Skincare by Decade: Your 40s Routine | Save 15%

Your 40s routine: a richer barrier, and a retinol you can use every night

Save at least €50 when you buy the four products together. Chosen by Professor Caitriona Ryan and Professor Nicola Ralph, Consultant Dermatologists and co founders of the Institute of Dermatologists.

In your 40s, skin often becomes drier, lines become more noticeable and pigmentation from earlier sun exposure starts to show. This routine pairs a nightly retinol with a richer ceramide moisturiser, because the retinoid only works if your skin is comfortable enough to use it consistently.

What is included

1. EltaMD Oil-in-Gel Cleanser

Massaged onto dry skin, the gel turns into a silky oil that lifts water resistant sunscreen, long wear makeup, pollution and excess oil. Add water and it rinses away as a light milk, leaving the skin barrier intact. Meadowfoam seed oil, vitamin E and turmeric root extract keep skin comfortable. Fragrance free and non comedogenic.

2. EltaMD Barrier Renewal Complex

A ceramide moisturiser with squalane, vitamin E and enzymes to replenish the skin's natural barrier. In a clinical study, it improved dry, compromised skin within 24 hours. Fragrance free.

3. Clinical Skin Retinol + Peptide Refining Serum

Pure retinol paired with bakuchiol, a gentler plant based retinol alternative, plus Palmitoyl Tripeptide 38 to support the skin's structure. Niacinamide and allantoin keep skin calm, so you get the renewal of a retinoid with less of the redness and flaking that make most people give up.

4. EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 (Untinted or Tinted)

A lightweight mineral based sunscreen with 9% zinc oxide and niacinamide. Oil free and non comedogenic, so it suits skin prone to redness and breakouts. Available untinted or with a sheer universal tint.

Why this routine in your 40s

Retinoids are among the most studied topical ingredients for ageing skin. The challenge at this age is not finding a strong enough product, it is staying consistent when skin is drier and more reactive.

Barrier Renewal Complex replaces the lighter moisturiser of the earlier routines, giving the skin more support morning and night.

How to use

Morning

1. Cleanse with the Oil-in-Gel Cleanser.
2. Apply Barrier Renewal Complex.
3. Finish with UV Clear SPF 46, applied generously.

Evening

1. Cleanse with the Oil-in-Gel Cleanser to remove sunscreen and makeup.
2. Apply the Retinol + Peptide Refining Serum.
3. Follow with Barrier Renewal Complex.

New to retinol? Start every 2 to 3 nights and build up to nightly as your skin adjusts. Always wear SPF the next morning.

Frequently asked questions

Who chose these products?

Professor Caitriona Ryan and Professor Nicola Ralph, Consultant Dermatologists and co founders of the Institute of Dermatologists.

My skin has become more sensitive. Can I still use retinol?

Yes. This serum includes bakuchiol, niacinamide and allantoin to keep irritation low. Start every 2 to 3 nights and build up to nightly.

Will this help with pigmentation?

Retinol and daily SPF both help with the look of uneven tone over time. Daily sunscreen is essential to stop pigmentation getting worse.

Can I use it if I am pregnant or planning a pregnancy?

The retinol serum is not suitable during pregnancy, while breastfeeding or if you are planning a pregnancy.

Looking for a different stage?

Browse the full Skin by Decade range, from teens to 80s.