The best skincare routine for 30s

You’ve officially said goodbye to your 20s and entered your 30s – so what does that mean for your skincare routine? While it may not seem obvious at first, your skin goes through a lot of changes as you start the new decade. This ultimately means the products that served you so well at 25 may not give you the same results at 35.

Your skin may be changing, but with the right products and a consistent routine, you can achieve and maintain your best complexion yet. Here’s an explainer as to how your skin changes after you pass the big three-oh, and how you can create the best skincare routine for your 30s. We’ve also included product recommendations so that you can easily create your perfect regime.

How Your Skin Changes in Your 30s

As we get older, our body experiences a gradual decline in the production of collagen and elastin – proteins that play a key role in keeping our complexion firm and youthful. This is partially due to the natural aging process, but aggressors like UV exposure and stress also play a role.

By the time you hit 20, the amount of collagen in your body starts dropping by about 1% per year – and you will really begin to see those effects in your 30s. Skin can start to become less elastic, and visible fine lines and wrinkles may emerge.

Another big change in the 30s is that the skin cell turnover cycle continues to gradually slow down. This is the natural shedding process the skin goes through, in which dead skin cells are replaced by fresh skin cells to keep the complexion smooth and even. In our late teens and early 20s, this process typically lasts around 14 to 21 days. However, by the time we hit our 30s, it can last around 28 to 35 days.

There’s also often a noticeable shift in the skin’s moisture levels in our 30s. As we age, our skin typically produces less sebum (the body’s natural oil) than it did when we were younger. This can lead to a drier and rougher complexion, and may also make fine lines more noticeable.

Why You Should Adjust Your Routine in Your 30s

Our skin continues to change as we age, which means we need to adapt our routine to best take care of our complexion. While you don’t necessarily have to completely overhaul the routine you had in your 20s, it’s smart to assess your skin’s needs and complexion goals and see what tweaks you can make.

Since collagen and elastin production continues to slow down, many men and women in their 30s choose to implement anti-aging products in their routine to counteract the effects this decline has on the skin. Exfoliating serums can also support the skin cell turnover cycle as it gradually becomes longer, while hydrating serums can fill in the gaps as the skin produces less natural oil. Of course, maintaining a foundational skincare routine with a cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen continues to be essential in your 30s (and beyond).

The Best Skincare Routine for 30s: Cleansers

In order to maintain skin health, it’s essential that you cleanse your skin on a daily basis. While those with drier skin may choose to skip the morning face wash routine, everyone should be cleansing in the evening to wash away the sunscreen, oil, dirt and other debris that accumulates during the day. Doing so will allow you to create a fresh slate where the serums and treatments you’re using can easily penetrate the skin to do their best work.

Here’s our favorite cleanser for people in their 30s.

Daily Cleanser: Blu Atlas Volcanic Ash Face Cleanser

This cleanser from Blu Atlas, which is suitable for all skin types, works perfectly as both a morning and nighttime face wash. It’s gentle enough to use at the start of the day to prep your skin for serums and moisturizers, but still effectively washes away grime at the end of the day. We recommend it for people in their 30s, as it’s able to fully cleanse the skin without stripping away its natural moisture.

This lightly exfoliating formula is powered by super-fine volcanic ash particles and charcoal powder, both of which absorb excess oil and other impurities on the skin. These purifying ingredients are joined by lactobacillus ferment filtrate, which soothes, strengthens and improves the skin’s microbiome, as well as pomegranate seed oil, which is rich in vitamins and fatty acids, and has both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. All of these ingredients work together to ensure the skin is not only cleansed, but also nourished, calm and hydrated.

Besides the highly effective ingredients, what makes the Volcanic Ash Face Cleanser one of our favorites is the vegan, cruelty-free and clean formula. Ninety-eight percent of ingredients are derived from natural origins, and the formula is free of sulfates, phthalates, parabens and synthetic fragrances. It comes in three scent options, including one that is fragrance-free.

The Best Skincare Routine for 30s: Serums and Anti-Aging Treatments

The three most important foundational skincare products (regardless of age) are moisturizer, cleanser and sunscreen. That said, serums and treatments can be incredibly beneficial, particularly if you’re looking to target specific skin concerns and keep your skin looking youthful and radiant.

If you want to fight and prevent signs of aging, retinol (or bakuchiol, a natural alternative we’ll talk more about below) and vitamin C are the best ingredients to work into your routine. These science-backed ingredients have been proven to target multiple signs of aging, including fine lines, wrinkles, loss of firmness, dullness and discoloration.

