How to get rid of wrinkles after 40: what you can do at home and why go to the salon

Facial skin care products should be selected not only according to skin type, but also taking into account age. Only in this case can you count on the cream to “work.” What was effective after 30 years (vitamins A, E, C, hyaluronic acid and panthenol, vegetable oils and extracts) is no longer enough after 10 years, since metabolic and regeneration processes in the skin slow down.

To maintain aging skin and fight wrinkles after 40–45 years, stronger components are required. Of course, no cream will completely smooth out the skin, but it is possible to slow down the aging process and reduce the signs of age. Our rating of face creams after 40 years will help you choose a high-quality and effective product.

We analyze the composition of the cream after 40: what to look for on the label

When reading the composition, look at the sequence of components - they are written in descending order of concentration. Any cream has a water base, so water comes first. Luxury products are often made with thermal water. In others, it is purified filtered water. Those components that are in second and third place form the functional basis (to accelerate regeneration, anti-wrinkle, nourishing, moisturizing, etc.). The concentration of substances at the end of the list is minimal. To buy a product with a specific active substance, you need to look for it at the beginning or middle of the list. All components that prevent aging can be combined into several groups:

1. Substances that moisturize and retain moisture (hydrofixatives). Good anti-aging compounds are rich in hydrofixing agents.

• Hyaluronic acid (Sodium Hyaluronate) will not only provide deep hydration, but will also create a film on the epidermis that prevents moisture evaporation.
• Urea (Urea) is a hygroscopic substance of natural origin that not only retains moisture, but also prevents its evaporation.
• Glycerin is a good surface moisturizer. However, it can play the opposite role if its concentration in the product is high (it is in 2-3 place in the composition) and the air in the room is dry. Then glycerin will draw moisture from the dermis, further drying it out. It pulls out water where there is a lot of it.
• Aquaporins (AQPs) are membrane proteins that form water channels in the cell. These are conductors of moisture. They conduct not only water, but also other necessary substances (for example, urea and glycerin). There are many types of them, and they are designated by number, such as “AQP1, AQP2...13, etc.

Maybe you will be interested in reading about how to care for your facial skin after 40 years.

2. Antioxidants that neutralize the damaging effects of free radicals. These are one of the main components of anti-aging compounds. A good face cream after 40 years should include at least two components from this list:

• Retinol (Retinyl Palmitate) or the well-known vitamin A. It actively fights the signs of photoaging: pigmentation, wrinkles, uneven relief, and also accelerates cell regeneration and the synthesis of collagen and elastin. Retinol has a peculiarity: rapid destruction under the influence of the sun. It is better to use a night cream with retinol or a day cream, but with a sunscreen component. In daytime products you can often find not pure retinol, but various retinoid compounds.
• Coenzyme Q10 (Coenzyme Q10, Ubiquinone) - slows down the formation of wrinkles, protecting collagen and elastin from damage. Provides cells with energy, accelerating their renewal.
• Vitamins C (Sodium or magnesium ascorbyl phosphate) and E (tocopherol) work well in pairs, the first restores the second. Both also promote collagen synthesis, repair cells and even out the complexion.
• Alpha lipoic acid is also called thioctic acid. In addition to antioxidant properties, it has an anti-inflammatory effect, restores damaged collagen and elastin fibers, and evens out color.

3. Nutrient components. They will not smooth out wrinkles, but they will improve the appearance of the skin. A product with a predominance of nutritional components has a denser consistency. Night and winter care creams are especially rich in these substances.

• Oils (avocado, jojoba, olive, coconut, almond, shea butter and others) - they replenish the deficiency of epidermal fats, supporting its protective function, and retain moisture.
• Vitamin complexes - the already familiar A, E, C, as well as retinoids and a friendly team of B vitamins. The latter starts the process of repairing damage. Known for its healing properties, panthenol is provitamin B5.
• Plant extracts – organic cosmetics are especially rich in them. Aloe extract (juice) soothes, eliminates blackheads, flaking, and has antiseptic properties. Mallow extract is suitable for sensitive skin, enveloping and softening it. Green tea stimulates cell renewal, and grapefruit extract improves local immunity.

