Haley Stokoe is a 44-year-old Senior Beauty Therapist with over 25 years’ experience. She is Owner of Beautiful Betty, an eco-friendly beauty salon and boutique in Hexham focused on tranquillity and calm.
Beautiful Betty was born from Haley’s belief that beauty isn’t just skin deep, it is being the best possible version of yourself, how you live and the impact it has on the planet.
As part of our National Age Without Apology Month, with the 2025 theme of Get Your Glow, we speak to Haley about how to get your glow through skincare after 40.
What skin changes happen for women in their 40s and beyond?
“After 40, we begin to see significant skin changes due to the natural ageing process and intrinsic factors like sun exposure, lifestyle and environment. We begin to see the effects of a decline in collagen and elastin, loss of volume and the appearance of lines and wrinkles becoming more obvious. Skin appears dryer and more dehydrated, as skin cell turnover and sebum production slow down.”
How can someone evolve their skincare routine to suit skin’s changing needs aged 40 and beyond?
“My top tip is to invest in a good, effective skincare routine which supports your skin’s changes. Skincare isn't a one-size-fits-all, it's deeply personal and can be the difference between loving your skin and not.
“One of my favourite parts about levelling up my skincare routine post-40 is layering. I treat this as really caring for my skin - applying serums, oils and moisturisers after a nourishing cleanse is my daily go-to.”
How can skincare help someone to Get their Glow after 40?
“A lot of the 'glow' comes from within - being comfortable in your skin is a great place to start. After that it's about making sure your skincare is effective, using products which do as they say, not wasting time and money on ineffective products.
“At this point however, if you're not exfoliating, this is a good time to start. Gently removing the dull surface layer regularly with a good exfoliator has a huge effect on skin’s natural glow and it enables your skincare to penetrate deeper, which inevitably makes it more efficient.”
What are the main skin concerns you hear from women aged 40+?
“As a beauty therapist, I have a lot of clients asking if they should try injectables for a quick fix, but often this is because they don't understand their skin’s needs and until 40, haven't really thought about their skincare. I usually advise a good skincare routine and a course of facials before they commit to Botox or fillers. Injectables can enhance, but skincare sustains!”
For someone who wants to start a simple routine after the age of 40, what are your top tips?
“Skincare really doesn't need to be complicated; you can start with a simple 3-step routine and build from there. Getting into a good ritual of cleansing, gentle exfoliation and moisturising is a great place to start and once you've made that your core routine, it's easy to add more products to make a more effective and personalised routine.”
You look fabulous! How do you Get Your Glow?
“I'm often asked what I use on my skin, but it's important to use skincare best suited for your skin and that's what I've done, I make sure that I don't skip a beat. Cleansing is key, then I love the ritual of layering, especially before bed. It's a form of self-care that I give to myself, it's my non negotiable.”
You stock Willowberry in your beautiful boutique and salon! Do you have a favourite product?
“This is a hard one, because I love them all! I love the Cleansing Balm, I love how it's melts into my skin and how it's very effective and gentle... it also smells divine.”
What is your attitude towards age and how do you recommend others approach age?
“I simply don't look at ageing as a flaw, I embrace the changes, which is healthy and powerful. My advice to anyone who worries about ageing is to not fight it - embrace it with intention. Glowing isn't about turning back the clock, it's about showing up for yourself at every stage with care, confidence, simplicity and bounds of love.”
You can find out more about Beautiful Betty at www.beautifulbetty.com and follow them on Instagram at beautiful.betty
Willowberry is nutritious natural skincare for grown-ups, for your best skin.
Designed especially for the needs of grown-up skin without telling women to be 'anti-ageing', Willowberry’s luxurious award-winning products nurture and nourish, for a brighter, hydrated, radiant complexion. We want you to Age Without Apology.
As seen in Vogue, Independent, The Telegraph, This Morning and more.