Anyone in their 30s can benefit from adding an exfoliating serum to their routine. It will support the slower skin cell turnover process by helping to clear away dead skin cells, promoting a smooth and even complexion. Additionally, if you’ve been dealing with drier skin in your 30s, we recommend adding a hydrating serum to keep your complexion quenched.

If you’re considering implementing all of these solutions in your routine, note that some of them can’t be used simultaneously. We suggest using a vitamin C serum in the morning, and alternating between using retinol/bakuchiol and an exfoliating serum at night. Hydrating serums, on the other hand, are typically gentle and don’t contain potentially irritating active ingredients, so they can be safely layered with other serums and treatments.

Antioxidant Serum: Blu Atlas Vitamin C Serum

Vitamin C is a multitasking skincare ingredient that is especially beneficial for people in their 30s. It brightens the complexion and helps fade the appearance of dark spots for a radiant and even complexion. It also works to fight signs of aging in two ways. First, it stimulates the production of collagen to help maintain a youthful complexion. Second, it’s a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants are crucial when it comes to anti-aging, as they help block free radicals, which can lead to premature signs of aging.

We particularly like this vitamin C serum, because in addition to ascorbic acid (a highly effective form of vitamin C), it contains other antioxidant-rich ingredients that create a shield against free radicals. They include mulberry root extract, which soothes the skin and helps promote a more even skin tone. There’s also apple fruit extract, an ingredient that both fights free radicals and helps the skin retain moisture for a plumper, healthier complexion.

The formula is infused with plenty of other ingredients that plump and hydrate the skin, including Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, glycerin and hyaluronic acid. The product is vegan and cruelty-free, and made with clean ingredients.

Retinol Treatment: Paula’s Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment

While vitamin C should be your go-to anti-aging tool during the day, you should reach for retinol at night. Retinol is considered the gold standard for anti-aging, and is a beneficial ingredient for anyone in their 30s looking to both treat and prevent signs of aging.

This science-backed ingredient promotes the production of collagen and boosts the skin cell turnover process. With regular use, it firms the skin and softens the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It can also fade the appearance of dark spots for a more even complexion.

You can always get a stronger prescription from a dermatologist, but as far as over-the-counter solutions go, this Paula’s Choice treatment is the best of the best. It contains a potent 1% concentration of retinol, and uses a unique controlled-release delivery system, which minimizes the risk of irritation.

This fragrance-free formula is infused with a blend of additional ingredients that calm and hydrate. Licorice extract, allantoin and oat extract minimize irritation and quell redness, while ceramides, sodium hyaluronate and glycerin support the skin barrier and seal in moisture.

If you’re using retinol for the first time, it’s smart to start slow. It takes some time for the skin to adjust to retinol, and certain people experience initial dryness and irritation. To minimize the risk of negative side effects, start by applying the treatment two nights per week. If desired, you can increase to more frequent application after giving your skin a few weeks to adjust.

Bakuchiol Treatment: Biossance Squalane + Phyto-Retinol Serum

Bakuchiol is a unique plant-derived ingredient that has gained popularity over the last few years as a natural alternative to retinol. While it offers similar anti-aging benefits to traditional retinol, there is a much lower risk of irritation and dryness. This makes it a suitable option for those with sensitive skin who may find retinol too aggressive. It’s also often considered to be an alternative to retinol for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, but you should still consult with a medical professional before adding it to your routine.

If you’re interested in using bakuchiol in your routine, we highly recommend the Biossance Squalane + Phyto-Retinol Serum, which has been clinically evaluated and proven to be suitable for all skin types. In this lightweight serum, bakuchiol and niacinamide work together to soften lines and wrinkles, firm the complexion, improve skin barrier function and promote a more even skin tone.

The anti-aging formula also contains squalane, glycerin and sodium hyaluronate, which keep the skin feeling soft and moisturized. This formula is completely vegan and cruelty-free, and is made with clean ingredients.

Hydrating Serum: Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Hyaluronic Marine Hydration Booster

A hydrating serum can benefit anyone at any age, but it’s especially beneficial in your 30s and beyond. Since the skin produces less natural oil, a hydrating serum can give your complexion an extra boost of moisture to make up for that loss. Dry skin is also more likely to exacerbate the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, so the additional hydration will plump up the skin for a more youthful appearance.

