Skin Troubles at 40

[JanesJewels]

I'm wondering if anyone else noticed their skin taking a nose-dive shortly after turning 40? I'm 40 and a half. A few months ago I began a religious skincare routine using great products, from Shiseido and Lauder, but my skin is not responding. It always responded very well to really good products of this type before. But now my skin remains dull, has brown patches, is ghost-white no matter how much sleep I get (no rosy cheeks here), has eye wrinkles where I didn't a year ago, and is generally blotchy too. So it's just a ton of discoloration broken by sickly-pale skin and wrinkles that are fast-forming, it seems.

Two questions: Can turning 40 do this to you? Can really bad stress (bereavement, social isolation) do this to you?

To answer my last question, my diet has been terrible for at least the last year. If anyone else has been through a period where they didn't get enough nutrition for whatever reason, did it make your skin look like this? Mine has always been pale with some discoloration, but it would respond to products and it always had a slight "sheen" for want of a better word, but now it's completely dull despite the good products (including exfoliation and masks). What is really unfair is that I've always avoided the sun and I've never smoked! I guess the brown patches might be due to hormones.

I've just switched to Lauder's brightening Cyber White products so I'll see if that helps. I'm using eye serum plus eye cream religiously on the eye wrinkles but I doubt whether it will really help.

Please let me know your post-40 experiences with your skin! Is this normal? Just part of aging? It's a bit dispiriting, especially when I've been trying hard with the skincare. That stuff isn't cheap, and using it properly twice a day takes time, too. I mean, I can cover it all up with makeup and look OK, but I so wish my natural skin looked better.

Never, ever go into a brightly lit all-white Swarovski store with no makeup on. That's when I saw how bad my skin really was!

Look forward to hearing your experiences with your skin post-40.

Thanks!

 

[missy]

Hi JanesJewels, I am sorry you are going through these issues and unfortunately I can relate. Though my skin took a nosedive in my late 30's (diagnosed with rosacea then) and then calmed down after a year or so on meds but now once again started acting up terribly late 40's.

I know skin problems can be related to hormones (peri-menopause and menopause) and diet and stress so yes to all of those. Though my diet was pretty much always stellar IMO I did cut out dairy in my late 30's and think it helped. Gluten could also be an issue as well as chocolate, tomatoes, etc. Google it for things that might be a culprit for skin issues. Clean up your diet and see if that helps.

Also skin reflects what is going on in the inside so it can be a clue as to what else is happening. I wish I had some amazing advice for you but the best I have is to recommend stress management (meditation, doing things that you enjoy and relax you and just being aware of stress and not letting it get to you-easier said than done), healthy diet full of veggies and lean protein and no processed foods, drink plenty of fluids preferably water, exercise regularly and get enough quality and quantity sleep and use a minimum of ingredients on your face.

Sending you healthy skin vibes and hoping you are feeling much better very soon. (((Hugs))).

 

[Ally T]

I feel your pain! I am the same age & will be 41 in three short months. Gulp!

I have always been very good & thorough with my skin, no expense spared. But over the last couple of years it has gone through changes. I came off the pill as I felt it wasn't agreeing with me & I didn't like the potential risks to my health, which sent my skin very dry & blotchy within about 2 months. Since then it has settled, but I have had to alter my facial routine a couple of times. I think falling oestrogen has kicked in with me, possibly peri-menopausal, and its just dried me out pretty much all over, skin, hair, the lot. So I eat super healthily, lots of oily fish, avacados, exercise, multivitamins & good facial & body oil. It has made me normal again. I use an organic Rosehip oil & organic olive oil shampoo & conditioner with no additives. Takes a bit of adjustment, but these things combined are working for me.

Good luck with finding something that works for you & try not to worry too much, as our bodies are usually very good at adjusting over time

 

[telephone89]

Stress & poor nutrition can absolutely contribute - you aren't nourishing yourself from the inside out. I would keep with your current routine (unless you wanted to try something more inexpensive), and start taking care of yourself more. Eat right, exercize, lots of water and try to destress. Maybe try meditation or yoga. Are you drinking alcohol? While a bit per day isn't harmful, it can cause dehydration in higher amounts, which can also contribute to dull looking skin. Cutting back (if you are) might be helpful as well. And keep in mind, you are your own worst critic! I'm sure the sales associates at the store didn't even notice your skin.

