Skin Care and Medical Aesthetics in Your 30s: First Lines, Dark Spots and the Right Timing

What changes in your skin in your 30s?

As we age, collagen production in the skin slowly decreases and the skin’s rate of renewal slows down. In your 30s this change is mild in most people; however, fine lines that become visible with facial expressions may start to be noticed around the eyes, on the forehead and between the eyebrows. Sun damage built up in previous years may also show as sun spots and uneven skin tone.

When and to what extent these changes appear varies greatly from person to person, depending on genetic predisposition, history of sun exposure, smoking and general health. The skin of two people of the same age can look very different.

The basics stay the same: sun protection and simple skin care

The habits formed in your 20s remain valid at this stage too. Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen every day helps both to reduce the formation of new pigment spots and to stop existing spots from getting darker. Gentle cleansing and moisturising suited to your skin type are the other basic steps of this routine. We explained these basics in detail in our article “Skin Care and Medical Aesthetics in Your 20s”.

Staying away from smoking, getting enough sleep and eating a balanced diet also support skin health. Smoking is one of the factors that speed up skin ageing and contribute to the formation of wrinkles.

Retinoids: the basics

Retinoids are substances derived from vitamin A. They are among the skin care ingredients whose effects on fine lines and deterioration in skin texture caused by sun damage have been researched the most. There are both milder retinoid derivatives sold without a prescription and stronger types that a physician may recommend.

• Their effects are slow; seeing a noticeable change usually requires several months of regular use.
• At the start, redness, dryness, flaking and a stinging sensation are common. For this reason, they are usually started at a low frequency (for example, a few evenings a week) and increased as the skin gets used to them.
• Retinoids can make the skin more sensitive to the sun; they are usually used in the evening, and sun protection during the day becomes even more important.
• Using them at the same time as acid-containing peeling products or other irritating products can increase irritation.
• Retinoid use is not recommended in pregnancy or when planning a pregnancy. If you become pregnant, stop using them and consult your physician.

If you have sensitive skin conditions such as eczema or rosacea, it is advisable to consult your physician before you start using a retinoid. For information about rosacea, see our article “Rosacea”.

Pregnancy, hormones and melasma

For many people, their 30s coincide with pregnancy. In pregnancy, because of hormonal changes, brown-grey patches may appear on the face, especially on the cheeks, forehead and upper lip. This condition is called melasma. Medicines containing hormones, such as the contraceptive pill, can also cause similar patches.

Melasma that appears with pregnancy may lighten over time after the birth; however, it can become noticeable again with sun exposure and in later pregnancies. Melasma is a long-lasting condition with a tendency to come back; you can find the details in our article “Dark Spots and Melasma”.

• During pregnancy and breastfeeding, the most important precaution is protecting yourself from the sun.
• Some creams used for pigment spots and many medical aesthetic procedures are not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
• In this period, consult your physician before starting a new product or procedure.

When may a physician consultation make sense?

A physician consultation does not necessarily mean having a procedure. On the contrary, a good consultation often also helps you understand what is not necessary. In the following situations, it may be helpful to see a dermatologist or a physician experienced in medical aesthetics:

• If your pigment spots are increasing or getting darker despite regular sun protection
• If acne started in your 30s or is continuing
• If a particular line or feature has bothered you for a long time and you would like information about it
• If your skin often reacts to the products you use
• If you are not sure which skin care ingredients can be used together

Procedures often discussed at this age include “Botulinum Toxin” for expression lines and “Chemical Peels” for pigment spots and skin texture. Whether these procedures are suitable for you is assessed individually after an examination.

The evidence showing the long-term benefit of preventive procedures done at an early age, when there is no noticeable problem, is limited. It is advisable to assess whether a procedure is necessary together with a physician who listens to your priorities and expectations.

Get to know your moles

At this age too, it is helpful to check your skin from time to time, in good light and with the help of a mirror if needed. Knowing the general appearance of your moles makes it easier to notice a change early.

Final word

The changes in your skin in your 30s are mostly mild and natural. Sun protection, a simple skin care routine and, if needed, a retinoid started with care form the foundation of this stage for many people. If you are considering a procedure, it is advisable to decide together with your physician without rushing, also taking your pregnancy plans and priorities into account.