'People are often surprised when I tell them my age. Here's how I look after my skin.'

I flippin' love when I tell people I'm 40 and they say:

"OMG you do not look 40!!"

I mean, there's that initial moment of, "Are they lying to make me feel good???" but generally speaking, I assume most people aren't liars so…

Of course, I do appreciate the "age gracefully" of it all, and I know how I look will change — that's life, baby! But I also want to take care of my skin for as long as I can. And if that happens to come along with looking a few years younger? I'll take it.

Watch: Delta Goodrem shows us what's in her beauty bag. Post continues below.

I've been pretty religious about certain aspects of my skincare since my 20s — I moisturise daily (and nightly), I never okay okay, rarely go to bed with makeup on, and I always (yes actually!) use SPF.

But figuring out what changes to make to our skincare routines can be a bit of a puzzle, right? Because there are so many products and potions and treatments and procedures and nips and tucks and tweaks on offer, it's hard to know what you actually need.

(Disclaimer: You don't "need" any of it, you're perfect as you are, ya cutie! But maybe you WANT this info, and that's cool too!)

So I sat down with skin expert Vita Catanzariti from Dolce Vita Skin to unpack exactly what happens to our skin in our 40s, the changes we can make, should we choose, to improve skin health — and to find out if what I've been doing lately is still cutting the mustard.

What happens to our skin in our 40s.

According to Vita, our 40s are when many people start seeing the effects of ageing — and I have to admit, I have noticed differences since I ticked over from 39.

"Skin in your 40s really starts to show the signs of ageing, and for women in particular, your body is set to go through another change: perimenopause," Vita explained.

"These hormonal changes also have an effect on the skin."

Oh goody!

The science is pretty straightforward: in our 40s, skin starts to lose collagen and elastin (AKA two things we can usually thank for bouncy, youthful skin). Moisture also starts to decline, and for our skin, this can present as a thinner, drier appearance and a duller complexion.

And while "there is a strong link between skin ageing and genetic factors" there's "no doubt" that environmental factors can play a role in ageing, too.

The biggest environmental bad guy? You know him. It's the sun, and while we often don't see its effects while we're young, that damage starts to show as we get older.

Laugh lines that show you're a happy gal? Chic. Damage from the harsh Aussie sun? Not my bag.

"Repetitive sun exposure results in photo ageing, which will lead to an early onset of wrinkles, and increase the risk of skin cancer — and this can definitely override genetic predisposition to your youthful looks," said Vita.

Obviously, we can't wind back time for a do-over, and there's absolutely no point in chastising ourselves now for choices we made when we were younger, sillier, and potentially less sun-safe. But it's never too late to begin your skin regimen, including a daily, non-negotiable SPF, said Vita.

"We all know that living in Australia the sun is so harsh, so if you want skin that remains youthful, you need to wear SPF daily."

Let's talk skincare.

I'm not a fan of 10-step, hours-long, TikTok-worthy skincare routines myself. In all honesty, I just can't be bothered, and they're not necessary.

"Remember, less is more, and what you do on a daily basis is the most important thing," said Vita.

Of course, if you want to use a complex regimen, there's also nothing wrong with that! But it's not about using all of the products, but rather choosing the right ones that will make a difference.

"How you looked after your skin in the earlier years needs to change, especially in your 40s," explained Vita. (See? Told ya!)

"Your skin needs more moisture in these years to promote cell turnover, as this slows down. Incorporating an at-home skin regimen that is suited to your skin type is essential."

According to Vita, keeping it "simple yet effective", and using ingredients that work at a cellular level to stimulate and create change in your skin is the key.

The best ingredients for mature skin.

So… ingredients like what??

"Retinol is an absolute must if you haven't already introduced it, as well as an eye cream that contains slower release of retinol to target deeper lines," said Vita.

"Ageing skin also requires hyaluronic acid, vitamin E and glycerine for moisture. Introducing AHAS [alpha-hydroxy acids] is also ideal."

FYI, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E and glycerine are all hydrating superheroes, while AHAs are the real MVPs of the beauty world. These chemical exfoliants work to remove dead skin cells, brighten skin, bump up collagen production, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and hyperpigmentation. PLUS, they can help improve skin texture and tone.

~Pauses for breath.~

So! Allow me to share with you some of my favourites in these categories.

Skinstitut Glycolic Acid Cleanser, $39.

I discovered this cleanser when I was in my 20s and battling adult acne, and it's been a staple ever since. But it's not one I use every night — just a couple of nights a week for a good chemical exfoliation at a solid price.

Rationale #4 The Cleanser (100ml), $80.

When I first tried this cleanser, I was worried it would break me out, as it's super thick and creamy. I was completely wrong — this amazing cleanser supports the skin's natural barrier by boosting ceramide levels, helping lock in moisture and protect against environmental damage.

Biologique Recherche Lotion P50 (50ml), $65.50.

This multi-functional toner exfoliates, purifies, and balances the skin's pH, reducing pigment and leaving it smoother and brighter. It's a game-changer for radiant, even-toned skin with regular use. But it's powerful stuff, so go slow — soak a cotton pad and press it into the skin (don't wipe!). Start with a couple of nights a week and build up from there.

