When you reach your 30s, it’s time to take your skin seriously. This decade is crucial for caring for your skin, as it can establish a positive foundation for the years ahead. The reason behind this is that our skin’s natural processes slow down as we age. Collagen production diminishes, sun damage accumulates, uneven pigmentation becomes more common, and skin dehydration occurs more frequently. Sherly Soleiman, MD, a certified dermatologist, explains, “Having a consistent skin-care routine can help counteract these issues.” So, what’s the best approach to skincare in your 30s? Additionally, consider exploring a skin care routine for 40s to prepare for the next decade.
There are skin-care routines tailored for various situations and individuals, including those with oily skin, dry skin, and even routines for men. However, figuring out the most suitable routine for your 30s can be challenging. As you transition from your 20s, you might still be grappling with acne. Simultaneously, you might notice the emergence of signs of aging, like fine lines. This means you’ll need to address multiple concerns simultaneously, some of which might appear conflicting. Considering a skin care routine for 50-s can also provide valuable insights.
This is where expert guidance comes into play, and you’ll find it here, straight from dermatologists. From the top skin-care brands to the essential steps you should never overlook, this guide covers everything you need to know to master skin care in your 30s.
Protect Your Skin Daily with SPF One of the most crucial steps in any skin-care routine, regardless of your age, is applying SPF. However, as you enter your 30s, neglecting sun protection can accelerate the aging of your skin. Incorporating SPF into your morning skin care routine is essential. A proper summer skin care routine can help mitigate these effects. Dr. Soleiman explains that sun rays have the potential to cause gene mutations that might lead to skin cancer. Additionally, they can stimulate excess pigment production, resulting in uneven spots and decreased elasticity. Dr. Soleiman emphasizes the need to use sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every single day.
Fortunately, there are numerous excellent sunscreens available. For optimal value, you might consider a tinted mineral sunscreen. According to Dr. Soleiman, these sunscreens are effective at preventing premature aging because their ingredients remain on the skin’s surface, reflecting UV rays from the sun.
An example is Peter Thomas Roth’s Max Mineral Tinted Sunscreen with SPF 45. This tinted sunscreen not only safeguards your skin but also evens out your skin tone. If you don’t require heavy coverage, you can use it as an alternative to foundation or simply to enhance your natural complexion. Moreover, it contains vitamins C and E, which promote skin health and provide additional anti-aging advantages.
Choose the Right Cleanser Using a face wipe can seem super convenient.
You just swipe it on your face and you’re ready to go, right? Not quite. Even though face wipes are handy for removing makeup, they shouldn’t replace a proper face wash. Dr. Soleiman explains, “It’s generally not a good idea to have leftover soap or unintended oils on your skin after taking off makeup, which can happen with face wipes.” So, it’s okay to use a wipe for makeup removal, but always follow it up with a good face wash.
There are many excellent face wash options for different skin types. If you’re unsure, Dr. Soleiman recommends using a gentle cleanser. These are good for everyone and won’t leave your skin feeling irritated. Paula’s Choice Perfectly Balanced Foaming Cleanser is a great choice, featuring hyaluronic acid for hydration and aloe for soothing. Use it in the evening to ensure your skin is clean before bedtime. As for the morning routine, surprisingly, Dr. Soleiman suggests most people don’t need to use a cleanser in the morning—splashing lukewarm water on your face is usually sufficient.
Stick with Your Moisturizer “Growing older can lead to dry skin,” explains Dr. Soleiman. This is because as you age, your skin produces fewer natural oils that help keep it moisturized. Moreover, the sun damage from your 20s might start catching up with you. This is why applying moisturizer both in the morning and as part of your night skin care routine is a crucial step in the best skin-care routine for your 30s. Dr. Soleiman suggests using a moisturizer that matches your specific skin type.
