The best skincare routine for your 30s
I’m all for youth-preservation. And now that I’m a full-fledged thirty-something, I’m gearing my focus to anti-aging skincare that will help minimize fine lines and treat dullness and discoloration! Today I’m sharing some of my favorite anti-aging skincare products with you – everything from retinols and vitamin C to masks and exfoliants. Read on for my picks!
Brighten Your Skin with Vitamin C + Antioxidants
Adding antioxidants to your skincare routine can help intervene and defend your skin against pollution and environmental damage. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that has the ability to improve dull and uneven skin tone, wrinkles, and sun spots. If you haven’t already, start using a vitamin c serum in your daily routine.
Supreme-C Serum Treatment: This is the most potent vitamin C treatment I’ve ever tried! The set comes with two 10-day intensive treatments, which contain 100% pure vitamin C powder and serum. When you release the powder into the serum, you’re able to use a fresh blend of active vitamin C, which helps improve skin texture and neutralizes free radical ($129).
Biossance – SQUALANE + VITAMIN C ROSE OIL – I love this natural skin care line! They formulate clean, nontoxic products like this luxurious face oil that visibly brightens, firms, and evens skin tone ($72)
iS Clinical – White Lightening Complex – My aesthetician introduced me to this product! It’s ideal for hyperpigmentation as its properties and pharmaceutical-grade botanicals help brighten and lighten the skin. It has a higher price point ($130), but if you have some extra room in your budget, its worth trying!
Boost Collagen Production with Retinol (or Retinol alternatives) **not recommend if you’re pregnant**
If you’re thinking about preserving those years, consider adding retinol to your skin-care routine! These guys are wrinkle-fighting, collagen producing, skin-smoothing forms of vitamin A that come plenty of shapes and sizes. It takes 3 to 6 months of regular use before improvements in wrinkles are seen, with best results happening after 6 to 12 months (so stick with it for at least that long to see the benefits). Use it only at night and don’t use it with other active products that exfoliate (e.g. alpha-hydroxy acids).
Biossance SQUALANE + PHYTO-RETINOL SERUM – A retinol alternative that’s plant-derived ($72) and made with clean ingredients.
VERSO SUPER FACIAL SERUM – Another alternative to retinol that moisturizes your skin and helps produce collagen ($135).
Exfoliate 1-2 times a Week
As our skin ages, cell turnover rate slows, so its important to exfoliate to remove dead skin cell buildup and keep skin fresh and bright. There are chemical exfoliants (glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid) and physical exfoliants (e.g. small grains that buff the skin). Not all exfoliants are created equal and some can be pretty intense. For those with sensitive skin, exfoliate no more than once a week as over-exfoliating the skin can do more harm than good. See below for some products I’ve recommend:
1. Chemical Exfoliants:
- M-61 POWERGLOW PEEL – I love these exfoliating pads! Even my husband noticed that my skin looked different the next day after using it. It’s an easy 1-minute, 1-step exfoliating peel that resurfaces, clarifies and helps to firm the skin for a radiant, renewed glow. Glycolic and salicylic acids are combined to reduce pore size and fine lines, while chamomile and lavender calm and soothe skin. Not recommended if you have sensitive or rosacea-prone skin.
- Murad Complete Reform with Glyco Firming Complex– One of my favorite anti-aging products because I’ve noticed a difference in my skin when incorporating this into my PM routine. Formulated with glycolic acid to help exfoliate and tone, along with Glyco Firming Complex to increase the firmness of the skin and beta carotene to help fight fine lines, its properties help make my skin feel firm and look brighter and clearer ($78 on Amazon).
2. Physical Exfoliants
- Dermalogica’s Daily Microfoliant – Gentle enough for daily use, but I only use it 2-3x a week during my morning routine for noticeably brighter and smoother skin. It’s rice-based powder activates upon contact with water, releasing Papain, Salicylic Acid and Rice Enzymes to polish skin. it feels gentle on my skin and even a little bit of the powder goes a long way.
- NUORI – Surpreme Polishing Treatment – A daily treatment that gently buffs the skin and infuses it with nourishing treatment. The formula is activated when you blend the enzyme complex and powder! One of my favorite physical exfoliants ($89).
Using a Hydrating Mask Once a Week (or As Needed)
A hydrating mask can help make your skin look more plump and dewy by increasing water content to the skin. Keeping the skin properly hydrated can help slow visible signs of premature aging, improve the appearance of your skin, and can fight oil and acne (dehydrated skin sends signals to the glands to produce more oil which can aggravate acne). Those experiencing dehydration, dryness, irritation, or oily skin may benefit from a hydrating mask.
Laneige Water Sleeping Mask 70ml – This overnight mask leaves my skin looking bright and moisturized in the morning.
NUORI Supreme Moisture Mask – This intensive yet gentle hydrating mask is one of my favorite overnight treatments! 1-2 times a week I’ll leave this on while I sleep and wake up to beautifully hydrated skin. It’s a nice pick-me-up for my skin!
Get a facial a few times a year (or as needed)
If you have certain skin issues like clogged pores or hyperpigmentation that need extra attention, book an appointment for a facial treatment with your aesthetician. Consider also getting microdermabrasion, which helps treat dullness, sun damage, and hyper-pigmentation. There are also med spa treatments worth considering that use medical-grade products and tools to help treat wrinkles, discoloration, acne, and other skin issues. Consider a hydrafacial, IPL, or laser resurfacing facial (based on what your esthetician recommends).
Don’t Over-do it! Give Your Face a Break
Its fun and easy to try all these amazing products and change up our routine – but sometimes its important to let our skin rest. Over-exfoliating or mixing too many active ingredients may irritate the skin.
Don’t forget SPF
Sun damage begins within the first minute your skin is exposed to daylight. Want to maintain firm and healthy skin? Protect your skin by using broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or greater, especially for any extended outdoor activity.
Got a product that you love? Comment below to share what has worked for you or check out my post on Face Masks that exfoliant, hydrate, clarify, and make your skin glow.
