Skincare Tips for Your 30s: Combat Aging and Adult Acne

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Hey everyone, if you’re hitting your 30s or getting close, this one’s for you. Your early 30s usually bring a peak time in life, around 30 to 32. But in the past few months, you might have noticed some changes in your face that you can’t quite pin down. Unfortunately, there’s another peak coming later in your late 30s, when you suddenly realize that things are changing faster than you can keep up with. Yep, it’s the aging process hitting you in your 30s, and those over-the-counter products won’t magically heal your adult acne or fix your bone structure.

So continue reading to learn how you can revamp your skincare routine to tackle these challenges effectively.

If you don’t have time to read this post right now, why not save it for later?

Skincare Tips for Your 30s: Combat Aging and Adult Acne

What should I expect in my 30s?

Even though age is not a skin type, and you cannot buy products based on your age, there are certain things that happen as we enter our 30s that we can all be prepared to attack it or rather address it in a more efficient manner throughout the 30s.

Some common challenges that we might face in our 30s aren’t strictly tied to age, but rather to factors like stress, hormonal changes even a decline in collagen production, expect all of these changes to wreak havoc on our skin.

So we start to notice fine lines because our skin’s repair process isn’t as efficient as it used to be , we might find ourselves dealing with increased oiliness and even though we might want to be teenagers at heart, our skin wants to be teenagers too so we start breaking ou and acne along the jawline become more frequent . Additionally, the sun damage from our 20s slowly starts to creep up, and we become blotchy. Those freckles we had that were once a sign of cuteness in our 20s start to look muzzy and messy leading to uneven pigmentation and a less fresh appearance.

RELATED : Skincare In Your 20s: Managing Acne, Hyperpigmentation & Oily Skin

During our 30s, skincare isn’t just about protection; it’s also about prioritizing repair and support. While in our teens and 20s, the focus is mainly on protecting the skin to minimize future damage, in our 30s, we need to focus on both protecting and repairing. Unlike in our 20s when collagen production is at its peak, we can’t generate more collagen during this decade, so it’s crucial to not only protect but also support the skin’s foundation through proper skincare routines.

morning/AM Routine :

So, let’s kick off our morning routine and talk about how you should tailor your skincare routine to start your day. starting with antioxidants. If you’ve been diligent about applying sunscreen every morning (which you absolutely should be), it’s crucial to incorporate antioxidants into your routine before your sunscreen because antioxidants play a key role in fighting free radical damage, which generates reactive oxygen species—a form of crazy oxygen that can wreak havoc on your skin. Think of it like rust on metal exposed to oxygen over time; just as metal declines and breaks down, so does our collagen so antioxidants act as protectors, preventing our skin from becoming rusty or deteriorating over time.

antioxidants in your 30s

Now, when I say antioxidants, I’m not solely referring to vitamin C. While vitamin C is undoubtedly a powerhouse antioxidant, it’s not the only antioxidant on the market. You can also introduce antioxidants in the form of niacinamide or even centella. As our hormones are raging in our 30s, we tend to a little bit flushed, so it’s essential to calm that flush down.

Personally, I’ve been using the Pillow Talk Derm De-Puffer for quite sometime now for my redness, it’s a blend of centella asiatica and niacinamide to help regulate redness and inflammation that comes with hormonal shifts starting from your mid 20s to your 30s. Additionally, it contains arnica and hydroxyphenyl propylaminobenzoic acid to regulate histamine production, and therefore you’re not as puffy or as red.

Even though I’m not yet in my thirties, I’ve learned from friends who are that if you go out and have a wild night in your thirties you might wake up looking like a ripe tomato! While I can’t speak from personal experience about being in my thirties, I definitely understand the struggle of waking up with a red face. That’s where this serum comes to the rescue. It’s going to be your best friend, to be applied before sunscreen.

It comes in the form of a roller that you can roll around your eyes if you want to help mechanically de-puff. But if you don’t want to roll and just want to use the serum, you could take the roller head off and use the serum just like that underneath your sunscreen . Plus, it’s been tested and proven to visibly decrease redness.

Now, The most well-known antioxidant for your skin with the best results is vitamin C ; I use it every single day. But not all vitamin Cs are created equal. If you’re somebody who just looking for a pure and effective option, go for l-ascorbic acid, like the one from Paula’s Choice C15 Booster . You do not need to go higher than 20 percent. It usually comes in a dropper bottle. However, once it starts to turn dark, it’s likely not as effective and can degrade quickly. I apply any vitamin C product underneath my sunscreen.

