Best skin care products for mid 30s

In my teens and 20s, I had a lot of wild ideas about what it meant to turn 30. Most of them were debunked as I entered the decade (I did not, in fact, transform into a pile of dusty old bones on my birthday), but I did notice my perspective change a bit. While I still felt like a kid in my 20s, 30 was the year I finally began to see myself as a young adult. And, in a highly adult fashion, I also began worrying. High on my list of this beauty writer’s concerns: what are the best skincare products for your 30s?

While my 20s were more about experimenting with skincare (and the occasional woke-up-still-in-makeup morning), my 30s have been about honing a routine to both correct the damage (dear reader, please don’t fall asleep in your makeup) and lay the foundation for a solid, fresh-faced future. Honestly, a well-rounded skincare routine is basically the beauty version of a 401K—invest in yourself now and reap the benefits decades later.

With that in mind, I tapped Dr. Dendy Engelman, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist, to run through an ideal product routine for 30-something skin. No skincare line-up will ever be one-size-fits-all, but knowing what kind of ingredients work best for most skin types can help you hone your own daily repertoire.

Featured image by Michelle Nash.

What does my skin need in my 30s?

By the time we hit our 30s, most will begin to notice a decrease in collagen production (we begin losing about 10% of our collagen every decade, according to Dr. Engelman). That decrease in collagen, our body’s main structural protein, contributes to the formation of fine lines, wrinkles, dark circles, and other signs of aging.

“ At this time, our skin is also starting to lose its ability to retain moisture, further lessening the firm and plump look of skin that we associate with youth,” Dr. Engelman shares.

Using a hard-working moisturizer with hydrating ingredients (like hyaluronic acid, squalane, ceramides, and glycerin) is key to keeping skin plump and glowy in your 30s. If you want to level up your routine after that, consider antioxidants (like vitamin C) to fight free radicals or retinoids to encourage cell turnover (and skin repair). And of course, sunscreen is a non-negotiable at any age, but SPF (an anti-aging superhero) begins to feel even more important when crow’s feet start to creep in.

Another thing our 30-something skin desperately needs is a clean slate at night. Always make time to remove dirt, makeup, sweat, and any other accumulated debris from your face at the end of the day. “I suggest using the double cleansing methodof first washing with a cleansing oil, then following with a gentle cleanser that won’t strip your skin of its natural oils,” Dr. Engelman adds about practicing the best skincare for your 30s.

What are typical skin issues we begin to see in our 30s?

“By age 30 and up, we start seeing more signs of aging, like fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation,” Dr. Engelman explains. “This is also when some people may start noticing their skin manifesting signs of hormonal changes, like acne breakouts, even if they’ve never previously experienced them before.”

Is it okay to use anti-aging products in your 30s?

Yes! In fact, Dr. Engelman usually recommends patients begin using retinol in their 20s.

“It’s usually best to start with over-the-counter retinol and integrate it slowly and gently,” Dr. Engelman recommends for the best skincare products for 30s. “This is because retinol can be very irritating and sometimes too strong if not used with the right balance. If you have been using retinol for a while and are starting to notice less results, then it may be time to graduate to prescription retinol. This tends to be more potent and has a higher percentage of retinol, so it’s important your body has been exposed to retinol before, to prevent adverse side effects like irritation and purging.”

What is the best skincare routine for a 30-year-old?

As your skincare routine evolves over the years, you’ll begin to hone two anti-aging routines: one for the morning and one at night. The morning is about protection (free-radical-fighting vitamin C is your friend), while the evening is for renewal (reach for cell-turnover-inducing retinol). And while no routine is a perfect fit for all, Dr. Engelman shares a solid line-up to help you find the best skincare for your 30s.

Happy belated birthday to you, dear 30-something. Now it is time to upgrade your skin care routine before it is too late!

We know, we know - you're probably thinking "I'm not a teenager anymore; I don't need a skin care routine." But trust us: you really do! Just like during your teenage years, your skin is starting to change a lot. You may have started to see more fine lines and wrinkles, you may have dark spots and dark circles, and your skin texture may not be as soft as it used to be. 

