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Whether you’re approaching 30, over 30, or (cough) more than a few years past 30, it’s never a bad time to take another look at your daily skincare routine to make sure the products you’re using are doing right by you. Our skincare needs change as we age, but that doesn’t automatically have to mean you run out and snatch up the first 100 expensive products you can find.
Most dermatologists agree that an effective skin regimen for women over 30 includes five basic products, each of which can make a world of difference in the quality of your skin. In addition to preventing premature signs of aging like wrinkles, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation, these products — in conjunction with yearly visits to the dermatologist for a complete skin checkup — will keep your complexion healthy and radiant.
Photo: Shutterstock
Step One: Cleanser
You've probably already guessed it: the first step toward building a great skincare routine is to find a gentle cleanser that works for your skin type. If your complexion is oily, one with ingredients designed to sap excess sebum is perfect. If you have dry skin, a micellar water or cleanser with ceramides that replaces lost moisture as you wash your face is a great choice. And, for combination or normal skin, a cleanser like Clarins Gentle Foaming Cleanser With Cottonseed, which has soothing almond cottonseed extract, is just right.
Clarins Gentle Foaming Cleanser With Cottonseed ($22.92)
Step Two: Toner
If there's one step a lot of us neglect, it's toner after a cleanser. But toners are amazing (especially if you have oily or acne-prone skin) at removing excess oil and makeup that cleansers leave behind. They can also balance your skin's pH levels and prep your pores for serums and moisturizers. If you're new to toners, try Perricone MD Firming Facial Toner, which has alpha lipoic acid and DMAE to lift and firm skin.
Perricone MD Firming Facial Toner ($36.45)
Step Three: Serums
Just call them mini miracles in a bottle: serums are elixirs that contain antioxidants, peptides, botanical extracts and other goodies you aren't getting from cleansers and moisturizers alone. They penetrate deep to repair skin and help improve texture, firmness, and appearance. Philosophy When Hope Is Not Enough Facial Firming Serum is a stellar choice for aging concerns. This lightweight, oil-free serum contains a wealth of antioxidants and peptides that combat cell-destroying free radicals, treat undereye lines and puffiness, and lift and firm the skin.
Philosophy When Hope Is Not Enough Facial Firming Serum ($36.51)
Step Four: Eye Cream
The delicate skin under your eyes is usually the first place your age shows. L'Oreal Paris Age Perfect Eye Renewal encourages cell turnover so that, when used twice daily, crow's feet is smoothed and the skin around your eyes appears brighter and more plump and hydrated.
L'Oreal Paris Age Perfect Eye Renewal ($12.41)
Step 5: Moisturizer And Sunscreen
And, finally, we come to the most important step in any skincare routine: sunscreen. More specifically, moisturizer (which provides hydration for smooth skin and helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles) and either a separate sunscreen with SPF 25 or higher or a product that incorporates both. RoC Multi Correxion 5-In-1 Anti-Aging Face Moisturizer SPF 30 is ideal for anyone who prefers fewer products in their routine. It boasts broad spectrum SPF 30 and tackles dull skin, discoloration, sagging, dryness, and wrinkles.
RoC Multi Correxion 5-In-1 Anti-Aging Face Moisturizer SPF 30 ($20.95)
