In my teens and 20s, I had a lot of myths about what it means to turn 30. Most of them were debunked by the time I entered the decade (in fact, I didn’t turn into a pile of junk). dusty old bones on my birthday), but I’ve noticed a slight shift in my perspective. While I still felt like a kid in my 20s, my 30s were the last year I started seeing myself as a young adult. And, in adult style, I also started worried. Featured on this beauty writer’s list of concerns: what are the best skin care products for your 30s?
While my 20s was more about experimenting with skin care (and waking up with makeup on every now and then), my 30s was more focused on cultivating a routine to both fix the damage done and correct the damage. (Dear readers, please don’t fall asleep in makeup) and lay the foundation for a solid future, fresh face. Honestly, a holistic skin care routine is essentially the beauty version of a 401K — invest in yourself now and reap the benefits decades later.
With that in mind, I turned to Dr. Dendy Engelman, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist, to create a product routine ideal for 30-year-old skin. There is no one-size-fits-all skincare line, but knowing which ingredients work best for most skin types can help you hone your own daily effectiveness.
Featured image of Michelle Nash.
What does my skin need in my 30s?
Once we hit our 30s, most will start to notice a decrease in collagen production (we start to lose about 10% of our collagen per decade, according to Dr. Engelman). A decline in collagen, our body’s main structural protein, contributes to the formation of lines, wrinkles, dark circles, and other signs of aging.
“At this point, our skin also begins to lose its ability to hold moisture, further reducing the firmness and plumpness of the skin we associate with youth,” Dr.
Use a hard-working moisturizer with moisturizing ingredients (like hyaluronic acid acid, squalane, ceramidesand glycerin) is key to keeping skin plump and radiant in your 30s. If you want to upgrade your routine after that, consider this. Antioxidants (like vitamin C) to fight free radicals or retinoids to encourage cell turnover (and skin repair). And of course, sunscreen is non-negotiable at any age, but SPF (an anti-aging superhero) starts to feel more important when the crow’s feet start to creep in.
Another thing our 30-year-old skin desperately needs is a clean sheet at night. Always take the time to remove dirt, makeup, sweat, and other residues that accumulate on your face at the end of the day. “I suggest using double cleaning method First wash with a cleansing oil, then wash with a gentle cleanser that won’t strip your skin of its natural oils,” adds Dr. on the best skin care for your 30s.
What are the typical skin problems we start to experience in our 30s?
Dr. Engelman explains: “By age 30 and beyond, we start to see more signs of aging, like fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. “This is also when some people may start to notice signs of hormonal changes in their skin, such as breakouts, even if they’ve never experienced them before.”
Is it okay to use anti-aging products in your 30s?
It’s correct! In fact, Dr. Engelman often recommends that patients start using retinol in their 20s.
“It is best to start with an over-the-counter retinol and integrate it slowly and gently,” says Dr. Engelman recommends the best skin care products for your 30s. “This is because retinol can be very irritating and sometimes too strong if not used with the right balance. If you’ve been using a retinol for a while and are starting to notice fewer results, it may be time to switch to a prescription retinol. These tend to be stronger and have a higher percentage of retinol, so it’s important that your body has been exposed to retinol before, to prevent adverse side effects such as irritation and clearance. ”
What is the best skin care routine for a 30 year old?
As your skin care routine evolves over the years, you’ll begin to build two anti-aging routines: one for the morning and one for the night. Morning is for protection (vitamin C fights free radicals is your friend), while evening is for renewal (access to retinol induces cellular change). And while there’s no one-size-fits-all routine, Dr. Engelman shares a solid team to help you find the best skin care for your 30s.
