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.
Upgrade Your Hydration
Moisturizing should already be a staple in your skin care routine, but, now, in your 30s it's time to give it an upgrade. As you age, your skin may start to have a harder time retaining moisture... and dry skin looks like old skin. You don't want that! So, what can you do?
Incorporate hydrating products to every step of your routine: Look out for descriptions in cleansers, exfoliators, toners, serums, etc., that use the words: hydrate, moisturize or nourish — or any other version of those words.
You can also upgrade your nighttime moisturizer to one that has ingredients specifically to help slow down signs of aging, like hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid isn't actually an acid at all; it's a humectant multi-tasker that a) that gives your skin a boost of moisture, b) helps it retain water and c) draws more moisture into the skin. The result: more supple and plump skin. Try my favorite night-time moisturizer, Cosrx Hyaluronic Acid Intensive Cream, $22, a trusty option that works overnight for a big boost of moisture.
