By a wound care nurse who knows hydration isn’t just trendy—it’s critical
Let’s face it: turning 40 is kind of like skin’s midlife crisis. Suddenly, things that used to “bounce back” now just… linger. Wrinkles sneak in, healing slows down, and your moisturizer starts working overtime. But here’s the good news: as a nurse and someone who obsesses over both wound care and wellness—I’m here to tell you that your skin can still thrive. It just needs a little more science, strategy, and yes… water.
So grab a glass, because we’re about to hydrate your skin, your gut, and your entire mindset.
💧 Let’s Talk About Water (No, Really)
I know—everyone and their wellness influencer cousin says to “drink more water.” But here’s the clinical truth:
- Dehydrated skin heals slower.
- Dehydrated bodies poop less.
- Dehydrated cells age faster.
As a wound care nurse, I can tell you firsthand: hydration is everything. It’s one of the most overlooked components in both chronic wound healing and aging skin. Your skin is your largest organ, and like any good organ, it needs hydration to function.
Nurse Tip: Aim for half your body weight in ounces per day (or more if you’re sweating or chugging coffee like it’s charting fuel).
🧬 Wrinkles: The Battle You Can Totally Win (Sort of)
Wrinkles aren’t the enemy—they’re the memoirs of your face. But if you want to smooth out some chapters, here’s what works:
- Topical Retinoids: Vitamin A derivatives that boost collagen and reduce fine lines. Bonus—they also help with wound cell turnover!
- Peptides & Growth Factors: Fancy talk for ingredients that coach your skin into behaving younger.
- Daily SPF: Because preventing damage is easier than microneedling it away later. (Shoutout to the sun exposure I thought was “just a tan” in my 20s…)
Bonus Point: Gut inflammation can accelerate aging—yep, your wrinkles can be a digestive distress signal.
🩹 Wound Healing After 40: Slower, But Smarter
Aging skin is like an older nurse: wise, experienced… but it doesn’t rush anymore. Healing slows because:
- Collagen production decreases
- Circulation may reduce
- Immune response changes
But don’t panic—we can support healing through:
- Vitamin C + Zinc + Protein (the holy trinity of wound care)
- Hydration and circulation-boosting habits (walk, massage, hydrate)
- Gut health: because nutrient absorption = healing fuel
Ostomy Patients: Pay extra attention to hydration and skin barrier integrity. Peristomal skin loves a happy gut and a well-fed body.
🥦 Skin Starts in the Gut (And Poop Tells the Story)
Let me be super nurse-real with you: If your gut’s a mess, your skin will tattle.
- Acne, eczema, and dullness can all be tied to gut dysbiosis
- Poor digestion = less nutrient absorption = less skin support
- Chronic constipation? It’s not just uncomfortable—it slows detox, which your skin often picks up the slack for
Add prebiotic foods (like garlic, onions, asparagus), fermented foods (kimchi, yogurt, sauerkraut), and fiber-rich plants to keep your insides as pretty as your outside.
🧖♀️ My Personal Glow-Up Routine (In Case You’re Wondering)
Here’s what this 40-something nurse swears by:
- Morning magnesium water + walk
- Probiotic + collagen in my coffee (yes, it dissolves)
- Gentle cleanser, Vitamin C serum, SPF 50, moisturizer with peptides
- Retinol 2–3x/week at night
- Eat-the-rainbow meals and good fats (hello avocado)
- 7+ hours of sleep (or pretending I did)
👩⚕️ Final Thoughts from Your Favorite Wound Nurse
Your skin is a reflection of your gut, your habits, and your hydration. It doesn’t need 14 expensive products or filters—it needs care, consistency, and clinical common sense.
Wrinkles happen. Wounds take longer to heal. But with water, good food, gut love, and SPF loyalty, your skin will be as strong as your nursing skills.
Because you don’t just glow—you’ve earned that glow.
