It is in their 30s that most people start to notice the signs of aging on their skin. It is important to recognize that the aging you begin to see in your 30s is the damage you have accumulated as your younger self. In your 30s you should focus on treating those signs of aging but also preventing future damage.

Reach for Antioxidants

Antioxidants are crucial in the age-fighting process because they protect our skin against free radical damage. Free radicals are a necessary component to help our bodies and skin fight bacterial infections and viruses but in abundance, they are more harmful than good. Free radicals damage healthy skin cells and cause collagen degradation leading to accelerated aging. Vitamins A, C & E are extremely beneficial in treating signs of aging.

Vitamin A or Retinol is an antioxidant that happens to encourage desquamation (exfoliation) which is a crucial component to any skincare regimen. Retinol can cause photosensitivity so it is best to use it at night.

Vitamin C is amazing for reducing pigmentation and enhancing the protective power of SPF and should be used in the morning. Both vitamin A and C stimulate collagen production and therefore have been shown to help treat and prevent fine lines and wrinkles.

On top of being an antioxidant, Vitamin E encourages healing and helps to alleviate dryness in the skin, which is why it is normally found in moisturizers. Ideally, you should incorporate all three of these antioxidants into your skincare regimen and use them consistently, as they work more efficiently and harmoniously together.

Sun Protection Helps Prevent Aging

Do not waste your money on skincare if you aren’t going to use a daily SPF! I know that can sound harsh but it’s true SPF is the best anti-aging product on the market, it is crucial in preventing skin aging and sun damage. You should wear SPF daily even if you won’t be outside much, the sun’s rays can still penetrate your skin through windows if you are indoors or in the car. An SPF of at least 30 is ideal and should be reapplied when spending extended periods of time outdoors. Look for a broad spectrum SPF with the active mineral ingredients; zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. 

Maintain Moisture and Hydration

From what I can tell from being an esthetician, those who have more oil in their skin tend to age slower, and dryer skin types tend to show age earlier. Keeping the skin moisturized as well as hydrated (yes they are two different things) will help your skin to maintain a plump structure and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Moisturizers maintain moisture levels in your skin which refers to an oil, your moisturizer can also contain hydrating ingredients to boost hydration which refers to water in your skin.

Look for moisturizers containing Vitamin E (tocopherol) and other nourishing ingredients like jojoba oil and hyaluronic acid along with polyglutamic acid for hydration. You should also be diligent about drinking plenty of water; preferably natural spring water. Keeping your skin internally hydrated is important and helps your body to function more optimally and detoxify.

When caring for your skin in your 30s remember that aging is a normal and inevitable process, and use these tips to help you age more gracefully. It is also helpful at any age to eat a healthy diet with mainly natural and unprocessed foods, avoid harmful habits such as smoking and excessive drinking and work with an esthetician to receive youth-enhancing treatments and effective skincare recommendations.

You can always chat with a Pomp esthetician about what skincare is best for you and what to start incorporating in your 30s.