Ok so as we step into your 30s (or for some of us…our 40’s) your skincare routine absolutely needs to evolve to meet the changing needs of your skin. By the time we hit our 30’s our collagen levels start to deplete and so even the most diligent skincare enthusiasts will need to make some changes to combat that...along with sun damage, dryness and sensitivities ect.
Most of us have at least a few signs of aging that we are trying to tackle (ahhhh hello bunny lines!)…this really is the decade where our skin can look dull, lifeless and dry. This is all thanks to the slowing down of our bodies processes including skin cell turnover, genetic ageing and environmental stressors.
Maintaining that youthful complexion we all desire requires some thoughtful adjustments so here are some essential skincare tips to help you embrace your best skin yet – regardless of age.
1. Prioritize Hydration
Never forget - hydrated skin is happy skin and unfortunately as we grow older, our skin tends to lose moisture more easily. So, incorporating hydrating serums (think those containing hyaluronic acid) into your daily routine to help aid in moisture retention and keep your skin looking plump and juicy is essential.
Don’t forget to drink plenty of water throughout the day to help hydrate from within too. Hydrating mists, essences and sheet masks are also great at giving skin a BIG boost in hydration levels.
2. Upgrade Your Moisturizer
In your 30s, switch to a richer moisturizer, preferably one that is designed to help address the early signs of aging. Look for skincare ingredients like peptides, ceramides and antioxidants – all of which help to repair skin barrier, aid in the production of collagen production and help protect against environmental damage and stressors.
3. Invest in a Good Eye Cream
The delicate skin around our eyes is more often than not the first part of our faces to show the first visible signs of aging so investing in an eye cream that can target those fine lines, puffiness or dark circles is a great idea. Ingredients like retinol, vitamin C and caffeine can work wonders in keeping your eyes looking youthful and refreshed.
4. Embrace Retinol
Retinoids (otherwise known as retinol) really are the gold standard when it comes to anti-aging skincare and there’s a good reason for that. Derived from Vitamin A, these ingredients do a lot…they can boost cell turnover, improve your skin texture, help with sun damage, aid in the production of collagen and of course…reduce the appearance of any pesky fine lines and wrinkles we wish we didn’t have.
If you are just starting out, it is recommended to initially introduce slowly, every second night or once or twice a week depending on your skin’s tolerance and start with a lower concentration, gradually increasing as your skin adjusts.
For those that are perhaps pregnant, or with super sensitive skin – instead look towards an ingredient called bakuchiol. Derived from an Indian plant, it is a fantastic retinol alternative that is not only natural but effective.
5. Be Gentle..(and skip the wipes)
I think all of us are guilty of using the odd makeup wipe in our twenties, however they sometimes contain alcohol and are far too abrasive for older skin. Ou skin isn’t nearly as resilient in our 30’s and 40’s so we need to be gentle with it.
7. Exfoliate Regularly
Exfoliation helps to remove those nasty dead skin cells, promote a brighter, smoother complexion and can also help fade sun damage. Skip anything that has a manual component and instead look for chemical exfoliants i.e. skincare products containing AHAs or BHAs (like Lacic and Glychoic Acid).
8. Never Skip Sunscreen
Sun protection is crucial at any age – not only for preventing skin cancer but ALSO to help mitigate and prevent the visible signs of ageing. Applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30+ everyday is vital for your skin’s health and VERY necessary to keep it looking its best.
Even on the cloudiest of days, our skin needs protection against the harmful and damaging UV rays. Did you know UV rays can easily penetrate windows? So, its vital to always include SPF as the last step in your morning skincare routine – regardless of whether you plan to leave the house or not. Trust us, your future self will thankyou!
9). See a Dermotolgist
Don’t be scared to seek out professional help if you need some guidance or a point in the right direction. Lots of women experience changes in their skin post 30 and sometimes we need to seek out the help of a skin therapist who can diagnose skin conditions and recommend treatments with devices like LED machines, Micro needling pens and IPL technology – along with skincare to help us achieve our skin goals faster and more efficiently.
10). Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
Healthy skin really does start from within so although it sounds like things we know we should be doing already…it never hurts to remind ourselves of the following:
Ensure you get enough sleep
Try and eat a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, green leafy foods (investing in a juicer for at-home is a great way to get those collagen rich foods like kale and spinach into our diets)
Keep sugar levels low as possible
Drink lots of water
Keep stress low (easier said than done sometimes) and manage effectively
Exercise regularly – even if it’s just a brisk walk to the shops (anything that can get your circulation going will help aid in keeping your skin happy and healthy
This article was brought to you in partnership with salon suppliers, The Global Beauty Group. To learn more about the technologies or to find a treatment specialist in your local visit their website or call 1300 006 607.
