The 30s is when skin care routine gets a little more serious.
At least, if you’re anything like me.
High school breakouts are the worst, but if you don’t really have the money to deal with them, you buy drugstore brands and hope for the best.
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And then in your 20s you hopefully get a decent reprieve, in the form of glowing skin and few breakouts. Sensitive skin made me see some flare-ups, but it was mostly smooth sailing.
But once fine lines start making an appearance, you go all-in! Instead of maybe once in a while washing your skin at night, you put together a whole regime. You are in the battle, my friend. I’m right there with you.
To really make a difference, you need to be strategic.
My strategy has changed since I wrote this post. I’m finding the products I like, and the skincare routine that works well for me.
I’m happily updating this post because, if you’re like me, it helps to hear from someone who has already done the whole trial-and-error thing.
Here are some basics to start with, some crucial tips that will make the rest of your routine go smoothly.
Drink water. If you do nothing else for your skin, drink a ridiculous amount of water. At least half your body weight in ounces. Or more, if you can manage it.
Sleep. I can see the difference between the nights I sleep and the ones where I toss and turn, or stay up too late, or get woken up by a little. Obviously with kids, it’s tough, but if you have the option between staying up or going to bed, get the sleep.
Be consistent. Whatever routine you choose to go with, make it daily. Definitely switch it up if you need to. But give it a chance to work before you start something new.
Wash your hands first. This is just something I believe makes a difference. It’s just good practice to wash your hands in general. It won’t help your skin much if you use dirty hands to clean your skin.
Always take off your makeup at night. If you haven’t learned this by now – just do it.
Here’s a skin care routine for your 30s, with the products that are actually working for me.
Quick note: These are mostly non-toxic skin care options. Why do I go non-toxic? Basically for two reasons:
1) I want to choose skin products without questionable ingredients (the beauty industry has gaping loopholes that allow for such ingredients, more than you think).
2) I have sensitive skin, prone to rashes and breakouts, and I am very particular about what I put on it.
Also – this skin care routine includes a lot of products but doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Adjust to your needs. Take out items that aren’t as helpful. If you’re looking for where to spend and where to save, I would recommend investing in serums and moisturizers, and saving on the other items.
Morning:
1. Cleanse.
Go with a mild and gentle face wash, one you can use morning and night, that removes the grime from your pillow and gives you a clean slate for the rest of your products. Cream cleansers pick up a lot of dirt, but tend to be gentle on the skin.
My current go-to is this creamy cult-favorite. It’s foamy, fragrance-free, and has a bunch of beneficial ingredients, like squalene (from olives for softness) and Vitamin E for antioxidants.
2. Tone.
I haven’t always used toner, but am recently seeing its benefits. It refreshes skin, and preps it by shrinking pores and providing a barrier against impurities.
This rose spray that I got from my summer FabFitFun box has a lovely scent, and can even be used on your hair to tame flyaways. This soothing one with lavender is another favorite of mine, and is great for spritzing your wrists at night before bed. (Or try this three-pack of complexion spray for different skin concerns.)
3. Exfoliate 2-3 times a week, or as much as needed.
It removes dead skin cells, instead of letting them build up, which contributes to wrinkles. It also brightens your complexion. You might instantly think of physical exfoliators (face scrubs with beads or particles), but many people are going with chemical exfoliators now. These include AHAs like lactic or glycolic acid, or BHAs like salicylic acid, commonly used to treat acne.
Also, look into glycolic acid if you have sensitive skin – one doctor says it works just as well as retinoids to fight aging, and may even be a safer alternative.
I use this physical exfoliator about every 2-3 days. It’s definitely abrasive, so use gently, but really brightens my skin. I will be trying this affordable lactic acid, and you can’t beat the price. I have heard that this more expensive version works wonders (but it’s a bit much for me).
4. Apply eye cream.
Since skin around your eyes is more sensitive, and shows wear and age quickly, it needs something a bit more specialized than the moisturizer you apply to the rest of your face. Find a good eye cream and hang onto it!
I prefer to apply eye cream before serums and moisturizer, because I find that other products can cause irritation if I use something else first. I love this eye cream – so silky and smooth, and very gentle on my eyes, and am currently using their cherry version. Next on my list to try is this holistic baby cream – which is apparently surprisingly good for your delicate eye area.