 

[LetItShine]

I'm 44. My under eye area was a wrinkly mess a couple months ago. Just kind of came out of nowhere. I was doing a no carb diet. Was very strict for 6 weeks until the holidays. My eyes were a mess! Nutrition plays a big role. In my case, I think the wrinkles came from dehydration. I was drinking lots of water but carbs really "plump" you up. I suggest eating only healthy carbs though, not the processed junk. Also, where do you live? If you live in a cold climate and the furnace is constantly running make sure you have a humidifier on it. Dry household air isn't good for your skin...or your wood

 

[iluvshinythings]

I love my dermatologist. She recommended skin care from Obagi and Revision. The difference is amazing and I used to buy Estee Lauder and the like. There are also laser treatments that can reduce age spots and restore a youthful glow.

I'm 48, but my skin looks pretty good and I used to tan all the time.

I also notice a huge difference when I clean up my diet. When I'm avoiding processed foods, my skin clears up. When I start binging on carbs and crap my skin breaks out.

 

[momhappy]

What you're seeing is probably the result of what's going on in the inside as opposed to the outside. In other words, fancy skin care products can't make up for a lack of healthy nutrition. 40 is not a magic number where everything starts to go bad (skin, etc.), so until you start taking care of yourself (in terms of diet, nutrition), you're going to experience limited results with any topical products.

 

[missy]

I disagree about aging not changing one's skin momhappy. It sure does. Hormones, thinning of skin, loss of elasticity, accumulation of sun damage just from exposure over time even with sunscreen UV gets through, gravity, sagging skin and thinning epidermis, hyper pigmentation and age spots...I could go on. So yes aging affects the skin.

As do other things as I wrote in an above post and that includes diet and proper nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress, hydration etc. But I just had to add that age certainly does affect one's skin.

 

[Calliecake]

Janes Jewels,

I'm sorry you are dealing with this. I'm in my fifties and I can tell you from my experience and that of my friends, your skin will go thru many changes due to aging and hormones as Missy stated above. I also think a lot of how our skin looks comes down to genetics as well.
You have had to deal with a lot of stress this past year. I'm sure that has also played a role as well as your diet.

 

[momhappy]

I disagree about aging not changing one's skin momhappy. It sure does. Hormones, thinning of skin, loss of elasticity, accumulation of sun damage just from exposure over time even with sunscreen UV gets through, gravity, sagging skin and thinning epidermis, hyper pigmentation and age spots...I could go on. So yes aging affects the skin.

As do other things as I wrote in an above post and that includes diet and proper nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress, hydration etc. But I just had to add that age certainly does affect one's skin.

I didn't say that aging has nothing to do with it and I certain didn't say that aging doesn't have any effect on the skin, so I'm not sure what exactly you disagree with
What I did say, however, was that knowing what JanesJewels has been going through (I have read/followed her other thread on coping with bereavement/loss), that perhaps her particular skin issues are more likely the result of that, which is simply my opinion. Obviously, skin ages and aging skin can present itself in various forms. However, JanesJewels posted that she has been grieving, eating very poorly, etc. and to me, that seemed like an underlying cause more so than hitting the magic age of 40…..

 

[missy]

Jane's first 2 questions:

Two questions: Can turning 40 do this to you? Can really bad stress (bereavement, social isolation) do this to you?

Yes to both. Absolutely as we age our skin changes and does not bounce back like it once did. And as Callie wisely pointed out genetics plays a role as with most health issues. So rather it is most likely a mixture of conditions and not just one element affecting Jane's skin. From my experience, it was aging and stress that was the trigger and so it may be with Jane.

Jane, wishing you peace, happiness and health. You have been through a very stressful ordeal and hoping with time and rest and some good energy things improve.

