Many people begin to notice the tell-tale signs of aging on their skin when they reach their 30s. Wrinkles, fine lines and a loss of elasticity or resiliency become much more common. Changes to the skin are inevitable and it’s impossible to stop the aging process entirely. 

Luckily, there's a silver lining—it’s not too late to protect your complexion and ease the signs of aging in your 30s. In fact, protection at this stage is one of the best practices to keep your skin in great shape for the next 40+ years. Establish the right routines now to set yourself up for longterm success.

With so many anti-aging products on the market, knowing where to begin can be challenging. That’s why we’ve put together this article. 

Below we outline what happens to skin as we get older, what the contributing factors are, and recommend some of the best anti-aging skincare products for your 30s. 

What Happens to the Skin During Our 30s?

As part of the natural aging process, our hormone levels begin to decrease when we reach our 30s. The skin’s cell turnover process also slows down, which leads to reduced collagen and elastin production. 

Simply put, this means that the rate at which your body produces new cells to firm the skin and improve the complexion slows down. 

This is what leads to the appearance of permanent wrinkles and the skin feeling less firm or supple than it once did. 

Some of the other early signs of aging include: 

• Dark spots caused by hyperpigmentation due to sun damage
• Fine lines around the corner of the eyes or wrinkles on the forehead
• Dull or dry skin as our ability to capture and retain moisture decreases as we age
• Loss of elasticity causes the skin to sag and become loose 

What Are the Contributing Factors to Skin Aging?

Although genetic and cellular changes are the main reason behind aging, there are also many external factors that can speed up the process and cause further skin damage. 

Let’s take a closer look at what these are. 

Sun Damage 

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, 90% of skin aging is caused by the sun. This is what dermatologists call “photoaging”, and dark spots are often one of the first signs of this type of skin damage. 

Prolonged and everyday UV radiation causes elastin fibers to break down, which causes the skin to sag or stretch over time. 

Photoaging is not always immediately noticeable in your 30s, but the damage beneath the skin will compromise other healthy skin cells as you age. This is why it’s crucial that you incorporate at least an SPF 30 sunscreen into your daily skincare regimen. 

Daily sun protection for places like your face may be the single best preventive practice to keeping your skin looking young, and beginning in your 30s (even earlier too!) is great. The earlier you begin protecting your skin, the better you’ll feel in your 50s and 60s.

Smoking

Nicotine and other chemicals found in cigarettes release free radicals into the skin. These are unstable atoms that damage DNA, proteins and other healthy skin cells. Not only do free radicals limit the production of collagen and elastin, but they also affect the skin’s ability to retain moisture. 

Over time, this causes the skin to become dry, and wrinkles or fine lines will also become more noticeable. 

Stress 

Research has confirmed that the skin is a target of the body’s natural stress responses. 

When the body experiences high levels of stress, it releases a hormone called cortisol. This stress hormone can break down collagen and elastin in the skin and lead to the formation of wrinkles. During this process, cortisol causes inflammation and limits the body’s ability to repair any damage. 

Should I Start Using Anti-Aging Products During My 30s?

“The sooner you fine-tune your skincare routine, the better,” says Dr Lilliana Ramirez, a board-certified dermatologist and the Director of Skincare Success at Nava MD. “Using anti-aging skincare products earlier in life will help you manage the appearance of aged skin for decades to come.” 

Retinoids have become dermatology’s go-to product for improving the appearance of aging skin during the 30s and beyond. This is because retinoids increase the skin’s production of collagen, elastin and blood vessels to improve skin texture and appearance. They speed up the rate at which new skin cells are created and surfaced. Retinoids do this by binding to Retinoic Acid Receptors (RAR) and Retinoid X Receptors (RXR).

Over time this process smooths and minimizes wrinkles, as well as improving hyperpigmentation and acne. 

Here Are the Best Anti-Aging Products for Your 30s

Anti-aging treatments focus on maintaining a bright and youthful complexion. 

However, finding the right ingredients and products to achieve these results can be challenging. 

In the next section, we look at dermatologically approved products that will accelerate the skin’s cell turnover process, smooth fine lines, even skin tone, and boost moisturization.

Opt for an All-Inclusive Product 

Nava MD

Dr Lilliana Ramirez recommends Nava MD’s custom solutions. 

Our anti-aging formulations are a one-stop option that contain tried and tested ingredients like tretinoin and niacinamide. 

Tretinoin is one of the most potent and effective retinoids on the market. As pure retinoic acid, tretinoin activates your receptors directly to increase the skin’s cell turnover process. This means that skin will produce fresh skin cells much faster to reveal a smoother complexion and younger-looking skin. 

Niacinamide is a vitamin B-3 derivative and improves the lipid ceramide barrier of your skin to help retain moisture. This means that using niacinamide regularly can help prevent your skin from becoming dry, tight or dull as you get older. Its anti-inflammatory properties also help manage skin blotchiness and neutralize free radicals. 