4. Lifting effect substances that tighten and form a clear facial contour. They restore elasticity, smooth out wrinkles and strengthen tissues. There are compositions with immediate lifting and delayed action. In the first case, there are polymer complexes (collagen, hyaluronic acid, albumin, carnauba wax) working on the surface. They fill in fine wrinkles, creating a smoothing and tightening effect. Once you wash everything away, “the carriage will turn into a pumpkin.” Long-term lifting products activate the synthesis of your own collagen and elastin, and stimulate the regeneration of the epidermis. The effect of use will not be noticeable immediately (at least a month of use is needed). What may be included in them:

• Peptides are short chains that form proteins. Unlike the latter, they are able to penetrate through the epidermis directly into the dermis. The opinion of cosmetologists is clear: a good face cream after 40 years with a rejuvenating effect contains peptides! Argireline (hexapeptide) is able to relax facial muscles, thus smoothing out wrinkles (“Botox effect”). Matrixyl (Palmitoylpentapeptide) activates collagen synthesis, lifting the bottom of the wrinkle. These two peptides are especially effective in eye creams after 40 years. Progelin (Trifluoroacetyl tripeptide-2) and Trilagen (Tripeptide-10) inhibit enzymes that destroy collagen.
• DMAE or dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE) is a substance that can effectively tighten the cheeks, eyelids and the entire oval of the face. There is debate about the long-term benefits of this ingredient. According to some data, it damages fibroblasts (dermal cells), causing the opposite effect - sagging tissue. According to other studies, DMAE does not have such an effect. Now the hype around it has subsided, and the substance is found in ingredients less frequently than it was a few years ago.
• AHA acids are natural fruit acids (malic, citric, glycolic, lactic) with an exfoliating effect. They stimulate cell regeneration, increase elasticity and reduce the number of wrinkles.

Read it, it’s very useful to know: what vitamin D is needed for and how to take it correctly.

Attention! Unsafe components of the composition:

• Anionic surfactants. These are sodium lauryl and laureth sulfate, sodium myreth sulfate (Sodium Lauryl / Laureth / Myreth Sulfate or abbreviated as SLS, SLES, SMS). They act aggressively on the epidermis, washing away the protective hydrolipidic film, tightening and drying it.
• Mineral Oil – clogs pores and can lead to comedones and pimples. The barrier function of the dermis decreases. The same applies to paraffin oil.
• Alcohol – safe concentration should not exceed 1%.
• Parabens (Propyl/Methyl/Butylparaben) are preservatives that can cause irritation and an allergic reaction. The hypothesis that these substances can cause breast cancer has not yet been confirmed.
• Phthalates (Diisononyl phthalate, DEHP) are substances toxic to the fetus; pregnant women should not use cosmetics with phthalates.

The list goes on, but it’s impossible to remember everything. If you find it difficult to understand the composition, check it using an online service. For example, go to ecogolik, copy the list of ingredients into the window and get a detailed breakdown with a product rating.

List of components beneficial for mature skin of the eyelids

1. Vegetable oils that moisturize and nourish the skin.
2. Hyaluronic acid , which creates intensive delivery of moisture to the cells of the epidermis.
3. Glycerin , which helps retain moisture in cells.
4. Vitamin-mineral complex that provides cells with the substances necessary for the construction and renewal of the skin. Also, this series of components increases blood flow and oxygen delivery to cells, helping the skin to “breathe”, giving it tone and a healthy color.
5. Coenzyme Q10 , which resists the destructive effects of free radicals on cells, stimulates the production of collagen and elastin.
6. Keratin , a substance consisting of a combination of protein and peptide compounds. It underlies the processes of collagen production.
7. Collagen filler ingredient that smoothes and straightens the skin of the eyelids, giving elasticity.
8. Protein components provide protection and resist aging.
9. Peptides that give skin elasticity and radiance.
10. Acids of fruit and lactic origin , renew cells, help the skin get rid of dead layers, giving the eyelids smoothness and softness.
11. Plant components in the form of extracts, extracts, and essential oils also have a positive effect on the mature epidermis, smoothing and nourishing.

How do Anti age creams differ?

I would like the cream to solve all skin problems, and even make me look 10 years younger. However, its capabilities are limited. Depending on the ability to solve a specific problem, there are:

• Day and night cream. During the day - hydration and protection, and at night the emphasis is on nutrition/recovery.
• Summer and winter. Skin of any type becomes drier in winter - you have to adjust your care. In winter, use formulations with vegetable oils and vitamins. Oils form a protective film on the skin, preventing moisture loss, and vitamins nourish it. For summer, simple help is enough - clean, moisturize and protect from the sun.
• For the skin around the eyes. This area is prone to swelling, pigmentation, rapid appearance of wrinkles and requires special care.
• Special (medicinal) compositions: anti-pigmentation, regenerating, matting, etc.