RELATED : Unveiling The Power Of Vitamin C: Your Ultimate Guide To Glowing Skin

I used to use this until my fiancé introduced me to the Major Fade Active Seal Moisturizer by the PillowtalkDerm that is better geared towards people with sensitive skin. It’s a vitamin C moisturizer making it a good choice if you’re prone to irritation. If you’re like me and have a hectic schedule, you’ll appreciate its convenience. It combines vitamin C, moisturizer, and sunscreen in one, saving you time in the morning. Plus, it comes in a sealed container, so it stays fresh. So that is what I put on in the morning.

Now If you’re somebody who’s very oily or acne-prone, there is a vitamin C by SkinCeuticals, not their C E Ferulic, the Silymarin CF not gonna lie I it’s a bit pricey but it’s worth considering if it fits you can afford it it’s so far the best Vitamin C serum in the market ( I’m not sponsored by them and have never been) it contains ascorbic acid plus salicylic acid. So the salicylic acid is going to go in deeper into your pores to help declog them and allow the vitamin C to do its job effectively.

sun protection in your 30s

Before diving into the sunscreens I recommend, check out my comprehensive guide that covers various types of sunscreens for different skin types and lifestyles.

RELATED : 20 Best Sunscreens for All Skin Types: Dry, Oily, Sensitive, & More!

Now, I’m not big on wearing a lot of makeup daily. I rarely use foundation, maybe just a bit of concealer under my eyes. However, I religiously apply Laura Mercier’s sunscreen every day. Whether I’m going from my apartment to the airport or to wherever my airline duties take me, this is my go-to. I use about two full finger lengths and blend it in with my fingers, gently tapping it onto my face. This sunscreen acts like a light foundation and offers just the right amount of protection with SPF 30 for city living.

If you’re not planning to spend the entire day under direct sunlight and prefer a subtle glow, I recommend Supergoop’s Glow Screen. Personally, I enjoy its effect on my skin, the only problem for me with this one is that I have sensitive eyes and it burns. But every now and then, after I’m done with my makeup, I do just take a tiny little bit of this just for fun and I go like this because it does give a beautiful sheen to the highlights of my face.

Am I using it solely as sunscreen? Not really. But I appreciate its texture and the lovely glow it provides. It’s just a fun addition to my routine.

For those with dry skin looking for a moisturizer with built-in sun protection, the Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer with SPF 30 is an excellent choice.

Lastly, let’s talk about visors. Trust me, if you spend a lot of time outdoors, you need to pay attention to this. I’ve had days where I’ve stood on the airport tarmac for hours under the blazing sun.

So, if you’re investing your time and energy into improving your skin by reading this article, make sure to protect it. You might be wondering, what the hell is a UV visor? Well, it’s a visor designed to shield you from harmful UV rays. Be cautious though, not all visors sold online are genuine. Some might look cute but offer no UV protection especially the ones on Amazon , trust me they not worth your dinero.

Personally, I’ve been using one from Blue Stone Sun Shields recently. Yes, it might look a bit odd, but considering I’m out and about every single day, I couldn’t care less about people staring at me like I’m a character from a superhero movie. Let me tell you, it’s the best decision I’ve made for my skin. A few years back, my melasma was a real problem, especially during my time in flight school. But now, with this visor and my skincare routine, including sunscreen, things have improved significantly.

So, don’t underestimate the importance of UV visors, especially as we head into April and summer approaches. If you’re not protecting your skin, then all the effort and money you’ve put into it might go to waste when you’re exposed to the sun.

night/pM Routine :

When it comes to your evening skincare routine, it’s pretty straightforward. Here are the five steps we follow: cleanse, exfoliate, promote cell turnover, address specific concerns with targeted treatments, and finish off with moisturizer.

cleansers in your 30s

If you’re dealing with oily skin and looking for a good cleanser, I recommend trying out La Roche-Posay Purifying Foaming Cleanser. If acne is a concern, you can use Panoxyl a couple of times a week. I usually apply it before I go into the shower, so it could be in the morning or at night. But it is a great medicated cleanser, and it only works if you allow it to sit on your face.

For those with dry skin, a gentle, moisturizing cleanser is key. Look for one with ceramides, like Avocado Ceramide Moisture Barrier Cleanser by Glow Recipe or CeraVe’s Hydrating Facial Cleanser. Any kind of Milky cleanser that’s not going to overstrip your skin.

if you’re just like me and you just want to get the makeup off and wash your face, I suggest a “double cleanse” method. Start with Bioderma’s Micellar Water followed by regular cleanser, unfortunately, washing twice even with a foaming cleanser likeVanicream is not great at getting my makeup off. So, I do marry these two every night, and that is what I start my nighttime routine with. And that is what a 30-year-old’s nighttime routine should start with.

