Dermatologist Explains: Skincare in Your 30s - Learn What Works For Your Skin and Be Consistent
Note: Everyone ages at a different pace. The changes described here are generalizations about what commonly happens in this decade, but for some these shifts begin earlier, and for others they happen later. Use this as a guide to anticipate changes, not as a strict timeline.
Your 30s are when skin first starts to show visible signs of aging. Oil production slows, fine lines appear around the eyes, pores look larger and uneven pigment becomes more noticeable. Hormonal changes from contraception, pregnancy or postpartum can trigger melasma (patches of pigmentation) and hormonal acne.
The key to thriving in this decade is consistency. This is when proven products, smart prevention and selective in-office treatments set the stage for how your skin will age.
What’s Happening in Your Skin in Your 30s - and What to Do About It
Risk of skin cancer increases: Find a medical dermatologist and get annual skin exams
Interested in slowing the sign of aging with in-office procedures: Find a cosmetic dermatologist whose aesthetic you like and schedule a consultation.
Collagen Declines and Fine Lines Begin: It is time to build a truly effective skin care regimen, no more chasing fades or doing what your favorite influencer is doing. It is time to pick out products that work for your skin and to use them consistently. It is time wear sunscreen, wash your face before bed, stop vaping, binge drinking and prioritize sleep. These simple but powerful steps will slow the breakdown of collagen. For those interested, neuromodulators, even as little as twice a year, can also prevent expression lines from etching should you want to pursue “preventive” botox.
Sebum Production Drops: Skin is less oily, especially on the cheeks and around the eyes. Over-cleansing makes this worse. Get used to moisturizing daily, and skip the morning wash uless your skin feels oily.
Uneven Pigment Appears from Sun Damage + Hormones: Sunspots and melasma often emerge in this decade, especially during pregnancy or while on birth control. It is time to wear zinc-based sunscreen every day. Some of my favorites include:
Prescription regimens with hydroquinone and tretinoin are safe and effective under dermatologist supervision. Vitamin C serums and turnover treatments combined with regular sunscreen will also help with age spots and unwanted pigmentation without a prescription. My Day and Night treatments are incredibly effective.
If interested, light resurfacing lasers are a great way to begin addressing early pigment and texture changes. No need to go aggressive -- this is the decade to learn how your skin responds. Avoid IPL if you have melasma -- it can make it worse.
Hormonal Acne Develops: Breakouts shift to the lower face, often flaring around your period. Traditional drying treatments like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid may now cause irritation. Instead try sulfur-based products or hydrocolloid patches. Ask your dermatologist about spironolactone for hormonal acne.
- Banu - 10% Sulfur Acne & Pimple Spot Treatment
- The Outset - Purifying Blue Clay Mask
- Rael - Acne Patches
Body Parts Start to Age Differently: In your 30s, the skin on your face, neck and chest is still relatively similar—but this is the decade when differences start to appear if you’re only caring for your face. The neck and chest have fewer oil glands, making them more prone to dryness and crepiness. Add in sun exposure, and you’ll see uneven pigmentation and texture that make these areas look older than your face by your 40s. Apply your Vitamin C, moisturizer, sunscreen and retinoid (or bakuchiol) to your neck and chest every day, not just your face.
Hydrate more. The neck and chest need the same rich moisturizer as the face to prevent crepiness. My Doctor Rogers Face Cream was named the Best Anti Aging Night Cream by Who What Wear in 2025.
Be diligent with sunscreen. The chest, in particular, gets tons of incidental sun damage from clothing cutouts and driving. Zinc sunscreen daily is non-negotiable. I use Pavise, The Outset or Dermaquest most commonly
If you are treating your face in the office, consider early professional treatments for the neck and chest as well to help your skin age evenly across all three areas.
Volume Changes: Fluctuations in weight or postpartum changes can leave the face looking slightly hollow. If interested, treatments like Sculptra, hyaluronic acid fillers or EMFace can restore volume naturally.
What You Should Be Doing Every Day
Morning (AM)
- Optional Cleanser (if oily or sweaty)
-
Vitamin C Serum
-
Moisturizer: Face Cream (if dry) or Face Lotion (if oily)
- Zinc Sunscreen
Evening (PM)
-
Cleanser
- Night Turnover Treatment (retinoid, bakuchiol, or AHA)
- Moisturizer: Face Cream (if dry) or Face Lotion (if oily)
Takeaway: The 30s Are About Learning and Consistency
Your 30s are when you first see visible aging—but it’s also the decade when smart, consistent care makes the biggest difference. Stick to your vitamin C, zinc sunscreen and night turnover treatment every day. If interested, add conservative in-office procedures—like Botox, fillers, EMFace or light resurfacing—to maintain volume, soften lines and prevent pigment changes.
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