By Dr Ed Robinson – a leading non-surgical aesthetics doctor and founder of Dr Ed Robinson Aesthetics, a medically led aesthetics and wellness clinic based in Cheshire and Harley Street, London.
Our 40s and 50s bring a new set of skin challenges. Collagen and elastin production declines, the skin becomes drier and thinner, and this combined with hormonal changes can make pigmentation and blood vessels appear on the surface. This often makes previously reliable routines feel less effective. The good news? With the right approach, skin in midlife can still look vibrant, strong, and luminous.
Here are five non-negotiable skincare habits everyone should adopt in their 40s and 50s.
1. Rethink Cleansing: Gentle is the New Strong
As we age, our skin barrier (the top layer of skin referred to as the epidermis) becomes more delicate, and harsh foaming cleansers or scrubs can strip away essential oils and damage the protective layer. In your 40s and 50s, it’s time to swap aggressive formulas for gentle, hydrating cleansers.
Top Tips:
- Use cream, oil, or micellar water-based cleansers that remove impurities without over-drying.
- Avoid cleansing with hot water, which can worsen dryness; lukewarm is ideal.
- Resist over-cleansing – once in the evening (to remove SPF and makeup) and optionally in the morning is plenty.
2. Double Down on Daily SPF
Sun damage is the biggest accelerator of skin ageing, responsible for up to 80% of the changes you see at the surface in terms of ageing. Even in the UK, on cloudy days, UVA rays break down collagen and cause pigmentation.
Top Tips:
- Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every single day, even in winter.
- Apply it as the final step in your morning skincare routine, and don’t forget areas like the neck, chest, and back of hands.
- Choose formulas designed for the face to avoid clogging pores or interfering with makeup.
3. Introduce Retinoids – But Do It Gently
Retinoids (vitamin A derivatives) are some of the most evidence-backed ingredients for improving fine lines, skin texture, and collagen production. But midlife skin can be more sensitive, so starting slowly is key.
Top Tips:
- Begin with a low-strength retinol 1–2 nights a week, gradually increasing frequency.
- Always moisturise well and avoid mixing with exfoliating acids on the same night.
- Apply at night and remember that consistency over intensity yields better long-term results.
4. Prioritise Hydration and Barrier Repair
With age, our skin loses the ability to retain moisture. A dry or compromised barrier can make fine lines more noticeable and leave skin feeling tight or reactive.
Top Tips:
- Incorporate serums with hyaluronic acid to draw moisture into the skin.
- Follow with a rich moisturiser containing ceramides, squalane, or niacinamide to lock it in and support barrier repair.
- Look out for signs of barrier damage: redness, stinging, or flaking. If in doubt, pare back to the basics and focus on hydration.
5. Don’t Neglect the Neck, Chest & Hands
So often, we stop our skincare at the chin – but the neck, décolleté and hands are just as vulnerable to ageing and sun damage.
Top Tips:
- Extend all your skincare products (cleanser, serums, SPF) down to your chest and onto your hands.
- Use upward motions when applying moisturiser or retinol to the neck.
- Once or twice a week, exfoliate these areas gently to prevent dullness and encourage skin renewal.
Final Thought
Ageing is inevitable, but looking after your skin is a choice – one that pays dividends over time. The key in your 40s and 50s is consistency, not perfection. A simple, effective routine tailored to your skin’s changing needs will always outperform the latest trends or overly complicated regimens.
About the Expert
Dr Ed Robinson is an NHS anaesthetic doctor and founder of Dr Ed Robinson Aesthetics, a medically led aesthetics and wellness clinic based in Cheshire and Harley Street, London. Dr Ed is one of the UK’s leading aesthetic doctors and a GMC-registered anaesthetist. He set up his aesthetics clinic in 2021, with the aim of applying his medical knowledge and understanding of pharmacology, physiology and anatomy to benefit his patients cosmetically. Dr Ed provides several skin rejuvenation treatments for peri-menopausal and menopausal women. This includes OBAGI facials, profile, chemical peels, and other collagen stimulants. His expert knowledge of which products suit elder women helps him to tailor products and treatments to all patients.
