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You’ve made it to your forties—congrats! You’re officially old enough to remember when your phone flipped open and when shampoo came in one scent: “Whatever Your Girlfriend Bought.”
The good news? Most modern men (that’s you) have left behind the Mad Men-era bad habits that once aged guys fast—chain smoking, skipping SPF, treating water like it’s an optional beverage. The bad news? Your skin, hair, and smile are still clocking every late night and long weekend you’ve had since college.
But don’t panic. With a few easy updates, your grooming routine can make you look as good as you feel.
Below, the guys’ guide to grooming for your 40s to stay looking your best:
1. Deal With Your Hair
If you find you’re clinging to your hairline like it’s a first-round draft pick, now’s the time to be proactive. Treatments like minoxidil or finasteride can help you hang onto what you’ve got. Obviously check in with your doctor before diving in, but there are plenty of easy options for getting your hands on the medicated goods these days.
And if you’re ready to let it go? Own that. A clean, close shave can look confident and timeless (Jason Statham called, he approves). The key is intention—make it look like a choice, not a slow fade.
2. Whiten Up That Smile
Even if you’re the type who swears off wine and coffee (first of all, why?), your teeth might still show signs of time. Whitening is one of the simplest upgrades you can make—like a ring light for your face.
At-home strips like Crest 3D Whitestrips work great if you’re consistent, but for a faster glow-up, professional whitening from your dentist is worth the splurge. Just skip the blinding neon shade—leave Ross Geller’s “glow-in-the-dark” look from that one cringe-inducing episode of Friends in the ’90s where it belongs.
3. Keep Your Eyes From Giving You Away
Your eyes tell a story. By your forties, they might be saying, “I haven’t had a good night’s sleep since my kid’s last sleepover.” Meaning? It could be time to add an undereye cream to your skincare rotation.
Look for a product in your price range that hydrates, brightens, and softens wrinkles without feeling greasy. Apply gently—no tugging. Dab under the eyes and along the lids like you’re tapping out Morse code for “still got it.”
4. Adjust Your Skincare Routine
Your teen years called—they want their harsh, grainy cleanser back. As your skin matures, it gets drier and more sensitive. That means cutting back on exfoliating your skin. Unless you work in a coal mine, you can skip the daily scrubs, and reach for gentler cleansers instead.
As for frequency? Washing your face once a day is enough; just be sure to do more than a 10-second swipe. And please, wash your pillowcases more often than your college self did.
5. Drop Some Acid (No, Not That Kind)
Hyaluronic acid might sound intense, but it’s basically water’s best friend. One gram of HA can hold six liters of moisture—perfect for keeping skin plump, smooth, and not “like a leather wallet.”
Look for it in a serum, like this one from La Roche-Posay that you can find at most drugstores. Apply it before you put on your moisturizer with SPF for the day. Your skin will stay hydrated, bounce back faster, and look like you actually sleep eight hours (even if you definitely don’t).
6. Upgrade Your Shaving Game
If you’re still using the same razor brand you did in college, it’s time for a grown-up upgrade. A solid safety razor or electric shaver gives a closer cut with less irritation—and yes, your skin can still break out in your forties.
Invest in a soothing shaving cream or post-shave balm with aloe or witch hazel. Smooth skin isn’t just about avoiding nicks—it’s about maintaining that “I take care of myself” energy that us ladies tend to notice.
7. Start Seeing a Dermatologist
You don’t need a crisis (or a suspicious mole) to visit a derm. A yearly checkup is smart skincare maintenance. They can spot sun damage early, help with fine lines or dark spots, and recommend professional, in-office treatments that nobody needs to know about but you.
And yes, we’re talking about Botox.
Think of your derm visits like hiring a mechanic for your face. You’re not waiting for the engine light to come on before checking under the hood.
8. Wear SPF Every Freaking Day
If sunscreen still feels optional to you, we need to talk. SPF is non-negotiable—rain, shine, or cloudy day golf rounds. UV damage is cumulative, meaning every skipped day counts.
Opt for a lightweight, matte SPF 30+ moisturizer that won’t clog pores or leave white residue. Your future self (and every dermatologist) will thank you.
9. Moisturize Everything
Your face isn’t the only skin that deserves attention. Hands, neck, even your elbows—they’re all quietly aging too. A quality body lotion can make a world of difference.
Apply after your shower while your skin’s still damp, locking in moisture. You’ll look and feel better, and your partner won’t secretly cringe when you hold hands. Win-win.
10. Find Your Scent
Your body chemistry changes with age, which means your go-to cologne from your twenties might not hit the same. Try something deeper and more sophisticated—woody, smoky, maybe even a touch spicy.
Pro tip: one spritz on your pulse points (wrists, neck, chest) is plenty. You want to be the guy who smells good when she leans in, not the one who announces his arrival from the parking lot.
11. Level Up Your Oral Care
We’ve already talked about the confidence-boosting effects of whitening your teeth, but don’t overlook the basics. A high-quality electric toothbrush goes a long way toward keeping your smile healthy.
If you haven’t switched to an electric model yet, do it now. It’s like upgrading from dial-up to fiber internet—once you experience it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
Have two minutes in the morning to do even more? Add a water flosser to your routine, too.
12. Get Enough Sleep (Seriously)
You can have the best skincare products in the world, but if you’re running on fumes, it’ll show. Prioritize sleep like it’s part of your routine—because it is.
Good sleep keeps your skin regenerating, your mood lifted, and your under-eyes less “Weekend Dad.” Eight hours might feel indulgent, but it’s a whole lot cheaper than a mid-life crisis-induced face lift!
13. Keep It Simple
The best grooming routine isn’t the one that looks like a 10-step K-beauty haul—it’s the one you’ll actually stick with. Aim for consistency, not complexity.
Cleanse. Moisturize. Protect. Repeat. You’ll be surprised how much better your skin, hair, and confidence feel when you treat yourself like someone worth the effort.
Want to keep your hair and skin in great shape at every age? Check out Style Girlfriend’s guides for your 20s, 30s, and 50s.
More guys’ grooming resources from SG HQ
The Fragrances Women Love to Smell on Men
How to Use Self Tanner Without Looking Like a Jersey Shore Bro
You Deserve a Really Good Shampoo
What Are You Waiting For? Go Get Botox in Your Forehead
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