If you're in your 30s and a little caught off guard by the wacky things happening to your skin, you're certainly not alone. While we associate skin issues with our teens, each decade is plagued with its own pore problems.
With changes in our estrogen levels as we age, acne can be an unpleasant result. Between that and juggling what types of anti-aging potions we should start including in our regimen, it can be a little confusing — so we asked dermatologists to take the guesswork out of what we should be using in our daily regimens.
The good news? Probably not as much product as you would think. Here's what they had to say.
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Protect
"There is one critical component of skin care and that's sun protection," says Dr. Steven Hacker of Palm Beach Dermsurgery. "Avoid sun completely; that by itself is the most potent inhibitor of age, premature aging, age spots, and wrinkling." Of course staying out of the sun entirely is nearly impossible, which is why it's important to keep a great sunscreen in your skincare arsenal, like EltaMD UV Daily Tinted Broad Spectrum SPF 40 ($28, edcskincare.com).
Protect
When it comes to finding a lightweight sunscreen for your face that really works, you can't do better than La Roche-Posay Anthelios Face Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid, SPF 45 ($24, drugstore.com).
Exfoliate
"Women in their 30s should keep the same routine as women in their 20s, with just a few changes. Wrinkles, dark spots, and dull patches may start popping up, but those are no problem with the right routine! Exfoliating once or twice a week with glycolic acid or lactic acid can keep pores open and lighten dark spots," says dermatologist Dr. Janet Prystowsky. We like Boscia Exfoliating Peel Gel ($34, sephora.com), which is even gentle enough for sensitive skin.
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Exfoliate
Refine pores while you tone with Laboratoire Remede Sweep ($48, blissworld.com), made of spherical white marble powder grains to give your skin a gentle exfoliation.
Cleanse
Dr. Prystowsky encourages sticking with your same gentle cleanser. CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser ($12.99, ulta.com) is perfect for removing makeup and grime without stripping the skin of essential oils.
Cleanse
Get clean skin without going over budget with Neutrogena Naturals Purifying Facial Cleaner ($7.99, ulta.com), which contains salicylic acid to really break down dirt in your pores.
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Anti-Aging
"The primary focus in this decade though is anti-aging and repair," says Dr. Rachel Nazarian of Schweiger Dermatology in New York City. "My recommendation is to have most people start a retinol cream nightly to help stimulate collagen production, which will combat the skin aging process that can cause fine lines and slight sagging to occur." Try Exuviance Super Retinol Concentrate ($78, ulta.com).
Anti-Aging
Looking for another retinol option? Philosophy Help Me ($49, sephora.com) includes a bit of bisabolol, which helps prevent any irritation retinol can sometimes cause.
Clear Up
"Once you enter your 30s, your estrogen levels start to decline slightly, making you more prone to classic hormonal acne," says Dr. Nazarian. "You may notice a flare around your period, and a distribution of pimples closer to the jawline and neck. Although it can be incredibly frustrating, prescription treatments work great and can help control flares." No access to prescription treatments? Try Peter Thomas Roth Max Complexion Correction Pads ($40, sephora.com).
Clear Up
Treat acne without drying out your skin with DERMAdoctor's Ain't Misbehavin' Medicated Acne Control Serum ($48, sephora.com), which helps to clear blemishes but does so with a moisturizing based serum.
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Moisturize
"Skin dryness also affects this decade more than the 20s, and having a good moisturizer on board is very important," says Dr. Nazarian. Neutrogena makes several great products, including their Hydro Boost Gel Cream ($18.99, drugstore.com) with hyaluronic acid.
