Skin care tips for women in their 40s

Halle Berry. Demi Moore. Salma Hayek. Courteney Cox. What do these hot celebrities have in common? That's right: They are all in their 40s. Here are the skin care secrets that they already know -- and that will make 40 your hottest decade yet.

Skin care problems in your 40s

"The biggest problems women in their 40s face are dullness, deeper lines and crows' feet," says Dr. David Bank, president of New York State Society of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery. He explains that, as you age, a few things happen:

• Your skin produces less oil.
• Atrophy causes a reduction in the underlying fat and water.
• The cells' ability to repair and their rate of turnover decrease.

Dr. Joseph Broujerdi, a Los Angeles-based physician trained in plastic and reconstructive surgery and oral and maxillofacial surgery, says that loss of facial fat volume results in facial sagging.

Now that you know the problems, let's get to the treatment and prevention.

Skin care products

Because oil production decreases as you age, make sure you are using products that are not too drying. "Oil of Olay and Aveeno are good brands," says Bank. He also says to make sure your skin care products contain antioxidants, such as:

• vitamins A, C and E
• Co-Q10
• coffeeberry extract
• grapeseed extract
• green tea extract

He recommends facial scrubs once a week, such as Neutrogena Gentle Exfoliating Wash, to scrub dull skin away and keep skin looking fresh. "Bump up your nighttime routine from retinol to prescription-strength (and more potent) retinoid, like Renova," he says. "Consider using Botox or Dysport for the upper part of face." He also recommends considering facial fillers and laser treatments.

Dr. Bank's at-home treatment recipe for dull skin

Ingredients:
1 egg yolk at room temperature
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon EVOO
3 to 4 drops fresh lemon juice
3 to 4 drops pure vitamin E (28,000 IU from your health food store)

Directions:
Mix all ingredients and apply smoothly to your clean, dry face. Allow the mixture to dry completely before rinsing off. It will leave you with beautiful, glowing skin.

Skin care procedures

Broujerdi says there are procedures to combat the thinning and drooping of the facial muscles that leave deep lines and grooves and cause a tired look:

• Injectable dermal fillers (such as Restylane) to maintain facial volume
• Upper and lower eyelid surgery to rejuvenate the eyes and surrounding area
• Endoscopic brow, mid-face and neck lifts with minimal incisions to reposition the droopy facial muscles
• Fat grafting to volumize and lift the face
• Laser resurfacing to reduce wrinkles and tighten collagen
• Botox to prevent wrinkles

More skin care tips

Skin care tips for women in their 20s
Skin care tips for women in their 30s
10 Ways to prevent wrinkles