It feels like every time you start to understand your skin on a deeper level, things change. And transitioning from your twenties into your thirties is no exception! You may have noticed your skin looks more tired than it used to, or maybe it’s feeling more sensitive and dry. Wishing your complexion had visible radiance and hydration? In your thirties, you’re not alone.
There’s plenty going on with your skin this decade, which is why creating a skin care routine for this stage of your life is super important. What worked before might not be working as effectively – or at all – so it’s time to change things up and look for ingredients that nourish your skin while also protecting against environmental pollutants and free radicals.
What Happens To Your Skin In Your 30s
Where do we start? This is a transitional period in terms of your complexion. Skin concerns that you dealt with in your twenties may or may not be an issue now, but new ones are popping up. Some telltale signs that your skin has hit its thirties include more prominent signs of aging: Fine lines, an overall dull or dehydrated complexion, a loss of collagen and volume in certain areas of the face and skin that doesn’t bounce back like it used to.
Another factor to consider is that what took place over the last ten years starts to reveal itself in this decade of life – in other words: What happens in your twenties doesn’t stay in your twenties. Too many days out in the sun without sunscreen? Sun spots and hyperpigmentation start to become noticeable. Didn’t use skin care products with antioxidants? Signs of skin damage from free radicals begin showing up in the form of fine lines and dry skin.
And if that wasn’t enough to think about, hormones might still be causing issues for skin, even well into this decade! Fluctuating levels – combined with daily stress, environment and a less-than-optimal diet – could show up on your skin in the form of breakouts and even cystic acne (sadly, this is not just a teenage issue).
“You may start to notice that your skin looks more tired, less radiant and may become drier and more sensitive,” the Eminence Organics Product Support team explains. To counteract these common signs of aging, the best skin care routine for this age includes products that exfoliate, hydrate and encourage cell turnover.
Let’s do a deeper dive into some of the most common issues you’ll want to address in a skin care routine:
Signs Of Aging Become More Prominent
While you might have noticed fine lines, dehydration or hyperpigmentation in your twenties, this is the decade where they become even more noticeable in areas like the forehead, eyes and mouth.
Collagen, Elastin And Estrogen Production Starts To Slow
As your body ages, production of collagen and elastin (responsible for the suppleness and elasticity of your skin) slows down, leaving it feeling less firm. The decline in collagen production starts in your mid-to-late twenties, so by your thirties you’ll want to address it. Additionally, an estrogen slowdown can cause a change in the fullness of your face, especially around the jaw and cheekbones.
Dullness And Dryness Become Noticeable
The arrival of your thirties also comes with a slowing of your cell turnover cycles, meaning dead skin cells stick around (literally) and cause an overall dull or dry complexion. Dry skin also makes it harder for skin care products to penetrate deeper into cells, limiting the effectiveness of nourishing ingredients.
The best skin regimen for this stage involves the essentials – cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen – as well as additional skin care products that help address more prominent signs of aging.
The Best Skin Care Routine for Your 30s
Want to create an effective and revitalizing routine that addresses common concerns while also promoting radiant and healthy skin? Here are the essentials:
Cleanse – Look for a versatile cleanser, like our Mangosteen Daily Resurfacing Cleanser, that removes buildup and makeup from the skin while also gently exfoliating. According to our customer, Vicky, who has one bottle in her shower and one on the counter: “This is the best cleanser. Smells amazing and it cleanses your face, removing all the makeup, impurities and gently exfoliates! I use it day and night.”
Toner & Essence – After cleansing, use a toner to brighten and hydrate dull skin. Double down with a lightweight essence to add moisture. The Stone Crop Hydrating Mist and Birch Water Purifying Essence are both great options in your thirties.
Exfoliate – Give your exfoliating routine an extra push or polish. Our Turmeric Energizing Treatment, Radish Seed Refining Peel and Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant are treatments designed to gently buff away dead skin to encourage cellular turnover.
Mask & Treat – For areas that need more attention, use natural retinol alternatives like our Bamboo Firming Fluid to fight the first signs of aging, including fine lines and wrinkles. And incorporate a skin-boosting serum or a mask into your routine. The Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Serum protects against free radicals and oxidation. Vitamin C is a great choice, as is something with soothing main ingredients, like our Stone Crop Masque.
Moisturize – Always hydrate with products that contain deeply nourishing emollients and hyaluronic acid. An eye cream is also recommended to firm and tighten increasingly prominent fine lines. Try the Neroli Age Corrective Eye Serum or the Wild Plum Eye Cream.
Sunscreen – A must, always! Protect skin from further sun damage by using a topical sunscreen or a moisturizer with SPF. Our Lilikoi Daily Defense Moistuizer SPF 40 is a foolproof option.
Additional Steps to Take
Caring for your skin often starts on the inside. Be sure to drink the recommended eight to 10 glasses of water a day to help hydrate your skin from within. Protective antioxidants through a healthy diet (think green tea and Vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables) are another valuable addition to your regular intake. You can also keep your skin healthy by reducing stress to a minimum through positive mental health and even engaging in regular exercise!
Visit an Eminence Organics Spa Partner to learn more about your skin as well as the best skin care routine for your age group.
Not in your 30s? Find skin care information for your age group:
This article was originally written in December 2019.