Life, they say, begins at 40, and today's so-called 'middle-aged' women are more youthful than ever. If you've played your cards right with skincare your face should not give the game away - although candlelight is always a winner - and if you adapt your skincare regime you will look as young as you feel.
On the downside, skin-cell renewal is slowing down: the skin becomes less able to repair itself with the speed and efficiency of former years. Levels of moisture in the body begin to drop, resulting in dry nails, hair and skin, while a loss of elasticity gives rise to skin slackening. To add insult to injury, one's 'assets' start to head south too.
When choosing creams to combat the ravages of age, select those that promise to rehydrate and regenerate. Consider a retinol treatment because this increases collagen production, thickens the top layer of the skin to help cell growth and makes skin plumper. Don't skimp on the sun protection, or you risk that leathery, weather-beaten look in later life.
As the body's metabolism slows, many 40-somethings find excess weight clinging to bums, tums and arms harder to shift. The most common solution is a low-fat diet, and although this may prevent the pounds piling on and the arteries thickening, it isn't particularly good for the skin at this age. Cod-liver oil and omega three supplements often help.
If you haven't already developed an eye-cream habit, do so. Use the cream sparingly around the eye socket and pat it in using the ring fingers, which are gentler than the index fingers.
Creme de la Mer (below), $800, from Lane Crawford and Seibu Pacific Place: Developed by NASA scientist Max Huber about 30 years ago, this rich moisturiser is still considered the creme de la creams for mature skin. It must be rubbed between the fingers to activate the super-moisturising ingredients and fans swear by its line-busting, skin-firming powers.
