Aging in Your 30s and 40s: A Guide to Skin Care

David Lortscher, MD, a dermatologist and founder of Curology Skin Clinic, says that people typically start to notice signs of aging in their 30s and 40s.

“The skin’s natural life cycle starts to slow down, which means discoloration, wrinkles, sagging, and decreased collagen production,” he says. Hormonal changes can also trigger adult acne, which may remind you of your teenage breakouts.

If you haven’t been using anti-aging skin care products in your 40s, now is a good time to start.

Dr. Lortscher uses vitamin C and retinoids in her prescriptions. These two topical ingredients have been backed by decades of research and clinical trials.

Retinoid creams, such as tretinoin, have a long history of clinical trials. They work to:

Stimulate collagen production

Prevent and treat wrinkles

Treat acne

However, there is one caveat with retinoids: They cause photosensitivity, so daily use of a high SPF, broad-spectrum sunscreen (at least SPF 50) is essential. (Even if you’re not using retinoids, sunscreen is always a must!)

Next to retinoids, topical vitamin C is a great option. Lortscher says it helps with:

Skin collagen production

Wrinkle reduction

Damage repair

This powerful antioxidant also fights hyperpigmentation, including acne scars and sun spots, and is a great brightener.

So a skin care routine in your 40s includes:

Retinoids

Vitamin C serum

SPF 50 sunscreen

With these essential products, you can take good care of your skin in your 40s and delay the signs of aging.

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 Medically reviewed by Amanda Caldwell, MSN, APRN-C — Written by Kate M. Watts — Updated on April 15, 2025