How to Build a Skincare Routine in Your 40s (And What to Leave Behind)
- Emmaline Tsui
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
I'm hitting that point now and next month I will be officially in my 40's! However, your 40s aren’t a bad thing—they’re your glow-up era! (that's what I'm telling myself at least!) But if your skincare shelf is still stuck in your 30s—or worse, your 20s—then it might be time for a little upgrade.
This is the decade when skin starts to shift. Collagen and elastin start their quiet exit, cell turnover slows down, hydration drops off, and your once-firm jawline may feel a bit… squishier. But don’t panic. This isn’t about overhauling everything—it’s about being smarter with your choices. A few targeted steps, the right actives, and a bit of consistency go a very long way.
Here’s how I help my clients (and myself) build an effective skincare routine in their 40s—and what I gently suggest they leave behind.
Step 1: Cleansing Is An Important Step
Gone are the days of splashing your face with water and hoping for the best. A good cleanse sets the tone for everything that follows.
Here are some of my favourites...
Cleansing Beauty Balm – An indulgent first cleanse that melts away makeup, sunscreen and the day, without stripping your skin.
Nimue Cleansing Gel – A second cleanse packed with a clever Triple AHA Complex to help exfoliate and brighten gently. (click here to order)
Revision Papaya Enzyme Cleanser – This one's fab for dull skin. It uses natural enzymes to buff away dead cells without any harsh scrubbing.
A proper cleanse will improve everything that follows—so don’t skip it.
Step 2: It's Time For Vitamin A (Your Retinoids/Retinals)
If you’re not using a form of vitamin A by now, it’s time. Think improved skin texture, softened lines, firmer tone, and all-around rejuvenation.
Here are my favourite options...
Nimue Retinal Power+ Serum – A beautifully formulated product with two encapsulated retinoids, offering serious rejuvenation without irritation. (click here to order)
SkinBetter Science AlphaRet Overnight Cream – A clinic favourite. Combines retinoid + lactic acid in a hydrating base. Great for visible results without that scary ‘retinoid reaction’. (Also, there is the AlphaRet Clearing Serum for those who struggle with breakouts as well) - (click here to order)
Skinade Derma Defence A & D – This daily supplement supports skin health from the inside out and is your 'drinkable' form of vitamin A and D, boosting immunity and regulating cell turnover. A brilliant add-on to your topical regime.
Step 3: Don’t Forget Your Collagen
What you put on your skin is important. But what’s going on inside matters too.
Skinade Collagen Supplement – This drinkable collagen is packed with high-grade marine peptides, vitamins, and antioxidants that help rebuild collagen, increase hydration, and support smoother, firmer skin. Taken daily, Skinade works on the dermal layer—boosting what topical products can’t reach.
I always tell clients: give it 90 days. That’s how long it takes to see the full benefit of Skinade and other collagen-supporting products like Calecim. It’s a marathon, not a sprint—but the results are worth it.
Step 4: Target Lines Like a Pro
Injectables aren’t your only option and for me, it's not something I want to pursue. Skincare can however work beautifully on fine lines and early wrinkles—if you’re consistent.
SkinBetter Science Interfuse LINES – This is a no-needle hyaluronic acid serum that targets deep expression lines. It plumps, hydrates and relaxes tension in the skin with clinical-grade actives and advanced delivery tech. Ideal for crow’s feet, forehead lines and smile creases. (I use this twice a day and it always comes with me when I'm travelling!) - (click here to order)
Step 5: Use An Anti-Ageing Moisturiser
Loss of elasticity is a real thing in your 40s—but again, it doesn’t mean you need drastic measures.
Calecim Multi-Action Cream – This is a powerhouse formula made with growth factors and skin-conditioning proteins. It works to firm, lift and improve skin density—especially around the jawline, cheeks and eyes. I love it as a pre-moisturiser treatment, both AM and PM.
Step 6: Gentle Exfoliation is Still Essential
You want glow—but not the irritated, overdone kind.
SkinBetter Science AlphaRet Peel Pads – A clever combo of AHAs and BHAs boosted with SkinBetter’s AlphaRet technology. These pads exfoliate, brighten, refine pores and help actives penetrate better—all without the drama of harsh acids. Use twice a week. (click here to order)
Step 7: Never Skip Sunscreen
Yes, even in winter. Yes, even in the UK.
Nimue Sun-C SPF 40 – Lightweight, broad-spectrum, non-chalky and antioxidant-rich. Protects from UVA, UVB and the environmental damage that speeds up skin ageing. (click here to order)
If you’re using vitamin A, acids or doing any kind of clinical skin treatment, sunscreen isn’t optional—it’s your daily non-negotiable. (Don't forget it comes in a tinted form too, but I always recommend a clear one as a base and then I apply a tinted over the top)
What You Can Leave Behind in Your 40s...
Harsh scrubs and alcohol-based toners
Trendy products that promise miracles in a week
Switching up your whole routine every time a new launch drops
Skipping SPF (seriously, stop it)
Expecting instant results from products that need time to work
Need a Hand Building Your Routine?
I understand—it’s a lot. That’s why I offer a free skin check-in—no booking, no Zooms, no filters required. Just fill out a short form, and I’ll send you a personalised routine based on your skin goals and current concerns.
Or, if you’d prefer a more in depth chat, book an online consultation with me and we’ll go through everything together—products, supplements, treatments and what to realistically expect from your skin.
I hope you've found this useful,
Thank you so much for reading,
Emmaline
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