How does my skin change in my 30s?

Aging is an inevitable, complex process that can be clinically described as having features such as wrinkles, sunspots, uneven skin colour and sagging skin. Signs of aging begin to appear in your late 20s, and you start to produce 1% less collagen in the skin every year, and the rate of cell renewal begins to decline. In your 30s: 

• Wrinkles begin to appear due to decreased collagen and elastin levels and the impact of repetitive facial expressions. For example, you may see fine lines and wrinkles in the eye area (crow’s feet) and smile or forehead lines.
• Cell turnover begins to slow in your early 30s, contributing to uneven skin tone and tired, dull-looking skin. 
Even though aging can definitely feel jarring or scary for some people when those first signs of aging start to appear, aging is natural and not a bad thing! What’s truly important is that you take care of your skin so it can be beautiful and healthy at any age.

What does essential skin care look like in my 30s?

In addition to having a basic skin care routine (cleansing, moisturizing and UV protection), add age-fighting products that target fine lines and wrinkles, and uneven skin tone along with other more noticeable signs of aging to your regimen. Choosing the right age-defying products for your skin can help reduce premature signs of aging and keep your skin looking healthier and younger. 

• Facial Cleanser: Cleanse day and night to help remove makeup, dirt and impurities that can lead to blocked pores and breakouts.  
• Antioxidant Serum: Use an antioxidant-rich serum to protect against free radicals on skin, which can contribute to premature skin aging including fine lines, pigment changes and textural irregularities.  
• Exfoliation Product: Remove dead skin layers and speed up your skin cell turnover to help give you radiant skin. 
• Moisturizing Sunscreen: Choose a moisturizing cream that contains SPF to keep skin hydrated and protected from environmental stressors such as UV radiation. Sunscreen protects your skin from UVA rays that contribute to wrinkles and brown spots and UVB rays that contribute to sunburn. Daily use of a sunscreen is a must.

Do men in their 30s have different skin care concerns from women in their 30s? Do you have different advice for women and men in their 30s? 

Skin aging is generally the same regardless of gender. With aging, the slowing down in collagen production results in a loss of hydration and skin thinning which can lead to the appearance of wrinkles. So if you already have a basic regimen (cleanser, SPF protection, and moisturization), focus on products that target fine lines, wrinkles and uneven skin tone. 

However, men generally don’t focus on skin care as much as women do. Male grooming habits and behavioral differences also contribute to different skin needs compared with women. For example, daily or weekly shaving with razors can contribute to increased irritation and dryness. Men are also less likely to protect themselves against sun damage and nourish their skin compared to women, so they need to make sure they’re focusing on that.

What kinds of ingredients should I look for when I’m shopping for skin care in my 30s?

I suggest using anti-aging products that contain these key ingredients.

RETINOL
Also known as vitamin A, this ingredient supports the natural production of collagen and elastin to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. It improves skin texture and reduces the look of dark spots by accelerating skin cell turnover.

Product Suggestion: Mary Kay Clinical Solutions™ Retinol 0.5 Set is powered by pure, potent, high-concentration retinol, which is the gold-standard ingredient dermatologists recommend for adults of every age.

Is it possible for me to have youthful, firm, wrinkle-free skin in my 30s? 

Healthy skin is attributed to lifestyle, environmental factors and genetics. As I mentioned before, there is a reduction in collagen production as you age, which leads to thinning skin and the development of fine lines and wrinkles. However, sun damage is largely responsible for the appearance of wrinkles and the loss of firmness. Avoid overexposure to the sun where possible. Having a good anti-aging regimen including sunscreen can help protect against and prevent the signs of aging, maintain healthy skin long-term and give skin a more radiant appearance.

I still have acne in my 30s. How can I get rid of it?

Acne is caused when the pores of your skin are plugged with sebum (oil), dead skin cells, or bacteria, so I suggest effective cleansing with salicylic acid. This key ingredient promotes the easy removal of dead skin cells and helps unclog pores of dirt and sebum to resolve and prevent lesions. If you get mild breakouts, use a spot treatment or Clear Proof^® Deep-Cleansing Charcoal Mask. For serious acne, consult your board-certified dermatologist for recommended treatment.

Product Suggestion:
Mary Kay’s Clear Proof^® Acne System uses 2% salicylic acid, a highly effective ingredient, to help clear up existing blemishes and help prevent future breakouts.

How does my race/ethnicity affect how my skin ages?

Aging is influenced by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors and less based on ethnic origin. Environment and lifestyle are some of the key factors that impact facial skin aging. The visual signs of skin aging, such as wrinkles, uneven skin tone, and lack of skin elasticity, can occur in all ethnicities. However, some research studies indicate that the following signs of aging were more commonly observed in these people groups: (in alphabetical order)

• Black/African American: Uneven skin tone and sagging of the jawline.
• East Asian: Uneven skin tone and crow’s feet.
• Latinx: Uneven skin tone and sagging of the jawline.
• White/Caucasian: Lines and wrinkles, and loss of skin elasticity.

How does skin change in my 40s and 50s?