Everything you need to know about these 5 trends for over-40s skin.

Thanks to our brand partner, MERZ AESTHETICS

Let's be honest — skincare in your 40s hits different.

It's the decade where your bathroom shelf graduates from random impulse buys to thoughtful, ingredient-savvy choices.

But with social media constantly pushing the latest viral products that promise everything from eternal youth to completely poreless skin, it's hard to know what's actually worth your time and money.

So, what should you really be paying attention to? Here are some of the biggest skincare trends doing the rounds online — and what they actually mean for your skin in your 40s and beyond.

1. Ultrasound therapy

One of the most recent developments in advanced dermatological treatments is the use of focused ultrasound specifically for non-invasive lifting and wrinkle improvement.

Leading this movement is Ultherapy PRIME — the only micro-focused, non-invasive ultrasound device on the market that offers real-time visualisation.

This allows trained practitioners to see different layers of tissue — up to eight millimetres below the surface — and develop a tailored treatment plan that suits the individual's unique anatomy.

Collagen is a protein that helps keep skin firm, smooth and elastic, but its levels begin to decline as we age. Ultherapy PRIME uses micro-focused ultrasound energy to stimulate collagen production in the treated areas, which helps achieve a lifting effect and improve the appearance of lines and wrinkles, as indicated.

The treatment is used for the non-invasive lifting and tightening of skin on the neck, under the chin and on the eyebrows. It is also indicated to improve the appearance of lines and wrinkles on the décolletage.

Recently, Merz Aesthetics announced Salma Hayek as Ultherapy PRIME's first-ever global brand ambassador. As an award-winning actress, director and producer, Hayek is known not only for her iconic career but for her ongoing advocacy for confidence and empowerment at every age. The partnership reflects a shared belief in encouraging individuals to look and feel their best.

2. Skinimalism

Gone are the days of 10-step routines and overflowing bathroom cabinets. One of the biggest shifts in beauty right now is the rise of skinimalism — a less-is-more approach that's all about simplifying your routine without compromising on results.

At its core, skinimalism means focusing on just a few key products that work together to support your skin. Think: a gentle cleanser, a well-formulated antioxidant serum (such as one containing vitamin C), a hydrating moisturiser and a broad-spectrum SPF.

That's it. No complicated layering — just products that help maintain healthy-looking skin.

It's an approach that makes sense at any age, but especially in your 40s, when skin can sometimes feel drier, more sensitive or slower to bounce back. A pared-back routine can help reduce the risk of irritation from overuse of active ingredients, while supporting the skin barrier and encouraging consistency.

3. Collagen support

Collagen isn't just a beauty buzzword — it's a structural protein. From our 30s onward, the body's natural collagen production begins to slow, which can contribute to changes in skin texture, tone and overall bounce.

This shift has seen a rise in interest in collagen-supporting approaches, both internal and topical.

Many women are turning to options like collagen powders, marine peptides and bone broth as part of their routine. On the surface, skincare ingredients such as retinoids and peptides are commonly used to help support skin texture and firmness.

While collagen support through skincare or diet is not a replacement for medical procedures, consistent use over time may help promote smoother-looking skin, improved tone and a firmer feel as part of a long-term skincare approach.

4. Pro-ageing, not anti-ageing

The beauty conversation is changing, finally.

More women are moving away from chasing youth and embracing a pro-ageing mindset. It's a philosophy rooted in confidence, individuality and self-care, without shame or pressure to "fix" what's natural.

Instead of harsh treatments or extreme makeovers, there's a growing preference for products and procedures that work with your features, not against them. It's not about erasing age, but enhancing what makes you feel strong, empowered and yourself.

And for women in their 40s and beyond, this takes the pressure off unrealistic beauty norms as you age — replacing them with a more empowering approach that celebrates confidence and lived experience.

5. Barrier-first skincare

More people are realising just how important a healthy skin barrier really is.

As we age, it can become more vulnerable to environmental stressors, over-exfoliation and hormonal changes, which may affect how skin looks and feels.

When the barrier is compromised, you might notice increased sensitivity, dryness or redness, even with products that once worked well. That's why barrier-focused skincare has become a key priority for many women over 40.

The shift? A gentler, more supportive approach using ingredients like ceramides, niacinamide, squalane and peptides, which help to maintain hydration and support the skin's protective function.

To learn more about Ultherapy PRIME, visit their website.

Always read the label and follow the directions for use.

The ULTHERA® System is intended to apply focused ultrasound energy to the body to achieve temporary changes in the physical appearance of the skin. The ULTHERA® System is indicated for use as a non-invasive dermatological aesthetic treatment to: lift the eyebrow; lift lax submental (beneath the chin) and neck tissue, which can also affect the appearance of lax tissue in the submental and neck regions; and improve lines and wrinkles of the décolleté. ULTHERAPY® should not be used by persons with open wounds, lesions, severe or cystic acne, or implants in the treated area. This product is not available for purchase by the general public. Always read the label and consult your Healthcare Professional for more information. This medical device must be administered by a Healthcare Professional or trained personnel under the supervision of a physician.

Copyright © 2025. Merz Australia Pty Ltd. All rights reserved. ULTHERA®, ULTHERAPY® and ULTHERAPY PRIME® are registered trademarks of Ulthera, Inc. MERZ AESTHETICS® and the MERZ AESTHETICS® Logo are registered trademarks of Merz Pharma GmbH & Co. KGaA. ANZ_ULT_MAMAMIA25. Date of preparation: June 2025.

For information about how Merz handles personal data, please see Merz General Data Protection Information Notice at www.merz.com/fin.

ULTHERAPY® is registered in the ARTG (AUST R 225194). Merz Australia Pty Ltd (ACN: 151 073 559). Suite 8.01A, 189 O'Riordan St, Mascot NSW 2020. For more information, please phone 1800 268 820.

Feature Image: Supplied.

Merz Aesthetics is a medical aesthetics business with a long history of empowering health care professionals, patients and employees to live every day with confidence. Merz Aesthetics aims to help people around the world look, feel and live like the best versions of themselves — however they define it. Clinically proven, their product portfolio includes injectables, devices such as Ultherapy PRIME and skin care treatments designed to meet each patient's needs with high standards of safety and efficacy.