Turning 30 isn’t just about more candles on the cake and taking days to recover from a girl’s night out, it can also mean a whole new era for your skin. Skincare in your 30’s is totally different.

Hormonal changes that affect collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid production in the body, lifestyle choices and 30+ years of UV exposure  can all have an impact on the way your skin looks and feels as you hit your third decade.

As your skin changes, its important to make sure that your skincare routine reflects this. If you haven’t already got one in place, now’s the time to get into some good habits and take a look at solutions-based skincare to keep your skin at its best in both appearance and health.

What to expect from your skin in your 30’s?

Everyone’s skin is different, and your experience will be completely individual to you. Here are just some of the general ways that your skin can change in your thirties:

• Your skin might become drier and/or duller
• Puffiness or dark circles around the eyes
• Wrinkles and fine lines
• Uneven skin tone (also known as Melasma)
• Skin may feel a little thinner and less plumped up – this can extend to your lips too
• The dreaded facial hair

These issues are all a completely normal part of ageing, and the chances are all of us will experience at least one of these as we get older.

How To Approach Skincare In Your 30’s

Building up a skincare routine in your 30’s is essential to address any issues you’re not happy with. Healthy skin often comes from within (healthy diet, hydration and getting enough vitamins and minerals) but there are plenty of ways to benefit the appearance of your skin through what you put on it too.

What Skincare Products To Use In Your 30’s

• Increase collagen production through facial massage, collagen creams and quitting smoking can all help to benefit collagen production
• Microdermabrasion and chemical exfoliants (such as glycolic acids and alpha hydroxy) can help with uneven skin tone, dullness and dryness (but don’t over do it). There are plenty of products, tools and professionals out there that can help you with this without damaging your skin.
• Wearing SPF is still essential. It’s tempting to think “the damage is done now”, but it definitely isn’t. Protecting your skin from the sun is about health as well as just reducing premature ageing, dryness, age spots and tight, sunburned skin. These all get worse with unprotected skin exposure though!
• Moisturise – the reduced collagen and dryness of your skin can make your skin look flat and tired. Invest in a moisturiser and an eye cream that works for your skin. You might need it a little richer than in the past, or a different formulation (one that contains , or antioxidants for example), but it’s definitely worth getting this right as it can temporarily reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

DECLARE CAVIAR CREAM EXTRA NOURISH | $124
The harmonious combination of highly active plant extracts with excellent anti-wrinkle effect, vitamin E acetate and saccharides firms and smooths skin gently, improving its elasticity.


LA MER GENAISSANCE DE LA MER THE EYE AND EXPRESSION CREAM 15ML | $580
Instantly reverse the signs of aging and impart lasting hydration with the powerful renewal properties of Crystal Miracle Broth, the principal ingredient in this luxurious and potent eye and expression cream.

• Dermaplaning can be great for evening out skin tone and removing dead skin, as well as getting rid of peach fuzz or facial hair. Waxing, hair removal creams or laser (for a longer term approach) are other options if facial hair is a problem for you.

Skincare Accomplished, What About Makeup In Your 30’s?

If you wear make-up it’s probably time to change up that routine too. If you’ve used the same foundation since you were 18, you should review as your skin changes - what once looked perfect might now be settling into lines and wrinkles or just not working for your drier skin. A dewy finish, light reflecting particles and hydrating   are all your friend!

In short, your skin changes in your 30’s and you need to adapt your skincare routine to benefit your skin, both now and in the future. You can’t reverse skin issues completely (at least not without more invasive solutions like injectables, but that’s a whole other topic) but you can take steps to improve its appearance. It’s never too late to start your journey towards glowing, healthy skin.

Have you noticed that your skin changed during or after your 30's? What are your top tips for changing your routine?

Need some help putting together the best skincare routine for your skin type? Try our skin quiz!