Best Skincare Routine For 30s 2024 - Forbes Vetted

In your 20s, you might have gotten away with a more barebones skincare routine, but years of sun exposure and gravity can catch up with you in your 30s—when issues like fine lines, dullness and pigmentation become more noticeable. Over time, your skin also becomes thinner and less elastic, which is why it’s crucial to establish a bulletproof skincare routine early that minimizes signs of aging.

The best skincare routine for your 30s combats early signs of aging.

“As you enter your 30s, it’s important to adopt a skincare routine that promotes healthy skin and prevents sun damage, signs of aging and skin cancer,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose. Begin by establishing a routine that’s tailored to your skin type with the building blocks for long-term skin health, such as sunscreen and face wash. From there, consider incorporating retinols, serums and eye creams that target specific skin issues like discoloration and fine lines. We’ve tapped deputy editor Jane Sung as well as several experts for the most essential products to incorporate into your skincare routine in your 30s.

Dermstore

A good moisturizer is the bedrock of any effective skincare routine, and plays a crucial role in maintaining skin hydration and elasticity as you age. Murphy-Rose suggests choosing a soothing, noncomedogenic formula that protects against free radicals, which can exacerbate signs of aging. We’ve named SkinCeuticals’ Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 as our top pick for the best face moisturizer overall, and we recommend it for anyone concerned about preventing fine lines, too. It combines 2% pure ceramides, 4% natural cholesterol and 2% fatty acids—a proven ratio for nourishing the skin and improving its appearance.

HigherDose

LED face masks can enhance a well-rounded skincare routine when used properly and consistently. “These masks work by varying wavelengths that penetrate the skin at different depths to target unique concerns, including acne, inflammation and collagen production,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Mina Amin. However, she cautions that the safety of LED light therapy on the eyes is unclear, so she emphasizes closing your eyes during treatment, following instructions closely and using any provided eyewear for protection. She also says that while these tools can supplement an at-home skincare regimen and in-office treatments, they should not be viewed as a replacement. After rigorously testing some of the best LED face masks on the market, we chose the HigherDose Red Light Face Mask as our most comfortable option. It offers 10- and 20-minute red light and near-infrared sessions that address signs of aging, redness and dullness.

Amazon

A good cleanser is essential for an effective skincare routine because it helps to wash away excess oil, makeup, dirt and grime that accumulate throughout the day. If you’re looking for a gentle, non-irritating formula, CeraVe’s Hydrating Facial Cleanser is one of our favorite affordable options (featured as the top drugstore pick in our best face washes for men story). It contains glycerin, ceramide and hyaluronic acid, a trio of hydrators that work together to keep skin moisturized post-cleanse.

Amazon

Antioxidant-rich vitamin C serums protect against environmental stressors, stimulate collagen and brighten skin hyperpigmentation. These should ideally be applied in the morning so they can go to work protecting skin against UV rays and pollution throughout the day. However, Murphy-Rose cautions that certain formulas can cause skin irritation, breakouts or clogged pores, so she recommends choosing a formula that’s tailored to your skin type. If you’re new to this type of product, the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift 10% Pure Vitamin C serum is our best value pick in our roundup of the top vitamin C serums since it’s a well-tolerated option that is suitable for most skin types.

Amazon

Sunscreen is a non-negotiable for maintaining healthy, radiant skin thanks to its built-in protection against the sun’s rays. Amin recommends choosing one with SPF 30 or higher. Meanwhile, Murphy-Rose adds that a broad-spectrum formula will cover all your bases by protecting against both UVA and UVB rays. If you’re seeking a non-greasy option for daily use, Coola’s Classic Face Sunscreen SPF 50 fits both of those requirements. It’s also a favorite among dermatologists—and the Forbes Vetted beauty team, who selected it as best overall in our face sunscreens evaluation due to its lightweight feel and barely detectable finish that leaves no sticky residue.

Amazon

“For someone experiencing hyperpigmentation, sun spots or melasma, I recommend a tinted sunscreen for added protection,” says Amin. Tinted sunscreens act as a hybrid between moisturizers and light-coverage foundations, with many offering skincare benefits. A high-quality option should ideally hydrate, cover minor blemishes, mask redness and create a glowing base—all without weighing down your skin. The EltaMD UV Clear Tinted Sunscreen SPF 46 is an excellent tinted moisturizer with SPF, especially for acne-prone skin thanks to its blend of niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and lactic acid, which calm and protect reactive skin types.

Amazon

“If you haven’t started using a topical retinol or prescription retinoid, now is the time,” says Murphy Rose, explaining that vitamin A-derived products have been proven to improve skin texture, treat fine lines and wrinkles, plus reduce hyperpigmentation—among many other perks. If you’re new to retinol, start with a lower-concentration formula like Paula’s Choice 1% Retinol Treatment two to three times a week and gradually increase the frequency as your skin builds tolerance. This editor-approved formula (the top pick in our best retinol creams story) features a controlled-release delivery system that allows active ingredients to absorb gradually, helping to prevent skin from drying out.

Credo Beauty

If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding and want an effective skin treatment sans retinol, consider a plant-based formula that offers similar results. Sung recommends the Doctor Rogers Night Repair Treatment, which combines bakuchiol (a gentle, botanical retinol alternative) with glycolic acid, salicylic acid and antioxidants to gently exfoliate and hydrate skin while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Amazon

As the skin around your eyes becomes more delicate and prone to fine lines, both Amin and Murphy-Rose recommend incorporating an eye cream into your morning and evening skincare routines. Beyond standard moisturizers, eye creams typically feature dedicated ingredients to help brighten discoloration and stimulate collagen production. Amin suggests using eye cream with vitamin C in the morning and retinol in the evening. For beginners or those with sensitive skin, the Ilia Bright Start Activated Eye Cream is one that our editors stand behind (it’s featured in our guide to the best eye creams). Packed with brightening avocado extract, it reduces the appearance of dark circles while a caffeine-peptide blend helps reduce puffiness.

Tata Harper

Face masks can serve as an indulgent addition to your skincare routine, targeting specific concerns like dryness, dullness, acne or discoloration. Among the many options available, the Tata Harper Clarifying Mask stands out as a versatile formula suitable for almost every skin type. It potent blend of salicylic acid, clay and micro-crystals effectively treats breakouts and blemishes while minimizing the appearance of pores. Much like an LED face mask, clarifying face masks aren’t a replacement for in-office treatments with a skincare professional. However, they can be an excellent alternative for maintaining your skin between visits.

Our team has published hundreds of beauty and grooming articles. This includes related skincare stories like the best skincare routine for your 40s and skincare for women over 50.

To curate the best skincare routine for your 30s, we combined hands-on testing and our market knowledge with insights from dermatologists and our own thoroughly researched articles across various skincare categories.