I can’t remember the first time it happened but I’m pretty sure that I was in my 30s. I casually walked by a mirror and glanced at my reflection. She looked different than what I remembered. She had some fine lines, a few blemishes and she just looked a little bit older. After my “oh no, it’s happening” moment, I realized that the time had come to take an all-hands-on-deck approach towards the changes happening before my eyes and implement an anti-aging skincare routine.
Once we enter our 30s, our skin starts to lose some of its firmness due to a decline in collagen production. You may start noticing a change in your skin’s tone, texture or appearance. Mix in some stress and hormonal changes and you’ve created the perfect recipe for the onset of new skincare concerns like acne (hormonal), rosacea, pigmentation, plus the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It’s no wonder why we are so stressed in our 30s!
Despite all these changes, there is hope in preserving your youthful-looking skin. The first thing you need to consider is swapping out the skincare that worked for you in your 20s. The next step is to incorporate more anti-aging products that address your main concerns and find products to help see the results you want. (that’s where we come in!)
If you want to maintain a youthful look, these are the Vetted skincare products you need to consider adding morning and evening for an effective anti-aging skincare routine for your 30s. Let’s begin.
PS: Scroll to the bottom to shop for all of the products
I.
CLEANSER:
The first step in any skincare routine is a good cleanser for a deep clean your skin needs to clear out any dirt and impurities. These are my go-to cleansers for daily use:
La Roche- Posay Lipikar AP+ Gentle Foaming Moisturizing Wash (for dry skin)
This is an extremely gentle oil based cleanser for dry and sensitive skin that promises up to 24 hours of hydration and it aids in alleviating dry skin. This cleanser produces a low lather and not doesn’t leave your skin feeling tight.
Hyper Skin Gentle Brightening Gel Cleanser with Mandelic Acid (for oily skin)
This is a gentle cleanser that contains mandolin acid which helps to regulate oil production, reduce breakouts, unclog pores, and it brightens the look off dull skin.
II.
TONER:
Many people tend to skip this step but toners actually work to prep the skin to better absorb serums, treatments and moisturizers. They can also help to remove excess dirt and oil left behind after cleansing, remove dead skin cells, restore the pH balance of your skin and tighten pores.
Revision Skincare Soothing Facial Rinse
This pore refining toner helps to remove excess grime, balances the skin’s pH levels and conditions the skin using plant extracts to create a soft and smooth skin texture. Apply after cleansing: saturate a cotton pad with toner and gently swipe across entire face avoiding the eye area.
III.
SERUM:
This is the step that really gives your skin the anti-aging pick-me-up that you‘ll need in your 30s. Be sure to incorporate treatments and serums into your skincare regimen that address your unique skincare concerns and skin type. I highly recommend Vitamin C Serum. These powerful antioxidants defend against harmful free radicals and pollutants and brighten skin’s overall appearance. They also decrease the appearance of dark spots for younger-looking skin and who doesn’t love that? Use every morning before moisturizing to see the best results.
Few skincare products seem to be as universally recommended by dermatologists, beauty editors, and your “friends with good skin” as this facial serum. It can be found on just about every list of the best face serums and best anti-aging products. But although it has a massive following, it’s also a serious skincare investment at a whopping $182 per bottle.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma Fresh Vitamin C Day Serum
If you are looking for something less expensive, consider this super-potent serum packed with a powerful antioxidant complex and fruit enzymes to firm and brighten the appearance of skin while improving the signs of aging. Designed to be mixed by you before its first use, which maximizes the potency of its delicate (but powerful) ingredients while keeping the formula fresh.
IV.
RETINOL:
In theory, you could start using retinol in your mid to late 30s. Prevention is always better than cure. Retinols encourage skin-cell turnover for noticeable reduction in signs of sun damage and aging, acne, and dull skin tone, a must for any after-thirty anti-aging skincare routine. While retinol is extremely effective, it does have its drawbacks- it can cause irritation and can be pricey. It’s important to note that you should use retinol at night. The ingredient may make your skin more sun-sensitive, so it’s best to apply it at bedtime and start using it 2x/week followed by adding a 3rd night a week to avoid irritation.
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
If you’re a retinol novice, worry no more for this serum is a great way to ease yourself in. Developed with dermatologists, the CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol is a gentle, yet effective way to reduce the appearance of acne marks and visible pores. Refine skin without compromising its protective barrier. Win-win!
The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion
The Ordinary has quickly gained a cult following for selling effective ingredients at cheaper prices.This is a brand that prides itself on its consumer honesty, something it proved when it upgraded all its retinol to a new formula called ‘Granactive Retinoid’. Compared to their old offering, Granactive Retinoid gives better results against signs of aging without aggravating the skin.
Beauty Pie Super Retinol Ceramide boost Anti-aging Face Serum (3% Retinol Complex)
This retinol serum is currently in my evening routine. The formula uses an encapsulated retinol complex which basically means the serum is absorbed by the skin before releasing so you get maximum efficacy without the dreaded irritation. You can expect some pretty amazing results when it comes to unclogging your pores, boosting collagen production and smoothing out the complexion.
V.
MOISTURIZER:
Even though most skin serums and treatments offer the benefit of hydration, every anti-aging skincare routine needs an additional moisturizer to lock in moisture and maintain healthy-looking skin. Many moisturizers contain hyaluronic acid, a powerful ingredient that helps retain your skin’s natural moisture. Your 30s is the best time to start using an anti-aging or anti-wrinkle creams as well. Since collagen production starts to reduce at this stage, using a retinol along with a moisturizer at nighttime will help rebuild collagen and maintain your skin’s firmness.
Day Cream:
InnBeauty Project Extreme Cream
This Instagram star definitely lives up to the hype. People say that they start seeing results from the very first use. From smile lines to puffy under eyes from not enough sleep, this cream helps give your skin a youthful lifted glow. Plus, it’s refillable so you’ll be doing something good for the environment too!
Night Cream:
Peach & Lily Overnight Star Night Cream
This is another top rated moisturizer that helps hydrate, brighten, and visibly firm skin. This antioxidant-rich moisturizer uses a peptide complex that also claims to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. One thing to note, this cream is thick and should not be used if you have oily skin. It’s really for those with dry skin. To combat visible signs of aging and deep wrinkles, you want to make sure you moisturize at night too! (Pro tip: night creams can take the place of any wrinkle creams you might add to your anti-aging skincare routine.)
Eye Cream:
Did you know that the under-eye area is prone to experiencing dark circles, puffiness and other signs of aging sooner than any other body part? This is because the skin under your eyes is very thin and delicate. For best results and to keep the appearance of wrinkles at bay, eye cream should be applied both in the morning and evening.
Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado
Rich in both antioxidants like beta-carotene, avocado oil and shea butter, this cream hydrates and smooths skin immediately. It also helps to improve texture, tone, and puffiness over time. Since this texture is very rich, it takes a little bit of time for it to soak in but once it dries, you can wear it under makeup as a primer to help your makeup stay fresh throughout the day.
The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG
For a more affordable eye cream with caffeine, this one is a winner! It’s made with highly soluble caffeine and EGCG which is an ingredient made from green-tea leaves so it’s both calming and anti-aging. Application is easy due to its lightweight consistency and it dries quickly.
Related: Keep Your Skin Hydrated With the Best Clean Moisturizers
Final Tips: Give your new routine a few months before you start looking for replacements. These products have incredible active ingredients so you should start to see results within weeks. Don’t forget to hydrate by drinking lots of water. And to combat environmental damage and age spots early, make sure you wear broad-spectrum sunscreen before any sun exposure!