One of our favorite hydrating serums is the Hyaluronic Marine Hydration Booster from Dr. Dennis Gross. This serum is lightweight, yet is able to deeply quench the skin and improve its ability to retain moisture.

The key ingredient in this serum is hyaluronic acid, a gentle humectant that draws moisture to the skin and locks it in. It’s joined by evening primrose extract, which soothes and moisturizes the skin, as well as nutrient-dense marine algae extract, which nourishes, hydrates and improves the skin’s elasticity.

The formula is rounded out by a range of additional ingredients that calm and hydrate the skin while improving skin barrier function, including cucumber fruit extract, ceramides, bisabolol, Centella asiatica extract and glycerin. Since this serum is gentle on the skin, it can be applied up to two times per day if desired, and can easily be layered with virtually any other serum or treatment you use in your routine.

Exfoliating Serum: Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Resurfacing Night Serum

If you don’t already use a chemical exfoliant in your routine, your 30s is the time to start. Since the skin cell renewal process gradually slows down, an exfoliating serum can help keep your skin in top shape.

Alpha hydroxy acids are chemical exfoliants that work on the surface of the skin to clear away dead skin cells and debris and reveal the fresh skin cells underneath. By doing this, they can minimize fine lines and wrinkles, improve uneven skin tone, and smooth the skin’s texture. Some of the most commonly used AHAs are glycolic, lactic and malic acids.

The T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Resurfacing Night Serum is one of the best chemical exfoliants on the market, and is especially helpful for anyone looking to target signs of aging or uneven skin tone and texture. This exfoliant contains a 10% concentration of an AHA blend that features glycolic, lactic, tartaric and citric acids to resurface the skin. It also contains a 1% concentration of salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid that unclogs pores (because blemishes don’t always go away by the time you’re in your 30s).

What we especially like about this vegan and cruelty-free serum is the thoughtful addition of calming and hydrating ingredients – especially since chemical exfoliants can aggravate the skin. Antioxidant-rich raspberry fruit extract, white tea leaf extract, horse chestnut and cactus extract soothe the skin and minimize any redness, while virgin marula oil nourishes and moisturizes the skin. Sodium hyaluronate also attracts moisture to the skin and locks it in.

The Best Skincare Routine for 30s: Moisturizers

Moisturizing is important no matter your age, but it becomes increasingly necessary as we get older, since the skin produces less natural moisture. A moisturizer not only seals moisture into the skin, but can also improve the skin’s ability to retain water. It’s also essential for keeping the skin barrier healthy and strong, which is necessary for minimizing the risk of irritation.

Below, we have two moisturizer recommendations. One is a daily moisturizer that can be used both day and night, and that will layer well over other serums and treatments. The other is an anti-aging night cream made with retinol.

Daily Moisturizer: Blu Atlas Face Moisturizer

If you’re looking for a high-quality moisturizer to use both morning and night, it doesn’t get better than the Blu Atlas Face Moisturizer. It’s packed with premium ingredients that support overall skin health, and can be safely layered on top of any of the serums or treatments recommended above.

This moisturizer is suitable for all skin types, and is created to nourish and soften the skin while minimizing signs of aging, making it the perfect option for anyone in their 30s looking to enhance their anti-aging routine. The nature-powered solution contains 98.5% naturally derived ingredients, and is clean, vegan and cruelty-free.

One of the power players in this formula is mango seed butter, a deeply moisturizing ingredient that is a rich source of vitamins C and E, both of which are antioxidants. As it moisturizes and nourishes the skin, it shields the complexion against environmental aggressors and free radicals. It’s joined by seaweed extract, an antioxidant-packed ingredient that hydrates, brightens dull skin and regulates the production of oil. Vitamin C also works to boost radiance and protect the skin, while vitamin- and fatty acid–rich moringa oil hydrates and nourishes the skin.

Anti-Aging Moisturizer: Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Night Cream

As we’ve seen, retinol is a highly effective ingredient for anyone looking to fight signs of aging. Potent retinol treatments are great options, but they do come with a risk of irritation. For someone who is new to using retinol and wants to take a gentler approach, a moisturizer made with retinol is a great option. While it doesn’t completely eliminate the risk of irritation, a moisturizing retinol cream is generally kinder to the skin. This is also ideal for the person who wants to target signs of aging, but wishes to do so in as few steps as possible.