 

[momhappy]

^Not sure if your post is directed at me, but it seems that we agree. Aging skin is a product of any number of factors including age itself, genetics, lifestyle choices, and environmental factors. Each individual's experience is different

 

[JanesJewels]

I am so grateful for all the good advice in this thread. I really am. I didn't know that diet could affect your skin so much. Having always avoided the sun, and never smoked, and having seen how great my mom's skin always looked, this is just quite a shock to me, especially considering that 40 isn't that old. My mom took care of her skin in terms of using Clinique fastidiously, but she didn't use any of the more complex stuff like the serums, and she sure did like the sun. Her skin looked good until her last four months when she began to look drawn. So I just assumed that sun and smoke avoidance, and good products, would work for me, too. But yes, the last year has been dreadful, with some really unexpected social changes. There hasn't been a lot of laughs, let's put it that way. And my sleeping has been awful, too. I go to bed and worry about everything.

I am going to get back to healthier living like I used to, and I'll give it six months with that and the Lauder CyberWhite products and then see where I am.

If that fails, I might look into laser treatments. The before and after pictures are quite compelling. I'm not entirely sure if I want to start down that road, though. It's expensive and tempting to do more procedures. I might decide to do my best with healthy living and good skincare and then decide to live with it. The "do your best and then let it go" school of thought.

Thanks so much to everyone who has responded here, and for all the excellent advice. I really am grateful.

 

[Calliecake]

Jane Jewels,

Not getting enough sleep may also be part of the problem. I meant to ask you if you have lost weight? If you get too thin that also can make a huge difference the older you get. A couple extra pounds can do wonders for your face as you age.

I hope things get easier and happier for you soon. I'm so sorry you have had such a hard year. I also wanted to say if I am remembering correctly you are a fair skinned blond and you posted a picture of yourself at one point. You really are beautiful and are being way too hard on yourself.

 

[JanesJewels]

There is a photo of me as a baby in the bereavement thread - brown eyes and the beginnings of hair that will be dark-ish like my mom's in that photo. It lightens somewhat in the sun. My skin is really pale right now as it's winter, but is medium. It tans easily, but not evenly. That's why I'm having so much trouble with pigmentation, I think.

 

[MishB]

Stress, poor nutrition, dehydration, lack of sleep etc can certainly leave your skin looking less than it's best.

However, I doubt this is responsible for brown pigmentation patches, therefore removing those factors won't take the splotches away but will possibly give you an improvement in the overall look and feel of your skin.

My skin has always been fairly free of wrinkles but I've had rough, blotchy, dull skin most of my adult life.

In the last year I've been using a range of products prescribed by my skin care specialist and having regular microdermabrasion and Max RF skin needling. The improvement has been quite dramatic.

I'm 46, and I did notice a dramatic deterioration in my facial appearance (mostly skin/muscle laxity) in the last 5 years or so, it's a rapid downhill slide.

By all means take care of your general health, but find a good skin care specialist and prepare to invest some time and money if you really want to stave off the ravages of time.

 

[arkieb1]

Yes to everything the others have said, as you age the hormones in your body change and this has a huge impact on skin thinning age spots etc. So does stress, lack of sleep and poor diet so it is probably not one thing but a combination of things that are impacting on you. I used to own a small cosmetics company, I am no particular fan of Lauder skin products, I believe that there are both cheaper products you can get from the supermarket that are comparable which you can read about in books like "Don't go to the cosmetics counter without me"

http://www.paulaschoice.com/shop/Shop-Paulas-Choice-Books/_/Dont-Go-to-the-Cosmetics-Counter-Without-Me-9th-Edition/

Or more expensive but specific targeted creams you can buy from dermatologists and specific skin clinicians that IMHO work better. As the others have suggested a laser session or even micro dermabrasion from a reliable clinic will also do wonders to lift a tired complexion.

 

[RgnaGrge]

What we eat could also greatly affect our skin. One simple example is when we drink too little water, it will show in our skin. For some, it results in dry skin and in a lot of people, their oil glands compensate by producing more oil leading to oily skin. At 40, we should be more mindful of our diet and maybe try some treatments over at a skin clinic or use products that our skin will respond to. I'm sure it will help a lot.

