By the time we reach our 40s, most of us know a fair bit about skincare. We know we should cleanse, moisturise and wear SPF. We’ve probably tried our fair share of serums, masks and miracle ingredients along the way too!
But knowing more about skincare doesn’t necessarily mean we’re getting everything right. In fact, some of the habits we’ve followed for years (or picked up in an attempt to tackle fine lines, pigmentation and dullness) could be doing our skin fewer favours than we think!
Keep reading to discover 9 skincare mistakes so many of us over 40 make, and more importantly, what to do instead!
Why does your skin change in your 40s?
If your skin suddenly seems to have developed a mind of its own, there’s a reason for it. As we move through our 40s, collagen and elastin production gradually decline, cell turnover slows and our skin can produce less of the natural oils that help keep it soft and supple.
Hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause can also affect everything from hydration and sensitivity to breakouts and pigmentation, while skin can become thinner and less efficient at holding onto moisture.
Skin that once felt fairly balanced may now feel drier, more dehydrated or sensitive. Fine lines can become more noticeable, pigmentation may become more visible and you might find that products you’ve happily used for years simply aren’t giving your skin quite what it needs anymore.
Which brings us to your skincare routine. While we can’t stop these natural changes from happening, there are a few common skincare mistakes that could be making things harder than they need to be.
Mistake #1. Using the same skincare routine you’ve had for years
Found a cleanser and moisturiser you love and haven’t looked back since your 30s? It might be time to check they’re still right for your skin. There’s of course nothing wrong with sticking with products if you feel they are still working for you, but your skin’s needs can change considerably throughout your 40’s.
For example, the lightweight moisturiser you love, may no longer provide the nourishment your skin really needs. Or perhaps your routine simply isn’t addressing concerns such as pigmentation, fine lines or loss of firmness that weren’t on your radar 10 years ago!
What to do instead: Take a fresh look at your skin rather than automatically replacing every product in your bathroom. How does it feel after cleansing? Does it still feel comfortable by the end of the day? What concerns would you actually like to address now?
You may only need to make one or two changes, perhaps adding a targeted serum, switching to a more nourishing moisturiser or introducing an ingredient such as retinol. The best routine is the one that suits the skin you have today, not the skin you had ten years ago.
Mistake #2. Over-exfoliating your skin
As cell turnover naturally slows with age, exfoliation can be brilliant for removing dead surface cells and helping skin look smoother, brighter and fresher. The problem comes when we assume more exfoliation must mean better results!
Exfoliating too frequently, scrubbing too aggressively or combining several exfoliating acids can compromise your skin barrier, leaving your complexion feeling tight, dry, sensitive or irritated.
What to do instead: Don’t stop exfoliating! Just be sure to choose a gentle exfoliator and use it sparingly. How often you exfoliate will depend on your skin and the product you're using, but you certainly don't need to scrub away at your skin every day! once or twice a week is sufficient.
Try: Pevonia Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser. It’s creamy formula combines natural jojoba beads to gently polish away dead surface cells, helping to smooth rough texture and brighten dull-looking skin without leaving it feeling stripped or dry. It’s a great option if you want the benefits of cleansing and gentle exfoliation in one easy step.
If you’d prefer to avoid physical exfoliation, we also highly recommend Phytomer’s Vegetal Exfoliant with Natural Enzymes. This beautifully gentle enzyme-based formula encourages natural cell turnover without the need for scrubbing. It’s suitable for even sensitive or rosacea-prone skin, making it a great choice if your complexion is easily irritated.
Wondering if you might have overdone it on the exfoliation? Read 8 signs of over-exfoliated skin and how to treat it.
Mistake #3. Not giving your skin enough hydration
One of the most common changes we notice in our 40s is that skin simply doesn’t hold onto moisture quite as well as it used to.
And dehydration doesn't necessarily mean dry, flaky skin. Your complexion might look dull, fine lines can suddenly appear more pronounced or your face may feel tight even though you're faithfully applying moisturiser every day.
It’s also worth remembering that dry and dehydrated skin aren't the same thing. Dry skin lacks oil, while dehydrated skin lacks water, and you can actually have oily skin that’s dehydrated.
What to do instead: Think beyond moisturiser alone. Adding a hydrating serum containing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid can help boost hydration, followed by a moisturiser to help keep that precious moisture where you want it.
Try: Pevonia Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Serum is one of our favourites for thirsty skin. Rich in hyaluronic acid, it delivers an intensive hit of hydration and helps leave dehydrated skin looking plumper, smoother and fresher.
If your skin still is particularly dry, a nourishing face oil can provide an extra layer of comfort, while a hydrating mask once or twice a week is perfect when your complexion needs a little more.
Need some additional inspiration? Discover 5 hydration heroes for seriously thirsty skin.
Mistake #4. Skipping SPF (or only wearing it when it’s sunny!)
If there’s one skincare habit worth being consistent about at any age, it’s sun protection so of course we couldn’t write this list without mentioning SPF! The problem is soo many of us still skip SPF especially in the winter months! Even though UV exposure contributes to many of the changes we associate with visible skin ageing, including pigmentation, fine lines, uneven texture and loss of firmness. And the exposure that adds up over time isn’t limited to hot summer days or afternoons spent lying on the beach!
