Skincare in your 30s

Photo: Alexandre Weinberger

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In Your 30s...
If you've been diligent with sunscreen, you most likely haven't seen a radical change in your skin since your 20s. But this is the decade when your complexion may start to look dull because of slower cell turnover, so regular exfoliation should be your top priority, says Ellen Marmur, MD, associate clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City. Sun worshipers will see an increase in fine lines and damage like dark spots and loss of elasticity—but it's never too late to get with the (sun protection) program. This is also the decade when you may begin to notice crow's-feet, dark circles, and sagging of the lower eyelids, says Doris J. Day, MD, clinical associate professor of dermatology at NYU Langone Medical Center.

Your Face Basics


Cleanser
You want to continue to protect your skin's natural barrier, so use a gentle face wash in the morning and evening, says Marmur. To make dull skin more luminous, try a cleanser with hydroxy acids, which increase cell renewal; you can also use a mild scrub several times a week or a cleansing brush.

Serum and Moisturizer
Keep it up with the broad-spectrum SPF 30 hydrator; for an extra boost of protection from environmental aggressors like pollution and UVA/UVB rays, layer a vitamin C serum underneath. (It can also help with hyperpigmentation, says Linder.) Look for one containing at least 15 to 20 percent L-ascorbic acid, the most effective form of the vitamin. A facial oil is a good way to moisturize and add back your glow, says Marmur. It has some light-reflective qualities and drenches the skin, plumping it and temporarily diminishing fine lines. Just don't forget to add sunscreen.

Nighttime Treatment
Your focus should be on repairing the thin skin around the eye area. Choose an undereye cream with niacinamide (anti-redness), caffeine (anti-inflammatory), or retinol (collagen building), says Day. For the rest of your face, a prescription retinoid or a retinol night cream is your best bet for preventing wrinkles.

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Next: Skincare advice for your 40s