Why Skin Changes After 40 - And What You Can Do About It

Written by an independent, certified dermatologist


As women reach their 40s and beyond, it’s completely normal to notice changes in the skin’s texture, tone, and overall appearance. What once worked in your 30s may no longer deliver the same results, and that can feel frustrating. But it’s also an opportunity to better understand your skin - and to take a smarter, science-backed approach to keeping it looking radiant, strong, and youthful.

From hormonal shifts to environmental stress, here’s what’s really going on beneath the surface; and the most effective ways to support your skin through the years.


1. The Collagen Clock Starts to Wind Down

One of the most visible signs of skin ageing is the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. After age 40, our body’s natural collagen and elastin production declines significantly. These two proteins are essential for keeping skin firm, plump, and smooth.

As a result, we begin to notice:

  • Smile lines deepening
  • Crows’ feet forming
  • Horizontal lines across the forehead
  • Skin becoming thinner and less bouncy

What helps?

Incorporating treatments that stimulate collagen production is key. Red LED light therapy is one of the most studied non-invasive treatments for this purpose. It penetrates deep into the dermis (layer of skin below the epidermis) to trigger fibroblast activity, leading to new collagen formation over time.

Near-infrared and deep infrared light go even further, supporting elasticity and firmness, particularly in areas like the jawline, cheeks, and neck.

To complement this, look for skincare with peptides, vitamin C, and retinol (used after LED treatments) to help improve texture and reduce the appearance of lines.


2. Skin Starts to Sag - Especially Around the Neck and Jaw

Another change many women notice after 40 is a loss of definition along the jawline and increased looseness in the neck area - often referred to as “turkey neck” or jowls.

This happens due to:

  • Collagen loss
  • Muscle laxity
  • Gravity taking its toll
  • Changes in fat distribution under the skin

What helps?

Combining LED light therapy with EMS (electrical muscle stimulation) can be particularly effective. EMS gently stimulates facial muscles to lift and tone sagging skin, while deep infrared light helps rebuild the underlying structure.

This combination, found in multifunctional devices like the Dermaglow LED & EMS Mask, allows for targeted support where the skin needs it most.

Don’t underestimate daily habits either; use upward motions when applying products, avoid looking down at phones for extended periods, and stay consistent with neck and jawline care.


3. Hormonal Changes Trigger Eczema and Rosacea Flare-Ups

The perimenopausal years can be especially tough on skin. Fluctuating hormones impact everything from sebum (oil) production to skin barrier strength. This can result in sensitivity, inflammation, and chronic conditions like rosacea or adult-onset eczema.

You may notice:

  • Persistent redness on cheeks and nose
  • Itchy, flaky patches around the mouth and eyes
  • Increased sensitivity to products or temperature

What helps?

For rosacea, green LED light therapy can be incredibly soothing. It targets inflamed blood vessels under the skin and helps reduce visible redness without triggering flare-ups. Yellow light also helps calm surface inflammation, while white light supports skin regeneration and barrier repair.

For eczema, red and deep-infrared light are ideal to reduce inflammation and support healing. White light again plays a role by promoting faster cell turnover and reducing flare-up frequency.

Topical care should focus on barrier-repairing ingredients like ceramides, colloidal oatmeal, and gentle non-fragranced moisturisers.


4. Dryness and Dullness Become the Norm

As oil production decreases, skin may feel more dry, tight, or look dull. You may also notice a loss of radiance and that makeup doesn’t sit as smoothly.

What helps?

Hydration is everything. Use hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and squalane to maintain moisture levels. Overnight masks and richer creams can help lock in hydration.

LED light therapy also supports hydration indirectly by improving the skin’s barrier and encouraging healthy cell function. Many users report a more radiant glow after consistent red and white light use.

Exfoliation also becomes more important - but stick to gentle, non-abrasive exfoliants like lactic acid or PHA a few times a week to encourage cell turnover without irritation.


5. Uneven Tone, Pigmentation, and Age Spots Appear

Sun exposure over the years begins to show up in the form of age spots, uneven tone, or hyperpigmentation — especially on the cheeks, forehead, and hands.

What helps?

Green light therapy is excellent for targeting pigmentation and encouraging a more even skin tone. Pair this with brightening skincare such as:

  • Vitamin C
  • Niacinamide
  • Liquorice root extract

Daily sunscreen is non-negotiable. Even indoors, UV and blue light exposure from devices can contribute to pigmentation.


Lifestyle Habits That Make a Difference

Skincare isn’t just about products and treatments — daily habits count too.

  • Sleep: Your skin regenerates overnight. Aim for 7–9 hours.
  • Hydration: Drinking enough water supports internal skin function.
  • Nutrition: Omega-3s, antioxidants, and plenty of fruits/vegetables support skin resilience.
  • Stress Management: Chronic stress raises cortisol, which can worsen rosacea, eczema, and ageing signs.
  • Consistent Routine: The best results come from consistent care over time — not one-off fixes.


The Takeaway

Skin changes after 40 are natural, but not irreversible. Understanding what’s happening beneath the surface helps you choose the right tools to support your skin’s health and beauty long-term.

Whether you’re dealing with fine lines, rosacea, eczema, or loss of firmness, combining targeted ingredients with technologies like LED light therapy and EMS can offer a real and visible difference.

For many women, a device like the Dermaglow LED & EMS Mask becomes an essential part of their self-care ritual - not just for beauty, but for confidence and wellbeing, too.

With the right information and consistency, your skin can look and feel stronger, calmer, and more radiant - well into your 50s, 60s, and beyond.