3 Seriously Impressive Anti-Ageing Solutions For 40+ Skin

There’s no escaping it – we’re all getting older. We’re an ageing population concerned about lines and wrinkles, frantically googling how to prevent or get rid of them. I’ve always used anti-ageing skincare, but since turning 40, I want more. Firming ingredients and sculpting technologies are entry-level for my routine nowadays.

Luckily for me, there’s been a flurry of new premium face products packed full of high-tech ingredients all aimed at the 40+ category, designed to give mature skin a new lease of life. Historically, applying a firming moisturiser has been the answer to common signs of ageing. However, lightweight serums, essences and concentrates appear the new way to lift – is this the new way to tackle wrinkles, sagging and dull skin? If my results are anything to go by, it’s a resounding yes…

 

#1 The Brightening Essence

Best for: Dull skin, dark spots, pigmentation, fine lines, wrinkles.

Image of model applying Clarins Nutri-Lumiere Treatment Essence and bottle with texture image
Product name: Clarins Nutri-Lumiere Treatment Essence

Texture: A lightweight, watery consistency with a creamy feel to it.

What will it do?
• Rejuvenate and brighten skin while helping to reduce dark spots and pigmentation caused by ageing to encourage an even and glowing complexion.
• Help to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles.
• Firm and tighten.
• Refine skin by naturally removing dead skin cells without any harsh scrubbing thanks to its chemical exfoliant action.

When and how to use it:
Use in the morning and the evening as the first step – after cleansing and before any serums, moisturisers or oils. Massage either directly to the skin, or apply with a cotton pad and sweep across the face.

The technology:
One of the key benefits of the Nutri-Lumiere Essence is that it improves the skin’s micro-nutrient network. But what does that mean? Skin nutrients decline as we get older, weakening the skin’s natural barrier and its ability to function as efficiently as it used to – this causes dull-looking, dry skin. Two active ingredients: organic horse chestnut flower extract and horse chestnut escin nourish the skin deep down, helping to rebuild this network of nutrients so that skin appears more luminous. It also has a chemical exfoliating action thanks to flower acids included in the formula, which will give you brighter, smoother skin with continued use.

What it did for my skin:
After using the essence twice daily for seven days I saw an improvement in the texture and brightness of my skin. Although I’m not technically in the 60+ category this essence is specifically aimed at, at 40 I’m starting to see fine lines and wrinkles all over my face – this essence really helped to smooth them out and also gently lightened areas of pigmentation. For such a quick and easy step, I’m really impressed with the results I’ve seen in a week and can’t wait to see what impact it will have on my complexion after a month.

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#2 The Skin Plumping Serum

Best for: Hydration, firming, improving tone and texture.

Image of model applying Lancome Absolue Oleo Radiance Revitalising Serum and bottle with texture image
Product name: Lancome Absolue Oleo Radiance Revitalising Serum

Texture: A thick-gel serum with a creamy lightweight texture.

What will it do?
• Regenerate the complexion at a faster rate than normal which will help make skin look more luminous and improve skin tone and texture.
• Intensely hydrate for a plumping effect that will help to smooth out any fine lines or wrinkles.
• Give you firmer, brighter and more supple skin.

When and how to use it:
Use Oleo Revitalising Serum in the morning after you’ve cleansed and applied your toners and essences. Dispense a little into your hand and massage all over your face.

The technology:
This anti-ageing serum packs a punch, which is why it’s so effective for more mature skin. Lancome laboratories incorporate three different types of rose extract (known as the Grand Rose Extract): Lancome Rose™ (made from over 1000 roses and used for its regenerating powers), centifolia rose and rose damascena to increase skin regeneration. How they’re extracted from the rose (it’s the same process used in biotechnology!), means that the ingredients are more potent and as a result highly effective. It will quickly help to improve the skin’s tone and texture as well as leaving it soft and luminous.

What it did for my skin:
This plumping serum promises hydration and boy, does it deliver. I have dry skin that seems to get dryer throughout the day but also oily around my t-zone. Not only did this super-serum help to reduce the pesky fine lines on my forehead, but it also kept any shine at bay, as though it was somehow regulating my complexion. When I applied my makeup, it blended easily and didn’t cling to any dry patches like it used to do before I started using the serum. Since I’ve been trialling it, I’ve noticed an improvement in my skin texture; it looks smooth, but not oily or overburdened. I love the sweet and slightly floral smell too, and that it feels so fresh on the skin.

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#3 The Overnight Youth-Enhancer

Best for: Defining facial contours, smoothing wrinkles, firming.

Image of model applying GUERLAIN Orchidee Imperiale The Sleeping Serum and bottle with texture
Product name: GUERLAIN Orchidee Imperiale The Sleeping Serum

Texture: A watery oil texture.

What will it do?
• Reduces puffiness – facial contours are defined and wrinkles smoothed by morning thanks to its draining and decongesting properties.
• Firms skin while regenerating it overnight to reveal a fresh and luminous face by morning.

When and how to use it:
This sleeping serum is designed to be used at night only. Apply it after you’ve cleansed your face, before any other heavier serums or creams, using your hands or a facial roller to pat into the skin.

The technology:
The Sleeping Serum decreases fluid retention in the skin that can happen overnight. Lying down causes our hypoxia peak flow (fluid drainage) to slow down due to the lack of oxygen in our skin, which makes the face appear ‘puffy’. The overnight serum contains Night Cell Respiration™ that smooths skin overnight while it decongests, plus Orchidarium® to help to regenerate the skin for a more youthful effect.

What it did for my skin:
Is the sleeping serum worth the hefty price tag? Yes. After just one use, I woke up to a smooth complexion with less puffiness (one of my main ageing concerns). And, after a week of using it every evening before going to bed, I noticed that my facial contours look more defined and my annoying little fine lines were less apparent. It keeps my dry skin hydrated, and I’ve seen that my makeup applies a lot more easily too, and I don’t have to use as much. If you are looking to invest in premium anti-ageing skincare that actually works, this is the serum you need.

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Discover More:

4 Ingredients Every Anti-Ageing Routine Needs
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