If your skin tends to be very dry, a thicker moisturizer is a good choice. If you’re prone to breakouts, look for something oil-free. If you’ve noticed that your skin has become drier with age, consider a moisturizer with ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or ceramides—these provide a lot of hydration. Mona Gohara, MD, an associate clinical professor of dermatology at the Yale School of Medicine, recommends RoC’s Multi Correxion Daily Moisturizer. It contains hyaluronic acid for plumping and increased hydration, along with essential SPF 30 protection.
Be Gentle with Your Skin Are you scrubbing your skin hard while washing your face? Or using downward swipes when applying skin products? It’s time to stop. “Pulling and tugging on your skin can stretch it and cause it to lose its bounce,” warns Dr. Soleiman. Instead, try using your fingertips to gently pat products onto your skin. Incorporating this technique into your winter skin care routine can be particularly beneficial. Of course, some products can’t be patted on, like face wash. In that case, use soft, upward motions to avoid aiding gravity in making your skin droop. This tip is also important when you move on to the next step of your beauty routine, especially makeup application.
Another approach: Pat your creams and lotions onto your skin, then use a jade roller to roll the product gently upward into your skin. The Blue Aventurine Facial Roller from the Sephora Collection feels refreshing on the skin and can even help reduce facial puffiness.
Handle Acne with Care and Effectiveness You might not be facing the intense breakouts you experienced during your teenage years, but acne can still be a concern in your 30s. The challenge is to manage those sudden zits without making your skin overly dry. When you were a teenager, you likely aimed to remove every bit of oil from your skin, notes Dr. Brendan Camp, a certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York. However, as you age, you need to avoid this approach because overly dry skin can make you appear older.
While salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are commonly used to tackle zits, Dr. Camp recommends considering azelaic acid. He suggests it’s gentler, which is particularly beneficial for mature skin, and it also has anti-inflammatory properties. Skinfix’s Acne+ combines both salicylic and azelaic acid to deliver quick and gentle results. Another useful tip: If a blemish appears, don’t skip moisturizing your skin. Depriving your skin of its natural oils could lead it to produce even more oil to stay hydrated, potentially causing more breakouts. Instead, simply incorporate spot treatment into your regular evening routine to help the blemish fade away.
Embrace Retinol for Youthful Skin “Prevention is better than cure,” Dr. Camp emphasizes. “Using anti-aging products early on can help ward off mature skin changes like fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots.” Retinol stands out as one of the most effective anti-aging products, and its effectiveness has led to the creation of retinol body creams. Dr. Camp explains that retinol regulates the turnover of skin cells, enhancing skin texture. Over time, it can also stimulate collagen production—an essential protein that imparts skin firmness. It’s no wonder why almost all dermatologists recommend incorporating this powerful ingredient into the best skin-care routine for your 30s and beyond.
Kiehl’s Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum is a popular choice among customers and can be used after cleansing. Beyond delivering a potent dose of wrinkle-fighting retinol, it contains peptides and collagen, which, according to Dr. Gohara, can reinforce the skin’s moisture barrier and plump the skin.
Here’s a tip: Some individuals might experience slight irritation when they start using retinol. Our experts advise conducting a small patch test before fully committing. Apply a bit of retinol on the inside of your wrist (similar to facial skin) and observe for any reaction. If there’s no redness or irritation, you can proceed to try it on your face but remember not to go overboard. A little amount can go a long way.
Prioritize Brightening Your Skin Imagine a brand-new diamond ring – it’s incredibly shiny and full of sparkle. However, as time goes on and you wear it, dirt and grime can gather, making it lose its luster. Your skin can experience a similar situation, even if you’re diligent with your cleansing routine. But here’s where a vitamin C serum comes to the rescue. “Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant that counteracts harmful oxygen radicals produced by the body’s metabolism and UV exposure,” explains Dr. Camp. The outcome? Your skin becomes more radiant, displaying a fresh and glowing appearance.
