By the time you’re in your 40s, your skin has been through a lot. But that doesn’t mean you can’t fake like you’ve slept eight hours and avoided the sun all your life! Here’s some ways by how you can improve skin texture in your 40s and beyond, including the best treatments.

Enter skincare that can help improve skin texture, one of the ways your skin is predominantly affected by age. While smooth texture can make skin appear younger, tighter, and more plump, bumpy, wrinkled, or rough skin can draw more attention to the natural aging process.

Here, we have your step-by-step guide for improving skin texture in your 40s and beyond, as well as some of the best treatments for improving skin texture as you age.

Step One: Understand Why Skin Texture Changes

One of the biggest reasons skin texture changes over time is because collagen production declines in the skin.

Collagen is a protein that connects your tissues. In fact, collagen is the most abundant protein in the body. However, collagen starts to decline as we age. Collagen can also decline thanks to unhealthy lifestyle habits, such as drinking alcohol, smoking, not getting enough sleep, lack of exercise, and too much sun exposure.

Unfortunately, thanks to aging, collagen starts declining in your 20s and will continue to decline by up to 1.5% yearly. 

As collagen decreases, skin becomes less plump, more loose and thin, and even sag. The skin may begin to appear crepey or, in areas that have hyperpigmentation, rough and dark.

However, collagen isn’t the only thing responsible for changing the skin’s texture. Other factors that play a role include:

• Your skin’s oil production

Like collagen production, oil production slowly decreases as you age, especially after menopause. As a result, skin can be dry, and the skin barrier may become compromised. 

• Reduced skin thickness

Your skin naturally thins as you age, with less fat underneath the skin to make it look plump and youthful. 

• Sun exposure

 Over time, you can accumulate skin damage from ultraviolet (UV) rays. Sun damage can cause the skin to wrinkle, thicken, and become spotted with hyperpigmentation. 

• Medical conditions

 You may also have certain skin conditions, such as keratosis pilaris (also called chicken skin) or contact dermatitis that can make skin appear rough or bumpy.

• Dry skin

It’s no surprise that dry skin can cause a rough and bumpy texture. The skin may be visibly dehydrated, have a flaky texture, or even be itchy or cracked. 

• Dead skin cells

 If you haven’t been exfoliating regularly, dead skin cells can build up and influence your skin texture. 

Skin texture naturally changes as you age, but unhealthy habits can accelerate skin aging and bodily aging. So, what can you do once your skin texture has started to change? Here’s how to improve skin texture.

Step Two: Consider Products for Rough or Bumpy Skin

You can try some over-the-counter products to improve skin texture at home. Consider:

Tata Harper Resurfacing Serum

This brightening serum contains vitamin C and AHAs, and BHAs to reveal a smooth, even skin texture. Lactic acid, glycolic acid, squalene, Kakadu plum, sea buckthorn berry, arnica, and green tea are just a few of the star ingredients in this formula. Use on your face and neck morning and night for best results.

Live Botanical Glowing Honey Mask

Improve skin texture in just 15 minutes with this leave-on mask that includes raw honey, organic papaya, chia seeds, marshmallow root, and rosehip extract to get smooth skin and leave nothing but a glowing complexion. Apply and then gently rinse after 15-20 minutes.

Youth to the People Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Mask

Say goodbye to dehydrated and tired skin with this overnight mask. Vitamin C, super berries such as goji and acai, squalene, and powerful B vitamins help replenish the skin’s moisture. Use at night and apply on clean skin before bed—no need to remove. In the morning, proceed with your normal skincare routine.

OSEA Vitamin C Enzyme Polish

Use this powder to remove dead skin cells and leave your skin looking brighter in just a few seconds. The best part is that this exfoliant uses ascorbic acid, the most effective form of vitamin C, to help combat hyperpigmentation.

Biossance Squalene + Vitamin C Rose Oil

This oil hydrates and helps seal moisture with plant-based squalene and Damascus rose extract. It improves firmness, skin tone, and texture. All you need to do is press a few drops onto clean skin morning and night. You can also incorporate it into your foundation.

Step Three: Consider Professional Treatments for Improving Skin Texture

Fortunately, there are professional skincare treatments that can help improve your skin texture.

So what is the best treatment for improving skin texture? It will all depend on your unique skin type and any additional concerns you may want to address with your skin. However, some options may include:

• Microneedling

Research shows that microneedling can help improve skin texture, wrinkles, fine lines, and skin laxity with minimal downtime and repeated treatments. 

• Chemical Peels 

To improve skin texture, you might apply a range of chemical peels. Your derm may recommend a custom combination of active ingredients for your specific skin type. 

• Laser therapy

 Certain types of laser therapy, including pulsed light therapy, can make ways to improve skin texture and even hyperpigmentation, knocking out two concerns with one treatment. 

The best treatment for improving skin texture will vary, so ask your derm or skincare professional which ones could potentially help you based on your concerns. Professional treatments may also work along with lifestyle changes and at-home treatments for improving skin texture.

Step Four: Know Your Skin Type

YOUR skin type can influence skin texture changes, with dry skin types being more prone to rough skin, especially over 40. Do you know your skin type, or has your skin type changed with age? Find out your skin type now by taking our free assessment!