Now that you are getting a little older, it is time to start taking skin care more seriously. But don't worry, we have got you covered with the best routine for your 30s to keep your skin youthful glow.

So, whether you are just starting to notice signs of premature aging or want to prevent them from happening, this simple routine will help. So read on to learn what to do!

Skincare in your 30s: Why is it so important?

Being the biggest and most notorious organ in your whole body, your skin is always exposed to environmental stressors and should be something you want to take care of. In this sense, putting into practice the best skincare routine during your 30s can help keep healthy, younger-looking skin and prevent skin concerns such as wrinkles, fine lines, crow’s feet, and dark spots.

There are a few reasons why having a skincare routine during your 30s is important. First, our skin cell turnover starts to slow down as we age, so it's important to use exfoliating acids regularly to encourage cell turnover and prevent dullness. Additionally, our bodies produce less collagen as we age, which can affect skin elasticity. That’s why using anti-aging products with key ingredients like retinol, hyaluronic acid, or vitamin C can help boost collagen production and keep skin looking plump and firm.

Finally, it's important to protect your skin from the sun during your 30s. UV damage accumulates over time, so it's crucial to start using vitamin E-rich sunscreen regularly in your 30s to prevent dark spots, wrinkles, and other signs of aging.

6 everyday aging signs you must be noticing

Our skin changes when we get older, that’s a no-brainer. And while some of those changes are due to genetics and lifestyle choices, a lot of it has to do with the aging process itself.

That's why it's so important to tailor a good skincare routine depending on your age and skin type. And if you're in your 30s, here are five common skin concerns you should be aware of: 

Fine lines and wrinkles

In your 30s, the skin begins to reduce its elastin and collagen production This process is called intrinsic aging and it’s the main reason why fine lines and wrinkles start to appear.

There are other aspects that can speed up the formation of fine lines and wrinkles, like smoking, sun exposure, dehydration, and an insufficient diet. 

The good news is that there are plenty of things you can do to prevent and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. A good place to start is by following a healthy skincare routine.

Uneven skin texture

There are a few things that can cause age spots and uneven skin tone in the 30s. First, UV rays and UVB rays damage from our younger years can start to show up as we age. Second, hormonal changes can cause pigmentation issues. And lastly, inflammation from acne or other skin conditions can lead to darkening of the skin.

Dry skin

Your skin has one superpower when you are young: it can retain moisture in your skin’s barrier! However, as you age, your skin cell turnover starts to slow down, which means that moisture isn't being replenished as quickly. 

Dry skin is one of the most common skin concerns during the 30s because the skin's natural oil production starts to decrease during this time and it loses its superpower, making it more prone to dryness and dehydration. 

Additionally, environmental factors such as wind and cold weather can also contribute to dry skin. 

Ginormous pores

Just like a lower elastin and collagen production can cause wrinkles, it can also lead to enlarged pores. This results in the weakening of our skin's supportive structure, which ultimately causes us to have notorious pores. 

Another cause could be a build-up of oil and dead skin cells in the pores, which can make them appear larger than they actually are.

Moreover, there are a few things that can contribute to enlarged pores, such as genetics, sun damage, and dehydration.

Acne breakouts

Sorry to disappoint you, but acne won’t stay in your teenage years!

During the 30s, women's skin changes due to increased levels of androgens. These hormones stimulate the sebaceous glands, which leads to an increase in oil production. The excess oil then clogs the pores and traps bacteria, causing breakouts.

Related article: A Must-Read Guide On How To Get Rid Of Acne And Not Die Trying

Skin’s sensitivity

As you age, your skin barrier function begins to decline. This means that your skin becomes less able to protect itself from irritants, bacteria, and other environmental aggressors. 

That’s why you could develop sensitive skin during your 30s. 

13 Tips to build the best skincare for 30s

If you ever watched 13 Going 30, you know turning 30 not only comes with awesome things, it also comes with big concerns and the fear of aging, but that’s nothing a routine for your 30s can’t solve. 