The First Aid Beauty 10% Vitamin C Brightening Serum includes vitamin C to enhance brightness and also features vitamin E, which helps to soften the skin. This product offers both immediate and gradual effects. Apply it in the morning before your moisturizer for a touch of radiance. With consistent use, you can expect to see an overall improvement in your skin’s brightness over time.
Include Exfoliation in Your Routine As you enter your 30s, the turnover of skin cells begins to slow down. This might lead to a buildup of lifeless skin cells, resulting in dryness or flakiness. Not ideal. Dr. Soleiman advises, “If you observe a collection of older skin that hasn’t naturally shed, a mild exfoliant can be beneficial.” Exfoliation products come in two types: chemical and physical. The former employs skin-friendly acids to remove dead skin, while the latter uses gentle abrasives to get rid of dead cells.
The Outset offers a scrub containing micro particles that gently exfoliate the skin. However, be cautious not to exfoliate daily, as it can lead to irritation. Our experts suggest aiming for exfoliation once a week – this is a suitable target.
Understand the Correct Sequence When you’re crafting the perfect skin-care routine for your 30s, you want it to be effective. Surprisingly, one major factor that plays into this is the order in which you apply your products. Getting this order right can have a significant impact on how well the ingredients are absorbed. Dr. Camp reveals an anti-aging secret: “A general rule is to apply products from thinnest to thickest consistency.” He explains that you should start by washing your face, then apply a toner if you use one, followed by a serum, and finally, layer on a moisturizer. The last step should be sunscreen or an SPF moisturizer.
If you haven’t incorporated a toner into your routine, it might be worth considering as you age. Toners can help to close pores, reducing the chances of contaminants getting into your skin. The key is to choose a gentle toner that won’t strip your skin. Fresh’s Rose Deep-Hydration Facial Toner is a great option with hyaluronic acid that hydrates and leaves your skin feeling soft after application.
Choose a Special Eye Cream The skin around your eyes is thinner, making it more prone to showing signs of aging early on. This is why it’s important to include an eye cream in your routine when you’re in your 30s – and no, a regular face moisturizer won’t cut it. You need something that’s tailored for this specific area. Dr. Camp advises, “When seeking eye creams to address fine lines and wrinkles, opt for ones containing vitamin C or retinol. These ingredients can enhance collagen production, making your eyes appear more youthful. Alternatively, if you’re dealing with eyelid swelling, go for eye creams with caffeine. Caffeine tightens superficial vessels and reduces the look of puffy lids.”
Herbivore’s Super Nova Eye Cream includes both vitamin C and caffeine, allowing you to tackle both concerns at once. To apply, Dr. Gohara suggests using a less dominant finger (like your ring finger) to gently pat on the eye cream. This approach ensures you’re gentle with the delicate skin in that area.
Stick with Your Favorites Experimenting with new products can be tempting, especially when you see influencers raving about the latest serum, lotion, or cleanser on social media. However, as you age, consistency in the products you use becomes increasingly crucial. Your skin doesn’t recover as swiftly as it used to, and you might experience breakouts or negative reactions to new products, according to Dr. Gohara. Furthermore, if you keep switching up your products, you don’t give them a fair chance to deliver their promised results.
But what if you’re intrigued by a trendy item, like TikTok’s popular Cosrx Snail Mucin Essence? Our experts agree that occasionally trying something new is okay. Just avoid constantly introducing new products and completely altering your routine all at once once you’ve established a reliable regimen.
Don’t Overlook These Important Areas When it comes to skincare in your 30s, remember that it’s not all about your face. Dr. Camp advises, “Remember to care for your ears, neck, and hands as well. Often, people focus only on the face, causing other areas to age faster because they aren’t receiving the same skin-care products or protections.”
You can easily apply the same products you use on your face to these other areas. Alternatively, you might want to invest in a specialized product for your neck. BareMinerals’s Ageless Neck Cream is formulated with a plant-based alternative to retinol, which can be harsh on sensitive skin. This cream helps maintain firmness and plumpness.
