Looking after your skin in your thirties
Although you might not want to hear this, during your thirties you will start to see your skin, your body and your looks change.
It will start with the appearance of laugh lines and then you will start noticing blotchy pigmentation on your skin caused by too much sun.
You will also start to notice your skin becoming saggier than in your twenties.
These changes usually happen due to the normal shift in your hormones that comes with age.
But this is a part of life and although we cannot prevent it, there are a few things you can do to slow down the signs of ageing.
1. Cleansing
It is important to cleanse your skin each morning and make sure it is clean before applying your makeup. Getting into a routine of removing your makeup and cleansing at night is equally as important. Cleansing the skin removes all the dirt and grime which builds up and which could block your pores causing pimples. Always use products that suit your skin type. Seek help from a dermatologist when choosing a product and then stick to that brand of product.
2. Exfoliate
Exfoliation is an important step in removing old and dry skin. It’s recommended to exfoliate at night rather than in the morning. This is because the skin renews itself at night, therefore removing dead skin at night will help encourage the skin’s renewal process. It’s important to exfoliate gently to remove the dead skin. Over exfoliation can damage your skin and cause redness and sensitivity so be gentle. Exfoliating once a week will be sufficient unless you have particularly oily skin, then twice a week should do the job.
3. Sunblock
Get into a routine of never leaving the house without sunblock The harmful UV rays of the sun causes wrinkles and sun spots. Protect yourself with a good sunblock, a wide-brimmed hat or peak cap and sunglasses when you are outdoors. Try and prevent going in the sun during the hottest times of the day as sunburn can cause major skin damage.
4. Stay hydrated
Staying hydrated is very important in your thirties. You can stay hydrated by making sure you get enough water in. Keep a bottle of water with you at all times. Try and limit your caffeine intake and rather drink water throughout the day. If you battle to get the recommended amount of water in, try adding a few slices of lemon and ice blocks to it. This will give it a better taste. Another way of hydrating the skin is by adding a few drops of essential oils to your moisturiser. Adding almond oil or vitamin e oil to your skin will help lock moisture in and keep your skin hydrated.
5. Moisturise daily
No matter what your age is, moisturising is very important. In your thirties, your skin will get dryer and cracked easier. Find a cream that suits your skin type and then get into a skin care regime of moisturising daily. Adding a product with glycerine in it, such as Ingram’s The Skin Doctor, will help give your skin the extra moisturisation it needs. Keeping your skin soft will prevent dry, chapped skin. Often the first signs of dryness appear on the elbows, knees and hands. Keep a jar of cream in your handbag so that is close by at all times.
6. Reduce stress
One way of slowing down the ageing process is to reduce the amount of stress you deal with. While this might sound almost impossible, making a few simple lifestyle changes can help. Eat a diet that fits in with your lifestyle and take up a hobby that you enjoy. Whether it is pottery or yoga, a hobby will help you destress. Adding structure to your daily life will also help destress. Try and minimise stress by becoming more organised. If this means you need to create “to do” lists, then do that. It is important that you make time to be with friends. Socialising is also a destresser so find time to see your friends and catch up.
7. Exercise
Exercising is very important in your thirties. Not only will it keep you healthy but it is a de-stressor. Join your local running club and start slowly. You will soon find yourself enjoying it so much that you will push yourself to do running events. Running is a good form of exercise as almost anyone can partake, it’s free and it is a good full-body workout. Get a friend to start with you and set goals for yourselves. Sweating is also good for the skin, so don’t be afraid to get dirty. A luke warm shower afterwards and moisturisation will be a good post-workout treatment for your skin.