You asked for it, so over the next few weeks, we’re going to be breaking down how to build the perfect 10-step routine to address the most common skin concerns you may be facing, depending on your age. Forty-somethings? It’s your turn!
They say you hit your prime in your 40s. To ensure that your skin keeps up, a solid skin care routine is key.
You’ll want to focus on rejuvenating ingredients and products that plump etched lines, treat and prevent photoaging, and tighten and tone sagging skin. With that in mind, keep reading below for our tips and K-beauty product recommendations that are sure to cater to your unique skin needs.
Oil cleanser: Klairs Gentle Black Deep Cleansing Oil
Oil cleansing is essential in the removal of makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum, not to mention it feels like a luxurious treat for your skin. This formula takes the step to the next level by also offering hydrating and antioxidant benefits, plus it’s sensitive skin-friendly.
Foam cleanser: Klavuu Pure Pearlsation Revitalizing Facial Cleansing Foam
As skin ages, it loses its ability to efficiently retain moisture, so the last type of product you want in your routine is a dehydrating foam cleanser. This one uses plant extracts to dissolve impurities, so it’s more gentle and nourishing than others in the category. Your skin will also benefit from hydrating seaweed and algae extract, as well as brightening and anti-aging pearl extract.
Avoid harsh, astringent toners and opt for a calming, moisture-boosting one instead. Packed with extracts from organic Damask rose, this vegan toner fits the bill. Bonus: It has a gorgeous, all-natural rose scent that transforms your bathroom into a spa-like oasis.
Essence: Atrue Real Black Tea True Active Essence
An essence adds an extra layer of hydration and helps enhance the efficacy of the all-important treatment steps that follow it. In other words, it’s – pardon the pun – essential to your routine. We like this one for those with maturing skin because the star ingredient is black tea extract – a powerful antioxidant that also tightens, brightens, and de-puffs skin thanks to its high caffeine content.
Exfoliator: COSRX PHA Moisture Renewal Power Cream
Because your natural cell turnover has inevitably slowed down since your 20s, exfoliating is all the more important in order to remove dead skin cells and keep skin smooth and bright. However, you want a gentle formula with a lower risk of damaging skin, so we recommend looking for a product with PHAs (polyhydroxy acids) like this one. It also contains niacinamide to brighten. Tip: We usually recommend applying an exfoliating product before your serum, but because this one doubles as a sleeping pack, it should be applied as the very last step in your nighttime routine.
Some sheet masks seem to dry up in minutes, leaving your skin with lackluster results. This one is practically dripping with an essence that is enriched with antioxidant- and vitamin-rich root extracts and a phyto-mucin gel. It transforms your complexion from dry and dull to plump and glowing, and you’ll have leftover essence to apply on your hands, decolletage, or anywhere else that could use a boost. And best of all? It’s only $3.
Serum: Missha Time Revolution Night Repair New Science Activator Ampoule
This serum offers the anti-aging benefits of retinol, but is gentle enough for those with sensitive skin or who want to ease their way into using the strong ingredient. The formula also contains fermented yeast to improve skin elasticity and niacinamide to brighten. The result is a smooth and luminous finish.
Eye cream: Easydew EX Repair Control EGF
A plumping, nourishing formula will make the eye area look more youthful and prevent new signs of aging from forming. EGF is a great ingredient for the job because it promotes cell regeneration. You can find medical grade EGF in this treatment from Easydew, along with caffeine, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid – all great under eye-boosters. 
Moisturizer: Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream
Pamper yourself and your skin with a nourishing cream that not only hydrates, but helps enhance the skin’s moisture barrier function. The Beauty of Joseon Dynasty cream, a cult favorite in Korea, contains hanbang ingredients (traditional Korean herbal medicine) like ginseng to moisturize, tighten, and illuminate the complexion. Plus, it looks great on a vanity.
Sunscreen: Missha All Around Safe Block Sebum Zero Sun SPF
UV rays aren’t the only environmental factor that damages skin and causes signs of aging; pollution is another big one. That’s why we love a sunscreen that protects against both. This Missha formula provides broad spectrum SPF 50 protection, in addition to antioxidants like rose and tea extracts.