4 Skin-Care Tips for Your 30s

Turning 30 might feel daunting: It’s an age when many people feel like they should have it all together (even if they’re still figuring out how to correctly layer their skin care) and people start asking you for adult-ish things. You might notice your skin changing, too — which is totally normal, by the way — so you should update your routine accordingly to ensure you’re just as glowy as you were before you hit the big 3-0. According to dermatologist Dendy Engelman, MD, the top skin concerns she hears from people in their 30s are dark circles, fine lines and age spots. Luckily, you can reduce the appearance of all these skin concerns using a few choice products and consistent skin-care practices. Full details, ahead:

 

TIP #1: Reach for Products With Antioxidants

One of the easiest anti-aging products to incorporate into your routine also happens to be one of our (and Dr. Engelman’s) favorites: serums! Serums are an effortless way to deliver a high concentration of skin-enhancing ingredients to the skin, and one variety that’s great to reach for in your 30s (if you haven’t already) is a vitamin C serum. “Vitamin C serums are my go-to for anti-aging and helping to reverse sun damage,” Dr. Engelman states. This potent antioxidant can help neutralize free radicals and reduce environmentally-induced damage to cells. We recommend Skinceuticals C E Ferulic, a Vitamin C serum that offers environmental protection while also improving the look of fine lines and giving skin a brighter appearance.

TIP #2: Use a Cleansing Device

Cleansing devices are a great addition to any skin-care routine regardless of age because they can help give skin’s surface a deep cleanse. Dr. Engelman explains that using a cleansing device, like a Clarisonic Mia Smart, can benefit the skin in one’s 30s. “I particularly like using a sonic cleansing brush to remove pore-clogging impurities and dead skin cells,” she says.

TIP #3: Get Cozy With Broad Spectrum SPF

Whether you want to believe it or not, sun damage is cumulative. If you were the greatest about applying (and reapplying) sunscreen in your teens and 20s, don’t lose momentum in your 30s! Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen like La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60 as directed every morning as the last step in your skin-care routine, and be sure to reapply throughout the day (at least every two hours) and take other sun protection measures. If you’ve had a negative sunscreen experience in the past — think: it left a visible white cast on your skin, it made your face feel greasy or it pilled under your makeup — rest assured that not all sunscreens are created equally. We share a few of our favorite sunscreen formulas, here.

Editor’s note: There is currently no sunscreen on the market that can fully protect the skin against harmful UV rays. As such, be sure to pair your daily sunscreen use with additional protection measures such as wearing protective clothing, seeking shade, and avoiding peak sun hours.

TIP #4: Prepare Your Skin for Repair

We’ve always made a big deal about nightly skin-care routines, and there’s actually a good reason why: “Skin regeneration is at its height in the evening,” Dr. Engelman states, “so this is the best time to help the skin repair.” While we sleep, our skin takes advantage of this downtime to repair itself, which is why it’s important to lather your complexion up with the right products before your head hits the pillow. “I love sleeping masks,” says Dr. Engelman. “They give your skin a boost of hydration that your skin will slowly absorb while you sleep.” We recommend Lancôme Energie De Vie Overnight Recovery Sleeping Mask, a hydrating and cooling mask packed with antioxidants like cranberry, lemon balm and ginseng.

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