 

[CJ2008]

What I notice mostly in my skin is dullness in my face. Where when I was younger I loved a matte face now I *need* super moisturizing creams to add a little shine back to my skin, especially if I am going to wear foundation.

I've been using Avene's Trixéra+ Selectiose Emollient Cream - it's expensive, but I like it. It has just enough "greasy" to not only make my skin look more supple but also to make foundation not stick to any dry patches or look overly matte which I think makes me look older.

I definitely notice my skin looks best when I am eating clean, drinking tons of water, and not drinking wine.

I've had laser on my face and chest and my forearms for redness and it made a huge difference in giving me more even skin tone.

I also swear by sunscreen and keeping my skin protected from the sun to help it from getting redder and avoiding sun spots.

 

[Yimmers]

I'm 2.5 years shy of 40 and my skin has already drastically changed. I used to have oily skin but now it's dry, sensitive and prone to eczema outbreaks. It all started when I tried out Giorgio Armani foundation - it was super drying and made my skin break out in hives. I'm finding out now that I'm also sensitive to sunscreens with oxtinate (sp). It also coincided with when my horrible ex-doctor made me go on Metformin, claiming that I had PCOS. My new fertility doctor had me drop the medication, but my skin hasn't been the same since.

These days I stick to micellar water and Cerave as my facial cleansers. I've managed to use some Korean based skin moisturizers without incident as well. As long as I avoid my cheeks, the rest of my face can handle most skin products just fine. I am now looking to get some retinol and some hyaluronic acid for plumping. Not going too expensive with those, since I'm testing that stuff out.

My mom looks young for her age because she used skin care products fastidiously (she used to be an Estee Lauder fan but now is all about Amore Pacific). She was never about the matte - she was always about the dewy look, which is coincidentally, all the rage now. I should have followed her advice about that. I think I'm paying for years drying out my skin.

I would have have told my younger self to:

1) Use more serums and better skin care to maintain elasticity
2) Use more sunscreen
3) Drink more fluids
4) Not snub Botox and stop wrinkling the forehead
5) Don't forget about the neck and décolletage

 

[pregcurious]

I agree with the other posters that your diet is probably having big effect, but you may also be experiencing hormone fluctuations due to premenopause. I noticed that my skin gets really dry and loses that glow immediately after having a baby. My OB said that one's estrogen takes a nose dive after childbirth (temporarily), and I am getting a taste of menopause. I've found that using a good moisturizer (even Olay is fine), cleansing with a mild cleanser, eating well (no processed food, lots of fruits and vegetables), hydrating (water and eating lots of soups), and taking a multi-vitamin helps a lot. Be kind to yourself.

 

[azstonie]

What I notice mostly in my skin is dullness in my face. Where when I was younger I loved a matte face now I *need* super moisturizing creams to add a little shine back to my skin, especially if I am going to wear foundation.

I've been using Avene's Trixéra+ Selectiose Emollient Cream - it's expensive, but I like it. It has just enough "greasy" to not only make my skin look more supple but also to make foundation not stick to any dry patches or look overly matte which I think makes me look older.

I definitely notice my skin looks best when I am eating clean, drinking tons of water, and not drinking wine.

I've had laser on my face and chest and my forearms for redness and it made a huge difference in giving me more even skin tone.

I also swear by sunscreen and keeping my skin protected from the sun to help it from getting redder and avoiding sun spots.

CJ, please tell me which laser and how many treatments you had! Pretty please and thank you!

 

[CJ2008]

What I notice mostly in my skin is dullness in my face. Where when I was younger I loved a matte face now I *need* super moisturizing creams to add a little shine back to my skin, especially if I am going to wear foundation.

I've been using Avene's Trixéra+ Selectiose Emollient Cream - it's expensive, but I like it. It has just enough "greasy" to not only make my skin look more supple but also to make foundation not stick to any dry patches or look overly matte which I think makes me look older.

I definitely notice my skin looks best when I am eating clean, drinking tons of water, and not drinking wine.

I've had laser on my face and chest and my forearms for redness and it made a huge difference in giving me more even skin tone.

I also swear by sunscreen and keeping my skin protected from the sun to help it from getting redder and avoiding sun spots.