Here are our 13 skin care routine tips on building the anti-aging, super-hydrating, acne-fighting combo of your dreams: 

1. Find a cleanser for your skin type

Washing your face with a gentle cleanser formulated for your type is important because as you age, your skin becomes more susceptible to damage. Dirt, makeup, and oil can clog your pores and lead to breakouts. 

In addition, aging skin is drier than young skin, so it’s important to keep moisturized and clean skin

Start with a cleanser that suits your skin type. If you have dry or sensitive skin, look for a gentle, hydrating formula. If you have oily or combination skin, opt for a cleanser that's designed to control oil and breakouts.

BONUS: Check out Asian Beauty Essentials Skincare Quiz to get a personalized products based on your skin type!

Pro-tip: include a double cleanse regime! This can help you get rid of oil-based impurities, like makeup and oil, and water-based impurities, like sweat. 

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2.  SPF is not only for the beach

30s-something needs 30 broad-spectrum SPF because sun damage from your younger years can also start to rear its ugly head during this decade!

A broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect skin is not only for people who spend a lot of time outdoors. Even if you work in an office, you are still exposed to the sun’s harmful UV rays. That’s why it’s important to use sun protection with vitamin e every day, even if you don’t plan to go to the beach or the park. 

Why? Because most of your skincare problems *aka dark age spots, uneven skin tone, and wrinkles* come from not using sun protection, so, by applying it you can prevent those visible signs and avoid skin cancer.

3. Add exfoliation to your skincare routine

As we get older, our cells turnover at a much more unhurried rate. This means that the dead cells tend to accumulate on the surface of our skin, making it look dull and dry. Gentle exfoliation helps to remove these dead skin cells, cleans clogged pores and reveals the brighter, healthier skin underneath.

There are two prominent kinds of exfoliants: physical exfoliants and chemical exfoliants. Physical exfoliants work by mechanically sloughing off the dead skin cells, while chemical exfoliants use active ingredients like glycolic acid or lactic acid to dissolve them.

Wanna know more about the best exfoliators for your skin? Read this blog! 

4. Don't forget about your neck and chest

Your face is not the only part of your body that will show visible signs of aging! The skin on these areas is thinner and more delicate than the skin on your face, so it needs just as much *if not more* care.

Include a neck cream with hyaluronic acid in your skincare routine for your 30s! 

5. Get an antioxidant serum

As you navigate through your 30s, your skin's ability to regenerate starts to decline. This process is called oxidative stress, and it's the main cause of fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging.

One way to combat oxidative stress is by using an antioxidant serum. Antioxidant serums tend to help protect your skin from free radical damage, which can harm your skin barrier.

Some of the best antioxidants for your skin include vitamin C, vitamin E, and green tea extract. These ingredients can help brighten your complexion, improve elasticity, and fight off environmental aggressors.

Include these jam-packed skincare products during your morning routine and layer on some sunscreen after. 

6. Invest in a good eye cream

Are you starting to notice crow’s feet, wrinkles, and circles around your eyes? That’s why eye creams are part of the best skincare routine for 30s!

The skin around your eyes is delicate and thinner than the rest of your face, making it more susceptible to showing signs of aging. That’s why using an eye cream as part of your skincare routine is important.

An eye cream can help hydrate the skin around your eyes, reduce puffiness and dark circles, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. If you’re not sure which eye cream to use, ask your board-certified dermatologist for a recommendation.

7. Use a moisturizer

You know that retaining moisture is not your skin’s biggest flex now, right? Well, using a moisturizer can help you with that!

Your skin might feel drier than it did in your 20s, so using a moisturizer is so important during this decade. Not only will it help keep your skin hydrated, but it can also help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

8. Choose products that contain retinoids

Whether you choose to use a night cream with retinol or a prescription retinoid, retinoids are important for skin cell turnover which helps to keep the skin looking young and fresh. Additionally, retinoids can help to smooth wrinkles and aid with acne, so it's a great ingredient to use in your routine for your 30s.

Important: only use retinoids in your nighttime routine!

9. Don't forget about your lips!

Your skin ages and your lips too! 

