The Prejuvenation Shift: Why Your 40s Are the Best Time to Future-Proof Your Glow
Amanda Ramsay is an award-winning professional makeup artist who specialises in makeup content and education for mature skin. Known as your over 40s makeup expert, Amanda has worked with thousands of Aussie women, including celebrities and personalities like Julia Gillard, Sophie Monk, Delta Goodrem, Collette Dinnigan, Jackie O, Miranda Kerr and Mia Freedman.
Just what we (don’t) need is another beauty industry buzzword. If "prejuvenation" sounds like just another trend you’re failing to keep up with, take a deep breath and pause.
In reality, it’s one of the most sensible shifts the industry has made in years. At its core, prejuvenation is simply supporting your skin before you feel like you’re playing catch-up.
Instead of waiting for your complexion to look tired, dry, or uneven before throwing everything at it, this mindset focuses on the foundational basics that quietly compound over time. Personally, I prefer the terms "skin longevity" or "future-proofing your glow."
After all, the goal isn't to look like a different person; it’s to preserve the fresh, well-rested, and well-cared-for version of you.
If you’re 40+, this proactive approach is essential. This is the decade where skin begins its most famous 'plot twists' - it’s certainly when I sat up, paid attention, and embarked on my own pro-age crusade.
Once you hit 40, you might notice your skin:
- Feels drier or less bouncy (thanks, hormones for that).
- Becomes increasingly reactive or sensitive.
- Displays less consistency in texture and tone.
- Simply stops playing nice with the makeup you’ve used for years (how rude).
Prejuvenation changes the narrative, giving you a plan that is pro-age, practical, and (most importantly) consistent.
The 4 Pillars of Prejuvenation: Skin, Tools, Wellness, Lifestyle
Pillar 1: Skincare prejuvenation.
1) SPF every single morning (plus top-ups)
If you only do one thing, make it sunscreen. Daily.
Boring, I know. But for heaven’s sake just do it. As your 53 year old freckly Ageless Beauty Bestie who’s hosted countless consults with women 40 plus, I truly wish we’d all got the memo a whole lot earlier.
Reapplication best practice: if you’re outdoors or indoors in filtered sunlight aim to reapply every 2 hours, and obvs always after swimming, sweating, or towel drying.
My SPF faves available at Adore Beauty:
- Normal to Combo Skin:La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid Facial Sunscreen SPF 50+
SPF over makeup (I know, I’m guilty of neglecting this step too, but this is where most people give up) Reapplying sunscreen when you’re wearing makeup is the hurdle. The solution is choosing a top-up format that doesn’t trash your base at 2pm.
Over-makeup top-ups:
TAKE NOTE … A mist isn’t identical to applying a full cream layer, but it’s a smart “real life” tool for topping up that helps you stay consistent, especially when the alternative is not reapplying at all. If you’re a powder person, an SPF mineral base can help boost your protection as a top-up step, Jane Iredale Amazing Base Loose Minerals SPF20. (Think: supportive top-up only, not your only SPF.)
2) Vitamin C in the morning (for brightness and an even tone)
A good Vitamin C is a classic, well-researched fan-fave for a reason. Used consistently, it helps skin look more radiant and even, and it layers beautifully under sunscreen, they truly are a dynamic-duo.
My top picks available at Adore Beauty:
- BOOST LAB Vitamin C Brightening Serum (simple starter)
- SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum - 30ml (iconic investment)
3) Retinal at night (the slow-and-steady glow builder)
Retinal (a form of Vitamin A that’s more potent and faster-acting than Retinol) is a brilliant long-game step for smoother-looking texture and more even tone. The key is starting in a way your skin can tolerate, so you stay consistent.
Adore Beauty retinal options:
- Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3 30ml (starter)
- Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 (experienced)
- Viviology Retinal Eye Cream(for under eyes)
How to start without irritation:
- Use 2 nights per week for 2 weeks
- Then go to every other night as tolerated
- Keep the rest of your routine nourishing and uncomplicated
4) Barrier support (the secret to sticking with your routine)
If your skin feels tight, stingy, flaky, dry, or suddenly “not coping,” that’s your barrier crying out for help. Barrier support is what keeps everything comfortable so you can keep going.
NOTE: Dry flaky skin is screaming for moisture… don’t be tempted to exfoliate!
My barrier support heroes on Adore Beauty:
Pillar 2: Tools for prejuvenation.
Maintenance you can do at home.
I’m putting tools front and centre because they’re such a good middle ground. Proactive and great for the time poor girly that can’t get into - or afford - regular in-clinic treatments.
One rule: treat tools like brushing your teeth. They’re not a one-off event. The payoff comes from consistency. A bit like diet and exercise, if you fall off the wagon don’t beat yourself up, just get back on it asap.
LED masks (skin longevity favourite) LED is popular because it’s non-invasive and easy to commit to. You can use it while you’re watching TV, answering emails, or doing your life admin.
My top pick on Adore Beauty:
- Simple schedule: 3 - 5 times per week for the first month, then maintain 2 - 3 times per week
Microcurrent (for a toned, lifted look) Microcurrent devices are loved for supporting the appearance of lift and facial contour with continued use. Think of this as like a weightlifting routine for your facial muscles!
My top Adore Beauty pick:
- Always follow brand guidance, microcurrent isn’t for everyone.
Cleansing device (a gentle, barrier friendly upgrade) If you’ve ever over-cleansed (frankly most of you have), a silicone cleansing tool can help you cleanse thoroughly without scrubbing your barrier into next week.
My fave option available on Adore Beauty:
- Foreo LUNA 4 Balanced Skin (choose for your skin type)
At-home microdermabrasion (texture tools, used strategically) NOTE: these are not daily use tools. Think occasional texture support and probably only for those of you not already using strong actives.
My top pick on Adore Beauty:
- My rule: if you’re using retinal, don’t also exfoliate. Pick your lane. One or the other.
Facial massage tools (for de-puff and tension relief) I love a Gua sha, it’s a gorgeous ritual step that we can lump into self-care but actually works a treat for relaxing a tight jaw, tension headaches and puffiness. It’s less about changing your face and more about releasing tension, reducing puffiness and helping you look more refreshed.
Adore Beauty faves:
Pillar 3: Wellness for prejuvenation.
This is where the “you look amazing, have you been away?” compliments live:
- Sleep (as much as life allows)
- Hydrate like your life depends on it
- Smash that protein
- Get stress support
- Find daily movement you actually enjoy
My fave Adore Beauty ingestible options to use alongside beauty routines:
Quick note, supplements aren’t for everyone. Check with your GP/pharmacist if you’re breastfeeding, on medication, or managing health conditions
Pillar 4: Lifestyle for prejuvenation.
If you want the lowest-effort upgrades:
- Make your evening routine easier, not longer
- Use fewer products, more consistently
Reduce friction while you sleep: I love me a Kitsch Satin Pillowcase Standard.
Prejuvenation doesn’t need to be intense, expensive, or fear-based. It’s simply a smart, pro-age routine that helps your skin look and feel its best as life changes. Start with SPF. Add one active. Keep your barrier happy. And if you want a modern upgrade, choose a tool you’ll actually use. Because the goal isn’t to look 'younger'. The goal is to look like you, on a really good day.
Want more beauty advice tailored for women over 50? Read up on Amanda's articles here:
