Skincare in My 30s | My Current Routine

Skincare in My 20s vs 30s

Let me just start by saying, skincare in my 30s have been so much harder than my younger years. [Insert sobbing emoji here] I’m not really sure why. I guess my skin is starting to mature and react differently to certain ingredients.

Skincare in my 20s didn’t require much effort or products. The essentials for those in their 20s: moisturizer, sunscreen and a daily cleanser. Skincare in my 30s requires these products: moisturizer, sunscreen, hydrating serums, vitamin C, retinol, eye cream and the list goes on.

Last year I decided to make the switch to an organic skincare routine (or I guess, more organic skincare routine than what I was doing prior). Consistency is key. As much as I love testing different skincare brands and products, I’ve decided, “less is more.”

Skincare is so personal. What works for me may not work for others, even if we have a similar skin type. I’m just advocating for a skincare routine that works for you while I share the products that work best for me right now.

For reference, I have dry, sensitive skin with the occasional breakout here and there. I do get oily in my t-zone during the warmer months and lately I’m noticing that I need to exfoliate more often.

I also want to mention that wasn’t always the case. It could be because of my age, or it could be due to my car crash last year. When the airbag exploded in my face last year, tons of chemicals were released and my skin was never the same after that.

With that, I want to give my readers an update on my current skincare routine.

My Morning Routine:

If I applied any sort of overnight mask the night before then the first thing I do in the morning is cleanse with Garnier Micellar Water. It doesn’t require any rinsing, which I love. I’ll just soak a cotton pad and then lightly swipe across my entire face.

Side note: I’m curious about the Bioderma Micellar Water. I haven’t tried it but I’m thinking about purchasing that next time. (If you’ve tried this product, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!)

I like to wait a couple minutes for my skin to dry and then I’ll apply a few drops of Glossier Super Bounce + Super Glow. Super Bounce is a hyaluronic acid + B5 serum. I don’t always apply Super Glow (vitamin C serum), it depends on how tired and dull my skin looks.

Next—eye cream. I really enjoy using Bubblewrap, I feel like it really smoothes the way for under eye makeup. It also doubles as a lip plumping cream so occasionally I’ll put this on my lips as well. I find that it fills my lip lines and definitely makes them look more healthy and plump.

Then, I’ll apply a dime size amount of Priming Moisturizer in upward sweeping motions to help lock in moisture.

Lastly, I’ll apply sunscreen. I really like Unseen Sunscreen by Supergoop – it has a natural finish and clear consistency so there’s no white cast. I also love that it minimizes the large pores around my nose. I get a nice smooth canvas before I apply makeup.

My Night Routine:

I’m a big fan of the ‘double cleanse’ trend right now.

If I wore makeup that particular day, I’ll start with my trusty micellar water. Then, I’ll hop in the shower and cleanse my face with Skincando Aloe Foam.  Skincando is a luxury organic skincare line (also woman-owned). Aloe Foam is a sensitive skin cleanser made with organic aloe and key lime essential oil. I love the natural key lime scent and how clean and fresh my skin feels after using it.

I like to tone my skin with the Sage + Gold Toner by Skincando. Can you tell I love this brand? If I happened to be wearing makeup that day then I’ll definitely follow with toner.

Ever since I switched to a chemical exfoliator, I noticed I had less skin irritation and a more glowy complexion. I started using these M-61 Powerglow Peel and I’m really impressed with the results. It’s a one-step exfoliating peel with glycolic, vitamin K and chamomile. Since I have sensitive skin, I only use one pre-soaked pad every 2-3 days. I find that works best for my complexion.

I’ll wait a couple minutes for the treatment to soak in and then I’ll apply a couple drops of The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid + B5 to rehydrate. Next, eye cream! I like using Bubblewrap in the morning and at night.

There are two moisturizers that I keep in my beauty cabinet: Weleda Light Nourishing Skin Food and Caudalie Moisturizing Sorbet. Weleda is great for the colder months as the cream is much thicker and only requires a small amount. During the warmer months, I like to use the Caudalie moisturizer. It’s very lightweight but still manages to keep my skin hydrated.

Now, let’s talk about overnight treatments. I’ve found that I don’t have a lot of patience for sheet masks or 20-minute treatment masks. I would much rather invest in an overnight treatment so that it does the job while I sleep. There are a couple that I really like and would buy again and again:

Laneige Water Sleeping Mask. It’s a gel formula so it’s perfect for the spring/summer season. It’s unscented and will work overnight to hydrate and plump skin. This one is also very affordable. I’ve been living off a deluxe sample but I’ll definitely be purchasing the full-size version when I run out.

Caudalie Detox Mask: I use this overnight oil a couple times a week (when I’m not using the Laneige mask) to help combat breakouts and refresh my complexion. I highly recommend this if you have acne-prone, sensitive skin!

The last step before bed is a good lip moisturizer. I really love my Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask (a little goes a long way), I do this 3-4 times a week. When I don’t use the mask, I’ll just use some Vaseline that I keep on my nightstand. Both products keep my lips hydrated overnight.

I also like to get retinol facials every three or four months. Pre-pandemic, I got a retinol facial back in February so I’m probably due for another soon. I know I need to incorporate retinol into my skincare routine but I’ll be honest, I am really intimidated by retinol. I’m not really sure where to start so I’ve been reading numerous articles and product reviews before I purchase. If you have any insight into the best introductory retinol products, let me know in the comments!