CJ, please tell me which laser and how many treatments you had! Pretty please and thank you!

Of course!

I've used the VBeam mostly - on the chest I had about 4-5 treatments...forearms about 3...face 2 or 3. All done at pretty high/purpuric level except for on the face (although I did have a few spots on the face go purpuric). It takes about 2-3 weeks for the purple spots to subside (which is why I don't go as high on the face.)

 

[blingbunny10]

I used to have oily skin but now it's dry, sensitive and prone to eczema outbreaks. It all started when I tried out Giorgio Armani foundation - it was super drying and made my skin break out in hives. I'm finding out now that I'm also sensitive to sunscreens with oxtinate (sp). It also coincided with when my horrible ex-doctor made me go on Metformin, claiming that I had PCOS. My new fertility doctor had me drop the medication, but my skin hasn't been the same since.

These days I stick to micellar water and Cerave as my facial cleansers. I've managed to use some Korean based skin moisturizers without incident as well. As long as I avoid my cheeks, the rest of my face can handle most skin products just fine. I am now looking to get some retinol and some hyaluronic acid for plumping. Not going too expensive with those, since I'm testing that stuff out.

My mom looks young for her age because she used skin care products fastidiously (she used to be an Estee Lauder fan but now is all about Amore Pacific). She was never about the matte - she was always about the dewy look, which is coincidentally, all the rage now. I should have followed her advice about that. I think I'm paying for years drying out my skin.

Agree with all of this! I'm not in my 40s, but have the same kind of skin. Oily, dry, sensitive, prone to outbreaks. I spent so much of my younger days using harsh products from the derm that I am convinced ruined my skin. For awhile, my skin would turn red and blotchy just from trying clothes on at the mall.

A mild, gentle approach has worked for me and I don't need to use foundation anymore. I am also trying to use products that are less toxic. I plug every ingredient into the database at EWG (Environmental Working Group) to vet new products. I also make sure to give my skin a break every week or two by not putting any serums or creams on at night.

Some products I really like:

-micellar water in PM
-mild salicylic face wash and a soft charcoal face puff -- once or twice a week
-hyaluronic acid AM/PM -- Wonderful stuff! My dry cheeks are not plump and very soft.
-Korean or Japanese nutrient serum PM
-French mineral water spray-- Helps with sensitivity

I am still looking for a good sunscreen, if anyone has one they particularly like.

 

[ZestfullyBling]

I'm wondering if anyone else noticed their skin taking a nose-dive shortly after turning 40? I'm 40 and a half. A few months ago I began a religious skincare routine using great products, from Shiseido and Lauder, but my skin is not responding. It always responded very well to really good products of this type before. But now my skin remains dull, has brown patches, is ghost-white no matter how much sleep I get (no rosy cheeks here), has eye wrinkles where I didn't a year ago, and is generally blotchy too. So it's just a ton of discoloration broken by sickly-pale skin and wrinkles that are fast-forming, it seems.

Two questions: Can turning 40 do this to you? Can really bad stress (bereavement, social isolation) do this to you?

I've just switched to Lauder's brightening Cyber White products so I'll see if that helps. I'm using eye serum plus eye cream religiously on the eye wrinkles but I doubt whether it will really help.

Please let me know your post-40 experiences with your skin! Is this normal? Just part of aging? It's a bit dispiriting, especially when I've been trying hard with the skincare. That stuff isn't cheap, and using it properly twice a day takes time, too. I mean, I can cover it all up with makeup and look OK, but I so wish my natural skin looked better.

Look forward to hearing your experiences with your skin post-40.

Thanks!

I empathize with you. My skin changed at 40. I was told it has to do with our hormones changing. I never had a problem until I turned 40. So I started a skin regimen.

I now use Mary Kay Clear Proof® Acne System. I can only say this has worked for me. Before I started this system I had a lot of blemishes and discoloration from acne and ache flare ups. Now my skin is clear, even in tone and smooth as butter. When I do have a pimple that tries to appear i use this system then put a dab of organic coconut oil on it and it disappears. I LOVE this product!!!

