As people who are really passionate about skin care, it’s natural that the more we learn about it, the more questions we have! In Skin Care FAQ, our new ongoing series, we’ll be taking every week one of the top-searched skin care questions and bringing it to top dermatologists, aestheticians, and skin care specialists to give you the most complete and accurate answer. This week’s theme is: What are the best skincare products to use in your 30s?
So a new year is coming up, which means you’re going to be another year older. And for some of us, that means saying goodbye to our 20s and hello to the big 3-0. It also might mean welcoming your first forehead wrinkle and the realization that you can’t go out every single night anymore and not expect to see bags under your eyes.
Newsflash: Once you turn 30, it’s time to get serious about your skin care. And that doesn’t mean going to Sephora and grabbing every product you can find in hopes that you offset aging. There are a group of certain products that dermatologists agree are the best bets for women in their thirties.
The first one is the most basic of all anti-aging ingredients: sunscreen. “Protect yourself as early as you can and your skin will thank you for decades to come,” says Annie Chiu, a dermatologist in Hermosa Beach. You’re going to want to wear a broad spectrum sunscreen every single day (even when it’s cloudy or rainy). “Mineral versions with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are especially good to reduce unwanted patchy pigmentation and new sun freckles,” says Rebecca Tung, a dermatologist in La Grange, Illinois. For a great Korean option, we like Neogen’s Day-Light Protection Sun Screen because it’s lightweight yet still packs a serious protective punch with SPF 50. Also, remember to pay attention to other names that may be included in the packaging (like PPD or PA+++)—by the way, you can click here to understand what these acronyms mean.
Retinol is the second product both derms agree that thirty-somethings should all use. “Topical retinoids are the single most proven anti-aging ingredient, as it promotes collagen synthesis and softening of fine lines and wrinkles,” says Chiu. “A retinol can turn back the clock while you sleep,” adds Tung. “Before bed, apply a pea-sized amount, plus a fragrance-free moisturizer, to rejuvenate your face, neck, and chest.”
Finally, you’re going to want to load your skin up with antioxidants since they battle oxidative damage that results from UV radiation and pollution. “Getting on a high potency antioxidant serum is key to preventing damage that leads to collagen and healthy skin breakdown,” says Chiu. especially if you have sensitive skin. “If your skin tends to be more sensitive yet you would like to lighten up hyperpigmented areas and smooth out fine lines.” Add a nourishing and brightening formula like Erborian’s Yuza Double Lotion to your daily skin care regimen. To win the fight against fine lines, the COSRX Hyaluronic Acid Intensive Cream repairs cells and slow down signs of aging. For sheet masks, try one enriched with green tea, a natural and powerful antioxidant (that also brings amazing benefits for acne-prone skin), like Manefit’s Natural Gift Green Tea Pore Care Sheet Mask.
