Growing older has its benefits – you are probably more confident, wealthier, wiser and may have even started a family. However, there are some downsides and one of these is the effect of your 30s on your skin! Gone are the days when you looked in the mirror and saw a flawless complexion, now you are starting to see fine lines, blemishes – even zits!
No one can turn back the clock and stop aging but we do know that you can reverse these changes and get an amazing complexion to rival your 20-year old self! Here are the 10 top reasons why your skin changes in your thirties and what you can do to turn it around.
1 Blame Your Hormones
Although women tend to feel wonderful in their 30s your estrogen levels are already starting to drop, the rate at which your replenish new cells is falling, and this affects your skin. The main things you will start to notice are that your skin isn’t as elastic as it once was, it is looser and drier and you may find your old friend – the zit – starts to appear.
2 You’re Snacking on Sugar
Hectic lives, late-night snacks, all add up to the sad fact that we end up eating foods that are higher in sugar and this shows in our skin. If you give up sugar you give your skin a break and you start to look younger. Sugar has a bad effect on collagen and it is that which gives your face a plumped and lifted look so ditch the sugar if you want to keep your skin looking youthful.
3 Your makeup is out of date
If you are still wearing the same makeup then you need to look at a major makeover especially when you hit 30. All the old products are not going to be suitable for your changing skin and foundation has a horrible habit of settling into fine lines and making them look like crags. Older skin tends to be more sensitive to chemicals too so you need to look at more natural-looking and moisturizing products. Styles that worked in your 20s will now start to look dated, it’s time to move on to keep your skin at its peak.
4 Do you exfoliate?
Most of us know we should exfoliate but we don’t. Sadly this leads to a build-up of dead skin which can make your skin look dull and clog up your pores. If you start to remove those dead cells regularly your skin will look much brighter, and younger.
5 Drink More Water
If you are not drinking enough your skin is going to suffer. The skin is the largest organ in your body and it needs constant hydration if it is not going to look dry and tight. Dehydration also makes you more likely to develop wrinkles so be sure to replenish your skin often by drinking water.
6 You are losing Melanocytes
Melanocytes are the cells that make melanin and this gives your skin color. As soon as we hit 30 the melanocyte production drops by 10% and will continue to do so as each decade passes. Although this doesn’t sound like much it is why you are suddenly seeing dark spots on your skin. Even if you have never experienced it before you may find you start to get freckles or brown patches.
7 Slap on the Sunscreen
If you were a sun worshiper in your 20s be prepared to start seeing the results of the UV damage as you reach your 30s. Get ready for fine lines and wrinkles! Now is the time to prevent any further damage by making sure that you always apply a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more before you leave the house. Invest in a good sun hat and make sure you take some light protective layers when you go out in the sun.
8 Your thyroid function falls
As we age our thyroid gland slows down and this can mean that we start having issues with dry skin, dry hair and brittle nails. It is worthwhile having your thyroid function checked. If it is low the doctor can give you a pill containing a synthetic thyroid hormone which will help you feel better and improve your skin.
9 Your skincare regime needs an upgrade
Our skin changes over time. You may have had oily skin in your 20s but as you reach your 30s you will see changes and your skincare routine and the products you use must reflect this. If you still produce oil or get zits there are plenty of light moisturizers available and using these with a good cleanser means you can remove oil from your pores without leaving your face feeling tight and dry.
10 Good old Gravity!
Yes, we are all victims of gravity and sadly there is nothing we can do about it. As your skin loses elasticity gravity will start to make things drop. You may have been perky in your 20s but in your 30s you will start to see things move in the opposite direction. However, 30 is still young, so gravity’s full effect won’t be felt for a few years yet.
