In Your 30s? Here’s What Your Skin Really Needs

Source: Best Health magazine, January/February 2016

‘Ironically, this has become the decade of pimples and wrinkles for many women,‘ says Dr. Amy Wechsler, a New York-based dermatologist and author of The Mind-Beauty Connection. ‘Stress, overwork, pregnancy and motherhood are all to blame.’

While dealing with so many factors can be overwhelming, Dr. Wechsler says that maintaining a routine and keeping things simple are paramount. Returning to the skin practices you developed in your 20s ‘ including cleanser, moisturizer and broad spectrum protection ‘ can help limit stress.

If you find yourself dealing with regular hormonal breakouts, ask your dermatologist about possibly using benzoyl peroxide to help ease inflamed nodules around your chin and jaw or try adding an acne cleanser with salicylic acid to your daily routine.

If you’ve been spotty with SPF until now, you may start to notice signs of aging, such as small brown spots and fine lines. To remedy these issues, now is the time to get diligent about daily sun protection. Add an easy-to-use moisturizing sunscreen (at least SPF 30) that protects against both UVA and UVB rays to your routine every morning, layered under your makeup. Remember to reapply sunscreen every two hours if you’re spending time in the sun, says Dr. Shannon Humphrey, a Vancouver-based medical director for Carruthers & Humphrey Cosmetic Medicine.

Decade Do

If you’re not already using a hydrating eye cream, nightly anti-aging serum and antioxidant cream (with vitamins C and E), now is the time to introduce them to your routine. ‘There’s evidence that applying topical antioxidants can extend your sun protection better than sunscreen alone and provide enhanced protection against different wavelengths of rays, including infrared radiation,’ says Humphrey. Click here for a quiz that will determine your skincare style!

Products to Try in Your 30s

Dermalogica UltraCalming Super Sensitive Shield SPF30, $66
Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Pink Grapefruit Foaming Scrub, $10
Bliss Triple Oxygen Energizing Vitamin C Day Cream, $68
Jurlique Nutri-Define Eye Contour Balm, $104