One of my favorite comedians is Orny Adams. Part of his routine is claiming women should have lower expectations for men since men are essentially stupid. He claims it is important to lower the bar because women expect too much and men cannot meet their expectations.

Another favorite says that men are so gross he doesn’t know how women live with us. He points out that men are too concerned with women’s looks and should be more concerned with their partner's ability to lift their end of the couch.

While I agree that this is true many times, let’s put the shoe on the other foot. Do women not owe it to their partners to look their best? While it is amazing how makeup can improve one’s looks, what about waking up to a partner with great-looking skin without makeup? Should we not care for our partner enough to always look our best?

Remember when you looked your best and the look you received when you looked terrific. If you want to keep your partner, you owe it to them to feel and look your best.

Your Skin is a Reflection of Your Inner Health:

As we age, our skin becomes more than just a reflection of how we look — it mirrors our overall health and well-being. For women between 40 and 60, achieving radiant, youthful skin is still entirely possible, but it requires a combination of healthy lifestyle choices, proper skincare, and mindful self-care practices. Whether you’re aiming to minimize wrinkles, improve texture, or simply regain your natural glow, here are essential tips to help your skin stay luminous and healthy.

1. The Connection Between Skin and Health

Your skin reveals much about your internal health. Healthy, glowing skin speaks volumes about how well your body is functioning on the inside. This means that achieving radiant skin is not just about using the right products — it’s also about maintaining your body’s health.

In today’s world, many women are increasingly mindful of what they put in their bodies and on their skin. There’s a rising trend toward using natural and organic products, which avoid harmful chemicals that can accelerate skin aging. Meanwhile, practices like yoga, meditation, and mindfulness are gaining popularity because they help manage stress, which can deeply affect the skin.

2. The Top Three Factors That Influence Skin Health

To achieve beautiful, radiant skin, there are three major factors you should consider:

A. Inner Health and Diet

The foods you consume play a critical role in your skin’s appearance, especially as you age. To maintain your skin’s elasticity and glow, focus on a diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Incorporate foods high in Vitamin C (like citrus fruits), Omega-3 fatty acids (found in salmon and flaxseed), and collagen-boosting ingredients (such as bone broth). Personally, I eat salmon once a week.

• Avoid heavy, processed foods that can cause inflammation and breakouts. Learn to shop in the outer isles of the supermarket where the fruits and vegetables are. Avoid foods in the inner isles.
• Hydrate! Water is vital for keeping skin plump and hydrated. Aim for at least 8 glasses a day to support detoxification and skin hydration. Better yet, learn to listen to your body. It will tell you when to drink.
• Gut Health is directly tied to skin health. An imbalanced digestive system can lead to skin issues like breakouts, dryness, or dullness. Probiotic-rich foods such as yogurt or supplements can enhance gut health and, in turn, improve your complexion.

B. Skincare Routine: Less is More

Many women in their 40s and 50s battle with dryness, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone. As skin changes, so should your skincare routine. Opt for products that are designed to nourish, hydrate, and protect aging skin. Turning your skin over by using a retinol or retinaldehyde product actually keeps your skin healthy.

• Use Gentle Cleansers: Harsh cleansers can strip the skin of its natural oils. Opt for products that hydrate while they cleanse, such as cream-based or oil cleansers.
• Choose Anti-aging Serums and Moisturizers: Look for products with ingredients like retinol, hyaluronic acid, and peptides. These help smooth out fine lines and boost collagen production, giving your skin a youthful plumpness.
• Sun Protection: The sun is one of the biggest culprits when it comes to premature aging. Always wear sunscreen with at least SPF 30, and if possible, choose a product with physical blockers like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
• Exfoliate regularly to remove dead skin cells, but be gentle. Exfoliation encourages cell turnover, which keeps the skin fresh and glowing.

C. Mental Wellness: Mind Over Matter

Stress can wreak havoc on your skin. Cortisol, the stress hormone, can break down collagen, leading to wrinkles and sagging skin. To keep your mind and skin in harmony:

• Practice Meditation: Just 20 minutes of daily meditation can help manage stress and improve your overall well-being, which shows on your skin.
• Stay Active: Whether it’s yoga, walking, swimming, or in my case, pickleball, physical activity boosts circulation and oxygenates the skin, giving it a healthy glow.
• Sleep Well: Your skin regenerates while you sleep, so aim for 7–8 hours of quality rest each night. Lack of sleep can lead to dark circles, puffiness, and a dull complexion. And if able, consider a nap during the day; it’s great for stress relief and rejuvenation.

3. Products Matter: Choose Natural, Organic Skincare

Women increasingly are turning to natural and organic skincare products to avoid the harsh chemicals found in many commercial brands. Look for products that are free from sulfates, parabens, and artificial fragrances. At BARE SkinCare, our products are designed with pure, organic ingredients that work in harmony with your skin to nourish and protect it. And just FYI, as you age natural products will not do much for wrinkles. Adding a good cosmeceutical product will do wonders.

• Physical Sunscreens: These protect against UVA/UVB rays without causing irritation. Pair with long sleeves, hats, and sunglasses when outdoors.
• Hydrating Masks and Treatments: Once or twice a week, treat your skin to an at-home spa experience with a hydrating mask rich in antioxidants and peptides. This can instantly refresh tired, stressed skin.

In Conclusion

Achieving radiant skin after 40 is a blend of good nutrition, smart skincare choices, and nurturing your mental health. Your skin reflects your overall lifestyle, so treat your body and mind with the care they deserve. BARE SkinCare is here to help you on that journey, with products designed to enhance your natural beauty, leaving your skin glowing, vibrant, and youthful.