Best natural skin care routine for 30s and beyond

During your 30s, hormone levels start to decrease, and the rate of collagen and elastin production goes down.

Still, everyone’s skin is different. What suits one person’s skin may not work for someone else.

As a general practice, the following routine works for most.

Morning

1. Cleansing

If all else fails, this first step should occur every morning and evening.

It’s best to look for a face wash that’s full of skin-nourishing vitamins, such as vitamin A, vitamin B2, vitamin B12, and vitamin E.

2. Exfoliating

Exfoliants shouldn’t be used daily. Instead, 1–3 times per week is enough to remove dead skin cells without causing irritation.

On the days when you aren’t exfoliating, simply use your cleanser by itself.

3. Toning

Toners are one of the most common steps left out of skin care. Toner can help tighten pores, eliminate impurities, and rebalance your skin.

The best options are clarifying toners that rebalance your pH.

A few natural examples include grape seed extract or peach extract.

Additionally, taking an oral version of grape seed extract (proanthocyanidin) has shown to improve chloasmaTrusted Source (also known as melasma), which causes hyperpigmentation of the skin.

4. Moisturizing

Ceramides are key ingredients to look for in moisturizers.

To be specific, look for phytoceramides, which are plant-derived ceramides. These are waxy lipids found naturally in skin that hold in moisture.

Jojoba oil is another great moisturizing ingredient that boosts rejuvenation and protects against environmental stressors.

Serums are essentially next-level moisturizers. They deliver active ingredients deep into the dermal layers. Use a couple of drops of serum on your cheeks, chin, nose, and forehead.

5. Sun protection

SPF is recommended daily at any age.

Pro tip: Creams should be applied with the lightest fluids first. For example, serum, moisturizer, then SPF.

Nighttime

1. Repeat the a.m. routine

Follow each step, but skip the sun protection.

2. Eye cream

The skin around your eyes is the most sensitive part of your face and one of the first areas to show signs of aging.

While eye creams often contain the same ingredients as regular moisturizer, they contain fewer aggravating chemicals.

Spend more time gently massaging your creams into your skin. This helps strengthen the muscles in your face and encourage collagen production.

3. Night moisturizer

Using a night cream can efficiently support your skin through the regeneration process.

Bonus steps

In addition to your daily routine, think about adding a few products for some extra TLC 1–2 times per week.

Detox mask

Once or twice per week, a lightweight mask that draws out impurities isn’t a bad idea.

Masks with charcoal or green tea leaves are really great at drawing out impurities and rejuvenating your skin, respectively.

Bakuchiol Serum

Retinol serum is often used in anti-aging routines for rejuvenation.

However, retinol is a synthetic ingredient. A plant-based alternative is bakuchiol, which was clinically provenTrusted Source to have anti-aging effects.

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