A well-formulated retinol moisturizer worth checking out is the Retinol Youth Renewal Night Cream by Murad. This impressive formula has been shown to firm, smooth and revitalize the skin in just four weeks.

This Murad night cream uses Retinol Tri-Active Technology, which time-releases the retinol so that it is best able to serve the skin without irritation. It’s joined by niacinamide and picolinamide, both of which support the skin’s barrier. Of course, a range of moisturizing ingredients also ensure the skin is left feeling soft and supple.

It’s important to note that you should avoid layering this retinol cream (or any other retinol moisturizers you decide to try) on top of any other harsh products, such as exfoliating serums or other retinol treatments. Doing so can increase your risk of irritation, and can be harmful to the skin barrier.

The Best Skincare Routine for 30s: Sunscreens

Sunscreen is the holy grail for keeping the complexion youthful – and, of course, for reducing your risk of skin cancer. UV rays are some of the biggest external contributors to signs of aging, so protecting your skin on a daily basis is crucial for preventing fine lines, wrinkles, loss of firmness and sun spots.

Keep in mind that you shouldn’t reserve sunscreen for beach days or when you go on a hike. Wearing sunscreen (and implementing other sun-safe practices) on a daily basis is one of the best things you can do to keep early signs of aging at bay. With that in mind, here are two of our top sunscreens that are suitable for daily wear.

Chemical Sunscreen: EltaMD UV Daily Broad-Spectrum SPF 40

EltaMD reigns atop the sun care industry, and this sunscreen is one of the company’s most popular products. Many resist the idea of using sunscreen on a daily basis, since many formulas can feel greasy and heavy on the skin. However, this sunscreen has a lightweight formula that quickly absorbs into the skin, making daily sunscreen wearing super easy.

The UV Daily Broad-Spectrum sunscreen blends zinc oxide (a physical sunscreen filter) with octinoxate (a chemical sunscreen filter) to provide ample protection against UVA and UVB rays. These filters are joined by hyaluronic acid, which attracts moisture to the skin, as well as vitamin E for extra antioxidant power. The formula is fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, meaning it doesn’t contain ingredients known to clog pores.

Physical Sunscreen: Cocokind Daily SPF 32

Chemical sunscreen filters (such as octinoxate, oxybenzone and avobenzone) are generally well tolerated by most skin types. However, those with more sensitive skin may find that their skin gets aggravated when using formulas with these types of filters.

If this sounds like you, you may want to try a sunscreen that only uses physical sunscreen filters (also known as mineral filters), which are gentler on the skin. Unlike chemical filters (which absorb and dissipate UV rays), these filters create an actual physical barrier between your skin and the sun’s rays. The ingredients to look out for are zinc oxide, titanium dioxide and iron oxide.

One of the best 100% physical sunscreens on the market is the Daily SPF from Cocokind, which contains non-nano zinc oxide. This gentle, fragrance-free sunscreen is suitable for all skin types. It’s formulated to defend the skin not just against UV rays, but also pollution and environmental aggressors, ensuring your skin is truly shielded against all external elements. Once it’s applied to the skin, it leaves a slightly dewy but non-greasy finish.

In addition to the zinc oxide, this sunscreen contains blue phytoplankton Spirulina maxima extract. This extract brightens the skin and acts as an antioxidant, defending against free radicals. Microalga Phaeodactylum tricornutum extract also shields the skin against the damaging effects of pollution and dust, while at the same time improving the skin’s barrier.

There’s also rice starch, which ensures the sunscreen leaves a soft and touchable finish on the skin. A range of additional ingredients moisturize and calm the skin, including aloe, argan oil, sunflower seed oil, shea butter and glycerin.

A Sample Skincare Routine for People in their 30s

Now that we have some insights into the best products and ingredients to use, let’s summarize what a typical skincare routine might look like for someone in their 30s. This is geared toward someone looking to add anti-aging benefits while also hydrating and supporting the skin barrier. It will promote a radiant complexion with even skin tone and texture.

In the morning, follow this routine:

In the evening, follow this routine:

Of course, you know your skin best. Some people may find that they are better off using retinol or exfoliating serums only one night per week. On the other hand, some may realize that they only need to use a hydrating serum once a day.

Pay attention to how your skin reacts to new products, and adjust as needed. Once you’ve perfected a routine that works for your unique needs, you’ll be on your way to achieving and maintaining a healthy, radiant and youthful complexion.