The skin on your lips is very thin and prone to drying out. Applying lip balm can help to lock in moisture and prevent your skin from drying out. It can also help to protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays.

10. Consider adding oil to your routine

Face oils are having a moment right now, but they're not just for dry skin - they can actually be beneficial for all skin types *including oily and acne-prone skin*. 

Oils help keep your skin hydrated and can even help control oil production. Just be sure to choose the right oil for your skin and it to your routine for your 30s.

11. Try a jade roller or gua sha tool

Jade rollers and gua sha tools are important during your 30s because they help to increase circulation and promote the production of collagen. Jade rollers can also help to reduce puffiness and wrinkles. Gua sha tools can help to sculpt the face by lifting and toning the skin.

You can use it once you have applied the serum!. 

12. Don't neglect your diet

Your skin’s health can be affected by the things you eat and, that’s why eating healthily is part of the best skincare routine for your 30s.

Eating healthy foods helps promote clear, glowing skin - so make sure to fill up on plenty of fruits, vegetables, and water throughout the day.

13. Remove makeup

One of the most important steps in any skin care routine is removing makeup before going to bed. No matter how tired you are, or how late it is, taking the time to remove your makeup will pay off in the long run because sleeping in your makeup can lead to clogged pores and breakouts.

There are a few different ways to remove makeup, but the important thing is to find one that works for you and that you’ll actually stick to. Some people prefer using makeup wipes, while others prefer using an oil-based cleanser followed by a water-based cleanser. If you wear heavy makeup, you may even want to double cleanse to make sure all of your makeup is removed.

Whichever method you choose, just make sure to be gentle with your skin. rubbing harshly can cause irritation and lead to more breakouts. take your time, and enjoy the process of taking care of your skin!

Related article: Go From Wrinkled to Youthful Skin With The Best Anti-Aging Skin Care Routine

Best anti aging regimen for 30s: The right order

Now that you know all the tips to build the best skin care routine for 30s is time to talk about the right skincare order to keep ever-young skin. 

One of the most common questions I get is what order should you use your skin care products in? It’s a great question because using your products in the right order ensures that each product can do its job properly. 

However, before starting, you should keep in mind when putting together the best skincare routine is that everyone’s skin is different. What works for one person might not work for another and sometimes the same person can have different skin types. So, it's important to tailor your skincare routine to meet your specific needs. 

With that being said, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you put together the best anti aging skincare routine for your 30s:

1. Cleanser

The first step in any anti-aging skincare regimen is using a face wash. This helps to remove dirt, oil, and makeup from your skin so that the other products in your routine can work more effectively.

2. Exfoliator

Exfoliating two to three times per week will help to slough off dead cells and reveal brighter smoother skin. You can choose a chemical exfoliator, like glycolic acid, or a facial scrub. 

You can exfoliate your skin twice a week after using the face wash. However, keep your eyes open in case of any irritation or inflammation.

3. Toner

Toner helps to restore your skin’s pH balance and prep your skin for the next steps in your routine.

For this, you should put the toner in a cotton pad and apply it gently to your skin.

4. Serum

The fourth step in the best skincare routine is serums. Serums are packed with active ingredients that can help to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone, and aid to keep healthy skin. You can use a hyaluronic acid serum at night, and an antioxidant serum, like vitamin c, during the morning.

You can also mix two serums, like niacinamide and glycolic acid or retinol *aka vitamin A*

5. Cream for the eyes

This can help to reduce the appearance of under-eye puffiness and dark circles. Choose a cream with anti aging ingredients like niacinamide, coffee, and hyaluronic acid

6. Moisturizer and neck cream

Moisturizing is key to keeping your skin nourished and looking its best. Choose a moisturizer and a neck cream that’s suitable for your skin. 

You can choose a night cream with hyaluronic acid and aloe vera for the nighttime skin care routine, and a gel moisturizer during the morning.

7. Sun protection

The cherry at the top of the best skincare routine for your 30s is using sun protection. This will not only help you to protect your skin from the sun but also will prevent dark age spots from developing. 

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