Aging Prevention: 3 Things All 30 Somethings Should Be Doing
Turning 30 can bring some changes in your life, one of the most important being a significant change in your skincare regimen. Your early to mid-thirties is a great time to start focusing on the prevention of the effects of aging. During this time, doing everything you can to delay the onset of aging can prove to be extremely valuable later on. To quote Benjamin Franklin: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
Skin care is a maintenance regimen so starting in your 30s with these tips you can set the stage for healthy and beneficial habits for the rest of your life. The sooner you start to combat the signs of aging with preventative care the better off you will be later on- both medically and cosmetically.
Here is what’s happening to your skin along with three essential things you should be doing to keep the effects of aging at bay:
What’s happening to your skin in your 30’s
One of the most dramatic changes to the skin in the 30’s is a dramatic loss of collagen. After years of natural aging and sun exposure collagen production in the skin begins to diminish, resulting in the formation of fine lines and wrinkles and a loss of skin elasticity. You may also start noticing that your skin is losing its plumpness or thickness. This is due to the loss of fat and other tissue under the skin. Over time this volume loss can result in “hallowing” or sagging of facial areas, specifically around the eyes and the cheeks.
It’s time to fight back
Age 30 is a great time to start taking steps to protect the elasticity and fullness of your skin. Here are three ways to fight aging:
Use Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen
The most important way to prevent early onset aging is using a high SPF broad-spectrum sunscreen, which will protect the skin from both UVA and UVB rays. Chronic sun exposure will lead to premature wrinkling and pigmentation. Make sure to pick a good sunscreen and use it DAILY (even on overcast days) in particular on the face and chest. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends a SPF of 30 or greater.
We offer many great sunscreens going for everyday use. Two of our most popular products are EltaMD Clear SPF 46 (clear) and Revision Intellishade Shade SPF 45 (tinted). Both products are lightweight and absorb easily into the skin to provide long lasting protection.
Boost Collagen with Retinol
Products containing (vitamin A cream) work to gradually improve overall collagen levels while also repairing sun damage, both of which help in a reduction in wrinkle formation and add radiance to skin. There have been multiple studies showing both short term and long term benefits of using topical retinols. It is important to find the right topical retinol that works for you. A main side effect of use can be irritation, redness and flaking. Starting with a lower potency retinol and using it on properly hydrated skin can allow you to gain the benefits without the downside of dryness and peeling.
Consider Injectables
Now is the time to see your dermatologist and discuss using dermal fillers or neurotoxins like Botox or Xeomin. The use of injectables is extremely efficient in relaxing wrinkles or replacing lost volume and adding lift to areas that are sagging, thus enhancing the overall aesthetic of the face. Even better: the early use of injectables can actually reduce or delay a need for major aging interventions like facelift surgery later in life. Prevention is the key in your 30s to start treating the minor mishaps that you notice in the texture and tone of your skin before they turn into larger, darker, or deeper problems.
A united group of skin care specialists from Westlake Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery, Austin's leader in Dermatology and Plastic Surgery. Articles posted under WD staff are authored through combined contributions from our entire team, including Plastic Surgeons, Dermatologists, Aestheticians, Physician Assistants, Aesthetic Nurses, and Patient Coordinators.
Great points here. It’s good to take care of yourself to keep the negative parts of aging to a minimum. Thanks for these tips!
When you getting older and older you should be aware of skin health more and more. When skin getting older and older there is more chances to get your marks of skin be risky. Great post!