One of the best things I’ve done for myself in my 30’s is focus on my skincare. Although life can sometimes feel super overwhelming, it’s always nice to find little things you can control. And for me, that’s skincare. Focusing on skincare is so much easier than focusing on diet or exercise. Honestly, it’s a little guaranteed win each day. Lately, I’ve had several friends ask for my recommendations on a beginner skincare routine. So I’m here to share my thoughts on the best skincare for 30 somethings.

Since most of my friends are working moms, I wanted to focus on an easy and attainable routine. I’m talking reasonably priced products (let’s be honest, great products can be expensive but worth it, but there are some great cost effective finds too), and as few steps as possible. One thing that always stands out in my mind is a quote from my dermatologist. I asked her what the best skincare routine was. Her response? “The best skincare routine is the one you will stick to.” A one step skincare routine you remember to do every day will be way more effective than a 10 step routine you only remember to do once a month.

When it comes to skincare in your 30’s, there are three main goals. 1. Sun protection. 2. Hydration. 3. Resurfacing/Smoothing. Let’s go through each one and I’ll share my tips, tricks, and favorite products for each category. First, I want to say that even though this post is all about skincare for 30 year olds, the same rules could apply to someone of any age. Especially the first two. Although most people don’t start incorporating Resurfacing/Smoothing treatments until their 30’s-40’s. But to all you proactive 20 somethings out there, get a jump start on the sunscreen and hydration. You’ll thank me later.

Sun protection

Kind of like how inflammation is one of the biggest culprits behind health issues, sun damage is one of the biggest causes of skin issues like skin cancer, premature aging, fine lines, wrinkles, and discoloration. With that in mind, adding SPF 30+ into your daily routine can greatly help the condition of your skin. Although wearing sunscreen won’t repair damage that has already been done, it can help prevent further or new damage.

My two favorite sunscreen brands are Supergoop! and Neutrogena. Both are reasonably priced, effective, and come in SPF 30+. The Supergoop! Play Everyday SPF 50 sunscreen is my go-to face sunscreen. It wears well by itself or under makeup without any flashback or issues. I love the Neutrogena Ultra Sheer sunscreen for body sunscreen. It comes in both a cream and a spray. I also discovered the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Sunscreen SPF 50 with Hyaluronic Acid, and I’m super excited to try it this summer. I love a great product that covers more than one skincare goal!

Hydration

Like I said in my recent post about how to get the perfect summer glow, drinking a ton of water is super great for your skin. The more hydrated you are, the more your skin really will glow. However, it’s not always easy to drink tons of water non stop all day. So it’s equally important to apply hydrating products to your skin. The Neutrogena Hydro Boost line is really great for adding extra hydration. There is a moisturizer, serum, eye cream, face wash, and even a body lotion. Each product is formulated with Hyaluronic Acid and are reasonably priced. Plus you can pick them up at Target or Walmart when you do your grocery pickup!

A few of my other favorite hydrating products are Bliss Glow & Hydrate serum, Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Serum, and Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Cream Moisturizer. Of course, I can’t leave out my holy grail hydration product – Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask. You can read my full review here. But overall, it’s the most luxurious hydrating mask, and you don’t have to wash it off! Plus, it makes my face feel so soft and smooth.

Resurfacing/Smoothing

Now for the most complicated category – Resurfacing/Smoothing. I highly recommend a daily resurfacing serum like the Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Serum or Bliss Renew & Smooth Serum. I fully credit the T.L.C. Framboos Serum for changing my skin. And the Bliss serum is a great alternative if you’re looking for something more budget friendly. You can use these products every day.

However, if you really want to up your anti aging skincare game and add a retinol, I do have some suggestions. First, start off low and slow. Use a product with a small amount of retinol only once or twice a week. Then, once your skin adjusts, you can move up if necessary. If the product burns, it’s too harsh for your skin. Also, if you’re using a retinol, you shouldn’t be using any other serums or treatments that night. Just a really good moisturizer. And always, always wear sunscreen when using retinol. The Drunk Elephant A-Passioni is the only retinol I’ve tried that didn’t burn my skin. But you need to pick whichever one is best for you.

Overall, these three categories are my ultimate tips to the best skincare routine for 30 somethings. Even if you use only one product from each category, your skin will benefit. But like I said earlier, the best skincare routine for anyone of any age is the one you will stick to. So if that’s sunscreen every morning and that’s it, you do you! Or if you want to have a more elaborate multi product routine, that’s ok too! Of course I could create a whole complicated routine with tons of products. (If you want that, let me know in the comments below.) But overall, these three priorities will get you started. Making the effort to take care of your skin is the important part.

XOXO,
Tiffany

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