Beauty Skincare The Best Skincare Routine for Your 30s, According to Dermatologists Because you're not the same person you were at 20 — and neither is your skin. By Erin Lukas Erin Lukas Instagram Twitter Erin is a Brooklyn-based beauty editor and has been with InStyle since 2016. She's written for NYLON, Teen Vogue, Into The Gloss, FASHION Magazine, and more. She graduated with an Honors B.A. in Creative Writing and English Literature from University of Windsor, Ontario College Graduate Certificate in Book and Magazine Publishing from Centennial College, and A.A.S in Advertising and Marketing Communications from Fashion Institute of Technology. InStyle's editorial guidelines Published on October 28, 2021 Pin Share Tweet Email We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Photo: Getty Images Chances are you aren't the same person at 30 as you were at 20. As we grow and evolve with each decade, our skin changes, too. As you ease into your 30s, you may start to notice the formation of fine lines and wrinkles, and your skin might not be as firm as it once was. These changes are a natural part of the aging process. "The most dramatic change is probably the loss of collagen that happens in the skin," says Dr. DiAnne Davis, a board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon in Dallas. "As a result of the natural aging process and sun exposure, collagen slowly diminishes and that results in the formation of fine lines and wrinkles and a loss of skin elasticity." Dr. Ava Shamban, board-certified dermatologist and founder of SKIN FIVE Cosmetics and AVA MD Clinics in L.A, says you may notice a difference in skin texture, too. "We go from porcelain to pore enlargement, textural changes and dullness start to emerge," she says. When to Start Using Menopause Skincare Products This shift in collagen production will look differently for everybody, but focusing on supporting collagen levels and repairing any existing damage is a universal skincare tip for anyone in their 30s. "The primary focus of a skincare regimen should be to protect and preserve the elasticity and fullness of one's skin," Dr. Davis says. It's also important to continue to protect skin from the sun, as well as repair any existing damage. "Repairing any early signs of photo damage in office as well as getting serious about preventative measures and skincare designed to prejuvenation should also be a focus," Dr. Shamban adds. Ahead, the two top dermatologists help us navigate what skincare steps to follow in your 30s, along with the best products to use. VIDEO: Is Botox Worth the Hype? Here's How Long It Really Lasts Your Morning Routine Cleanser: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser Courtesy $15; amazon.com No matter your skin concerns, washing your face is the first step in any skincare routine. This gentle cleanser hydrates the skin, in addition to removing dirt and impurities. Vitamin C Serum: BeautyStat Universal C Skin Refiner Courtesy $90; amazon.com "You want to use a potent antioxidant in the a.m. to protect the skin from oxidative stress generated internally from metabolism and externally from pollution and UV rays," says Dr. Shamban.She recommends BeautyStat's vitamin C serum, a patented brightening formula that doesn't oxidize over time. Eye Cream: BeautyStat Universal C Eye Perfector Courtesy $65; amazon.com The area around the eyes tends to be thinner and thus, more delicate. Incorporate a product specifically designed to be used on the area and treat common concerns, such as dark circles and crow's feet."BeautyStat's Universal C Eye Perfector works to combat visible signs of aging including fine lines and wrinkles, dullness with synergistic ingredients to take care of the super delicate eye area," Dr. Shamban shares. Moisturizer: CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion Courtesy $10; amazon.com Look for a moisturizer that will provide long-lasting hydration for plumper skin, plus strengthen the skin barrier to prevent dryness and irritation."A hydrating moisturizer that contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid will also be key in keeping your skin hydrated and plump instead of appearing dull and lifeless," says Dr. Davis. Look no further than CeraVe's cult-favorite lotion. Sunscreen: EltaMD UV Daily Broad-Spectrum SPF 40 Courtesy $31; amazon.com Both dermatologists stress the importance of daily sunscreen application. Not only does SPF protect against skin cancer, it also prevents visible signs of aging."The most important step in a skincare routine is using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher," Dr. Davis says. "This will protect the skin from the UVA and UVB rays which slowly lead to premature wrinkling and pigmentation."EltaMD is a cult-favorite SPF because it's lightweight on the skin and includes brightening and ingredients like niacinamide and hyaluronic acid to hydrate and minimize fine lines. Your Nighttime Routine Cleanser: Éminence Organic Skin Care Bright Skin Cleanser Courtesy $42; dermstore.com A clean slate is ideal for any treatment products you'll use in your nighttime routine. Dr. Shamban recommends Éminence's Bright Skin Cleanser, a gentle face wash with antioxidants and a brightening natural hydroquinone alternative. Exfoliator: Tatcha The Rice Polish Classic Courtesy $65; tatcha.com For gentle exfoliation, try a mild rice-powered foaming enzyme powder two to three times a week. This Tatcha formula also contains silk protein to help nourish and condition the skin. Alternatively, if you're into physical exfoliation, U.SK mades a great rice scrub that also soothes the skin. Retinol: SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.5 Refining Night Cream Courtesy $76; dermstore.com There's a reason dermatologists often recommend incorporating a retinol or retinoid in your skincare routine: vitamin A can treat a number of common skin concerns, including signs of aging like fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven texture.Dr. Shamban says your 30s are a good time to start prescription Retin-A (tretinoin), starting weekly and building up as the skin tolerates it. If you're new to vitamin A, you can try an at-home retinol product first, like SkinCeuticals 0.5 Night Cream. Peptide Cream: Erasa XEP 30 Extreme Line Lifting and Rejuvenation Concentrate Courtesy $160; skinstore.com While your skin is adjusting to a retinol product or prescription retinoid, you can alternate using a peptide cream on the nights you're off vitamin A.The peptides in Erasa's cream help to smooth expression lines and minimize wrinkles. Face Mist: Aforé CBD Effusive Soothing Skin Mist Courtesy $79; aforebeauty.com While using active ingredients in your nighttime skincare routine, you may want to use an anti-inflammatory mist to help soothe and repair the skin. Dr. Shamban is a fan of Adoré's CBD-infused mist. Neck Cream: StriVectin TL Advanced Tightening Neck Cream Plus Courtesy $95; strivectin.com If you don't already apply your skincare products all the way down to your neck, your 30s are a good time to start. A neck cream specifically formulated for the area could be a beneficial addition to your routine. StriVectin's TL Advanced Tightening Neck Cream Plus includes a complex that lifts and tightens the neck by improving skin elasticity, plus smooths and minimizes horizontal lines. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit