These Treatments Make the Biggest Difference in Skin Over 40, According to Experts

MIRIA

Skin over 40 tends to show volume loss, skin sagging and creepiness, says New York dermatologist Marina Peredo, MD. She says that the recently FDA-cleared in-office non-ablative laser treatment, MIRIA, can address all of these concerns in just two to three visits. Dr. Peredo explains that it’s different than anything else she’s used with the newest technology meeting AI. “What is unique about MIRIA is that it rebuilds the skin from the inside out, and it works on all skin types and colors.”

It works by using novel Focal Point Technology to deliver high-energy laser treatment with pinpoint accuracy, she explains. Additionally, “It utilizes machine learning to optimize patient outcomes based on unique skin needs.”

Injectables

Neurotoxins “can help to relax muscles to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, while dermal fillers can re-volumize the face to smoothen out lines, depressions, and wrinkles,” explains Beverly Hills, CA facial plastic surgeon Kimberly J. Lee, MD, both of which could come in handy in your 40s.

“For someone with less environmental aging and more aging from volume loss and repetitive muscle movement—often complaining of looking tired, starting to see jowls, the 11’s between the brow and ‘parentheses’ around the mouth— injectables are the way to go,” says Nanuet, NY dermatologist Heidi A. Waldorf, MD. “I always tell patients I can’t make them less tired, but I can make them not look tired. Well-placed fillers to replenish, lift and soften lines and folds make a world of difference quickly. And botulinum toxin for a subtle brow lift reduces squinting, and an improved jawline can open up the face for a calmer yet still expressive face.”

Brookline, MA dermatologist Papri Sarkar, MD agrees but adds the caveat that neurotoxins done “with a light touch make the biggest difference” for her patients. “It keeps them looking fresh and young much longer without anyone realizing they’ve had any interventions. It can also prevent or push back a facelift for decades—especially when combined with a good sunscreen and skin-care regimen. They’re not the ‘sexiest’ treatments, but they get the job done!” 

Microneedling with collagen-stimulating agents or PRP

“I think in your 40s, it’s about aging gracefully with a little help from your board-certified dermatologist. The most popular treatment at my office is PRP microneedling, along with PRP rejuvenation,” says Washington D.C. dermatologist Agnes Ju Chang, MD.

“Microneedling creates tiny punctures in the skin, and when combined with either PRP or collagen-stimulating agents, it can lead to improved texture, firmness, and overall skin rejuvenation,” says Dr. Lee.

Resurfacing

“For someone with a lot of skin damage—discoloration, wrinkles, prominent pores (pores are also affected by the sun)—the first thing is resurfacing,” says Dr. Waldorf. Resurfacing, generally, works by “promoting collagen regeneration and skin renewal,” explains Dr. Lee.

“For this age group, I combine the two wavelengths of the Fraxel Dual for non ablative fractional resurfacing with the Q-switched Nd:YAG laser for the darkest distinct pigmented spots (lentigines) and the Vbeam vascular laser for redness and visible capillaries,” says Dr. Waldorf.

“People who do yearly fractionated laser treatments of the face, for sun damage and collagen formation, end up with better-looking skin than those who don’t,” says Westborough, MA facial plastic surgeon Min S. Ahn, MD. “There is no question it helps make your skin look younger after 40.”

More specifically, Huntington Beach, CA dermatologist David Rayhan, MD says fractionated CO2 laser skin resurfacing gives his “patients the biggest bang for their buck. If they’re willing to tolerate a little downtime, this treatment literally erases wrinkles.”

Ultrasound treatments

New York, NY facial plastic surgeon Lee Ann M. Klausner, MD loves using Sofwave on patients in this age group. It has no downtime, it’s fast and comfortable and can be combined with other treatments for great results, she adds.

Threads

“Eurothreads are a great treatment to rejuvenate skin. When placed superficially, the threads act as a support system for thin or sagging skin while promoting collagen production,” explains East Greenwich, RI dermatologist Caroline Chang, MD.

“The threads can also improve redness and brown spots. In addition, threads can be placed anywhere on the face, neck or chest. In combination with deep threads, which lift without adding volume, it can make a huge difference for over 40 skin!”

Lasers

“The biggest ‘bang for the buck’ in terms of restoring glow and clarity to skin has to be our PicoSure Laser by Cynosure,” says New York facial plastic surgeon John Kang, MD. “This has been our workhorse, and patients love the fact that there is almost no downtime while seeing improvement of their pigmental and textural issues within a few days.” He notes that Lutronic Spectra Laser in ‘Hollywood’ mode is a runner-up.

Skin tightening

“Ultherapy is my workhorse for loose skin on the neck and jawline that is just starting to sag. It’s an ultrasound treatment that tightens existing collagen and promotes the growth of new collagen,” says Bannockburn, IL dermatologist Heather Downes, MD. “My patients love that it has zero downtime. Some patients repeat the treatment every one to two years to keep their skin firm and tight.”

Radiofrequency

Dr. Lee explains that radiofrequency “treatments can tighten loose skin, improve elasticity and reduce the appearance of wrinkles by stimulating collagen production.” This treatment can help firm the skin and reverse fine lines and sun damage. “It has been a game-changer for my patients in their 40s that desire a long-term investment into their skin health,” says Dr. Chang.