Ageing is a natural, beautiful process, and one we fully embrace at Skinsmiths. Our philosophy is simple… we want to help you care for your skin at every stage of life so that you feel confident, radiant, and healthy. A lot of people fear their 30s as some treacherous ageing milestone to be feared, but we believe your 30s are a transformative decade for both you and your skin. This being said, as we age our skin does change, and so too should our skincare routine. Having the right skincare routine can make all the difference in how your complexion looks and feels, both now and in the future.
This is probably going to come as news to absolutely no one, but as we age, our skin undergoes significant changes. The collagen production that kept your skin plump in your 20s starts to slow down, fine lines begin to make an appearance, and your skin’s natural ability to retain moisture declines. Hormonal shifts, environmental stressors, and lifestyle habits also play a crucial role in determining how our skin ages during this period. But don’t worry… armed with the right knowledge and the best Skinsmiths products, you can maintain glowing, healthy skin for years to come.
So, if you have been wondering what exactly happens to your skin in your 30s, and how should you adjust your skincare routine to meet its new needs, you have come to the right place. Let’s dive into the key changes and the essential steps you need to take.
How our skin changes in our 30s
Decline in collagen and elastin
Collagen and elastin are the proteins responsible for keeping your skin firm and bouncy. Unfortunately, from your mid-20s onward, collagen production begins to slow down by about 1% per year. This means, that by your 30s, the decline will probably start to become a bit more noticeable, and you may start to notice your first signs of sagging, fine lines or just a general lack of firmness.
But don’t panic, to combat this, look for products that contain collagen-boosting ingredients. What are those, you ask? Well, vitamin C, niacinamide and peptides are a great place to start. The Ultimate Renewal Serum wraps a tonne of collagen-boosting ingredients into one handy place, so it's a pretty unbeatable product to have in your rotation. This plumping and lifting elixir is powered by argireline peptides, which increase skin elasticity and reduce wrinkle depth, niacinamide for a smoother and more refined skin texture, Sodium Hyaluronate for deep hydration, and hydrolite5 green, a sustainably sourced pentylene glycol that enhances moisture retention and antioxidant efficacy. You get the picture…
Decreased skin cell turnover
Your skin’s ability to shed dead cells and generate fresh, youthful ones in their place also begins to slow down. This can lead to your complexion looking dull, and uneven and potentially cause breakouts or rough texture. This sluggish cell renewal process can mean that acne scars and pigmentation will also take longer to heal.
This means that having a gentle yet effective chemical exfoliant in your arsenal is key to helping these sluggish cells along, and when it comes to chemical exfoliants, the AHA/BHA’s tend to rule the roost. The Resurfacing AHA/BHA Peel is a multi-acid exfoliating peel that works overnight to reset your skin. Formulated with ABC fruit mix, it boosts cell renewal by 24% and improves hydration levels. Lactic acid works to gently resurface and thicken the skin, while salicylic acid clears clogged pores and breakouts. Regular use will leave your skin brighter, smoother, and better prepared to absorb serums and moisturisers effectively.
Increased dryness or dehydration
If you’ve noticed that your skin feels dryer or more dehydrated since you hit the big 3-0 you are not imagining things. As we age, our skin barrier will become weaker which means it finds it harder to retain moisture. This can often lead to increased dryness that gives the skin that rough texture and dull appearance. If you have started to notice that your skin feels more parched despite using hydrating ingredients, then it may be time to start incorporating something that can soothe and repair the skin's barrier as if you have a weakened barrier, it doesn’t matter how many products you put on your face.
The PRO Strength Niacinamide is a powerhouse serum designed to reinforce your skin barrier while improving overall tone and texture. Formulated with 5% niacinamide, it enhances the skin’s ability to retain moisture, strengthens its natural defences, and helps reduce redness and uneven pigmentation. Combined with vitamin B5 for deep hydration and centella asiatica to soothe irritation, this serum works to restore balance and protect against premature ageing. By integrating this into your routine, you’ll help fortify your skin’s barrier, keeping it plump, smooth, and more resilient to daily stressors.
More sensitivity to stress and hormonal changes
Life in your 30s often comes with increased stress from career, relationships, and possibly parenthood. Stress can wreak havoc on your skin, triggering breakouts, inflammation, and even exacerbating conditions like rosacea or eczema. Hormonal fluctuations can also play a role, leading to unexpected and very unwelcome breakouts along the jawline…
While managing your stress through effective lifestyle changes is crucial to combatting this long term, you can also incorporate some calming ingredients to sit on the skin to help your skin to feel less stressed too.
When life gets overwhelming, your skin can become parched, tight, and lacklustre, as stress weakens the skin barrier and allows essential moisture to escape. Proper hydration not only quenches thirsty skin but also helps restore balance, plump fine lines, and improve your overall complexion. After your serums, apply a rich moisturiser to lock it all in and your skin will go from woe to wow in no time. Enter the Complete Recovery Moisturiser, the ultimate saviour for stressed and dehydrated skin. This rich yet lightweight formula is packed with ceramides and fatty acids, the building blocks your skin needs to repair and rebuild. It works overtime to seal in hydration, soothe irritation, and create a protective shield against external stressors like pollution and harsh weather. The result? Skin that feels softer, smoother, and more resilient, even during life’s most chaotic moments.
Signs of sun damage and pigmentation
If you have been a bit naughty with your sun protection over the years, your 30s are when you are likely to start seeing the effects of this on the skin. And actually, even if you were incredibly diligent with your sunscreen in your 20s, you may start to notice sun spots, uneven skin tone and lingering pigmentation. Years of accumulated sun exposure will start to rear its ugly head, unfortunately, and will inevitably lead to visible signs of damage.
Sunscreen is of course a non-negotiable no matter your age, but it’s particularly crucial to avoid any further signs of damage. Opt for a lightweight formula that you won’t dread putting on in the morning, this will make it a lot easier to stick to a routine and not slack off. Opt for Daily Antioxidant Defence SPF 50 for a lightweight, non-greasy formula that protects against both UVA and UVB damage.
Best skincare routine when you are in your 30s
For your morning routine, begin with the Gentle Cream Cleanser to gently cleanse your skin and leave it feeling smooth and soft. Follow with the Active Clarifying Toner to restore and balance pH levels and moisturise your skin after cleansing. Next, apply the PRO Strength Vitamin C to reduce and prevent the signs of photoaging while brightening your complexion. Lock in hydration with the Rebalancing Moisturiser, which is designed to balance and clarify oily and combination skin. Finish with the Daily Antioxidant Defence SPF30 to provide broad-spectrum sun protection and antioxidant benefits.
In the evening, start by cleansing with the Gentle Cream Cleanser again, followed by the Active Clarifying Toner to restore balance. For added treatment, apply the PRO Strength Retinol to reduce fine lines and prevent the signs of aging. For hydration, use the Complete Recovery Moisturiser, which works to lock in moisture. If desired, you can also enhance your routine with the LED Facial Mask for added skin benefits.
To wrap it up
Your 30s are a decade of change, growth, and new adventures, and your skin deserves a routine that grows and evolves with it. By understanding how your skin is changing and incorporating effective, high-quality products, there is no reason why you can’t maintain a healthy, glowing complexion for years to come.
Embrace the journey, invest in yourself, and let your skincare routine be a form of self-care that makes you feel your best every single day, helping you look and feel rejuvenated. With the right approach, you’ll not only glow but also maintain a youthful radiance, making you not look a day over 29.