UVA rays are present throughout the year, including on cloudy days, which is why SPF needs to be an everyday habit rather than something we reach for only when the temperature rises.
What to do instead: Apply a broad-spectrum SPF every morning as the final step in your skincare routine, and remember to include your neck, décolletage and other exposed areas.
Not sure which formula is right for you? Read our guide to choosing the best sunscreen for your skin.
Mistake #5. Using too many active ingredients
Retinol, vitamin C, AHAs, BHAs, peptides...there are so many brilliant skincare ingredients available now that it can be tempting to use all of them!
And when fine lines, pigmentation, dullness and loss of firmness all seem to be demanding our attention at once, it's understandable that we want to tackle everything at the same time! But throwing too many active ingredients at your skin (particularly when you're layering strong formulas or introducing several new products at once) can lead to dryness, irritation and sensitivity.
What to do instead: Be strategic. Choose active ingredients based on the concerns that matter most to you and introduce stronger formulas gradually. You don't necessarily need to use every active every day or at the same time.
More isn't always better when it comes to skincare. A few carefully chosen products used consistently will usually serve your skin far better than an overflowing bathroom cabinet.
Mistake #6. Neglecting your skin barrier
We spend so much time thinking about wrinkles, pigmentation and firmness that it's easy to forget about our actual skin barrier!
Think of your barrier as your skin's protective outer layer. It helps keep moisture in and external irritants out. When it becomes compromised, skin can feel tight, dry, sensitive, itchy or irritated and products that normally feel perfectly comfortable may suddenly sting.
What to do instead: Give your skin plenty of gentle, nourishing support alongside all those clever active ingredients. Look for ingredients such as ceramides, hyaluronic acid, peptides and niacinamide, and if your skin is feeling particularly reactive, simplify your routine while it recovers.
Try: Pevonia Age Correction Marine Collagen Cream is a lovely option for skin that needs both hydration and barrier support. Rich in ceramides, hyaluronic acid, marine collagen and peptides, it helps replenish moisture while leaving dry, mature skin feeling softer and more comfortable.
Want to understand your barrier a little better? Read Barrier repair skincare: Why strengthening your skin barrier is a must.
Mistake #7. Ignoring your neck and décolletage
We can be incredibly diligent about caring for our face, but how many of us actually spend time giving our neck and decolletage the same attention?
The skin on your neck and décolletage is thinner, contains fewer oil glands and is frequently exposed to UV, yet these areas are often left out of our daily skincare routine. Over time, dryness, pigmentation, fine lines and crepey texture can become particularly noticeable here.
What to do instead: Start treating your neck and chest as an extension of your face. Take your skincare down a little further and, most importantly, remember SPF.
Try: Phytomer Décolleté Parfait Neck and Décolleté Renewing Care is specifically formulated for this delicate area. The lightweight gel-cream deeply hydrates while helping to smooth the appearance of fine lines and creased skin and improve the look of firmness and uneven pigmentation.
Find out more in Why your neck and décolletage age faster than your face (and what to do about it).
Mistake #8. Changing products too often
We’re constantly being introduced to new ingredients, products and skincare trends, so it’s hardly surprising that we’re tempted to keep trying something new.
The problem is that if you change several products every few weeks, it becomes very difficult to know what’s actually working. Constantly introducing new active ingredients can also increase the likelihood of irritation.
Skincare generally works best when you give it some consistency.
What to do instead: Build a routine around a few well-chosen products that suit your skin and give them a proper chance to work.
That doesn't mean you should persevere with something that is clearly irritating your skin or isn't suitable for you. But if a product feels good and contains ingredients suited to your concerns, resist the urge to replace it simply because something newer has caught your eye.
Which leads rather nicely to our final mistake...
Mistake #9. Expecting results too quickly
We’d all love to apply a serum on Monday and wake up looking noticeably younger by Friday, but unfortunately skin doesn’t work that way!
Some benefits can be seen or felt relatively quickly. A good hydrating mask, for example, can leave skin looking plumper, smoother and more radiant almost immediately.
But concerns such as pigmentation, fine lines, uneven texture and loss of firmness take considerably more time to address. Ingredients such as retinol need consistent use before you can properly judge the results.
What to do instead: Be realistic about what your skincare can achieve and how long it may take and give it time to work. Focus on consistency rather than constantly searching for the next miracle product and be realistic about what different products can achieve and how quickly.
Most importantly, good skincare isn't about trying to make your skin look 25 again. It's about keeping it healthy, comfortable and looking its best at every age.
So, is it time to update your skincare routine?
Looking after your skin in your 40s doesn’t necessarily mean using more products or creating a complicated routine. In fact, quite often it means doing the opposite.
Remember to pay attention to what your skin needs now. Cleanse gently, keep it well hydrated, protect it from UV, choose active ingredients carefully and give the products you use enough time to do their job!
A few thoughtful changes to the habits you already have could be all your skin needs.
