plus, the scent is amazing and coconut will forever remind me of tropical vacations. Get the Coconut 96 Hour Nourishing Moisture body butter from The Body Shop.

There you go. Here are my essential skincare product reviews and recommendations for women over 40. I'll keep you updated as I discover and test new products. If you need some tips on how to organize it all, check out the 3 part guide to Building Your Bathroom Beauty Bar.