Decades of Skin: Your 30s

Skincare in your 30s is about building upon the foundation you established in your 20s. This decade is a pivotal time to enhance your routine by incorporating higher-quality products and focusing more on anti-aging strategies. As your skin begins to show the early signs of aging, such as fine lines and subtle changes in texture, it’s crucial to adapt your regimen to address these concerns. Prioritizing products that offer advanced protection and rejuvenation will help maintain your skin's health and radiance. By refining your skincare habits now, you'll ensure that your skin remains youthful and resilient for years to come.

 

Numero uno is a sunscreen that you love! If you don’t love it you won’t want to wear it every day and that’s how often you should wear sunscreen on your face and neck. Your sunscreen should have a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. Sunscreen options are endless. You can get them oil-free or with moisturizer added. They can be tinted or un-tinted and many have additional items like peptides, B vitamins and antioxidants. Take your pick and wear it daily!

At this point you should definitely be using a retinoid (prescription grade) or retinol (not prescription) each and every night (or every other night at least). These Vitamin A derived topical creams and gels come second only to sunscreen in an anti-aging routine. If you have acne, this is probably already a part of your routine. These products will help reduce sebum or oil production and gently exfoliate the dead surface layer of the skin which helps acne breakouts. Their claim to fame is that it stimulates collagen production which is going to minimize the production of fine lines as you age. It also inhibits the production of melanin so it will reduce hyperpigmentation or dark spots on the skin. Retinoids/retinols also increase how fast the skin cells turnover, enhancing the skin’s ability to repair itself.

Antioxidants such as Vitamin C and E, green tea and resveratrol, should now be a part of the program. These products reduce oxidative stress on the skin that comes from sun exposure. They also help to lighten and brighten the complexion as they subtly reduce hyperpigmentation and age spots. You may use an antioxidant serum or light lotion before applying your sunscreen each morning.

Now is the time to step your cleanser game up. Whether over the counter or a higher-end purchase you want your cleanser to reflect your skin’s needs. If you are more on the dry end of the spectrum, you want a creamy, hydrating cleanser, not a foamy exfoliating one. If you have oily skin, a glycolic acid cleanser or clarifying foaming cleanser may be better for you.

Moisturize! Despite having dry or oily skin you should apply a moisturizer. Those containing ceramides or hyaluronic acid are best. If the skin is not well hydrated it will develop mild inflammation which causes the skin to age more rapidly.

A huge add on in your 30s is eye cream. Starting to notice those fine lines or under eye circles? Eye creams can help slow the progression to deep lines and wrinkles and discoloration. Look for those containing caffeine and green tea for puffy eyes. Dark undereye circles are minimized by creams containing ingredients such as Vitamin C, mica, and titanium dioxide. Ingredients including hyaluronic acid and peptides reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Lastly, team up with a dermatologist and aesthetician. They can recommend products and prescriptions specifically based on your needs. In your 30s, you may want to start treating yourself to a chemical peel or microdermabrasion to help correct hyperpigmentation, or as a seasonal refresher to get that healthy glow poppin’.

As you navigate your 30s, it's crucial to build upon the skincare foundation you established in your 20s by incorporating higher-quality products and focusing more on anti-aging strategies. Daily sunscreen application, nightly use of retinoids or retinols, and integrating antioxidants into your routine will significantly enhance your skin's health and appearance. Tailor your cleanser and moisturizer to your skin's specific needs and consider adding an eye cream to address fine lines and dark circles. Partnering with a dermatology provider and treating yourself to professional treatments like chemical peels or microdermabrasion can further optimize your skincare regimen. By adopting these practices, you’ll maintain a youthful, radiant complexion well into the future. Contact The Dermatology & Skin Cancer Surgery Center at Creedmoor today to schedule a consultation and elevate your skincare routine.