Understanding And Caring For Your Skin Type In Your Thirties

If you are in your thirties, you may have noticed some subtle changes in your skin, compared to how it was in your twenties. This is perfectly normal, and how your skin looks and feels is not just down to age, but also genetics, lifestyle factors and how well it is cared for. 

Here’s a look at some of the changes you can expect in your thirties (and beyond), and how natural skincare products can help your complexion to look healthy and radiant. 

Why skin changes after 30

Our bodies naturally produce less collagen as we age, which is a protein that helps the skin to maintain its elasticity and moisture. Skin cell turnover also slows down, and this can result in a complexion that is more prone to dryness, dullness, or fine lines and age spots. 

Women may also be experiencing hormonal changes that affect their complexion; often at this age, they notice their skin is prone to adult acne or dry patches. The effects of our lifestyle  and environment also start to show in our skin more readily than they did in our twenties, such as poor sleep or diet, and sun exposure or pollution. 

The good news is that the right skin care routine can make a huge difference to the condition of your skin, especially at this age. 

Common skin issues in your thirties

Dry skin

You might have gone through your teens and twenties without needing to use a moisturiser every day, but by the time you are in your thirties, you may notice that your skin is much drier than it used to be. This is because oil production and skin cell renewal tends to slow down with age. 

After washing your face, you may find that your skin feels tight and uncomfortable, or the texture of your skin is rougher than it used to be, with dry patches, flakiness, and loss of radiance. To address these issues, switch to a gentle creamy cleanser that won’t strip the natural oils from your skin, and avoid alcohol-based toners.

Moisturise once or twice a day after washing. You may need to try a few different creams or lotions before you find one that works best for you. Look for actively hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, and enriching products such as shea butter or natural plant oils to lock in moisture. 

Oily or combination skin

Hormonal changes, particularly for women, and cause acne breakouts or enlarged pores during the thirties. Stress, diet, or overcompensation from using products with harsh ingredients can also aggravate the skin and trigger excess oil production. Sometimes, oiliness affects the T-zone, while the cheeks are drier.

Use a gentle skin-balancing cleanser, but avoid overwashing your skin as this will make the problem worse in the long run. Don’t be tempted to skip moisturising, as this will encourage the skin to produce more oil to compensate for the dehydration. Instead, look for lightweight non-comedogenic moisturisers containing natural ingredients such as jojoba oil.

Sensitive skin

You may notice that your skin becomes more sensitive as you get older, with more frequent redness, irritation, or reaction to products that you previously tolerated. This may be because the skin barrier is becoming weaker with age, or due to a build up of products or pollutants that are taking a toll on your skin.

Skin issues such as rosacea are also more common over the age of 30. This causes symptoms such as facial flushing and redness, thread veins, pustules and bumps, and soreness and irritation. The causes of rosacea are not fully understood, but common triggers include heat, alcohol, spicy foods, stress, and vigorous exercise.

Some cosmetics and skin and hair care products can also trigger rosacea. Identify what causes flare ups, and eliminate them from your skincare routine. It’s important to protect your skin from the sun, as this can make rosacea worse. Look for a broad-spectrum mineral based sunscreen that contains titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. 

Use gentle cleansing and moisturising products that are free from soap, artificial fragrances and alcohol. 

Understanding your skin type, and the various environmental and lifestyle factors that can influence the condition of your skin can help you to support your skin in your thirties with the right products that will soothe and nourish. This doesn’t need to be complicated, it just needs to be consistent and evolve with your skin.