Top 8 best creams after 40 years: from budget to premium

L'Oreal Age Expert 45+

The famous French brand has released a range of budget anti-aging products - from 35+ to 65+. There are several such types in the line for the 45+ age category.

Day cream with an emphasis on lifting effect. Its task is to tighten the oval and smooth out facial wrinkles. Active ingredients: retino-peptides (complex of provitamin A with peptides), prickly pear flowers and soy proteins. Capryloyl salicylic acid exfoliates and tightens pores, glycerin moisturizes, and vitamin E provides antioxidant protection. Can be applied under makeup.

The night cream is supplemented with nutrients: oils (apricot, shorea), extracts (yeast, from rye grains). The basis continues to be lifting components (retino-peptides, soy protein). Caprylyl glycol, derived from coconut, has an antibacterial effect. Among the undesirable components it contains mineral oil. Both types are suitable for use in the cold season and are not intended for oily skin.

Day cream “sculptor” is an ambulance for the face, neck, right down to the décolleté. It copes with three tasks: protection, moisturizing, tightening the contour. It is distinguished from other products by the presence of instant lifting components (hyaluronic acid, protensil, lipo-hydroxy acid), panthenol and sun protection factor (SPF 15). In the latter case, the number 15 is the average level of protection, which is suitable for summer. Convenient packaging with dispenser. Approved for use by any skin type, including as a base for makeup. Of the entire line, it collected the maximum positive reviews (90%). It can be used all year round, but, according to customers who have tried it, the product is better suited for summer, off-season, even down to sub-zero temperatures.

Cream for the skin around the eyes with the main active ingredient – ​​proretinol (provitamin A). It contains caffeine (reduces puffiness), many nourishing oils (apricot, shea, rosehip oil), vitamin E. Capryloyl salicylic acid has a mild exfoliating effect. Undesirable components include alcohol and mineral oil. The manufacturer recommends applying the product in the morning and evening, but testing customers note the greasy consistency, recommending use in winter. Judging by the reviews, it perfectly moisturizes and relieves swelling, but the lifting effect is not very noticeable.

Librederm Collagen

This is an anti-aging collection aimed at fighting wrinkles from a Russian manufacturer. Its goal is to compensate for the deficiency of collagen, the main structural protein of the dermis. It includes several facial care products:

• day cream to restore radiance and even skin tone SPF 15,
• night cream to reduce wrinkles and restore firmness,
• collagen rejuvenating cream for the skin of the eye contour,
• Collagen rejuvenating cream for the face, neck and décolleté.

The entire line contains a collagen molecule, which gives an instant lifting effect. However, collagen itself is a large molecule and cannot penetrate the epidermis, acting only on the surface. The manufacturer promises to reduce wrinkles within a couple of weeks of daily application due to a unique “biomimetic molecule.” This component of the composition works with wrinkles. However, what this mysterious substance from the list is is not entirely clear. Reviews about the product are good, 80% are satisfied and note the moisturizing effect, economical consumption with a small jar volume (50 ml). The day cream is suitable as a makeup base for any skin. Judging by the reviews, it still does not smooth out wrinkles.

Mizon Collagen Power Firming Enriched

Mizon is a Korean brand known for anti-aging products based on natural ingredients. The Collagen Power line uses marine collagen obtained from fish skin as an active component. It is closest in structure to human. Firming Enriched is a good nourishing and moisturizing face cream with an instant lifting effect. The composition is enriched with peptides, amino acids, vegetable nourishing oils, without parabens and alcohol. Suitable for all skin types. The “power of collagen” series includes several more products: lifting cream, tightening cream and cream for the skin around the eyes. A 50 ml jar costs about 1500-1600 rubles. Judging by the reviews, the product copes with the task of nutrition and hydration. However, any type of collagen (marine or animal) does not penetrate the skin, as the manufacturer indicates.

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti Wrinkle cream

Neutrogena is a Norwegian skin care cosmetics company. Night cream with retinol for the face, as well as vitamin E, panthenol, and plant extracts will provide deep hydration and smooth out fine wrinkles. Doesn't clog pores, suitable for all skin types. According to reviews, it copes poorly with deep wrinkles.

Attention! Those who are looking for a product with a high content of retinol need to look at the composition. In one version of the product it is in the middle, and in another it is at the end (as a preservative).

