Stay Radiant: 7 Must-Have Skincare Essentials for Your 30s

Written by: Ashleigh Torres

July 5th, 2024

So you’ve hit the big 3-0, where life is fabulous, but your skin might be hinting at those late nights and beach days of the past. If you’re starting to see fine lines, dark spots, or a bit of sagging, don’t fret. It’s time to elevate your skincare game with these skincare essentials for your 30s. Let’s dive into the must-haves that will keep your skin looking youthful and radiant!

Here are the must-have skincare essentials for your 30s:

Best Vitamin C Serum For Your Skincare Essentials In Your 30s

First up on the list is a good Vitamin C serum. This powerhouse antioxidant is essential for brightening your complexion, evening out skin tone, protecting against environmental damage, and a skincare essential. It’s like your morning glass of orange juice, but for your face! Incorporate a Vitamin C serum into your morning skincare essentials routine to start your day with a bright, radiant glow.

This is the only Vitamin C serum you’ll ever need in your skincare routine. It’s a scientifically advanced, award-winning daily antioxidant protector. It’s won three big awards: the 2017 ALLURE Best of Beauty Breakthrough, the 2019 Tatler Beauty Award (UK), and the 2020 ALLURE Best of Beauty – Best Antioxidant Serum.

This serum is your skin’s best defense against free radicals, which are major culprits in aging our skin. It protects against environmental stressors like blue light and pollution. Packed with Vitamins C and E plus 17 additional antioxidants, it offers a powerhouse of comprehensive defense. It also brightens skin tone, enhances luminosity, and reduces redness.

The Best Retinol Product For Your Skincare Essentials In Your 30s

If you haven’t started using retinol yet, your 30s are the perfect time. Retinol helps to speed up cell turnover, stimulates collagen production which reduces fine lines, and improve skin texture. It is the MVP of anti-aging skincare. Start with introducing a retinol every other night and work your way up to avoid irritation. Apply it at night only, and don’t forget to follow up with a good moisturizer.

Retinol is essential for a good skincare routine. SkinBetter’s line of retinoid serums are my favorite because they don’t dry my skin out (or my clients’ skin) and it keeps my skin looking even. AlphaRet is SkinBetter’s patented retinoid molecule, where it is combined with lactic acid, which is a hydrating alpha hydroxy acid. It also has glycolic acid which boosts the efficacy of retinoids, and is great for skin texture. The Clearing Serum is great for those with oily and acneic skin, the Overnight Cream is good for those with normal or dry skin that are just beginning their skincare journey, and the Intensive Overnight Cream is great for those with thicker, more resilient skin types and/or if you’re a more seasoned retinol user.

SPF: The Ultimate Skin Protector

Speaking of sun protection, if you were a sun-worshipper in your teens and 20s, you might be starting to see the consequences now. Sun damage is one of the biggest contributors to premature aging, so a daily SPF is a freaking non-negotiable. Look for a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher and make it a part of your morning skincare essentials routine. The best wrinkle is the one you never get! 😉

Below are two of my favorite SPFs!! The sunbetter Advanced Mineral Protection is more of a thicker consistency, it gives a medium coverage more like a bb cream. If you like a lighter consistency with more of a sheer coverage, the PCASkin one is great covering small imperfections.

A Silk Pillowcase: Actual Beauty Sleep

Want to wake up looking refreshed? Swap your cotton pillowcase for a silk one. Silk is gentler on your skin, reducing friction and helping to prevent fine lines and wrinkles. We spend ideally about 7-9 hours with our face on a pillow, so make it count. Plus, it’s a luxurious little upgrade that feels amazing.

Another tip: try to sleep on your back. This position reduces pressure on your face, which helps prevent sleep lines, hollowness and puffiness, keeping your skin smooth and youthful!

Nu Skincare Device: High-Tech Skincare

For a spa-like treatment at home, the Nu skincare device is a game-changer. This microcurrent device helps to lift and tone your facial muscles, giving you a more youthful appearance. It’s like a workout for your face, but without the sweat. Use it a few times a week for best results.

Eye Cream: Target Those Fine Lines

The delicate skin around your eyes is often the first to show signs of aging. An eye cream specifically designed to address fine lines, puffiness, or dark circles is essential. Look for ingredients like peptides, retinol or hyaluronic acid to keep this area looking smooth and hydrated.

These aren’t just any eye creams, OH NO. These are innovative, and unlike anything you’ve ever seen in the skincare world!! I loooove the SkinBetter brand if you can’t tell. Everything about their products are just amazing. They really took the time to do the work and give us next level products that aren’t a bunch of BS like a lot of the stuff I see on the market.

Gua Sha Tools: Sculpt and De-Stress

Gua sha tools are another fantastic addition to your skincare routine. This ancient Chinese technique involves gently scraping the skin with a smooth stone to promote lymphatic drainage, reduce puffiness, and enhance circulation. Regular use can help contour your face, reduce tension, and give your skin a healthy, lifted appearance. It’s a relaxing ritual that doubles as a mini facial massage, leaving you looking and feeling refreshed AF.

Prevention is MAJOR

In your 30s, you’re probably starting to see some early signs of aging, likely due to those sun-filled days of your past. Now is the time to be proactive. Since about 80% of aging is due to extrinsic factors like sun exposure and pollution, taking preventative measures can make a huge difference. By incorporating these skincare essentials into your routine, you’ll be on your way to maintaining a youthful, radiant complexion!

Embrace your 30s with confidence and a killer skincare routine. ;D