Software Ceramide Repair Balm, $49.

This juicy, rich formula is perfect for soothing irritated skin, and it's a delicious shot of hydration for the skin. My must-have for achieving smooth, resilient skin without feeling greasy.

Rationale #2 The Light Crème, $202.

Okay, I know this is spenny, but my god… If you're going to fork out for a skincare prod, make it this one. I am obsessed with this cream, and that is not overstating it. You only need the teeniest bit, so it lasts roughly forever, and it is so deliciously hydrating. Plus, it's packed with vitamin C, which leaves skin looking brighter and calmer.

What about treatments?

First up, just a reminder: skincare has absolutely no rules attached, and if treatments aren't for you, that's 100 per cent okay!

If you are interested in treatments, "finding a professional that has experience in treating ageing skin with menopausal symptoms will assist", said Vita.

These are the treatments I personally have tried:

Pigmentation removal.

Everyone thinks of the classic "fine lines and wrinkles" as the biggest sign of ageing, but as I've gotten older, pigmentation has been on my radar more and more.

"Sun-induced pigment can appear in number of ways, for example freckles to larger brown spots or red patches," said Vita.

"There is also hormonal pigmentation like melasma and chloasma (when pregnant), certain medications like the contraceptive pill or HRT, or even IVF can cause pigment.

"One treatment that is very popular in treating sun-induced pigment is IPL (intense pulse light), particularly for fairer skin types."

I personally have a stack of freckles (which have never bothered me), and a couple of brown spots on my face — which, I admit, are getting larger despite my using SPF. So I tried IPL, which Vita said is great for treating freckles, sunspots redness and capillaries, tidying blemishes and evening out your skin tone.

About five mins after IPL treatment, my face was a bit red but not "oh-god-won't-someone-think-of-the-children" scary to look at. Image: Supplied.

It was painless (at the most, some slight discomfort when it hit those bigger patches of pigmentation), over super-quickly (zero downtime!), and my skin really did look fresher after the pigment flaked off.

(I know that sounds gross, but it's how this treatment works: the pigment darkens, goes a bit crusty and then falls off.)

My freckles didn't disappear altogether (fine by me!), but they lightened, and my skin looked brighter and more even-toned.

Microneedling.

I spoke a bit about collagen production before, and that's where micro-needling treatments like SkinPen and Dermapen come in.

In a nutshell, micro-needling helps stimulate collagen production (which is what we're losing in our 40s, remember?).

"It uses tiny needles to stimulate the body's natural wound healing response, and with this response comes new tissue, and skin cells are formed, improving the skin tone and texture of the skin," explained Vita.

"Micro-needling is one of our most popular treatments as there is little downtime if performed correctly and there is no heat in the treatment, so it reduces the risks on darker skin types."

And I can attest to this: I've had both SkinPen and Dermapen and can confirm, they don't require downtime, depending on the depth of the treatment.

Around half an hour post a light SkinPen treatment at Dolce Vita Skin. But I've had deeper sessions that left me redder. Image: Supplied.

According to Vita, micro-needling can address multiple concerns at once: "We recommend skin needling for acne scarring, large pores, fine lines and wrinkles, sun damage. More than one treatment is recommended in conjunction with at-home skin ingredients to elevate the results and also maintain a healthier-looking skin."

Okay, but I know what you really want to know: Does it hurt?

Honestly? Yes, a bit. Sometimes. It depends! (What an annoying answer.)

It truly does depend on the depth of the needling (which is determined by what you're looking to treat, exactly). But the process doesn't last for long, and it's not excruciating (in my opinion — and keep in mind this is coming from someone who's scared to get Botox, so make of that what you will).

During a Dermapen treatment at Cocobelle Skin & Beauty, vs a couple of hours later. The dry appearance sheds after a few days. Image: Supplied.

I'd probably tag it under "a bit unpleasant", and it's never been so bad that it's stopped me going back for more!

As for the downtime, my skin is always red and tender for the rest of the day — I'm certainly not planning a date that night. But it's all clear by the next morning, and the results after a few sessions (yes, you need more than one to get the best out of this) are worth it.

The stuff that won't cost you a cent.

Yes, I've invested in quality products and treatments along the way, but some of the best things we can do for our skin in our 40s don't involve splurging on creams and lotions.

"Sleep, staying hydrated, practising mindfulness, regular exercise and a nutritious diet all play a crucial role in the overall health of your skin," said Vita.

And at the end of the day, the best skincare regimen for you is the one you can "stick with and be consistent with", she added.

Oh and I know you've heard it before, but… try to stress less, hey?

"Stressed skin leaves a dull/tired complexion," said Vita, and if that's not permission to book yourself a massage right now, I don't know what is.

Remember, everyone's skin is different and it is a holistic journey. It's about doing what works for you, looking after your skin's health, and feeling your best in this wacky world we live in.

What are your tried-and-true skincare habits? Let us know in the comments below.

Alix Nicholson is Mamamia's Senior Weekend Editor. For more, follow her on Instagram and TikTok, or subscribe to her (occasionally neglected) Substack.

Feature Image: Supplied.