3 Key Skincare Tips for 30+ Skin — and 4 Unbelievable Products
Updated: Mar. 13, 2018
Oh, hello 30s and first signs of change. This is the decade when fine lines, dullness, perhaps discolouration, appear. It’s OK, you’ve got this!
First things first, use skincare to modify your risks
Your mother’s face is only part of your aging blueprint. “We know that aging is partly intrinsic and partly extrinsic. The speed at which the process unfolds depends on a person’s genetics and exposures — it’s the extrinsic factors we can modify [with skincare],” says Dr. Marcie Ulmer, a cosmetic and medical dermatologist at Pacific Dermatology in Vancouver.
External factors, like pollution exposure, sleep, smoking, nutrition, exercise, stress, even dental hygiene, all play a role in skin’s appearance. But the biggest culprit? The sun, so use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that’s at least SPF 30. Every. Day. “It’s the most important product in a skincare regimen.”
Our skin-spiration? Jessica Biel, 35. She’s the epitome of fresh-faced!
Manage your turnover
“What people consistently tell us is that they’ve noticed something has changed. Sometimes they can’t really put a finger on it, but they wake up to the realization that they have to look after their skin more because the days when it just automatically happened are over,” says Dr. Frauke Neuser, principal scientist with Olay Skin Care.
“This is confirmed in our research data when we look at the biology of the skin because in the 30s skin metabolism starts slowing.” The renewal of skin cells also decelerates. To kick-start the engine, she suggests products with niacinamide (a.k.a. vitamin B3). “It’s almost like adding fuel to your skin cells. It has a very direct and immediate impact on increased surface cell turnover, so you get rid of dead and dull skin cells. And it strengthens the skin’s barrier so it becomes more resilient and can hold on better to moisture.”
Add antioxidants
After SPF, Dr. Ulmer lists antioxidant topical agents as a daily do. “Studies suspect pollution causes skin damage contributing to wrinkles and pigmentation. This is because it causes the generation of free radicals,” she says.
Think of an antioxidant serum as a booster to your SPF: “I recommend wearing it underneath sunscreen each morning to enhance photo-protection, while it helps to minimize fine lines and improve skin texture.”
Look for ingredients such as vitamin C or ascorbic acid, black tea, or blueberry extract.
MVP (Most Vital Product): Sunscreen
This oil-free formula absorbs into skin leaving a matte finish.
Vivier Sheer Broad Spectrum SPF 30, $63 at vivierpharma.com.
MVP: Serum
A botanical-rich, silicone-free serum designed to protect from pollution.
Yves Rocher Elixir Jeunesse Double Action Essence, $62 at yvesrocher.ca.
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MVP: Moisturizer
Skincare that’s loaded with multiple vitamins and Retinol Liposome that bring back radiance.
FitGlow Beauty Vita Rich Crème, $119 at fitglow.ca.
This Ingredient Will Forever Change Your Nightly Skin Routine
MVP: Moisturizer
A healing moisturizer for early signs of aging that doesn’t contain parabens, fragrance or colourants.
L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Cicacream, $28
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