Skincare in Your 40s: It’s Basically an Expensive Hobby Now

Skincare in Your 40s: It’s Basically an Expensive Hobby Now

Let’s be honest—skincare in our 40s feels less like a routine and more like an expensive hobby. Once upon a time, we slapped on whatever moisturiser was in the bathroom cabinet and called it a day. Now, we’re being told we need actives, barrier repair, slugging, and micro-dosing—and that’s before we even get into the minefield of retinols, retinals, and wrinkle warriors.

The question is: do we actually need all this? Or are we just being expertly marketed to by 20-something influencers who claim their skin is “so much firmer” after using some £90 serum (babe, that’s just youth)?

The Joanna Lumley Effect: Keep It Simple, Darling

Take Joanna Lumley, for example. The woman is a vision. She’s in her late 70s, radiates glamour, and swears by Astral—the budget-friendly, no-frills moisturiser that’s been around since the dawn of time (well, the 1950s, but still). Helen Mirren has also said she doesn’t buy into all the anti-aging hype, and yet, here she is looking like an absolute queen.

Meanwhile, we’re out here layering five different serums, a peptide-infused eye cream, and a moisturiser made from the tears of an ethically sourced unicorn. Is it necessary? Or are we just terrified of aging in a world that keeps moving the goalposts on what “youthful” actually means?

The Science vs. The Marketing Machine

Okay, let’s be fair—some of this stuff does have real science behind it. Dermatologists generally agree that a solid routine should include:

• SPF (the non-negotiable if you care about aging and skin health)
• Vitamin C (brightens, fights free radicals)
• Retinoids (clinically proven to boost collagen and smooth wrinkles)
• A good moisturizer (because hydration is key)

That’s four products, max. Compare that to the endless parade of new “must-haves” being peddled to us on social media—each one promising to erase the sins of our 20s (and our laugh lines, because heaven forbid we look like we’ve enjoyed life).

Skincare Minimalism: A Case for Keeping It Simple

Our grandmothers had it right. A bit of cold cream, some Pond’s, maybe a dab of Vaseline, and they were good to go. They weren’t worried about whether they’d applied their niacinamide before or after their hyaluronic acid, and yet their skin held up just fine.

Plus, let’s be real—some of the most expensive skincare products aren’t even that special. A £150 face cream might contain the same basic ingredients as one you can buy for a tenner at the chemist. Sometimes, we’re just paying for fancy packaging and a celebrity endorsement.

But If You Love the Ritual…

On the flip side, skincare can be more than just maintenance—it can be self-care. There’s something undeniably soothing about taking those few minutes morning and night to pamper yourself. If layering products makes you feel good, go for it. If you enjoy the sensation of slathering your face in luxurious oils and creams, why not?

But let’s not fool ourselves into thinking we need a 12-step routine to avoid looking like a crumpled paper bag. There’s a balance to be found between self-care and falling into the trap of overconsumption.

The Verdict: Do What Works for You

If you’re a skincare minimalist, great! If you love the ritual of a detailed routine, that’s also great! But let’s all agree that we’re not going to be guilt-tripped into believing that skipping a £90 serum will cause our faces to collapse. Aging is a privilege, and our skin—fine lines, wrinkles, and all—is a testament to the life we’ve lived.

What’s your take? Are you a die-hard product junkie or a slap-it-on-and-go kind of person? What do you think—are you a minimalist or a product junkie? Let me know here!

Take care, stay safe.

Becks Xo