It's no surprise that your beauty routine should evolve with you over time–your skin has very different needs in your 30s than it did a decade earlier! You should plan on mixing up your go-to products and your skincare essentials throughout the years. We consulted Dr. Marnie Nussbaum, a board-certified dermatologist with offices in New York City and East Hampton, for her expertise on how to maximize your skincare routine in your early 30s.
"Many patients in their 30’s express concerns around deepening fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation (an uneven skin tone or dark spots) and decreasing skin firmness, and a loss of collagen and elasticity," Dr. Nussbaum said. Read on for all of her expert advice to combat these common issues and shop a few SN-approved products.
An average daily routine for one of Dr. Nussbaum's patients in their 30s is using a cleanser (twice daily), moisturizer (twice daily), along with vitamin C and SPF every morning plus a retinoid at night. If you’re pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding, you should skip the retinoid. "That is my basic skin regimen that should start at a young age and last through the decades." Dr. Nussbaum said. "What may change is the vehicle of each product." As your skin matures, Dr. Nussbaum recommends extra hydration in the form of fatty acids, lipids, and emollients, plus the addition of lifting and tightening ingredients such as peptides, amino acids, and retinol.
Dr. Nussbaum stressed the importance of wearing SPF daily, even in winter. "Apply to every area that is exposed to the sun. Don’t forget to apply to your lips, the tops of your ears, your hands, back of your neck, tops of your feet, and behind your knees as these areas are often overlooked," Dr. Nussbaum said.
Here at SN, we love Soleil Toujours for sun care and skincare–and the brand's 100% Mineral Sunscreen Glow offers superior SPF 30 protection plus a subtle shimmer for a golden finish. It's perfect for year-round use, especially as our summer glows begin to fade, and it's lightweight coverage that won't clog your pores, so it's ideal to use on both your body and face. The Mineral Sunscreen Glow formula is vegan, clean, and packed with powerful antioxidants to protect your skin.
In addition to using SPF daily in your routine, Dr. Nussbaum suggests adding a few other standout products on a regular basis. "I only recommend exfoliation twice per week as I find many people over-exfoliate leaving the skin inflamed, red, and irritated," Dr. Nussbaum explained. She recommends Caudalie's Glycolic Peel Mask for a gentle exfoliator containing glycolic acid, and Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari BabyFacial, which contains a blend of alpha and beta hydroxy acids.
Additionally, if you're looking for an anti-aging component in your daily skincare routine, Dr. Nussbaum encourages using an eye cream and a neck cream, like the Neostrata Triple Firming Neck Cream, which firms and tightens the skin around the neck and décolleté.
In-office treatments can be a great complement to a daily skincare routine in your early 30s. Dr. Nussbaum typically recommends mild laser procedures or peels. "After age 30 we lose 1-2% collagen per year, therefore it is important to maintain the skin's firmness and elasticity by building collagen with laser procedures and retinoids," she explained. Many women choose to start getting Botox or other fillers in their 30s, and Dr. Nussbaum's approach is simple: less is more. "More is not always better–you want to look like yourself but refreshed!"
*Team SN's picks are selected based on products we truly love. Note: this article does contain affiliate links, and we will receive a commission if you purchase a product linked here.
