Tips for Amazing Skin in Your 30s

In your 30s:

Your skin is still soft and supple; however uneven pigmentation from the sun exposure or pregnancy may start to appear. You may also start to see small expression lines form around your eyes, forehead, and mouth. The skin may feel drier due to a decrease in production of collagen and elastin. The effects of stress may also be taking its toll on your skin.

Day:

• Use a gentle, nondrying pH-balanced facial wash in the morning
• Follow with an antioxidant-rich lotion with a minimum SPF of 15
• If you are prone to breakouts, try a spot treatment with ingredients such as grape seed and licorice extract
• Start wearing a tinted moisturizer, loose powder, or foundation to create an even complexion
• If you are still a bit shiny in your 30s, keep oil-absorbing blotting papers on hand to refresh your look

Night:

• Wash your face before bedtime.
• Makeup can cause breakouts by blocking the dirt and oils in your pores
• Use a low-concentration glycolic or alpha hydroxyl acid (AHA) exfoliator two nights per week if you have dry skin. If your skin is oily, do this three nights per week
• Follow the exfoliator treatment with moisturizer that promotes collagen production

Eyes:

• Plump the fine lines and crow’s feet by using an eye cream with a collagen-stimulating ingredient like retinol or kinetin
• To combat puffiness, apply cold cucumbers and sleep with your head elevated

Body:

• Hands and chest are often exposed to sun and wind, which makes them more prone to age spots and wrinkles early on
• Slather both areas with hand cream that contains sunscreen and a pigment-lightening ingredient such as kojic or licorice extract to prevent or combat age spots

Best anti-aging pro treatment:

• Try microdermabrasion, an exfoliation process

Source: Pearl N. Amazing skin in your 30s 40s 50s. Health [serial online]. June 2007;21(6):122. Available from: MAS Ultra - School Edition, Ipswich, MA. Accessed August 4, 2008.