Essential Anti-Aging Skincare Tips for Your 30s

We know that even hearing the word “30s” can send a jolt of adrenaline through anyone—but it’s important to accept that that’s where you’re at! In this exciting new decade of life, you’ll want to adjust your skincare routine so you can address the changes your skin goes through during this time. These years are the perfect time to focus on prevention and rejuvenation to help you maintain a youthful glow and healthy complexion.

Read on to discover our list of essential anti-aging skincare tips for your 30s—both what to do and what to avoid!

Upgrade Your Skincare Routine

The first (and most important) thing to look at is your skincare routine. You’ll likely want to make a few adjustments to how you’ve been doing things to keep up with the physical changes your skin experiences during your 30s.

Choose the Right Cleanser

Two things are crucial when looking for a cleanser: you want to find one that will effectively remove makeup and dirt while also leaving the natural oils in your skin. Hydrating ingredients are, therefore, essential—hyaluronic acid and glycerin are the perfect ingredients for maintaining skin moisture.

Additionally, think about double-cleansing before bed. Start with an oil-based cleanser that does away with makeup and sunscreen, and follow up with a water-based cleanser to remove any remaining impurities.

Exfoliate Wisely

Cell turnover begins slowing down in your 30s, which means you’ll want to be thoughtful about when and how much you exfoliate. We suggest exfoliating no more than once or twice a week, and be sure to choose a gentle exfoliant. Options like alpha-hydroxy acid or beta-hydroxy acid are perfect for removing dead skin cells and clearing pore congestion without damaging your skin.

Harsh physical scrubs are something you’ll want to stay away from—these can damage your skin and cause irritation.

Incorporate Antioxidants

If you’re ready for a ton of benefits, it might be time to start thinking about a vitamin C serum. Vitamin C serums boost collagen production, brighten your complexion, and combat free radicals. You’ll want to apply the serum in the morning after you cleanse and before moisturizing.

Other helpful antioxidants include vitamin E and those in green tea, which can give your skin a bit of added protection from environmental effects.

Hydrate and Moisturize

Our best tip for moisturizer is to choose one that suits your skin type (oily, dry, combination, or anything in between), as well as one that has a richer formula than what you used in the past. Apply that moisturizer at night to bolster your skin’s natural repair process.

Ingredients like ceramides, peptides, and niacinamide can strengthen your skin barrier and even out your skin tone, too!

Prioritize Sun Protection

Sun protection is critical in preventing premature aging, so make sure to use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher any time you’re heading out. You may have to experiment a little to find a sunscreen that’s comfortable on your skin and doesn’t leave a greasy residue or a white cast, but the experimentation will be worth it.

Also, remember to reapply sunscreen every two hours when you’re outside and every time you get out of the water if you’re swimming.

Skincare Mistakes To Avoid

We’ve discussed some of the things you should do, but what should you avoid? Read on to find out!

Ignoring Your Eye Area

The skin around your eyes is thinner than the rest of your face, which means it’s more prone to fine lines, wrinkles, and dark circles. In your 30s, it’s essential to use an eye cream specifically formulated for this area. Look for eye creams with ingredients like caffeine, peptides, and hyaluronic acid to help brighten, firm, and hydrate the skin around your eyes.

Neglecting the Neck and Décolletage

Like your eyes, the skin on your neck and décolletage is delicate, making it more susceptible to aging. Many people focus on their facial skincare but neglect these areas, which can lead to premature signs of aging like wrinkles and fine lines. Be sure to extend your skincare routine to include your neck and décolletage, applying the same cleansers, serums, and moisturizers you use on your face.

Sleeping in Makeup

Listen, we understand—sometimes, all you want to do is flop into your bed and not think about skincare. However, we want to encourage you to take a few minutes to take off your makeup! Sleeping in your makeup can lead to clogged pores, breakouts, and dull skin.

Make it a priority to remove your makeup before bed, and give your skin the opportunity to breathe and repair overnight. Opt for a gentle makeup remover or cleansing oil that effectively dissolves makeup without causing irritation.

Not Tailoring Your Routine to Your Unique Needs

Your skin’s needs won’t be the same as in your 20s—aging, hormones, and the environment all make your skin’s requirements shift. In your 30s, it’s crucial to listen to your skin and adjust your routine accordingly. For example, if your skin becomes drier as you age, incorporate more hydrating products into your regimen. Alternatively, if you’re experiencing breakouts, consider using a targeted acne treatment.

The good news is that, when something is wrong in a skincare routine, your skin will let you know with a loud message. Just be sure to pay attention to what it is saying!

Beyond Your Skincare Routine

While your skincare routine is the best place to start for anti-aging, it’s not the only thing you can turn to. Aesthetic dermatology is an excellent option that can help pick up the slack when your routine doesn’t cut it. From chemical peels to dermal fillers and Botox, talk with the consultants at Skin by Lovely to learn which services will help address your skin’s particular needs.

Now that you know these essential anti-aging skincare tips for your 30s, embrace your unique loveliness and follow these simple suggestions to keep your youthful glow for longer! Whether you shake up your skincare routine or work with our aesthetic dermatologists for skin rejuvenation, remember that it’s your innate beauty that allows any of these tips to work at all.

Essential Anti-Aging Skincare Tips for Your 30s