Though skin tends to lose collagen and moisture in your 30s, ingredients like hyaluronic acid and retinol can help combat these effects.
Your 30s may bring significant changes to your skin’s behavior and needs.
For instance, on the bright side, some will experience less acne than in their teens and 20s. On the other hand, many people’s skin will become drier and less elastic over time, which, without proper care, can contribute to signs of aging.
However, with the appropriate skincare routine, you can maintain optimal skin health in the decade to come. Here’s what to know.
Why Your Skin Changes in Your 30s
Collagen Production and Skin Cell Turnover
According to research, collagen production naturally decreases with age. Scientists say this tends to begin in early adulthood and occurs at a rate of about 1% each year.
As collagen levels decrease, the skin’s structure changes, causing:
- Decreased skin firmness
- Reduced skin elasticity
- A drop in skin cell turnover
The Impact of Free Radicals and UV Rays
Environmental factors, such as UV rays and free radicals, accelerate the skin aging process. This may lead to:
- Faster collagen breakdown
- Oxidative stress to skin cells
- Premature signs of aging
- Dark spots or uneven pigmentation
Building the Perfect Skincare Routine in Your 30s
Morning Routine Essentials
To accommodate changes to your skin, dermatologists recommend keeping the following tips in mind for a morning skincare routine:
- Use a gentle cleanser, perhaps specially formulated for dry or aging skin. If your skin is on the oilier side, you can stick to a normal cleanser, but the goal is to avoid drying out your skin excessively.
- Apply any non-photosensitive serums, especially those recommended by a dermatologist for your skin type. For instance, vitamin C can help fight free radical damage, peptides can offer collagen support, and hyaluronic acid can hydrate the skin (more on those below).
- Apply a broad-spectrum SPF with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide of at least SPF 30, rain or shine. Not only does SPF prevent future premature skin aging, recent evidence suggests that regular sunscreen use may actually help reverse previous damage.
Evening Routine Must-Haves
Your night skincare routine may very well look a lot like your morning routine, with a few adjustments, including:
- Use a gentle makeup remover in addition to your cleanser, so as to thoroughly remove any makeup. Makeup removers can also help remove any sweat, dirt, and oil built up over the course of the day.
- Gently exfoliate any dead skin as needed, whether with a chemical option such as glycolic acid or a physical technique like a facial scrubber. This lends the skin a smooth texture and allows for excellent serum absorption. Just don’t overdo it; most skin types only need to exfoliate a few times a week.
- Apply any serums that may cause photosensitivity, especially as recommended by your dermatologist. Examples include retinoids that smooth fine lines and texture, AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids such as glycolic acid and lactic acid) and BHAs (beta hydroxy acids such as salicylic acid), which exfoliate the skin, or benzoyl peroxide for acne, if applicable. (More on these below.)
- Use a nighttime moisturizer, preferably one that’s thicker or contains more oil than your daytime pick. Afterward, those with very dry skin may also want to apply a ceramide cream, which is proven to improve hydration, or a barrier cream like petroleum jelly, which seals in moisture overnight. (If you have acne, avoid using a barrier cream, since it may exacerbate breakouts.)
Products for the Eye Area
The delicate skin under and around the eyes may become thinner in your 30s, requiring specialized care. Research shows that genes play a significant role in the under-eye area, however, so it’s not all about age or habits.
That being said, a cream specially formulated for this fragile area can help. For instance, 2024 research suggests using a serum with caffeine, peptides and/or antioxidants might be useful to address puffiness; vitamin C and/or niacinamide to address dark circles; or hyaluronic acid and/or retinoids for fine lines.
Must-Have Skincare Ingredients for Your 30s
Anti-Aging Products: Retinol and Vitamin C
Skincare in your 30s often means prioritizing minimizing fine lines and preventing future signs of aging. Ingredients shown to be effect include:
- Retinol, a derivative of vitamin A that supports collagen production and helps minimize fine lines. Retinol is available over-the-counter or by prescription at a stronger concentration, which may be suitable for those over 30.
- Vitamin C, which fights free radical damage and brightens and evens the skin tone
- Peptides, or synthetic compounds that offer additional collagen support
- Niacinamide to help even out skin tone and protect the skin barrier
- AHAs or BHAs, which aid in exfoliation and cell turnover. AHAs improve skin texture, while BHAs can penetrate into the skin to unclog pores.
- Benzoyl peroxide is a proven option to treat hormonal breakouts, which often continue into your 30s.
Hydration Heroes: Hyaluronic Acid and Ceramides
Hydration, hydration, hydration — in case it’s not already clear, moisturizing in your 30s is key. Effective ingredients include:
- Hyaluronic acid, which adds moisture to the skin
- Glycerin, a humectant that can draw in moisture from the air into your skin
- Ceramides, which help seal in hydration and may be used on top of hyaluronic acid and/or glycerin to really lock it in
Can You Improve Your Skin in Your 30s?
Additional Tips for Enhancing Skin Tone and Texture
Your 30s isn’t all about prevention — you can also significantly improve and enhance your skin throughout the decade. Key strategies include regular exfoliation, whether with a chemical exfoliant like an AHA or a physical exfoliating device such as an electric facial scrubber.
Gentle exfoliation is key: You want to remove dead skin and buildup so that your serums can seep into the skin more deeply for more effective results. However, you don’t want to exfoliate so intensely that you irritate the skin.
Other Ways to Prevent and Minimize Signs of Aging
Vibrant, healthy skin is a sign of overall good health. For that reason, prioritizing your well-being in your 30s can help prevent and minimize the signs of aging.
For instance, drinking plenty of water aids in hydration, while a diet rich in vitamins and minerals can make skin glow from the inside-out.
Meanwhile, regular exercise improves circulation and brings color and vibrancy to your skin. When you couple that with minimizing alcohol intake and avoiding smoking, your skin can remain fresh and healthy for years to come.
FAQs: Skincare in Your 30s
Is It Too Late to Start a Skincare Routine?
It’s never too late to start reaping the benefits of a healthy skincare routine. Not only can a well-rounded regimen improve skin vibrancy, texture, and hydration, it may even help reverse existing signs of aging.
- How to Adjust Your Routine for Different Skin Types
While skin tends to become drier and thinner as the years go on, ultimately, everyone’s skin is different and has varying needs. When choosing skincare products, keeping your general skin type in mind can help guide you. For example:
- Oily skin benefits from lightweight and oil-free products.
- Dry skin benefits from added hydration and barrier support.
- Combination skin (oily + dry) benefits from a specially tailored routine. For instance, oil-free products may be necessary in the oily T-zone, while drier areas like under the eye may require additional hydration.
- Sensitive skin benefits from gentle, fragrance-free, and hypoallergenic products.
Working with a Piction Dermatologist
Crafting your unique skincare routine in your 30s may initially feel overwhelming, but the dermatologists from Piction Health can help. When you consult with an expert today, they can assess your skin’s qualities and provide personalized support for attaining your healthiest, most vibrant skin.
