In Your 40s: Know how to Tackle Deeper Wrinkles and Volume Loss
By the time you reach your 40s, the signs of skin ageing are no longer subtle they’re often fully visible and more difficult to ignore. This is the decade when cumulative sun damage, hormonal changes (particularly in women approaching perimenopause), and the steady decline in collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid really begin to take a toll on your skin’s appearance.
At this stage, skin not only loses its natural bounce and radiance, but also begins to show more pronounced structural changes. The skin’s ability to repair itself diminishes significantly, and the slowing down of cell turnover contributes to a duller complexion, rougher texture, and the emergence of more persistent pigmentation issues. Lines that once disappeared when your face was at rest may now become permanent features, and volume loss can make your face appear tired or aged even when you feel energetic.
Early Signs to Watch For
Most people in their 40s start to see noticeable shifts in both skin texture and facial contours. Common signs of ageing in this decade include:
Deeper wrinkles and expression lines: Fine lines from your 30s may evolve into more defined wrinkles, particularly around dynamic areas of the face like the eyes (crow’s feet), mouth (nasolabial folds), and forehead. These wrinkles are often more resistant to topical treatments and may require in-clinic procedures for noticeable improvement.
Volume loss and facial hollowing: The gradual loss of subcutaneous fat, collagen, and bone density results in a sunken or deflated appearance especially in the cheeks, temples, and under-eye areas. This not only affects how youthful your face appears, but can also exaggerate the appearance of wrinkles and make the skin look looser.
Pigmentation and age spots: Years of sun exposure tend to catch up in your 40s, and you may see more pronounced areas of discolouration, uneven skin tone, or dark spots. These are sometimes referred to as “age spots,” “liver spots,” or “sun spots,” and are particularly common on the face, chest, and hands.
Texture changes and dryness: As natural oil production slows, skin may feel drier, more sensitive, or rougher in texture. This can make makeup sit unevenly and may highlight imperfections more than before.
Moving Beyond Basic Skincare
The 40s are a time to move beyond basic skincare and consider more advanced treatments. Aesthetic Physicians often focus on restoring volume, improving skin texture, and boosting collagen levels through a combination of topical treatments and in-clinic procedures.
Dermal fillers: Injectable fillers made from hyaluronic acid are highly effective in restoring lost volume in areas like the cheeks, temples, and under the eyes. They can also soften deep lines around the nose and mouth (nasolabial folds and marionette lines), helping to recontour the face and give it a more lifted, youthful appearance. Results are immediate and typically last 6–18 months depending on the type of filler used.
Laser treatments: If pigmentation, sun spots, or uneven tone are concerns, laser treatments can offer dramatic improvements. Fractional lasers target deep layers of skin to boost collagen production and resurface the skin, reducing fine lines, wrinkles, and scarring. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is especially effective for treating sun-induced pigmentation and can help brighten and even out skin tone over time.
Stronger chemical peels: In your 40s, an aesthetic physician may recommend deeper or medium-strength chemical peels that go beyond superficial exfoliation. These peels remove damaged skin cells, reduce the appearance of pigmentation and fine lines, and stimulate new cell growth for smoother, fresher-looking skin. Recovery time varies depending on the peel’s depth, but the results can be long-lasting.
Microneedling or radiofrequency treatments: These minimally invasive procedures stimulate collagen production by creating controlled micro-injuries in the skin. When combined with radiofrequency, they can further tighten the skin and improve texture, reducing the look of fine lines and sagging.
Updated skincare routine: In-clinic procedures should be supported by a strong at-home regimen. Your aesthetic physician may suggest:
1. A prescription-strength retinoid to encourage cell turnover and collagen renewal
2. A vitamin C serum for antioxidant protection and brightening
3. Richer moisturisers and barrier-repair creams to combat dryness and inflammation
4. Night creams that include peptides or growth factors for regeneration
Consistent follow-ups: Regular clinic visits are crucial in your 40s. An aesthetic physician can not only monitor for signs of skin cancer and pigmentation changes but also adjust treatments as your skin continues to evolve with age.
There’s no “one-size-fits-all” approach to skin ageing, but consulting with an aesthetic physician at the right time can help keep your skin looking youthful for longer. Call: 741 496 9509 to book your FREE consultation at DNCC.