5. Add serum.
Use a serum after your face is clean and toned, but before moisturizer to really penetrate skin for maximum effectiveness. Serums add certain nutrients to target specific problems.
My current favorite is this go-to inexpensive serum with peptides. I’ve also tried this one, which contains Vitamin C, to brighten skin, fight antioxidants, and boost collagen production.
6. Moisturize.
Hydrated skin is happier, with balance between oily and dry. It also prevents wrinkles by plumping skin. I use a typical moisturizer, but am utilizing this hyaluronic acid because it is particularly recommended for anti-aging.
Recommendations: Beautycounter Countermatch Lotion- I’ve told you about my sensitive skin issue. This moisturizer adapts to your skin to give it what it needs to stay hydrated 24 hours. You don’t need anything else. (No affiliate link, as I am not a consultant, but I truly love this lotion.)
7. Add SPF.
Protect that skin! Even when it’s cloudy. Damaging UV rays are known to cause wrinkles and skin cancer.
Recommendations: I really enjoy Beautycounter (again) Dew Skin tinted moisturizer. It is nice and light, doesn’t feel thick or leave marks like some tinted moisturizers, and contains SPF 20. Bonus: facial makeup protects against environmental damage. (If you prefer a higher dose, or no tint, try this yummy-smelling natural sunscreen stick.)
Night:
1. Remove makeup.
I do this simply with baby wipes or this environmentally-friendly reusable makeup cleansing cloth.
2. Cleanse.
3. Tone.
4. Eye cream.
5. Serum.
Again, you can use different serums to target different skin problems. There are serums for brightening, hydrating, smoothing wrinkles, etc.
Many people sing the praises of Vitamin A in the form of retinol (milder) and retinoid (stronger, prescription strength) in serums. It does wonders with aging, but isn’t good for your skin in the sun, so you should use them at night. Also I’m a little skeptical about the long-term effects of retinoids.
Retinol products are known to be aggressive to skin, so you need to start with a low dose, only a couple days a week. I have sensitive skin, so I worry about this factor.
An alternative is bakuchiol, a plant extract that has tested to show the same results as retinol products. Again, I haven’t experienced it, but I have this bakuchiol cream on order, and am hoping to see some good results with it.
6. Moisturizer with brightening skin oil added.
Nighttime calls for a more intense moisturizer, since skin needs more hydration towards the end of the day. Also some nighttime moisturizers can offer benefits that are better for your skin away from the sunlight.
This moisturizer with palmarosa and mint is thick for nighttime and provides soothing and anti-wrinkle benefits, but isn’t greasy.
I like the extra benefits oil brings to skin, and how well it hydrates.
And optional (but beneficial):
Incorporate a mask.
Masks have all kinds of benefits, depending on the one you choose. Clay and charcoal masks draw out dirt and toxins. Cream and sleep masks add hydration. Sheet masks add targeted benefits. I would love to try any of these different masks that pinpoint specific skin concerns.
Use a roller.
Jade rollers and rose quartz rollers are becoming more popular. They are cooling and refreshing, improve circulation, plump skin, and detoxify. I also recently started incorporating a Gua Sha Stone into my routine (which boasts the claim of being “better than Botox”.) I notice a difference in how bright and smooth my skin is after I use them.
All a bit much to take in?
I’m including a handy graphic to sum it all up.
This has been the most effective regimen for me so far. Like any goal where you want to see results, consistency is key.
Snag a Discount, Too
Many of these products are from Primally Pure. (I have a review up of their dry shampoo as well.) Snag 10% off with the discount code: JENN10 , and let me know how much you love it!
How about you?
What are some of your favorite skin products for your 30s? Do you incorporate any other order or products into your routine?
Looking for skin products that are just for you? Take this personalized skincare quiz to find the perfect fit for you!
Photos by:
1 – mine
2 – Kinga Cichewicz on Unsplash
3 – mine
4 – Humphrey Muleba on Unsplash
5 – Maddi Bazzocco on Unsplash
Coconut oil as a cleanser?! You rebel! 😉 Wouldn’t that just make my face greasy?