You’ve hit your 40s. Your confidence is stronger, your style is defined, and your skincare… well, maybe it’s feeling a little behind. Sound familiar? Fine lines, dullness, and that “where did my jawline go?” moment are all common experiences around this age. But here’s the truth: you don’t need a time machine to feel radiant again, just the right anti-ageing treatments that actually work.
If you’re wondering which options are worth your time (and money), this guide will walk you through the top aesthetic treatments for women over 40, backed by expert insight and real-life examples. Let’s take the guesswork out of your glow-up.
What’s Really Going On with Your Skin After 40?
Your 40s are a turning point for your skin. Collagen, the protein responsible for firmness, has been quietly declining since your 20s, and by now, you may have lost around 25% of it. Add in hormonal shifts, sun exposure, and stress, and suddenly your once-smooth skin feels thinner, looser, and just a bit more… tired.
Here’s what many women notice after 40:
- Smile lines and crow’s feet are deeper and more defined.
- The mid-face starts to lose volume, making cheeks look flatter.
- The jawline softens, and you might see early jowls.
- Skin looks dull, dehydrated, or uneven in tone.
So now the question becomes: What can you do about it that’s safe, subtle, and actually works?
Top Anti-Ageing Treatments for Women Over 40 That Deliver
We’ve rounded up the most popular, clinically effective treatments that thousands of women over 40 swear by. Whether you’re a first-timer or looking to step up your aesthetic routine, these treatments offer noticeable results without compromising a natural look.
1. Anti-wrinkle injections (a.k.a. Botox)
What it does: It softens the appearance of dynamic wrinkles caused by muscle movement. Think forehead lines, frown lines, and crow’s feet.
Best for you if: You catch yourself frowning at your frown lines in the mirror.
Real-life example: Lisa, 43, a mum of two and marketing exec, gets Botox every 4 months to relax her forehead lines. “It doesn’t freeze my face. It just smooths things out so I look less stressed,” she says.
Results last: 3–6 months
2. Dermal Fillers (Hyaluronic Acid-Based)
What it does: Fills in lost volume in the cheeks, temples, under-eyes, and around the mouth. Also great for subtly plumping lips and contouring the jawline.
Best for you if: You’ve noticed your face looks “tired” or more hollow than before.
Real-life scenario: After 45, Rachel felt like her cheeks were “drooping”, and her smile lines had deepened. A touch of filler in her mid-face and nasolabial folds gave her a lifted, rested look and no one noticed she’d had anything done, just that she looked well-rested.
Results last: 6–18 months
3. Injectable Moisturiser
What it does: A game-changing hyaluronic acid treatment that spreads under the skin to deeply hydrate, improve elasticity, and stimulate collagen.
Best for you if: You’re struggling with crepey texture or dry, dull skin, especially around the cheeks, neck, or hands.
Example: Think of it as a glow-boosting skin reset. Sarah, 47, opted for Profhilo before her 25-year school reunion. “I didn’t want filler, just something that made my skin look alive again. Profhilo was perfect.”
Results last: 6–12 months
4. Radiofrequency Microneedling
What it does: Combines microneedling with radiofrequency to tighten skin, reduce wrinkles, and improve texture, all by stimulating deep collagen.
Best for you if: You’re noticing sagging around the jawline or neck and want firmer skin without surgery.
Scenario: You’re 49, love your skincare, but still feel like gravity’s doing too much. One to three sessions of Morpheus8 can subtly firm your lower face and smooth out lines with minimal downtime.
Results last: 1 year+ with maintenance
5. Chemical Peels (Medical Grade)
What it does: It exfoliates dead skin cells, brightens the complexion, and reduces fine lines, pigmentation, and sun spots.
Best for you if: Your skin feels rough, looks uneven, or lacks that “lit-from-within” glow.
Pro tip: Combine light peels every few months with a strong skincare routine to refresh your skin without harsh lasers.
Results last: 1–6 months, depending on the type of peel.
What You Can Do Today (Without a Needle)
Not quite ready for injectables? There’s still plenty you can do to support your skin from the inside out.
- Invest in medical-grade skincare: Look for ingredients like retinol, vitamin C, peptides, and hyaluronic acid.
- Always wear SPF 50 (yes, even in winter!) to protect against collagen breakdown.
- Stay hydrated, prioritise sleep, and eat skin-loving foods like leafy greens, berries, and healthy fats.
- Book a professional consultation to build a skincare and tweakment plan suited to your face, not just your age.
How to Choose the Right Aesthetic Practitioner (Because It Matters)
Here’s the most important part of this whole process: Whom you choose to treat your skin matters more than what treatment you choose.
A well-trained aesthetic practitioner knows how to enhance (not change) your features.
Look for:
- JCCP Accreditation – This ensures your aesthetic practitioner is certified by the Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners, the UK’s regulatory body for non-surgical treatments.
- Acquisition Aesthetics Certification – Practitioners trained by Acquisition Aesthetics receive gold-standard education in injectables and anti-ageing medicine, so you can trust their expertise and ethical approach.
- Someone who listens – Your consultation should feel collaborative, not salesy. Your practitioner should ask about your goals and create a tailored plan that feels right for you.
Final Thoughts: Own Your Age. Don’t Let It Define You.
Being over 40 doesn’t mean you have to “settle” for tired skin or deepening wrinkles. With the right aesthetic treatments and lifestyle habits, you can look refreshed, radiant, and totally you without losing your natural expression or identity.
Whether you’re new to tweakments or looking to elevate your skincare game, start with a qualified, JCCP-accredited practitioner trained by Acquisition Aesthetics. Your skin is in good hands, and so is your confidence.
