While I sailed through my teens without a care for my skin, as soon as I hit my 20s, acne became part of my life. Gradually, I managed to get on top of the breakouts and have returned to a version of skin normality (combination, with a few hormonal breakouts now and then).

However, with my 30th birthday approaching, I decided to consult some experts on how to future-proof my skin and learn about the adjustments I should make to best take care of it and avoid another ‘new decade, new skin problem’ meltdown.

Here’s what two dermatologists recommended as the optimal skincare routine for your 30s. But first, why exactly are your 30s so crucial when it comes to skin health? 

How does your skin change in your 30s?

Although I was reasonably confident nothing would happen at the stroke of midnight on my birthday, I wanted to be prepared for what the decade might have in store when it came to my skin.

“Your skin does go through changes as you turn 30,” says medical and cosmetic dermatologist Dr Alexis Granite. “This includes a drop in the production of collagen and elastin and a slowing in skin cell turnover. Skin may also start to become drier and pigmentation can become evident.”

Sluggish cell turnover can also be responsible for skin looking duller and more uneven in texture. But that’s not all. “Fine lines, particularly around the eyes, may start to appear due to repetitive facial movements and sun exposure, as well as dark circles due to thinning skin,” says Dr Ifeoma Ejikeme, medical consultant and founder of the Adonia Medical Clinic.

You may also see your skin type change during this pivotal decade. “As we age, skin does naturally become drier. This can start to occur in your 30s, but at the same time, I do see many women still struggle with breakouts during this time,” says Dr Granite. She says it’s important to find products that work for you but also steer clear of anything that’s over-drying, particularly when it comes to blemish treatments. 

The first signs of ageing will typically be around the eye, between the brows, forehead or mouth area, as that’s where our faces move the most. We’re not going to stop smiling anytime soon, and the good news is that there are several ways to help support these areas. 

How to adapt your skincare routine for your 30s

In terms of the products to add to your skincare arsenal, these are the dermatologist-approved add-ons that are worth noting. 

Introduce a retinoid

Both Dr Ejikeme and Dr Granite recommend this key ingredient for boosting collagen production. “Your 30s can also be a good time to start introducing a retinol in the evening to accelerate skin cell turnover and stimulate collagen and elastin production,” says Dr Granite. If you’re on the sensitive side, Dr Ejikeme recommends sticking to a natural retinol alternative, such as bakuchiol. 

It’s time for an eye cream

You may have seen those ‘if you remember watching Lizzie McGuire, it’s time for an eye cream’ memes, and while we’re not usually keen on taking skincare advice from memes, this one’s probably not far off the mark. 

Dr Ejikeme recommends applying a cream that’s packed with peptides, caffeine or hyaluronic acid. 

SPF is a non-negotiable

We know we’ve said it before, but daily SPF application is a must, particularly as we celebrate more and more birthdays. It helps to prevent pigmentation and UV damage. 

Add antioxidants

These help to prevent free radical damage and brighten the skin – vitamin C being, of course, the most popular. “They’re a great choice for your morning routine as they help protect against the effects of UV and other environmental aggressors, as well as helping to fade pigmentation,” says Dr Granite. 

Rethink your moisturiser

A bog-standard moisturiser isn’t going to cut it. Instead, opt for a more personalised approach. If you’re skin is looking dry, Dr Ejikeme recommends switching to a richer formula that’s full of ceramides and hyaluronic acid.

If you’re on the oilier side, she recommends opting for lightweight, non-comedogenic (ie it won’t clog pores) formulations that contain niacinamide to regulate sebum production and prevent breakouts. 

What skincare products to ditch in your 30s

Now’s also the perfect time to get out of some bad habits. Ditch the trendy ingredients and instead focus on what your skin needs – no 12-step skincare routine is really necessary. Plus, the products that worked in your 20s might not pack the same punch in your 30s, so it’s worth reevaluating what you’re using. 

Stop over-exfoliating

“Too much exfoliation (chemical or physical) can damage the skin barrier and lead to irritation and dryness,” says Dr Ejikeme. Instead, she recommends limiting it to one to three times a week. When it comes to ingredients, Dr Granite recommends salicylic acid for blemishes and azelaic and kojic acids for pigmentation. 

Find a balance

Just because you’re turning a year older, it doesn’t mean you need to panic and buy unnecessary products. “It’s often a tale of two extremes: those who completely neglect skincare or those who use too many products and cause irritation,” says Dr Granite.

“It’s best to adopt an everything-in-moderation approach when it comes to active ingredients and also set up good skincare habits, including cleansing and moisturising twice daily and applying sunscreen each morning,” she adds. Often, simplicity and consistency are key. 

Don’t ignore your neck and hands

These two spots often get neglected, but taking that excess serum or moisturiser down your neck or rubbing it into your hands helps prevent product wastage and will help support those forgotten-about areas. 

Images: Charlotte Bitmead; courtesy of brands