For a 40g package you will have to pay about 1400 rubles. The product is quite capable of coping with the initial signs of aging.

You might be interested in knowing which whitening creams are used for the face against age spots.

LA ROCHE-POSAYREDERMIC C

LA ROCHE-POSAY is a division of L'Oreal that distinguishes itself by using thermal water rich in selenium in its products. Anti-aging care of the REDERMIC C series includes several products with a high content of ascorbic acid:

• REDERMIC C anti-wrinkle (normal/combination skin),
• REDERMIC C10 intensive correction,
• REDERMIC C anti-wrinkle (dry skin),
• REDERMIC C skin around the eyes.

The content of ascorbic acid is 5-10% depending on the type of cream. The active ingredients include Sodium Hyaluronate, tocopherol, and antioxidant madecassoside. Suitable for sensitive skin. According to reviews, the composition is able to eliminate redness and pigmentation of the skin, makeup is easy to apply to it, and wrinkles really go away. Despite the fact that the product is used sparingly, its price is steep: for a 30 ml tube you will have to pay about 2,700 rubles. This is 6 times more expensive than L'Oreal Age Expert, where a 50 ml jar costs about 400 rubles.

VICHY Liftactiv Supreme

VICHY is a L'Oreal brand. The Liftactiv Supreme series provides immediate effect and long-term lifting. After application - quick visual camouflage of wrinkles. Adenosine tightens the skin, caffeine reduces swelling, and rhamnose accelerates the synthesis of structural proteins of the dermis. There are several products in the line:

• Lift activ Supreme JOUR-DAY (day cream for normal skin),
• Lift activ Supreme NUIT-NIGHT (night cream),
• Lift activ Supreme YEUX/EYES (around the eyelids).

Hypoallergenic, paraben-free composition suitable for sensitive skin. The manufacturer promises a noticeable smoothing of wrinkles after a month of daily application. Reviews do not confirm this, but in 90% of cases they note changes in facial skin for the better: it takes on a healthy appearance. The product has a greasy consistency and is suitable for the cold season. For a 50 ml jar you will have to pay 2600-2700 rubles.

Christina Wish Radiance Enhancing Cream

“Christina” is an Israeli brand of therapeutic professional cosmetics. Cream that improves complexion based on vitamins and AHA acids for ages 40+. The effect is achieved through gentle exfoliation and stimulation of epidermal cell renewal. Suitable for all skin types.

Attention! This cream is not for daily use. You need to apply the product before bed only 2 times a week, without touching the area around the eyes.

It lightens age spots, moisturizes, and skin tone becomes even. There are several more effective creams in the WISH anti-aging line: night, day SPF12, for the area around the eyes SPF8. For a 50 ml jar you will have to pay about 3500 rubles. Judging by the reviews, the price meets expectations. The product fully copes with its stated tasks.

Lierac Premium velvety anti age cream

Premium series of French pharmacy cosmetics Lierac for ages 45+. In addition to the “velvety” one, it also includes a cream with an original texture and a multi-corrector cream for the eye contour. A special feature of the line is the Premium Cellular complex, consisting of FX hexapeptides, terpenoids, black orchid, poppy and black rose extracts. The complex starts restoration processes inside the dermis. Hyaluronic acid moisturizes, and a nourishing concentrate with floral oils leaves the skin velvety. It is suitable for any skin type and throughout the year. A significant drawback is the price - for a 50 ml jar you will have to pay almost 10,000 rubles. You also need to know that after opening the shelf life becomes short, only three months.

Revitonics works the facial muscles

These are special facial exercises against wrinkles, they are also called facelifting. By working the facial muscles, the skin will gradually even out. There are many video tutorials, but the first thing you need to do is warm up your facial muscles with a moisturizer. Then let them prepare for a stronger impact - slightly pull in different directions. And only then start training: strain certain muscles in different ways, helping yourself with your hands. It is recommended to repeat each exercise 10 times. In total, allocate 30 minutes a day for training three times a week.

Pros: simple exercises are completely safe. Sometimes they look like grimaces, which make you smile and lift your spirits.

Disadvantages: revitonics is ineffective against irreversible age-related changes in the skin, when deep furrows have already appeared on the face. In addition, the result will be noticeable only after a month.

