Let’s be honest… no one sends you a memo the day you turn 40 warning you that your skin is about to throw a little tantrum.

It starts subtly, a patch of dryness here, a bit of redness there. Your usual moisturiser suddenly feels like it’s getting sucked in in 5 seconds and foundation sits differently.

I’ve had a solid skincare routine for over 10 years now and have just turned 40 but Im under no illusion that my body will do whatever the hell it wants to so I am patiently monitoring. The stories I’m hearing from clients and customers are all starting to sound similar. Women who’ve always had “easy” skin now suddenly find it feeling more sensitive, drier, redder, or just… different. Like their skin doesn’t feel like their own anymore.

So it seemed like a good idea to take a deeper look into what’s going on?

Perimenopause and menopause bring all sorts of hormonal shifts that affect the way our skin behaves. Oestrogen dips, collagen production slows, and our skin’s natural barrier can become weaker. That means:

  • Dryness shows up more often (even in people who used to be oily!)
  • Redness and sensitivity can increase
  • Skin may feel less firm or plump
  • You might notice patchiness, itchiness, or that your usual skincare just isn’t cutting it

We are surrounded by so much noise about how we are allowed to age so I want to make it really clear whilst you read on..this isn’t about “fixing” your face. It’s about understanding what’s happening underneath, and learning how to nourish and support your skin so it feels good again. It’s important you feel good.

So what can we do to help?

Caring for skin after 40 is about a lot more than buying expensive serums. Some of the biggest changes you can make are the simplest:

Hydration – Inside and out. Start with water. Drink it regularly throughout the day. We all know this is a habit that impacts so many things. If skin dryness is one of the particularly difficult changes you have noticed then Id highly recommend Tropics Rainforest Dew lightweight, organic serum because it is overflowing with multi-molecular weight hyaluronic acid and reparative plant peptides that deliver intense, long-lasting hydration deep into the skin.

Sleep – Your skin does most of its repairing while you sleep. If you’re in a bad sleep cycle, that’s where I’d start. This is a huge topic all on its own. Keep an eye out for next weeks blog where Ill be sharing insights into a better night sleep and how it will help.

Nourishment – Healthy fats, colourful food, and less sugar make a big difference to how your skin behaves.

Stress management – Easier said than done, I know. But stress hormones can play havoc with your skin. Whether it’s journalling, walking, reading, or maybe a sprinkle of rebellion – take the edge off where you can.

Community – You’re not alone. Talk about it. Vent. Ask questions. I promise you, so many of us are figuring it out together. I am always here for a DM.

I want to introduce you to a brand new product that Tropic has launched, that even with the quality of skincare routine I have, has made a huge difference to my skin personally.

“It’s a cleanser that feels like a direct application of love to your face and the furthest thing from a chore”

As you can tell, I’m really excited about this one: Tropic has just launched the Renewing Cleanser, and it might be exactly what your 40+ skin is asking for.

It’s a balm-to-oil product that delivers moment of calm that feels like you’re treating your skin with kindness.
It’s full of ingredients that deeply nourish, support your skin barrier, and leave you soft, not stripped. Heres why:

  • Ceramides lock in moisture and strengthen that all-important skin barrier
  • Acerola Cherry (a vitamin C-rich antioxidant dream) brightens and protects
  • Murumuru Butter softens and restores elasticity
  • Rose Otto oil, the “oil of love,” to lift your mood as well as your skin. Fun fact: Rose Otto essential oil, traditionally known as the “oil of love,” is celebrated for its uplifting and calming effect on the nervous system.

It melts away makeup, SPF, pollution, and stubborn mascara with zero effort and doesn’t upset sensitive skin.
Plus, it comes with a bamboo face cloth and spatula (worth £11!) to make the whole thing feel like a proper spa moment at home.

Do you need the whole renew range?

Nope. This can absolutely be a stand-alone cleanser if you’re new to Tropic. But if you’re already using Youth Potion, Skin Dream, Eye Lift or Lip Silk, this cleanser makes the perfect pairing.

Whether you’re just dipping a toe into a skincare routine or keeping up one that supports your skin and confidence, this fits beautifully wherever you are.

I love that this cleanser invites you to slow down. The balm melts into an oil with the warmth of your hands. The scent of rose soothes your mind. The massage steps (printed on the box!) encourage you to connect with your face, your breath, and yourself.

This isn’t about perfect skin. It’s about being with your skin.

No filters. No anti-ageing nonsense. Just you, showing up.

A final note from me.

I talk to so many women who say: “My skin has just… changed. I don’t recognise it anymore.”

That can be a bit of a confidence knock, especially when everything out there is trying to sell you youth-in-a-jar.

But this stage of life isn’t something to fear or fight. It’s an invitation to listen to your body more, not less. And to simplify it to working with how your skin feels, rather than obsessing over what it looks like.

If you need help building a whole new routine, or just want to dip your toe in with one rebel-approved cleanser… I’m here when you’re ready.