When you turn 30, life catches up with you. To put it mildly, if you've lived life to the fullest in your 20s, your face will definitely reflect it in your 30s. When your skin begins to reflect the complications of adult life — such as stress, pregnancy, work, and more — your face can become dull and start showing signs of ageing. Gone are the times when you could go 3 days without washing your face. Now, if you're not hypervigilant about your skin, the stress that lives rent-free in your head could find a permanent spot on your face too. And while ageing is a beautiful process, it's also got its downfalls — from fine lines to uneven pigmentation to saggy skin.
We're not trying to freak you out here BTW — we're just reminding you that now is the time to start fine-tuning your skincare routine to fend off signs of ageing. Read on for the best skincare routine you should follow in your 30s. You (and your skin) will thank us decades later!
- 01. Use a gentle cleanser
- 02. Opt for a hydrating moisturiser
- 03. Antioxidant serums are your friends
- 04. Eye creams for the win
- 05. Retinol night cream
01. Use a gentle cleanser

Gone are the days when you could use any oil-clearing face wash and move on with your day. Your face wash now needs to be an effective, gentle cleanser which does its job, without stripping your skin of its natural oils. We suggest you opt for the Lakmé Blush And Glow Kiwi Crush Gel Face Wash, since it's a hydrating, fruity, light face wash. Plus, it's got glycerin in it, which will draw moisture into your skin instead of making your skin feel tight.
02. Opt for a hydrating moisturiser

Listen, even if you had flawless skin that required no hydration in your 20s, we don't want to hear it. You best believe your skin's going to need a hydrating moisturiser in your 30s, since it’s super essential to keep your skin supple and bouncy. Use the Simple Kind To Skin Hydrating Light Moisturiser since it works for all skin types, and has a bunch of skin-loving ingredients making your life easier for you — from glycerin, which will ensure your skin is soft and supple, to vitamin E and vitamin B5 for healthy, hydrated skin — this one should be your go-to.
03. Antioxidant serums are your friends

Adding an antioxidant serum can be a game-changer for tired, dull skin. Plus, it also ups your environmental protection beyond sunscreen! We recommend the Lakmé 9 to 5 Vitamin C+ facial serum, since it's got the richest known source of Vitamin C — Kakadu Plum. Using the powerhouse serum will provide a healthy skin barrier that can fight multiple skin problems like ageing, pollution, sun damage and dullness of skin, making for a perfect, all-round protector through and through.
04. Eye creams for the win

If you've ever wondered whether eye creams actually work, here's proof. Eye creams deliver the same active ingredients as moisturisers, but at a gentler strength for thinner skin around the eye. If you've been struggling with fine lines, dark circles, or eye bags that resemble shopping bags, a trusty eye cream to add to your beauty arsenal would be the Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Firm Eye & Lip cream. The powerful firming cream contains vitamins C and E to help improve resilience and fight off free radicals. You’re sure to experience firmer, smoother skin under your eyes, with minimised fine lines. Watch the signs of ageing fade away effortlessly!
05. Retinol night cream

If you've been on the internet for the past couple of years, chances are that you've seen the term 'retinol' pop up over and over. A very powerful ingredient, retinol smooths fine lines by increasing cell turnover. However, retinol can make your skin more sensitive to sun damage and can irritate your skin at the start. That’s why is best to incorporate them into your nighttime skincare routine slowly. You can use the Pond’s Age Miracle Wrinkle Corrector Night Cream, which contains wrinkle-reducing Retinol C-complex, and has powerful bio-actives that renew the skin cells. Start by using it twice a week, at night only, and increase the frequency gradually as your skin adjusts. It may seem like a process but it's so worth it in the end.
Written by Nishtha Bhalla on Jul 08, 2021
Nishtha is a freelance writer who loves all things beauty, fashion, culture, and lifestyle. With content covering a variety of topics, she brings a holistic, nuanced perspective to her writing. In her free time, she can be found watching reruns of The Office, reading anything she can get her hands on, and experimenting with astrology.