5 Skincare Routine Additions I Can’t Live Without Now That I’m in My 30s

In my teenage years, I was pretty blessed skin-wise. Aside from the occasional breakout, my skin was generally clear and bright. The only consistent step in my routine was step one—wash face. And if I’m being honest, sometimes I didn’t even do that! (Don’t judge young me.) Then college happened, and I experienced my first bout of acne, along with some other unexpected skin changes that caught me totally off guard. Suddenly, my skin was more reactive to changing weather, I started to see under-eye bags, and was even afflicted with some hyperpigmentation. For the first time, I had to figure out an actual skincare routine that worked for me.

Things leveled out for a while, but just when I thought I’d gotten things totally figured out, my late twenties hit, and, again, my skin changed. Seemingly overnight, it was dryer, I was seeing the formation of fine lines, and my skin was just dull. Thankfully, I knew the drill this time around and since then, I’ve nailed down a skincare routine that’s kept my skin clear and glowy as I’ve crossed over into my 30s. I’m laying it all out ahead, so keep scrolling for some of the best products to try in your 30s.

As we age, we produce less collagen. In fact, a derm recently explained that production starts waning as early as age 22. While that might sound like a scary statistic, ingredients like retinol (or stronger retinoids) help to stimulate collagen production and cell turnover to keep the skin firmer longer. You’d be hard-pressed to find a skin expert who doesn’t recommend incorporating one into your routine if you’re in your 30s. Just make sure to follow directions for use—the stuff makes your skin more sensitive to the sun and, especially if you’re new to using retinol, you’ll want to start slow since it can cause some irritation.

RoC is credited as the first drugstore brand to stabilize retinol, so it kind of knows a thing or two about getting the most out of the ingredient. This night cream is a favorite among many—and it’s easy to see why. Those who use it claim very fast results, and it averages an impressive 4.4/5 stars from its 10,644 ratings on Amazon.

I think the Pond’s Rejuveness line, which also features a serum, eye cream, night cream, daily moisturizer, and anti-wrinkle cream, is one of the best in terms of bang for your buck. It’s a new line, but compared to others I’ve used, I can say it’s one of my favorites that I’ve tried. It’s got similar retinol content to some luxury brands and is so well priced, which is a major win in my book.

Cult-favorite skincare line The Ordinary is well known for its pared-back yet effective skincare formulations, at shockingly affordable prices. This retinol is no different. Reviewers remark that it left their skin glowy and I agree—it’s pure retinol that’s easy to incorporate into your routine.

This hydrating formula is highly concentrated to target fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, breakouts, and uneven skin tone. Basically, it’s going to change your complexion from parched and textured to dewy and bright. If you’re new to retinol or retinoids, only use it a couple of times a week. This stuff is strong.

While some would argue that toner is an unnecessary skincare product, personal experience has taught me that wearing makeup regularly, using sunscreen regularly (hello, that’d better be everyone!), and having oily or acne-prone skin are all great reasons to start using one, like, now. And don’t worry—formulation technology has caught up from yesteryear, so there are a ton of toners on the market that aren’t too harsh and won’t strip your skin and make it sad. Instead, you can reach for hydrating toners that soothe the skin while helping to purify it.

This toner is one of my favorites, and that’s because it’s jam-packed with skin-nourishing antioxidants that protect, brighten, and hydrate all at once. It’s also fragrance-free, so irritation isn’t a factor.

Made with purified water, coconut water, and algae, this moisturizing essence is a drugstore win that will leave your skin hydrated and happy before serums or moisturizers.

Your skin will drink this refreshing toner right up. The concentrated liquid easily wipes away impurities from the day, and with a majority of the nearly 1,000 reviews on Sephora being positive ones, it looks like others are on board, too.

This one is a true multitasking tool. Use it as a makeup remover or hydrating toner, and it erases makeup, residue, and any other grime your face has collected. It’s a mainstay in my routine after I cleanse and before any other products.

Chemical exfoliants in the form of alpha- or beta-hydroxy acids (AHAs and BHAs) loosen grime within the pores and slough away dead skin cells. Unlike physical exfoliants, like scrubs, you won’t have to exert any elbow grease to get a thorough exfoliation. Integrating one into my routine on a regular basis has changed my skin for the better, especially when it comes to dullness. Hello, brighter skin!

This salicylic acid-based toner helps you shed those extra layers and unclog pores. It’s a cult favorite (seriously, everyone uses it), and one of mine as well.

I love pretty much all Summer Fridays products, and this one isn’t exempt. It’s a toner solution with 16 percent AHA and niacinamide, meaning it’ll brighten your skin in no time.

This treatment has gotten all the good reviews, and for very good reason: It’s a game-changer. As an alpha-hydroxy acid (lactic) serum, it reduces the appearance of pores, works on hyperpigmentation, and dark spots, and is clinically shown to reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles. It’s pricey, but it’ll last.

With a mix of AHAs and BHAs, this nighttime wonder dramatically improves skin texture while you sleep. I can’t get enough of it and neither can my face.

If you’re not wearing sunscreen, then what are you even doing? Experts agree that, particularly as we age, sunscreen is the number one product we can use to protect our skin and keep it living its best, healthiest life. The fact that it also helps to maintain a more youthful and vibrant dermis is just a bonus.