I’m 35 and This is My Skincare Routine – Skincare for 30s

Are you pushing 35 and looking for a new skincare routine to plump and reduce the signs of aging? I’m laying out all the details of my current skincare routine. Skincare for 30s is tough waters to navigate, but I have found some pretty awesome products!

This blog post and video is a long time coming. I feel like if I were to sit down and write this all out it would take years, so I prefer to explain this all in video format. This is one of the longest videos I’ve ever filmed! I had over 45 minutes of footage. I tend to over-explain everything, which can be a little much. Haha! Luckily I was able to trim a lot of it down, but this video is still about 24 minutes long. My point was to be as in-depth as I possibly could and explain to you the thought behind why I do what I do.

In order to make this skincare for 30s post/video easy to navigate and refer back to, I’ve left time stamps below if you want to watch or re-watch only certain parts of the video. I hope that helps!

My Current Skincare Routine at 35 Years Old  – Skincare for 30s

Video Time Stamps:

• 1:29 – The skincare industry is marketing to you – don’t expect miracles. Being consistent with skincare can help plump and improve texture but keep your expectations realistic.
• 2:34 – Visit your dermatologist!
• 3:16 – My thoughts on injectables and why I get them
• 4:24 – Splurging vs. saving on skincare products
• 5:08 – My skin type
• 5:42 – My nighttime skincare routine
• 13:26 – The truth with dark circles under eyes
• 15:08 – All about Retin-A and how I use it
• 17:49 – My morning skincare routine
• 19:02 – Why I use a physical/mineral SPF
• 20:49 – Miscellaneous products I like (masks, zit cream, neck cream)

Skincare Products Mentioned + How I Use Them

e.l.f. Makeup Remover Cleansing Cloths // I’m not picky with makeup removing wipes. These get the job done nicely!

Fractionated Coconut Oil // My favorite way to remove makeup. It is less comedogenic (less likely to clog pores) than extra virgin coconut oil. I use this all over my face at night before I get in the shower.

Garnier Micellar Water // I like using this to remove lipsticks or any other stubborn spots of makeup that didn’t come off in the shower.

Clarisonic Mia Prima (older Mia models have been replaced with this) // I use my Clarisonic every single night in the shower! I use the sensitive brush head and it gets the job done nicely without overly stripping my skin. My dermatologist said this was totally okay for me to use every single day.

Cleanser // I will then cleanse in the shower with my Clarisonic and whatever cleanser I have on hand. I did not mention a cleanser in this post/video because it’s on your face for a minute. I have not been able to tell a difference between using a high end or drugstore product. My best advice is to pick something gentle.

Pixi Glow Tonic // My favorite toner of life. I put a little on a cotton pad and wipe all over my face and neck. It picks up whatever gunk I wasn’t able to remove and also gently exfoliates the skin with 5% glycolic acid.

Fresh Beauty Black Tea & Kombucha Facial Treatment Essence // A facial essence is something new I’ve incorporated into my routine, and I can’t say yet if it’s a “must-do” step. This essence I’m using is very pricy, but I do feel like it balances my skin well before applying everything else. I just pour a little in my hands and pat it all around my face.

Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum // This is my holy grail skincare item I’ve been using for 6+ years! It is a pure hydration serum. Hyaluronic acid is found in so many high end and luxury products, I just prefer to use it in its purest form. I take a tiny bit and pat it in all over the face while it’s still a little damp from my facial treatment essence.

Acure Marula Oil (Drunk Elephant Marula Oil Dupe!) // If I’m feeling a little dry or like I want some extra hydration,  I will use a little of this marula oil around the face. It absorbs nicely. I also love it as a cuticle oil!

Elemis Pro Collagen Marine Cream // This is such a splurge, but my face just loves it. I don’t think I need this moisturizer forever and ever, but I have loved it. And, like I said in the video… expensive doesn’t necessarily mean better, but if your skin likes it, then don’t quit a good thing. Just don’t expect miracles from heaven.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel // If I were to switch to a less expensive moisturizer, this is the one I would switch to. I love the gel consistency. It’s hydrating without feeling heavy or greasy (something I prefer in my moisturizers). I have used this one on and off for years and still stand by it if you are looking to save money without sacrificing quality.

Retin-A Prescription // Retinols and Retinoids are all in the same family – they are a derivative of Vitamin A. Vitamin A provides some of the best exfoliation you can get. Retin-A (Retinoid / Tretinoin) is a stronger concentration and available by prescription only. My thought is go big or go home. It can be irritating, so I do suggest in the video to start using it once a week (on completely dry skin – I wait 1 hour before applying) and working your way up. It is better in the long run, and it is one of the only skincare products on the market that actually does what it says. If you want to test the waters with a Retinoid, try one of the ones from The Ordinary (this one is really good).

Algenist Complete Eye Renewal Balm // This is another expensive product I can’t 1000000% recommend but my goodness, my under eye area has looked so soft and plump after using it.

Cetaphil Hydrating Eye Gel Cream // I also have this eye cream in rotation and would 100% recommend! It’s great for all skin types and I love the gel-cream consistency. And it’s got hyaluronic acid in it – one of my favorite skincare ingredients!

Image Skincare Vital C Hydrating Anti-Aging Serum // Vitamin C is a wonderful antioxidant to add into your skincare routine! I have been using this particular one for a while but also ordered this one from The Ordinary as another option (which is also way more affordable). I like to use my Vitamin C in the morning.

Image Skincare Prevention+ Daily Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30+ // SPF is an absolute must during the day. Even if your sun exposure is minimal, you really should be wearing SPF every single day. I explain more in the video, but I prefer a physical/mineral SPF in my moisturizer. This one from Image has been my all-time favorite and will continue to repurchase.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Sheet Mask // My favorite sheet masks and I love how affordable they are!

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Acne Treatment // I use this to spot treat on pimples. Benzoyl peroxide is super effective and worth using.

Glamglow Super Mud Clearing Treatment // I like to use this in areas that get more congested (on the chin and nose). If I have a pimple that is extra stubborn, I’ll put a little on it and let it sit overnight. It’s so good!

Image Skincare The Max Stem Cell Neck Lift // This is a very expensive cream, and the jury is still out if it’s a must-have in your life right now. BUT, I think we all should be taking care of the skin on our necks and chests. I do make sure to apply my other products all the way down, and then I will apply this on top. I am going to be looking around a little bit more and see if I can find some other neck creams that are worth trying!

I know that this is a lot of information in one blog post and video. So much to think about, that’s for sure. And the thing about skincare is that it’s always changing as we age, go through different life events (pregnancy/breastfeeding can definitely throw a wrench in there) or as new products are released.

If you’re just getting started with skincare, relax and take a deep breath. WASH YOUR FACE AT NIGHT. Start with the Glow Tonic, Hyaluronic Acid Serum, one of the Ordinary Retinoids, and a moisturizer (but also make sure to grab a daytime one with SPF). Grab a facial oil for extra hydration or a zit cream if you’re #blessed with both wrinkles and pimples.

And hey, don’t be ashamed if you need a little Botox. It’s the best way to look refreshed and it works. [insert shrug emoji here]