So, you're officially a thirty-something. What now?
Well... it's time to get serious about your skin care: The days of your vibrant-without-trying twenty-something skin are behind you now. And, on the horizon in your 30s, are some changes: A drop off of collagen and elastin production and other noticeable signs of aging. Goodbye, smooth, supple and radiant skin. (Hello, fine lines and dull, dry skin.)
Your 30s, however, don't have to be all about forehead wrinkles and a rapidly dimming complexion: With a killer skin care routine, you can fight all that — and then some.
If you already have a tried-and-true skin care regimen — great! If this skin care stuff is new to you... well then, you might have a little catching up to do. Either way, the big 3-0 represents a whole new frontier of products — and it's time for an (anti-aging) upgrade. Not to worry, though: Here are some tried-and-true ways to upgrade your skin care in your 30s.
Image via Imaxtree
Sunscreen. Sunscreen. Sunscreen!
The most basic (and likely most important) anti-aging step is sunscreen. Want to keep your complexion line-free? Stay out of the sun. And if you don't want to go full vampire, be sure to protect your skin from damaging UVA/UVB rays to prevent premature aging, wrinkles and age spots. (Pro tip: If you obsess over any step in your routine, make it this one!)
Apply an SPF of at least 30, as your final step in your AM skin care routine everyday. For adequate protection, it's important to remember to reapply your sunscreen every 3-4 hours, and 10-20 minutes before sun exposure.
For a lightweight broad-spectrum sunscreen, try Neogen Dermalogy Day-Light Protection Sun Screen SPF 50/PA+++, $30. This sunscreen offers sun protection with nourishing hydration, which makes it great for oily skin. For midday touch ups, I like to use Tarte Tarteguard Mineral Powder Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30, $28. This translucent powder sunscreen also pairs well with my oily skin, so my skin doesn't feel greasy or heavy throughout the rest of my day.
Retinol
Retinol is one of most used and studied anti-aging ingredients — and the only one proven to prevent signs of aging. As New Orleans dermatologist Patricia Farris, MD, explained to WebMD, "they're a favorite because there's so much science behind them."
Retinol is a type of retinoid, or a topical vitamin A, that helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles by increasing the production of collagen. Retinoids can only be obtained with a prescription from a dermatologist, but, since retinol is a less potent version, they can be bought over the counter.
Try LilyAna Naturals Retinol Cream Moisturizer, $19.99, for a moisturizing anti-aging formula. Retinol can cause dry and irritated skin in some cases, but this hyaluronic acid-, vitamin E-, green tea-, shea butter- and jojoba oil-packed formula soothes and hydrates, while still fighting signs of aging (thanks to its 2.5 percent retinol).
Vitamin C
Ascorbic and L-ascorbic acids — or vitamin C — is an antioxidant, that protects the skin from sun damage and, like retinol, helps promote collagen production. Vitamin C can also lighten brown spots and fade acne scars, for an overall brighter complexion. It's available in many forms, but try it in a serum for the biggest anti-aging benefits — and to achieve that coveted radiant glow.
My go-to is the Cosrx Triple C Lightning Liquid, $27, which is formulated with 20.5 percent pure vitamin C! It also contains 72 percent black chokeberry to stabilize the high concentration of vitamin C and offer extra hydration for the skin.
Niacinamide
Niacinamide (aka vitamin B3) does everything! The long list of benefits include: improving the skin barrier to keep your skin more hydrated, protecting the skin from free radicals that cause premature aging and improving skin texture and smoothness to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Try Neogen Dermalogy H2 Dermadeca Serum Spray, $19, for a boost of niacinamide — and vitamin C — to help hydrate and repair skin. With easy spray-on application, this serum stimulates new cell growth and collagen to brighten and plump the skin.
