Early wrinkles from the age of 40: 4 signs to watch out for, according to a dermatologist

From the age of 40 onwards, there are certain signs that betray skin ageing, even before the first deep wrinkles appear. Dermatologist Kevita Bains, interviewed by Marie Claire UK, reveals 4 early signs to spot in order to better anticipate. These often discreet changes deserve special attention.

Dull complexion, the first warning sign according to this skin specialist

You may be noticing a loss of tone on your face. In fact, this loss of radiance is one of the first signs of skin aging. Dermatologist Kevita Bains explains it clearly: a luminous complexion remains associated with young, healthy skin.

In our youth, the skin eliminates dead cells and replaces them with new ones at a steady pace. This process reveals a natural radiance. As we age, cell renewal slows down, leading to an accumulation of dead cells on the surface.

“We associate a luminous complexion with young, healthy skin, and rightly so. This leads to a build-up of dead cells on the skin’s surface, resulting in a dull complexion.”

More pronounced smile lines, a telltale sign

Smile lines sometimes appear overnight, without any real warning. They are immediately noticeable, especially around the mouth. According to the dermatologist, their depth depends on several factors.

Genetics, sun exposure and the way your face moves play a major role. To prevent their appearance, you can incorporate SPF into your daily beauty routine. Retinol, in small quantities, also helps to reduce them.

• Use sunscreen every day
• Apply a small dose of retinol in the evening
• Moisturize skin morning and night
• Gently massage the contour of the mouth
• Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun

Less defined jawline, a collagen-related change

The jawline is defined by the collagen and elastin present in the skin. The underlying bone and muscle structure also contributes to its maintenance. Over time, these elements change.

Dermatologist Kevita Bains explains that collagen depletion causes the skin to lose its hold on these structures. As a result, the jawline becomes less defined. This phenomenon is perfectly normal after the age of 40.

It is therefore common to see the oval of the face gradually changing. This change is nothing to be alarmed about, but it can be anticipated with the right skincare products. Active ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and peptides help maintain firmness.

The hollow under the eyes, a sign often overlooked

If you notice a hollow under your eyes, it’s perfectly normal. As you age, you lose fat in this area. The underlying bone structure may also change slightly, as the dermatologist analyzes.

This hollow sometimes accentuates the tired look of the eyes. Eye care products rich in vitamin C or caffeine can help brighten this area. Getting enough sleep also helps to limit this effect.

The neck, an area often overlooked but highly vulnerable to ageing

Your neck is probably the first to suffer the signs of aging. This area is often neglected in beauty routines, yet it is very sensitive. What’s more, our screen time plays a very important role in defining wrinkles.

In fact, the more you look down, the more you dig into your lines. This habit is accentuated when you spend a lot of time on your phone. The dermatologist therefore recommends taking the time to massage your neck regularly.

Stretching helps you get back into better posture. Placing your phone at eye level also limits the formation of these folds. These simple gestures help preserve the youthfulness of this fragile area.

Specific neck care products are available and should be incorporated into your routine. Firming creams, applied from the décolleté to the chin, optimize results. Consistency remains the key to visible long-term effects.

• dermatologist