You asked for it, so over the next few weeks, we’re going to be breaking down how to build the perfect 10-step routine to address the most common skin concerns you may be facing, depending on your age. Thirty-somethings? This one’s for you.
If you’re in your 30s, you may be noticing fine lines for the first time, or maybe they’re becoming more defined. It’s also during this time that your natural skin cell turnover rate is likely slowing down, making a glowing, even complexion something you have to work a little harder to achieve. But not to worry – with the right products in your arsenal, you can tell Father Time to chill out.
Below, we share our best tips and K-beauty product recommendations for those in their 30s.
Oil cleanser: Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm
Kick off your routine on the b(right) foot with this cleansing balm that targets dullness with ingredients like rice water and fermented grains, as it melts away makeup and excess oil.
Water cleanser: SUR.MEDIC+ Super Hyaluronic 100TM Amino Acid Cleanser
Avoid drying out skin with a gentle gel cleanser like this one. It uses natural ingredients like cotton stem cells and coconut-derived amino acids to remove impurities, and is packed with a hyaluronic acid complex to hydrate.
Toner: Enature Rice Essential Tone-Starter
If you’re no longer dealing with persistent acne, you may not think you need a toner, but the right formula does more than just balance skin. This one features fermented rice water as the star ingredient (it makes up 45% of the formula). In addition to its brightening powers, rice water helps boost cell regeneration and minimizes fine lines for a softer, more supple complexion. The formula also contains niacinamide, another radiance-booster.
Essence: The Plant Base Pore N Tightening Essence
If you haven’t yet started using a retinol, now is the perfect time as you want to both treat fine lines and prevent any new ones from forming. Retinol is the best in the biz for that job.
This essence is a great entry-level product for retinol newbies because it contains a small amount of the strong ingredient (i.e. less chance of irritation), along with other anti-aging superstars like vitamins C and E. In addition, you can expect to see smoother skin and minimized pores thanks to the formula’s high concentration of tannin extract.
Exfoliator: Neogen Bio-Peel Gauze Peeling Green Tea
Another key to achieving a brighter, smoother complexion is using a chemical exfoliant. These pads slough off dead skin cells with the help of glycolic and lactic acids. We chose this formula for 30-somethings because it’s also rich in green tea, a potent antioxidant that prevents premature aging and has anti-inflammatory benefits.
Mask: Dr. Althea Herb Therapy Velvet Mask
Take your sheet masking session to the next level with this luxe mask that does more than just hydrate. The velvet microfiber sheet is soaked in an essence supercharged with brightening ginger root, soothing calendula, anti-aging green tea, and moisturizing ceramide.
Serum: Benton Snail Bee Ultimate Serum
With snail mucin and bee venom (less scary than it sounds, we promise), this serum’s ingredient list ticks all the boxes when it comes to targeting the skin concerns of a 30-something. To treat acne scars and hyperpigmentation? Snail mucin. To calm irritation and inflammation? Bee venom. To brighten? Niacinamide. And to fight wrinkles? Adenosine.
Eye cream: Erborian Ginseng Infusion Total Eye
Ginseng root extract, the star ingredient of this cream, helps reduce the appearance of fine lines, and because it’s high in antioxidants, it helps prevent deeper wrinkles from forming. The formula also works to brighten and make eyes look more awake.
Moisturizer: Atrue Spring Green Tea Watery Calming Cream
Because you can never have too many antioxidants in your routine, we recommend this lightweight yet nutrient-packed cream that’s made up of 70% black tea water, in addition to green tea extract. These ingredients are also great for energizing, smoothing, and calming the complexion.
Sunscreen: Missha Near Skin Dustless Defense Sun Block SPF 50+/PA+++
Pollution (whether or not you live in a big city) and UV rays are two environmental stressors that damage and age skin. This sunscreen combats both of them. Plus, it’s non-greasy with a matte finish – perfect as a primer for makeup.