There is also the so-called lazy Facebook building.
These are microcurrents - special muscle stimulation using low voltage current. But this is already a salon procedure. Ekaterina Borisova Cosmetologist-esthetician

Features of the composition of the cream after 50 years

You should not select products based on the number in the passport, only on the condition of your skin or on a specific problem. All the same components of the composition after 40 are also relevant for ages 50+. The difference is that after 50, the skin is no longer as responsive as it was 10 years ago, and it takes longer to achieve results. There are a couple more components that are welcome in the composition:

• Phytoestrogens are extractive substances from plants that are similar in structure to estrogen (however, they are not estrogen and do not disrupt natural hormonal levels). There are many of them in clover, hops, and red grapes. Despite their other name, “phytohormones,” they are not hormones. They have a beneficial effect on the skin by stimulating estrogen receptors. The synthesis of collagen and elastin is activated, elasticity increases and wrinkles are smoothed out. Products with phytoestrogens should not be used if the hormonal background is still normal (up to 45 years).
• Probiotics are not live bacteria, which are familiar to us as components of drugs of the same name for dysbiosis. Fragments of microorganisms or their enzymes are added to the composition to increase the protective properties of the skin. The main task is to support the local immunity of the skin, which begins to suffer with age. Creams with probiotics should not be combined with other products due to the possible interaction of active components.

User voting

Which face cream after 40 years will you choose or recommend?

Intensive Rebuilding Moisturizer (Prescriptives)

4.76 % ( 1 )

Resolution D-Contraxol (Lancome)

14.29 % ( 3 )

Laura (Evalar)

4.76 % ( 1 )

Neovadiol (Vichy)

9.52 % ( 2 )

MesoCream (Belita)

19.05 % ( 4 )

Anti-wrinkle protection 35+ (Garnier)

9.52 % ( 2 )

Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Cream (Neutrogena)

0.00 % ( 0 )

Total Effects 7-in-1 (Olay)

0.00 % ( 0 )

Liftactiv Nuit (Vichy)

14.29 % ( 3 )

Benefit (Shiseido)

0.00 % ( 0 )

Q10 Plus (Nivea)

0.00 % ( 0 )

Total Effects Night Firming Cream (Olay)

14.29 % ( 3 )

Compare which face cream is better after 50 years

Five tips from a cosmetologist for anti-aging facial care

When to start anti-aging care

Skin aging is an individual process. Some girls, noticing small wrinkles in the corners of their eyes, begin to use an anti-aging product. This may not be a sign of aging, but a consequence of the habit of squinting your eyes. But anti-age cosmetics can even harm young skin. The other extreme is to wait for the first obvious signs of aging at 40, especially at 50. When should you change your regular cream to an anti-age composition?

Attention! A signal of the onset of age-related changes will be how quickly the skin can recover from stress. A sleepless night or a hard day at work, and then your face looks tired for a long time. It's time to include anti-aging care products and lead a healthy lifestyle. If you still missed time, don’t despair - you can always change the situation for the better!

To each his own

Reading online reviews about specific products can be a waste of time. Consult a specialist or do your own research on what is needed for your type of facial aging. For example, the finely wrinkled type needs intensive hydration, and the deformed type needs help in eliminating puffiness (the skin already retains moisture well). If you start intensively moisturizing a face that is aging according to the deformation type, you will only worsen the situation.

One is not a warrior in the field

Anti-aging care is not limited to the selection of just one cream. Basic care includes cleansing, toning, moisturizing and nourishing. To cleanse the skin, you need to wash the entire area - from the face to the décolleté with an anti-aging product (foam, gel, etc.). You need to use a tonic to remove any remaining “wash.” Now you can moisturize and nourish. This role is assigned to the cream (day/night). If your skin is dry, and the wrong “wash” dries it out, then the cream will correct the situation - only while it is on your face.

The anti-aging effects are not endless

After properly selected anti-aging products and a care regimen, you notice an improvement: your face becomes fresher, wrinkles are smoothed out, and swelling decreases. This may last six months or a year until a plateau is reached. Afterwards, the skin does not change. It's good if this happens. It is impossible to achieve a girl's face with the help of skincare products at 50 years old.

Where can I buy

A pharmacy or a professional salon, but not in a mass market store. If a product is cheap, you should think about its quality. Anti-aging creams contain components that are expensive to obtain (collagen, hyaluronic acid, etc.). Therefore, a quality product cannot cost a penny.

Age-related changes in the face cannot be avoided, but every woman can live her age beautifully. A competent selection of facial skin care products is the first and main step of your transformation!