Lastly, you don’t have to spend a hundred bucks on a cleanser. It’s unnecessary stupid and just a waste of your money (yeah, some industry scams need to be called out loud, sorry not sorry).

exfoliation in your 30s

Now, let’s talk about exfoliation phase. If you’re in your 30s and dealing with hormonal imbalances and oily skin, salicylic acid could be your new best friend. Look for products containing Sal acid, like Paula’s Choice. can be used several times a week at night. It will help to get into your pores. If you’re someone who wants to wear makeup and has oily skin,Jori offers a salicylic acid primer that you can apply before your makeup to keep shine at bay.

Lastly, I really love these pads by Skin Better Science that have salicylic acid that combine salicylic acid with their own special form of retinol. It’s like hitting two birds with one stone! If you’re all about self-care and want to tackle aging concerns head-on, these are for you. They help boost collagen production, even out skin tone, and keep your complexion looking fresh. Love it, love it, love it! so these are exfoliation products that I would recommend. Once we’ve exfoliated, it’s time to address any specific skin issues we may have.

er, be cautious; I can’t tolerate it all over my face; it does burn and cause eye irritation.

targeting skin concerns in your 30s

Now that we’ve covered cleansing and exfoliating, it’s time to focus on understanding our skin concerns. What issues are we looking to address? If you’re somebody who’s breaking out a lot or has a lot of rosacea, a lot of redness, a lot of flushing, azelaic acid could be your solution . Peach & Lily’s Redness Relief contains 10% azelaic acid, which I would recommend using primarily at night. It may not layer well under other products in the morning, so it’s best suited for nighttime, in my opinion, because of its pilling factor.

If your issue is fine lines that are developing at a faster rate and you feel like your skin doesn’t seem quite itself, consider incorporating retinol into your routine. Shawnee Darden has a retinol reform (I’ve covered retinols extensively in another article, so be sure to give that a read too) I would start with a low dose and gradually increase my usage. Begin with twice a week at night, then add a third night for a few weeks, followed by a fourth night, and so on.

RELATED : Unveiling the Secrets of Retinoids: Your Path to Glowing Skin

Dealing with fine lines isn’t just about skincare; it’s also about providing your skin with the necessary nutrients to help renew cells. As I’ve mentioned before, cell turnover becomes increasingly important in your 30s. Providing nutrients to your cells and giving them optimal support is vital, and that’s where peptides come in. Peptides help your skin receive the nutrients it requires to function at its best.

SkinMedica offers their TNS Advanced serum, a versatile solution that can be applied from forehead to chest without causing irritation, unlike retinol. You won’t experience the common irritation that comes with using retinol on your neck and chest. Trust me, most of you will thank me for steering you away from that irritation.

So, feel free to go wild with TNS Advanced serum; it’s gentle yet effective. Plus, it contains hexapeptide 2, which helps with fine lines, as found in the Major Fade Active Seal Moisturizer by PillowtalkDerm. This serum is packed with vitamin C, peptides, and ceramides, providing comprehensive nourishment for your skin. While the TNS Advanced serum focuses on growth factors and peptides, I apply it from my forehead to my chest at night, underneath my Major Fade Active SealMoisturizer, for an extra boost.

Moisturizers in your 30s

And lastly, you’ll want to hydrate to lock in every single active ingredient you’ve applied to your face, especially at night. Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream is a fantastic moisturizer that I absolutely adore, especially during the winter months or if you live in a particularly dry climate.

The bottom line

So, that’s all I have to say about how to address your skin in your 30s. I started addressing issues pretty early, even before hitting my 30s, because I’d rather start now than regret it later. So, if you’re like me in your mid-20s or late 20s, these tips aren’t just for those in their 30s. They can also be utilized by people in their 20s to be well-prepared for whatever awaits them in their 30s. And that’s exactly what I’m doing.

But if you need a quick recap, protecting your skin isn’t just about shielding it; it’s also about fixing and nurturing it. Fixing involves using the right exfoliating acids and retinols to help renew skin cells. Additionally, you’re nurturing your skin by giving it the necessary nutrients and peptides it needs to stay strong.

I hope this article has been helpful to you. If you’re in the US, remember to wear your UV visors. This weekend is expected to be sunny, so if you’re planning to spend time outdoors, don’t forget to apply sunscreen as well.

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