How to start a skincare routine in your 30’s

Written by Jenny Wu
Jenny Wu

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  1. Allyria says:

    Hi! I really enjoy your site’s many articles and find them to be so informative. Do you have any suggestions for a hydrating sunscreen that has a matte finish for my combo skin in summer and dry skin in winter? I bought the green water splash espoir sunscreen and find it to be too moisturizing for summertime

    • Jenny says:

      Thank you Allyria! I would recommend the Haruharu Black Rice Moisture Airyfit Sunscreen, which is what I’m currently using right now! It’s definitely a velvet, more matte finish compared to other sunscreens and not too moisturizing imo. Or if you want, I have a sunscreen database where you can compare up to 90+ sunscreens, including their finishes, hopefully that’ll help you find something suitable.

      • Allyria says:

        Your database is not available! No wonder why I couldn’t find it.

      • Allyria says:

        That sunscreen has come up a few times but now I’ll look into it with interest. Thank you! Wow! I’ll definitely take a look at that database as it is exactly what I’ve been looking for! Sunscreen joy!
        It’s such a vital part of skincare but there is not much about it besides the regulars that every single magazine or blogger seems to be writing about. We need more info for Asian skin by Asian companies for women in their 30’s and up! Have a nice weekend!

  2. Robert says:

    Hi – Thank you for a super helpful post! I would love your thoughts on whether I should swap out and/or add any products to what I’m using below.

    I have just started a skincare routine based on a few of your posts that includes:
    1) Atomy’s Evening Foam Cleanser for morning and night,
    2) my Curology tretinoin formula for nighttime,
    3) the CeraVe 10% Vitamin C Serum for mornings,
    4) the Curology moisturizer (the normal one not the “rich moisturizer”) for morning and night, and
    5) the Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun sunscreen for mornings.

    Some things I am considering swapping out or adding:
    A) Should I switch to the CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser from the Atomy Foaming Cleanser? I saw your review and it seems great if dry skin isn’t a big issue (and I really like the foaming cleanser I’m currently using, but it’s more expensive than the CeraVe).
    B) I am looking for a new moisturizer because you can’t order it separately from the Curology cleanser (which I’m not using, so that feels wasteful). I don’t mind the Curology moisturizer or think it’s great, but have to imagine there is a better choice.
    C) I love the Beaty of Joseun sunscreen but want to have a go-to waterproof/water-resistant sunscreen on hand for days when I am doing outdoor sports or am by the pool (that hopefully won’t leave a whitecast). I’ve heard good things about Play by SuperGoop, but not sure because of your point about US sunscreens.

    I would say I have a combination skin with slightly oilier skin on my T-zone (mainly just my nose), and sometimes get some flakiness on my chin during the dryest part of winter. But otherwise pretty middle-of-the-road skin. I like things that I can’t feel on my skin and aren’t dewy or glowy.

    Thank you so much! You and this site are a godsend <3

    • Jenny says:

      Hi Robert and thank you for the kind comment! To answer your questions:

      A) I would definitely give it a try! There are smaller sizes you can buy first to test it out.

      B) With moisturizers there are definitely plenty of affordable options that I think work really well. Sounds like a gel type moisturizer might be a better fit for you, which unfortunately I tend not to try much of because of my dry skin type. However I’ve heard good things about Naturium and Versed’s moisturizers!

      C) If you can try to get the La Roche Posay Anthelios sunscreen from care2beauty. That’s the EU formula and it’s excellent for outdoors activities and is water resistant. If US options are more convenient the LRP Anthelios here is decent as well, I’ve used it before didn’t get any white cast. I’ve also heard good things about the Shiseido sunscreen (in the blue bottle) but haven’t tried that myself.

  3. Lauren says:

    Thank u for the great post! Do you have ny ideas what these spots would be under my eyes, they are very small bumps the same color as my skin almost like a mole the way they are raised but they are not moles. How can I remove them?

    • Jenny says:

      Hi Lauren! From your description these sound like milia, which can happen if you’re using an eye cream/moisturizer that’s too rich for your skin. Sometimes switching out the culprit product is enough to make them go away, if not you can also try a gentle exfoliant like peeling gels that won’t irritate the eye area, just make sure you don’t rub too hard!

  4. Jessica says:

    As someone who turned 40 a little over eight months ago, I should really look into a new skincare routine. But then again, there is that saying…if it’s not broke, don’t fix it. I’ll be sure to check out some of the drugstore products you mentioned, and see how my skin reacts.

  5. Anne says:

    Amazing tips, Jenny, I agree with all of them. Slow and steady, get the basics right first and then go into extras after.

    Anne from “Doctor Anne”

  6. Pickering says:

    The 2 finger rule for sunscreen is so helpful!

    Jennifer
    Curated By Jennifer

  7. Miss Laven says:

    Wonderful guide to skincare in your 30s.I could not agree more with the steps you mentioned.

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