Nava MD’s expert clinicians create personalized formulations to suit your skin’s needs and sensitivities. This customized approach allows you to use ingredients with variable strengths to suit your skin type. 

As a patient, if you have questions or concerns about your skincare routine, one of Nava MD’s clinicians is only a message away.

Nava MD’s Benefits at a Glance

• One-stop solution 
• Contains tretinoin for younger-looking skin
• Niacinamide supports the skin’s hydration and protective abilities
• All products are tailored according to your skin’s needs and sensitivities 
• Nava MD’s expert clinicians are easily contactable to address any concerns

Over-the-counter (OTC) Solutions 

Below, we have included some of the best OTC cleansers, moisturizers and retinol serums to help you manage and improve signs of skin aging.

Let’s take a look at each of these recommendations in more detail. 

Cleansers

The first step in any effective skincare routine is using a cleanser that removes makeup, dirt and excess oil from the skin. 

In your 30s, you’re likely to notice that your skin becomes dehydrated much faster than it did in previous years. 

In this section we list recommended OTC products that cleanse effectively, but don’t leave the skin feeling over-stripped or dry. 

Product Name	Notable Ingredients	Benefits
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser	Prebiotic thermal water, ceramide-3, glycerin and niacinamide	Gently removes makeup, excess oil and impurities.  Maintains the skin’s moisture levels.  Helps restore the skin’s natural barrier.
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser	Niacinamide, ceramide 1,3, 6-11, caprylic glycerides and hyaluronic acid	Cleans the skin without leaving it feeling tight or dry. Niacinamide and hyaluronic acid help keep the skin hydrated.
Bliss Clear Genius Clarifying Gel Cleanser	Glycerin, Salicylic Acid (BHA), Brazilian seawater and Capryl Glucoside	Cleans pores and removes dead cells while moisturizing. Cruelty-free and vegan.
No7 Radiant Results Nourishing Gel Cleanser	Retinyl palmitate, Glycerin and Dipropylene glycol	Removes makeup, impurities and pollutants.  Glycerin helps maintain moisture levels.  Helps fight dark circles, spots and other signs of aging

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser 

This product is recommended for all skin types because it gently removes dirt, excess oil and makeup. Some notable ingredients include prebiotic thermal water, niacinamide, ceramide-3 and glycerin. 

These ingredients help restore the skin’s natural barrier, maintain a healthy-looking complexion and can keep skin hydrated. 

CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser 

This gel-based and fragrance-free cleanser is ideal for those with normal and oily skin. 

Many dermatologists recommend this product because it removes excess oil and moisturizes without leaving it feeling tight and dry. 

Some of the notable ingredients in this cleanser include hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and ceramides. Similar to the product above, these ingredients are effective at soothing the skin and improving hydration. 

Bliss Clear Genius Clarifying Gel Cleanser 

One of the stand-out ingredients in this cleanser is Salicylic Acid (BHA). This helps clean pores and manage excess oil production while removing dead skin cells. The glycerin and Brazilian seawater in this product are intended to soothe and detoxify without leaving it feeling dry or irritated too. 

This cleanser is also a top option for people who are looking for a cruelty-free and vegan product. 

No7 Radiant Results Nourishing Melting Gel Cleanser 

As the name suggests, this gel cleanser melts into a cleansing "oil and milk" once applied and rinsed off. 

This product is also effective at removing makeup while keeping the skin feeling soothed. One of the key ingredients in this product is retinyl palmitate, which is an OTC retinoid. This helps speed up the skin’s cell turnover process and produce more collagen and elastin, as well as fighting dark spots that may appear during your 30s. It’s generally considered less effective than prescription retinoids, but it can be helpful.

Moisturizers

The skin’s natural ability to retain moisture as well as produce collagen and elastin begins to decline in our 30s. 

This is why many people complain that their skin feels dry, sluggish or starts to look dull around this age.

To combat this, it’s important to find a moisturizer that’s packed with hydrating ingredients like those included in this section. 

Product Name	Notable Ingredients	Benefits
Cetaphil Deep Hydrating Healthy Glow Daily Cream	Niacinamide, Hyaluronic acid, Glycerin and antioxidant-rich vitamin E	Ideal for dry, dehydrated or sensitive skin.  Keeps the skin hydrated and supple for up to 48 hours.  Non-greasy.
CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion PM	Ceramides, Hyaluronic acid, Niacinamide and Glycerin	Moisturizes while you sleep.  Intended not to clog pores or cause acne breakouts.  Fragrance and oil-free.
Olay Regenerist Ultra-Rich Hydrating Moisturizer	Vitamin B3, Peptides, Glycerin and Niacinamide	Hydrates while smoothing wrinkles.  Moisturizes without leaving it feeling greasy.
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Firming Collagen Cream	Collagen, Niacinamide, Peptides and Glycerin	Helps smooth the appearance of aging skin.  Keeps skin hydrated.  Fragrance, oil and cruelty-free.

