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 covers all facets of beauty for the site. InStyle's editorial guidelines Published on October 28, 2021 @ 04:05PM 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. 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 Our Top Picks Cleanser: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Facial Cleanser at Amazon Jump to Review Vitamin C Serum: BEAUTYSTAT Skin Refiner Serum Jump to Review Eye Cream: BeautyStat Universal C Eye Perfector Jump to Review Moisturizer: CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion at Amazon Jump to Review Sunscreen: EltaMD UV Daily Broad-Spectrum SPF 40 at Amazon Jump to Review Cleanser: Eminence Cleanser at Walmart Jump to Review Exfoliator: TATCHA RICE POLISH at Tatcha.com Jump to Review Retinol: SkinCeuticals Retinol Cream 0.5 at Dermstore Jump to Review Peptide Cream: ERASA XEP 30 Lifting and Rejuvenation at Skinstore.com Jump to Review Face Mist: Aforé by Dr. Few The CBD Effusive at Aforebeauty.com Jump to Review Cleanser La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Facial Cleanser 4.8 View On Amazon View On Target View On Dermstore 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. Price at time of publish: $15.99 for 13.52 oz bottle Vitamin C Serum BEAUTYSTAT Universal C Skin Refiner Serum Nordstrom View on Ulta View On Amazon View On Nordstrom "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. Price at time of publish: $85 for 1 oz bottle Eye Cream BeautyStat Universal C Eye Perfector 4.5 Saks Fifth Avenue View on Ulta View On Amazon View On Walmart 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. Price at time of publish: $65 Moisturizer CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion 5 Ulta View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Ulta 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. Price at time of publish: $14.99 Sunscreen EltaMD UV Daily Broad-Spectrum SPF 40 Amazon View On Amazon View On Dermstore View On Ecosmetics.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. Price at time of publish: $32.50 for 1.7 oz bottle Your Nighttime Routine Cleanser Eminence Bright Skin Cleanser Dermstore View On Walmart View On Dermstore View On Ecosmetics.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. Price at time of publish: $48 Exfoliator TATCHA THE RICE POLISH: CLASSIC TATCHA View On Tatcha.com View On Kohls.com View On Strawberrynet.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. Price at time of publish: $68 for 2.1 oz bottle Retinol SkinCeuticals Retinol Cream 0.5 View On Dermstore View On Bluemercury.com View On Skinstore.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. Price at time of publish: $80 Peptide Cream ERASA XEP 30 Extreme Line Lifting and Rejuvenation Concentrate 50ml Skinstore View On 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 by Dr. Few The CBD Effusive Aforé Beauty View On 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. Price at time of publish: $79 Neck Cream StriVectin TL Advanced Tightening Neck Cream PLUS 4.7 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Ulta 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. Price at time of publish: $95 for 1.7 oz jar