When I was younger, I used to catch 13 Going on 30 on TV every Sunday, and whenever I heard the protagonist say, "I want to be thirty, flirty, and thriving," something inside me smiled, and I thought: I want that too. Now, in 2024, we’ve fast-forwarded, and voilà! The big 30 has arrived -or is just around the corner-. With new challenges, a more intense work life, some studying, others moving or even doing volunteer work in Hawaii. But don't worry, life may be full of plans, but turning 30 is just like being 15 twice..
This new stage also brings a shift in our beauty routine—paying closer attention to products and ingredients we might have overlooked before. Whether you’ve always been a skincare lover or you’re just stepping into this world, this blog will guide you to feel just as "flirty and thriving" as you dreamed of in front of the TV.
What changes in your skin at 30?
It’s completely normal for our skin to start showing signs of change when we hit 30, and there’s no need to panic! However, it’s important to understand what’s happening biologically so we can adapt our skincare routine.
- Decreased collagen production
Collagen is a crucial protein that gives our skin structure, firmness, and elasticity. Starting at age 25-30, natural collagen production decreases by about 1% per year. This can result in a loss of that youthful firmness, causing the skin to look thinner and less plump as time goes by. That’s why fine lines and wrinkles, especially around the eyes (hello, crow’s feet) and mouth, become more noticeable as the skin in these areas is thinner.
- Slower cell turnover
Cell turnover is the process by which your skin sheds old, damaged cells and replaces them with fresh, healthy ones. In our youth, this process happens quickly and efficiently, roughly every 28 days. However, in our 30s, this cycle starts to slow down, meaning dead skin cells linger on the surface longer. As a result, your skin can look dull, dry, and uneven if you don’t exfoliate regularly.
- Reduced sebum production
As we age, our skin’s sebaceous glands slow down too. If you struggled with skin flare-ups or oily skin in your 20s, by your 30s, you might notice your skin feeling drier. Reduced sebum can make the skin’s barrier more prone to dehydration and external damage, such as pollution or UV exposure.
- Changes in melanin
Melanin is the pigment that gives your skin its color, and over time, its production can become irregular. This can lead to dark spots or hyperpigmentation, especially if you’ve had years of sun exposure without adequate protection. These spots, often called age spots or sunspots, typically show up on areas like the face, neck, and hands.
- Weakened skin barrier
Your skin’s barrier acts as a protective layer, keeping moisture in and preventing irritants from penetrating deeper into your skin. Over time, this barrier can become less efficient, leading to increased sensitivity, irritation, and transepidermal water loss (dehydration). A weakened barrier makes your skin more vulnerable to harsh environmental factors like cold weather, pollution, or using overly abrasive products.
How do we handle these changes? By establishing a solid routine
Now that we know what’s happening with our skin in our 30s, let’s talk about how we can care for it to keep it healthy. The key is to adapt our routine to address these changes in the simplest, most effective way possible.
Cleansing vibes only: The importance of deep cleansing
Starting and ending your day with a good cleanse is essential. Choose a cleanser that not only removes impurities but also works to improve your skin’s tone and texture. Face Reset Cleanser not only cleans deeply, but also helps reduce dark spots and balance your skin tone thanks to its brightening action.
Plus, its tranexamic acid content strengthens the skin barrier, helping prevent future spots and keeping your skin protected.
Hydrate and glow!
At this age, keeping your skin hydrated and renewed is crucial. The PHAbulous Chemical Exfoliant is excellent for this purpose. It contains panthenol, which helps soothe the skin while gently exfoliating, removing dead skin cells and promoting cell renewal without causing irritation. Additionally, its formula maximizes hydration levels, improves skin texture, and provides antioxidants to keep your face soft.
Glow on, girl: Illuminate your skin with Provitamin B5
Panthenol, or provitamin B5, is a pro-vitamin that, once applied to the skin, gets absorbed and transformed into vitamin B5, offering deep hydration and reparative properties. It’s perfect for strengthening the skin barrier, soothing irritated skin, and improving elasticity.
BREAKING NEWS: Jess Beauty has created a moisturizer with 20% panthenol. Two daily doses of this B5 Bomb Pro Vit B5 Moisturizer will instantly calm irritated skin, deeply hydrate it, and stimulate collagen production, as well as cell regeneration.
By combining it with the PHAbulous Chemical Exfoliant, you’ll create the ideal routine to boost cell renewal and noticeably improve your skin’s texture.
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SPF is your BFF
If you haven’t been diligent with sunscreen, now is the time to make it your best friend. Let It Sun SPF 50 is amazing because it not only protects you from sun damage (the number one cause of premature aging), but it also has a lightweight texture that doesn’t leave that dreaded white cast. It’s the perfect final touch to your daily routine, keeping your skin protected whether you’re indoors or outdoors.
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Time travel for your skin: The power of retinol
Retinol is the star ingredient when it comes to stimulating collagen production and accelerating cell turnover. Both Age Rewind Retinol Serum and Timeless Skin Retinol Cream are powerful options that help improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Retinol is also ideal for purifying pores, keeping them clean and less visible. Its formula includes panthenol, which calms and hydrates, enhancing retinol’s rejuvenating effects.
Always remember to use sunscreen!
Espresso yourself: Give your eyes a boost
We can’t forget about the delicate skin around the eyes, where signs of fatigue and aging tend to appear first. Coffee Break Eye Cream is your daily solution for those stubborn dark circles that don’t go away, even after 8 hours of sleep. With its key ingredient, caffeine, this cream helps reduce blood pooling under the eyes, which noticeably diminishes dark circles and gives you that refreshed, wide-awake look we all crave in the morning.
Another day, another drama, drama
But not for me, not for me
Yes, let’s face it—life in your 30s can be chaotic: work, studies, social commitments, and it feels like there’s no time to catch your breath. But these are the moments when it’s most important to pause, breathe, and remember that self-care is essential for staying balanced, both inside and out. Skincare isn’t just about what we apply to our faces; it’s deeply connected to how we treat our bodies overall. Sometimes, small changes in our daily habits can make a big difference. Here are some quick tips:
- Get enough sleep: Skin regenerates while you sleep, so make sure to give it the rest it needs.
- Maintain a balanced diet: We are what we eat. A diet rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, and water is good for your body and will make your skin glow from within.
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Exercise and manage stress: Stress doesn’t just show in how you feel; it affects your skin too. Find activities that relax you, like yoga, meditation, walking, or simply taking time to read your favorite book.
Welcome to your 30s: Yes, we’re flirty and thriving
If there’s something our 20s taught us, and that Jenna from 13 Going on 30 reminded us of, it’s this:
"Real women who are smart, pretty, and happy being who they are—those are the women to look up to."
The most important thing is to learn to admire and take care of ourselves so that we can achieve what we dreamed of at 15, but now with the confidence and security of being 30. Because, ladies, the time has come! May you chase your dreams, join a Thriller flash mob, and wear that colorful dress hidden in your closet. We at Jess Beauty will take care of everything else.
