- Around the age of 30, some natural skin processes decrease, such as cell renewal.
- You may experience signs of premature aging, such as the appearance of fine lines and dark spots.
- Focusing on hydration and increasing collagen production can help keep your skin glowing.
For those of us with less sensitive skin, our 20s are a time of peak skin elasticity. We can forget to reapply sunscreen and fall asleep in our makeup with little to no immediate consequences other than the occasional pimple or sunburn.
However, around the age of 30, many people begin to realize that their once calm skin may be changing. “After the age of 30, skin cell renewal slows down, collagen production declines, and antioxidant defenses weaken.” Dr. Josué Zeichnerthe director of cosmetic and clinical research in the Department of Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City told Insider.
This can lead to the new appearance of fine lines, as well as dark spots from prolonged exposure to the sun. Some people may even start experiencing completely new problems, such as hormonal problems or fungal acne.
“That’s why it’s important to establish a solid skincare routine right now,” Zeichner added.
Whether you already have a daily skin care regimen If you have no idea where to start, we spoke with Zeichner about some of his favorite products for people in their 30s and how to apply them for the best results.
Use in the mornings to protect your skin during the day.
“Think of the morning as a time for protection and prevention,” Zeichner said.
He said mornings should start with a gentle cleanser, like Beauty Pie Japanfusion Pure Transforming Cleanserwhich according to him removes dirt and impurities from the skin without irritating the skin barrier.
He then said that an antioxidant product, such as a vitamin c serum, should be applied to help boost collagen production and protect skin against environmental damage. Suggested the newly launched YSE Beauty Morning Cocktail Vitamin C Serumwhich he said “combines stabilized vitamin C along with brightening niacinamide and skin-repairing squalane and hyaluronic acid.”
Lastly, you should always finish your routine with a broad-spectrum sunscreen, and Zeichner recommends Eucerin Age Defense SPF 50 as a great option that “protects against not only ultraviolet light but also visible light, which is known to contribute to premature aging and hyperpigmentation.”
Nights should focus on increasing hydration.
While mornings should be focused on preparing skin for the day, “nighttime is a time for hydration and repair,” according to Zeichner.
“Your nighttime routine should include a cleanser, a rich moisturizer, and a collagen-boosting product like retinol,” she said.
Start by cleansing your face to remove any makeup or sunscreen. Afterward, you can apply retinol or moisturizer first (order is commonly debated in the world of dermatology). Some people prefer to layer retinol first for a stronger effect, while those with more sensitive skin may choose to hydrate first with a moisturizer.
For retinol, Zeichner recommended RoC Derm Correxion Filling and Treatment Serum Because it includes hyaluronic acid to boost hydration while retinol helps smooth fine lines. As for the moisturizer, she said Charlotte Tilbury’s Charlotte Magic Cream It’s a great product that uses plumping hyaluronic acid along with antioxidant vitamins to improve skin tone.
Lasers and Botox offer more drastic results
Topical products can produce effective long-term results, but they do have their limitations. Zeichner said inject neuromodulators (like botox and Sport) is the “number one procedure” he is performing on women in their 20s and 30s, with patients often coming for their 30th birthday.
Getting injections can help prevent existing lines from deepening over time. If he doesn’t know when to start, Zeichner said, “You’re an appropriate candidate when facial expression lines start to settle.”
Other popular options include “lasers at lunchtime,” which are quick procedures that work “by drilling microscopic holes in the skin, creating a controlled wound, and taking advantage of the skin’s ability to heal itself,” he said.
Zeichner likened these laser treatments to “getting a personal trainer at the gym.” If he does it continuously, he can “improve skin tone, skin texture and lighten dark spots,” he said.