Cetaphil Deep Hydrating Healthy Glow Daily Cream 

This lightweight moisturizer is a great option for people with dry, dehydrated or sensitive skin. 

Notable ingredients are hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and glycerin. These formulations keep the skin feeling hydrated and supple for up to 48 hours. 

This moisturizer has been designed not to clog pores while defending against irritation, tightness and a weakened skin barrier.  

CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion PM

If you tend to wake up with dry and dull skin, this lightweight moisturizer provides hydration while you sleep. 

This night cream contains hyaluronic acid, ceramides and niacinamide to help restore and maintain the skin’s natural barrier and moisture levels. 

This product is also fragrance and oil-free so it's intended not to clog your pores or cause acne breakouts. 

Olay Regenerist Ultra-Rich Hydrating Moisturizer

This is a good option for people looking for moisturizing and anti-aging benefits. 

With vitamin B3, peptides and niacinamide as its main ingredients, this product nourishes the skin while smoothing.

Although it's ultra-rich and creamy, it does not leave a greasy residue on the skin. 

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Firming Collagen Cream

This product is filled with ingredients intended for anti-aging, like collagen, peptides and niacinamide. 

When used both in the morning and at night, this moisturizer is intended to help the skin appear more youthful, supple and healthy. 

Anti-Aging Serums and Retinols

Dr Lilliana Ramirez recommends focusing on both preventing and repairing existing damage when you reach your 30s by supporting collagen production.

One of the best ways to do this is to use products with active ingredients like retinol and pure vitamin C. These ingredients stimulate collagen production and increase the cell turnover process to help improve complexion and smooth the signs of aging. 

Here are some well-liked products.

Product Name	Notable Ingredients	Benefits
La Roche-Posay 10% Pure Vitamin C Serum	Vitamin C, Salicylic acid, Neurosensine, Glycerin and Hyaluronic acid	Hydrates for radiance. Suitable for sensitive skin. Helps improve uneven skin tone and fine lines.
Olay Regnerist Retinol 24 Night Facial Serum	Retinol, Niacinamide and Glycerin	Improves the appearance of aging skin. Absorbs quickly and leaves skin feeling hydrated.
RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Anti-Aging Cream	Retinyl acetate, palmitate, propionate and Glycerin.	Helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Firms and smooths the skin. Hydrates skin while you sleep.

La Roche-Posay 10% Pure Vitamin C Serum 

Research has shown that using vitamin C in your skincare routine can help boost collagen production to smooth fine lines and ease the appearance of dark spots.

Vitamin C also neutralizes the free radicals that cause premature aging, helping your skin to look healthier and smoother over time.

The serum also contains salicylic acid and neurosensine to boost hydration and improve uneven skin tone. This product is intended to be suitable for sensitive skin and will also help reduce fine lines and wrinkles. 

Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Facial Serum 

Not only can this lightweight serum help reduce wrinkles and dark spots, but it can also hydrate for 24 hours. 

This is because it contains niacinamide glycerin. These ingredients exfoliate to remove dead skin and excess oil. 

RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Anti-Aging Cream

This nighttime product is made from a blend of retinoids, including retinyl acetate, palmitate and propionate. It's designed to reduce deep wrinkles and smooth skin by removing old cells from the surface. 

It also contains glycerin and RoC’s mineral complex to ensure skin stays moisturized. 

What Does a Good Skin Care Routine Look Like During My 30s?

In your 20s, you could afford to neglect your skincare routine and still have fresh-looking skin. 

As we’ve seen in this article, the skin is more likely to become dehydrated, begin to show fine lines, and is less radiant during our 30s. This can be managed with the right morning and evening skincare routine. 

Morning

Your priority in the morning should be preparing your skin for the day ahead. 

After a gentle cleanser and moisturizer, make sure that you use an SPF product to protect your skin from harmful UV radiation and pollutants. 

Evening 

The evenings are the perfect time to apply anti-aging products like retinoids because the skin has no interaction with sunlight or harsh pollutants overnight. Overnight is also when your body is doing its best repair work.

After washing your face, make sure that you use a strong moisturizer that contains niacinamide, hyaluronic acid or glycerin to hydrate the skin while you sleep. 

Wait about 30 minutes after using your moisturizer to apply retinoids or pure vitamin C. This will ensure that the ingredients are not reactive or harsh on freshly sensitive skin. 

Invest in Your Skin Today

Many people begin to worry when they see signs of aging as they reach their 30s. 

Luckily the right products can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as restoring a brighter and more youthful complexion. 

At Nava MD, we make it easy to get anti-aging skincare advice from licensed medical professionals. After an online consultation, our clinicians can prescribe the right products for your skin's needs and sensitivities. Your personalized formulation is delivered straight to your door, if approved. Complete our online consultation to get started today.