Best Skincare Routine for Pigmentation in Your 40s

Pigmentation is one of the most common skin concerns as we age, particularly in our 40s. Hormonal changes, cumulative sun exposure, and slower skin cell turnover all contribute to the appearance of uneven skin tone, sunspots, and melasma. Despite this, with the right skincare routine, it is possible to minimise pigmentation, support skin health, and maintain a radiant, even complexion.

Understanding Pigmentation in Your 40s

In your 40s, the skin naturally starts to lose elasticity and brightness. Years of UV exposure begin to show up more prominently as sun damage, while hormonal shifts (especially perimenopause) can exacerbate melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Core Goals of a Pigmentation-Focused Routine:

• Brighten and even skin tone
• Inhibit melanin production
• Support cell turnover
• Protect from further UV damage
• Maintain hydration and barrier strength

Your Morning Routine Matters

It all starts with routine! From the first cleanse to the final smudge of SPF onto the skin - routine and consistency is important, and the only way you will see results. 

 1. Gentle Cleanser. 

A pH-balanced, non-stripping cleanser is the foundation of any good skincare routine. It is empirical that you remove impurities without disrupting the skin barrier.

Our go-to:

iS Clinical Cleansing Complex

Needing a bit more oomph?

Try: Ultraceuticals MD Ultimate Brightening Foaming Cleanser.

2. Vitamin C Serum

If you are experiencing hormonal melasma and haven’t started using Vitamin C - start now! Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps brighten skin, reduce existing pigmentation, and protect against environmental stressors. Look for stabilised L-ascorbic acid in concentrations around 10–20%. Vitamin C is the ingredient for you. 

Our go-to: Medik8 Pure C15

3. Niacinamide Serum (Optional)

For those seasoned skincare enthusiasts who are looking for that extra product in their routine, try Niacinamide (Vitamin B3). When coupled with Vitamin C, you will see improvements to pigmentation and skin texture.

Our go-to: Aspect Extreme B 17

4. Moisturiser

Now, moisturisers are very personal - do you find your skin to be oily, dry or dehydrated? 
If unsure, choose a moisturiser that is hydrating yet lightweight in texture. The ingredients you should be idealising are hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or peptides - all support skin resilience.

Our go-to: SkinCeuticals Emollience

5. Broad-Spectrum SPF 50+

Daily sunscreen is a non-negotiable. UV exposure is the biggest contributor to pigmentation, and SPF is your best defence. No matter what. Ensure you are reapplying every 2–4 hours if outdoors. 

For those that struggle to add an SPF into your routine try,

Ultraceuticals MD Ultimate UV Protective Daily Moisturiser SPF 50+ Hydrating.

It is our holy-grail SPF and moisturiser in one - no excuses. 

For those with stubborn pigmentation and looking for a tinted SPF, there are no surprises that we recommend the following,

Mesoestetic Mesoprotech Melan 130+ Pigment Control

Your Curated Evening Routine

You might be thinking, “There’s more?!”
Yes, nighttime ingredients serve a different purpose than those used during the day. Here’s why.

1. Double Cleanse (if wearing makeup or SPF)

After a long day exposed to the elements, your skin needs a reset. Trust us - it will thank you for a double cleanse. Start with an oil-based cleanser or balm to dissolve dirt, sunscreen, and invisible impurities, then follow with your regular gentle cleanser to deeply refresh the skin.

Try: O Cosmedics Nourishing Cleansing Balm paired with Skinceuticals Soothing Cleanser 

2. Exfoliant (2–3 times a week)

Chemical exfoliants like AHAs (glycolic or lactic acid) promote cell turnover, helping to fade pigmentation over time. Avoid physical scrubs, these can inflame the skin.

Try: Cosmedix Purity Balance Exfoliating Prep Toner

3. Retinol or Retinoid

Vitamin A is a powerful ingredient known for its gold-standard ability to improve skin tone, texture, and pigmentation. If you are new to retinol, it is important to start small - using your Vitamin A only at night and 1-2 times per week - build up as tolerated. A great tip from our Dermal Therapists - use the sandwich method: apply a layer of moisturiser, then your retinol, and finish with another layer of moisturiser on top.

Try: Aspect Dr Exfol A Plus Serum

4. Targeted Pigment Serum

Pigmentation can appear on the skin in a variety of ways and for those needing an extra bit of help targeting stubborn pigmentation, you should look for products with the following ingredients:

Tranexamic acid: effectively regulates melanin overproduction - improving overall skin tone and texture.

Kojic acid: regulates and slows melanin synthesis. 

Arbutin: a water-based serum specifically designed to target uneven skin tone and dark spots.

Licorice root extract: helps to brighten skin, even out skin tone and fight the appearance of dark spots and blemish marks

Try: Aspect Dr Complete Pigment Plus

5. Barrier Repair Moisturiser

Nighttime is ideal for recovery. Use a richer moisturiser to lock in actives and support skin repair overnight.

Try: O Cosmedics Immortal Cream

Professional Treatments to Consider

Topical skincare can make a significant impact, but in-clinic treatments may be recommended for stubborn or deep pigmentation:

• Chemical Peels
• Light Therapy Rejuvenation (Broad Band Light Therapy)
• Microneedling
• Prescription Enlighten Treatment cream 

Always consult a qualified practitioner before starting new treatments, especially when using actives like retinoids or acids at home.

For visible change, treatments and skincare cannot fix pigmentation if you don't improve the root cause of it - lifestyle factors.

Lifestyle Factors

• Wear hats and avoid peak UV hours
• Prioritise sleep and hydration
• Avoid picking at blemishes (to reduce PIH)
• Manage stress, which can trigger flare-ups in some pigmentation conditions

Pigmentation in your 40s is common but manageable. A consistent, evidence-based skincare routine paired with sun protection and the right professional support can help your skin look brighter, healthier, and more even-toned.

Not sure where to begin? Book a complimentary skin consultation with one of our clinicians to tailor your skincare routine and explore targeted treatments for pigmentation.