Age brings with it experience, wisdom, and a host of skin issues. As you grow older, your skin’s healing capacity and cell turnover ratio deteriorates. Thus, it is important to take special care of it post 30.
Let’s take a look at what all your skin goes through after you turn 30 and how you can maintain its health.
What Happens To Your Skin As You Age?
1. Looks Dull
After a certain age, your cell turnover ratio slows down (1). This causes dead skin cells to accumulate on the surface of your skin, making it appear dull and lacking radiance.
2. Starts Drying
Whether or not you’ve had dry skin in the past, there is a chance that your skin will start getting dry and flaky post 30. As you age, sebum production in the skin also reduces.
3. Signs Of Aging
Your skin is made up of proteins that lend it the elasticity and strength it requires to appear bright and healthy. As you age, the production of these proteins in your skin slows down (2). UV exposure over the years can also contribute to a decline in the production of these proteins. This results in the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
4. Dark Spots May Appear
You may notice dark spots out of the blue on your skin. This happens because of years of sun exposure that can stimulate pigment-producing cells to rapidly overproduce melanin.
5. Jawline Acne Is Common
Hormonal changes during your 30s can contribute to jawline acne. Androgens are male hormones that can contribute to an overproduction of sebum in your body. This can result in acne breakouts, specifically along your jawline.
6. You May Experience Skin-Sensitivity
As we age, the oil production in our body slows down. This can result in a change in skin type. You will notice that your skin feels less greasy as compared to earlier. Dry skin can also lead to skin-sensitivity, resulting in allergic reactions to almost anything your skin touches.
7. Puffy Eyes And Dark Circles
As you approach your 30s, you may notice swollen under-eyes and dark circles. This is due to a drop in collagen and elastin in your skin. As we age, the production of these proteins in the body decreases. Collagen and elastin keep the skin strong, intact and firm.
11 Ways To Take Care Of Your Skin Post 30
The cause of dull-looking skin during your 30s can also be stress. Work stress, managing children and taking care of the house may hold you back from maintaining good skin health. Here are some ways in which you can prevent your typical 30s skin:
1. Maintain A Healthy Diet
Eating healthy, water-rich foods can keep your skin hydrated and young-looking. This will keep the dull, dry appearance away. Apart from water-rich foods, following a low-carb diet can also help improve the appearance and texture of your skin (3).
2. Exfoliation Is Key
Exfoliating your skin every now and then will help remove dead skin cells. This process exposes the new, healthy cells that make your face appear smoother and more clear. One of the major causes of dull-looking skin post 30 is the accumulation of dead skin cells on the skin’s surface.
Chemical exfoliation involves using a substance containing ingredients that increase cell-turnover ratio. Look for exfoliators containing hydroxy acids. Alpha and beta hydroxy acids work well in absorbing dead skin cells (4). Physical exfoliation involves using a tool like a scrub or a wet cloth to manually remove dead skin cells.
3. Moisturize Daily
Moisturizing your skin improves skin hydration. This makes your skin appear softer and brighter.
UV exposure over the years may have caused some damage to your skin’s barrier. Using a barrier-repair moisturizer will help fix your skin’s protective layer, locking in as much moisture as it can.
Note:
Strong Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, antioxidants and Vitamin C, which play a key role in determining your skin’s health (5) (6).
4. Sleep For At Least 7-8 Hours A Day
Make sure you manage to sleep for at least 7-8 hours a day without disturbance. Sleep plays a major role in how fresh and radiant your skin appears. Lack of sleep can result in puffy eyes, dark circles and dull skin.
5. Invest In An Anti-Aging Cream
Anti-aging creams are hydrating and contain ingredients that fight signs of aging. Look for these ingredients while purchasing an anti-aging cream:
A. Retinoids
Retinoids are Vitamin A derivatives and have been used for a long time in dermatology. They work against sun damage and help improve the appearance of fine lines.
B. Vitamin C
A popular ingredient in most beauty products, Vitamin C fights free radicals and prevents the break-down of collagen and elastin in the skin. It also reduces sun induced damage, making your skin appear brighter and more firm.
C. Hydroxy Acids
Alpha and beta hydroxy acids increase cell turnover ratio. They work as exfoliators and absorb dead skin cells to expose the brighter, younger-looking skin beneath.
D. Niacinamide
A form of Vitamin B3, niacinamide can prevent your skin from losing water. Hydrated skin looks healthier and younger.
6. Add A Serum To Your Routine
Serums target specific skin issues, clearing-up your skin and making it look more radiant.
7. Don’t Miss Your Monthly Facial!
Facials are extremely hydrating and increase blood flow. Facials are a good way of maintaining healthy, youthful skin. Make it a point to take some time out every month to visit a spa and pamper your skin.
8. Exercise
Exercising is extremely beneficial to keep your skin looking young and healthy. Take out at least one hour everyday to hit the gym, go swimming or practice yoga.
9. Invest In An Eye Cream
The skin under your eyes may be the first to show signs of aging. Fine lines, wrinkles and crow’s feet can be kept away by investing in an eye cream. These contain ingredients that boost the production of collagen and elastin in your skin, keeping it firm and smooth.
10. Sunscreen Is A Must
Sunscreens are mandatory to use, irrespective of your age. UV damage contributes to collagen and elastin damage that shows up as wrinkles and fine lines post 30.
11. Change Your Skincare Products
Your skin may feel more dry as compared to earlier, as you approach your 30s. Invest in skincare products that increase the moisture levels of your skin. Make sure the products you use on your face are free of harsh chemicals that may irritate your skin.
You may experience a lot of changes and more responsibilities as you grow older. All the running around, years of UV exposure, lifestyle changes and ups and downs can show up on your skin. However, always remember that change is constant, and so should be your beauty routine!
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