 

[jerichosmom]

Before trying laser (too invasive for me) I would recom mend looking into red light therapy. I'm over 40 and this has been my saving grace! I refuse to do injectable (and I live in Lalaland, home of botox and plastic surgeons) and my skin has completely (almost!) Returned to my luminous 20 yr old glow! I picked up a discounted Lightstim and saw results right away but got turned off by the time commitment. This past Xmas I found a good sale on the DPL 2 light panels and handed over my credit card. I absolutely love looking in the mirror after each treatment! It's only been 2 weeks but I feel it's taken off years off my face! The pores are smaller, skin tone is more even, wrinkles smoothing out and I'm rosier (which is a hard thing to imagine being Asian). I know I sound like a bad infomercial but it might be worth trying since it's not topical (you've already committed to certain products) and non-invasive. I lay the panels on my face and listen to music for 8 minutes. That's it. Plus, you can use it for pain management also (I've used it on my hubby's sore ankle and a stubbed toe and both stopped hurting withing 2 days). Maybe get one from someplace that has a good return policy or buy a used one from Craigslist. I got mine for $227 (Xmas sale) from Hollywood beauty secrets.com and it has a 30 day return. I've seen the original (smaller panels) on ebay for $160 new. Handhelds can be found for under $100 like my Lightstim but we're a PITA as you have to move it around every 3 minutes and took 30 minutes to finish the entire face.

This is just my 2 cts since it hadn't been brought up as an alternative.

 

[Ellen]

JJ, I came across this gal not too long ago when searching about Kefir (which is supposed to help acne, it's a probiotic). Her before and after photos are jaw dropping. She definitely is in the camp of what you put in you will come out on your face, along with emotional health. Anyway, I feel for ya and thought this might be of some help. She has a variety of product recommendations, short videos, etc. nice site.

http://thelovevitamin.com

 

[missy]

Before trying laser (too invasive for me) I would recom mend looking into red light therapy. I'm over 40 and this has been my saving grace! I refuse to do injectable (and I live in Lalaland, home of botox and plastic surgeons) and my skin has completely (almost!) Returned to my luminous 20 yr old glow! I picked up a discounted Lightstim and saw results right away but got turned off by the time commitment. This past Xmas I found a good sale on the DPL 2 light panels and handed over my credit card. I absolutely love looking in the mirror after each treatment! It's only been 2 weeks but I feel it's taken off years off my face! The pores are smaller, skin tone is more even, wrinkles smoothing out and I'm rosier (which is a hard thing to imagine being Asian). I know I sound like a bad infomercial but it might be worth trying since it's not topical (you've already committed to certain products) and non-invasive. I lay the panels on my face and listen to music for 8 minutes. That's it. Plus, you can use it for pain management also (I've used it on my hubby's sore ankle and a stubbed toe and both stopped hurting withing 2 days). Maybe get one from someplace that has a good return policy or buy a used one from Craigslist. I got mine for $227 (Xmas sale) from Hollywood beauty secrets.com and it has a 30 day return. I've seen the original (smaller panels) on ebay for $160 new. Handhelds can be found for under $100 like my Lightstim but we're a PITA as you have to move it around every 3 minutes and took 30 minutes to finish the entire face.

This is just my 2 cts since it hadn't been brought up as an alternative.

I will second this. I don't do it anymore but I actually did red light therapy (Greg built me a unit) for a couple of years due to my rosacea and I believe it helped.

VBeam is invasive and I did it about 6 times over 2 years and it took me 4 months each time to recover. And this was not on the bruising setting. So I caution anyone considering laser to do their research on each laser and their homework to find the best doctor possible before going ahead with it. I also had KTP laser which did not help IMO. I am not even sure the VBeam helped at all.

The red light seemed to be more beneficial. It has many reported benefits. If you google red light therapy you can read all about it and see what you think. I just might dig out my RLT unit that my dh built for me and start using it again!
Attaching 2 pics of the unit Greg built me years ago. I think he made me this unit in 2007.


As for probiotics I eat cultured/fermented veggies and it is a good way to get all the beneficial bacteria you need. I eat a serving every day right before dinner. Fermented foods are among the most healthy for you.