How many times have you been made to feel like your ageing skin is something to hide, not embrace? At UpCircle, we’re not on board with that messaging. We firmly believe that to age is a privilege, and our skin tells part of our story. That’s why, as the needs of our skin change, it’s important to support it, not fight against it.

Your 40s aren’t about reinventing yourself, more like quite the opposite. It’s a time to really lean into your sense of self and show up as your most confident, radiant self. Celebrating who you are shouldn’t come with caveats or clauses, and the same is true for your skin. 

Support your skin and give it what it needs, without wishing away what makes you, you. 

Let’s explore how your skin changes, how to work with it (not against it), and the best natural ingredients and products to support you – whether you’re dealing with dryness, oiliness, or just want that dewy glow.

How much does your skin really change?

Let’s get one thing straight: skincare over 40 doesn’t mean damage control. It means understanding the shifts happening and choosing products that nurture, protect and replenish.

Here are some changes you might notice in your skin as you move through life:

• Dryness: Your skin produces less oil, which can sometimes make it feel tight or flaky.

• Loss of elasticity: Collagen and elastin levels drop, which may lead to fine lines, particularly around the eyes.

• Hormonal changes: Fluctuations can cause oily skin or breakouts – yes, still!

• Dullness: Slower cell turnover can make skin appear less radiant.

It doesn’t need to be that way. By supporting your skin barrier, you can work with your skin, not against it. “Anti-ageing” isn’t part of our vocabulary. We don’t want to turn the clock back; we want to help support your skin through every experience to come. 

We know not everyone loves a 10-step nighttime skin routine, so here are some of our non-negotiables when it comes to skincare after 40.

Easy energising and protecting routine

Your morning routine should wake up your skin and protect it from daily stressors – think pollution, blue light and UV rays. But it shouldn’t feel like a complete chore with dozens of lotions and potions. Instead, focus on using quality natural products with hard-working ingredients.

1. Gently cleanse

Opt for a gentle cleanser that removes overnight build-up without stripping your skin of its natural oils. Steer clear of cleansers with sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), as this can be irritating on the skin and too harsh. 

Ingredients like oatmeal, shea butter, aloe vera, and glycerin work well in cleansers to add some of the moisture and hydration back into your skin.

Our Cleansing Face Milk is a creamy cleanser which works to restore the skin’s natural barrier. Formulated with moisturising aloe vera, skin-calming oat powder, hydrating glycerin, and skin-softening coconut oil, this cleanser helps to calm inflammation and irritation while repairing the skin barrier. 

If you aren’t a fan of liquid cleansers, our Fennel + Cardamom Chai Cleansing Bar is also formulated with glycerin and other nourishing ingredients like shea butter to leave the skin feeling smooth and hydrated. The green clay in this soap bar helps to draw toxins from your pores, which, in turn, helps to combat acne and breakouts. 

2. Add some hydration

When your skin is cleansed, it’s time to add some moisture. You can go as full-on in this section of the routine as you want, but a simple spritz and swipe works well. 

Firstly, use a Hydrating Face Toner to give your skin a quick boost and refresh. Our toner is formulated with fan-favourite hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin, salicylic acid to help clear pores and keep blackheads at bay, and soothing chamomile extract. 

Then, add some antioxidants to your skin, and use targeted ingredients in a Peptide Serum. Clinically proven to improve skin elasticity, this serum gives skin the support it needs through every stage of life. 

Formulated with niacinamide, vitamin C, and upcycled custard apple, this serum helps to boost collagen production and soothe skin irritations. Rich in upcycled blood orange water, this serum is an expert at brightening skin, as well as having regenerative properties that can help heal scars.

After your serum, choose a hard-working moisturiser that isn’t too heavy on the skin. Our Face Moisturiser with Vitamin E is nourishing, yet light and protective. 

Rich in Vitamin E to boost collagen production, skin-soothing cocoa butter, aloe vera and blood orange, this multi-award-winning cream is suitable for all skin types. 

3. Protect with SPF.

Yes, still. All day, every day, with no exceptions. SPF is your skin’s best friend, no matter your age.

Opt for a Mineral Sunscreen with skin barrier-supporting ingredients. In this SPF, naturally derived non-nano zinc oxide protects the skin from UVA and UVB damage, while powerful antioxidant raspberry seed oil defends against free radical damage.

Glowing skin after 40, naturally

Skincare goes beyond the products you physically put on your skin. To keep your skin as healthy and happy as possible, it takes a little more than a spritz of this and a drop of that.

Here are some ideas to support your skin and keep your skin barrier strong: 

• Consistency is key: Getting into a simple, consistent routine using minimal products does so much more for your skin than doing a 10-step routine once per month. 

• Prioritise hydration: We’re talking inside and out. Drink water and hydrate your whole self, while moisturising your skin.

• Massage your skin: Use your fingers, a gua sha tool, or even a muslin cloth to boost circulation.

• Sleep well, and stress less: We know it’s much easier said than done, but your skin can reflect your lifestyle, too.

Remember, we’re not chasing perfection. We’re encouraging you to show up for your skin with care, kindness, and a few powerhouse ingredients. Whether you’re experiencing dryness, breakouts, or just want a little more glow, the best skincare after 40 is the kind that works with your skin, not against it.

Here’s to skin that reflects how good you feel, not how old you are! Explore our range of sustainable skincare designed to help you get nourished skin, naturally.