Your skin may experience similar problems in your 20s and 30s, but the 30s generally bring big changes along with them. We tend to get more serious with our lives—mortgages, marriages and sometimes childbirth—which can lead to stress and hormonal changes that have an effect on the skin. Additionally, the rate at which our skin cells turn over begins to slow, causing the first signs of aging to appear. Since the functionality of our skin tends to slow as we age, it won’t bounce back as easily as it once did. To maintain your best skin health in your 30s, try these tips and products!

Try a retinol for wrinkles.

Exfoliation is an important component of any routine but especially for those just beginning to see signs of aging. By adding a retinol product to your regimen, you can improve skin cell turnover, minimize the appearance of lines and wrinkles and diminish the appearance of dark spots and discoloration.

We recommend: Obagi360 Retinol 0.5 Cream: Formulated to cause less irritation than traditional retinol products, this anti-aging cream boosts cell turnover while improving the appearance of fine lines, dark spots and discoloration that may have been caused by sun damage or acne. The formula features encapsulated retinol that releases gradually over time to prevent flaking, redness and inflammation. Ideal for those experiencing advanced or early signs of aging, this powerful formula preserves a youthful complexion.

Pro Tip: If you’re not quite ready to make the retinol plunge, try a product that combines physical exfoliation and chemical exfoliation. We love the Eminence Organics Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant with Lactic Acid!

Start treating budding signs of aging.

If you’re starting to see visible signs of aging such as sun spots, hyperpigmentation or fine lines, it’s time to add a treatment to your routine. Treatments can range from serums to creams—the trick is finding one that works best for your main concern.

We recommend: LovelySkin LUXE Brightening Gel: Formulated with a celery plant derivative called asafetida extract and a patented blend of amino-based filaggrin antioxidants called afaLUXE™, this powerhouse gel minimizes both the cause and visible effects of hyperpigmentation and age spots. Ideal for use as an all-over or targeted spot treatment for the hands, face or body, this unique treatment inhibits melanin production to prevent future dark spots from forming while restoring skin’s overall clarity and radiance, making it a perfect addition to nearly any regimen.

Boost your regimen with an antioxidant.

Antioxidants have been the buzz of the skin care world for quite some time, but what is an antioxidant? Antioxidants are a naturally occurring substance that prevents the oxidation of free radicals (molecules in the atmosphere that result from pollution, such as smog, smoke or the sun), which can lead to visible signs of aging like wrinkles, dull complexions or dark spots. In skin care, expect to see vitamins and antioxidants used interchangeably, as most vitamins feature an antioxidant component. We consulted with board-certified dermatologist and LovelySkin CEO Dr. Joel Schlessinger to get the lowdown on antioxidants:

“Antioxidants are really an essential component in any regimen. They have the ability to boost collagen production, strengthen the skin barrier, improve the performance of sunscreen, brighten, gently exfoliate the skin and so much more. Like most things, our natural production of antioxidants slows with age. By adding an antioxidant product to your regimen now, you can better maintain your skin’s natural levels and keep visible signs of aging at bay.”

We recommend: SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Antioxidant Serum: A LovelySkin.com bestseller and staff favorite, this powerhouse antioxidant serum diminishes signs of aging and photodamage while neutralizing free radicals that may lead to future signs of aging. Containing 15% pure vitamin C, vitamin E and 0.5% ferulic acid, this skin-smoothing serum protects against oxidative stress while improving skin’s lipid content.

Amp up your moisturizer.

Since skin tends to slow down a bit in our 30s, it can sometimes change the way it looks and feels—meaning the products we once loved may not work as effectively. Skin can become dryer and duller, making the need for an all-encompassing moisturizer all the more important.

We recommend: PHYTOMER Crème 30 Early Wrinkle Plumping Solution Cream: Formulated with sea extracts that plump and volumize skin, this protective moisturizer was designed exclusively for active people in their 30s. Rhodella, a red microalgae, strengthens skin’s barrier while jania, a red coral, shields skin against free radical damage and boosts collagen production to minimize lines and wrinkles. Finally, this matte, lightweight moisturizer contains Oligomer, a seawater concentrate that combats skin stress.

Choose an eye cream with anti-aging properties.

If you don’t already use an eye cream, it’s time to add one to your routine. The skin around the eyes is some of the thinnest, most delicate skin on the body, meaning it is more susceptible to aging. By adding an eye treatment before advanced signs of aging occur, you can keep your eye area looking plump and youthful for longer.

We recommend: Colorescience Total Eye 3-in-1 Renewal Therapy SPF 35: Designed with anti-aging properties and 100% mineral sun protection, this powerful eye treatment minimizes the appearance of puffiness, fine lines and wrinkles and dark circles while infusing the skin with hydration. Additionally, the delicate, universal tint acts as a natural-looking concealer that minimizes the appearance of imperfections.

Always stay protected.

Sunscreen is crucial every day of the year to maintain overall skin health, but it also plays an important role in defending against premature aging. Studies show that the sun is responsible for up to 90% of skin aging, so adding a good sunscreen (and reapplying throughout the day!) is the absolute best way to keep your skin looking radiant and youthful as long as possible.

We recommend: EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 Sunscreen – Untinted: This lightweight, oil-free sunscreen is a must-have for any regimen! Formulated with niacinamide to calm inflammation, redness and blemishes, hyaluronic acid to improve skin’s moisture content and transparent zinc oxide to provide broad-spectrum protection, this gentle sunscreen prevents signs of aging while nourishing the skin. (Plus, it’s a Dr. Schlessinger favorite)!

Enhance your regimen with a weekly mask.

Masking is fun, but it can also work wonders for any skin type. By adding a weekly mask to your regimen, you can detoxify, nourish, clarify, soothe or balance your complexion, depending on your primary concern. Skin care masks can improve product penetration, boost skin’s radiance, minimize visible signs of aging or target a specific concern, such as dullness or blemishes.

We recommend: Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque: Vitamins A, C and E come together with linoleic acid to improve skin’s barrier functions while shielding against free radicals. Additionally, pro-vitamin B5 and algae extract soften and nourish while licorice, comfrey and burdock extracts soothe irritation and improve skin’s strength. Ideal for dull, dehydrated or aging skin, this powerful masque works to calm skin stress and repair daily damage.

Interested in what it takes to improve your skin care in your 20s? Read more on our blog!