Skincare In Your 30s

I don't know about you, but I'm feeling… THIRTY! Thirty and thriving, as they say. I experience pains in places I didn't know were there, squint a little harder to read my book, and no longer know the cool kid slang. Just kidding, I definitely know the slang, but I'll spare you. In all seriousness, thirty is the decade a lot of women begin to truly feel at peace with themselves, settle into life more, and… have the best skin of their lives! That's right. Chelsea always says, "I feel more confident now in my skin in my late thirties than I did in my twenties." That part. 🤏

For some women, those changes seem to happen overnight. I remember as I approached my thirties, for the first time in my entire life, I suddenly had deep, painful acne breakouts all around my chin that I had never had before! I was like, where the heck did this come from? Thankfully I figured it out... It was shortly after an extremely stressful season of life, and with that, I was indulging in foods I knew I was reactive to. Double whammy! I realized my body was beginning to change as I entered my thirties, and my skin could not tolerate as much as it could before. Also, this is my first year in the club. Thanks, glad to be here. Really though, I am!

It can feel like one day your skincare routine is great, like you're just living your life, and the next your skin suddenly feels drier, more sensitive, or doesn't seem to respond the same way it used to. Maybe a breakout leaves behind a mark that lingers for weeks instead of days. Perhaps the dark circles around your eyes seem a little more noticeable after a poor night's sleep, or your complexion begins looking slightly dull despite using the same products you've loved for years. The reality is that your skin is not suddenly "getting old" the second you turn thirty. Rather, it is entering a new season, and like every season of life, it may just need a little bit of a different approach!

The beauty industry has a habit of treating your thirties like some urgent countdown. You hit the ripe old age of thirty and it seems like suddenly the messaging changes to "this is the decade where they need to start fighting wrinkles, reversing damage, preventing aging, correcting imperfections, and investing in increasingly complicated skincare routines before it is TOO LATE, you old hag! SO, BUY OUR PRODUCT NOW". Oh, the horror!

Entire product lines are marketed around the fear of aging, as though a number could ever indicate the beginning of declining beauty. It is difficult to escape these messages because they are everywhere. Advertisements, influencers, and social media feeds constantly reinforce the idea that "youth" is the ultimate goal and that visible signs of aging need to be "fixed" as if they're some problem. We believe this mindset does women a HUGE disservice (at any age, really) because it uses fear tactics and lies to make women think they need some miracle product that they don't need, and that can't live up to their claims anyway. So yeah, your skin is not betraying you in your thirties, or forties, or really any age. It is simply following the natural biological design that every healthy human being experiences.

Collagen & Elastin

It helps to understand what is actually happening beneath the surface as you enter into your lioness era. Not going to get too scientific here but in a nutshell, collagen production gradually starts to slow in our mid to late twenties. Collagen is one of the primary structural proteins that gives skin its firmness, strength, and elasticity. While the decline is pretty small each year, it becomes more noticeable throughout our thirties because those gradual changes begin accumulating over time into visible changes. At the same time, elastin production also becomes less efficient. Elastin is what allows skin to stretch and then return to its original shape. These two proteins are responsible for much of the "youthful" resilience we associate with younger skin. As their production slowly decreases, skin often gets noticeably less firm, and I have even noticed this in my own skin and neck as of late. I am getting those lines by my ears because I think my cheek skin is getting gloriously "saggy". *Slays in sag. This process is not unique to women or caused by using the wrong moisturizer... it's just a part of life! What a blessing to make it to 30, right? Some of my friends didn't and I'd give anything to see the wrinkles and saggy cheek skin develop on their faces.

Cell Turnover

Another change occurring during this decade involves skin cell turnover. Fresh skin cells are produced and travel to the surface relatively quickly when we're younger. You know people say youngins have a "youthful glow"? It's probably just their dead skin cells turning over rapidly. The more you know. As we enter our thirties this renewal process gradually begins slowing down. Older skin cells remain on the surface a little longer than they once did, which can contribute to a complexion that appears duller. Skin may even feel rougher in certain areas, makeup and skincare may not apply as smoothly, and marks from acne or irritation may take longer to fade. Over the course of several years many women begin recognizing that their skin doesn't really recover as quickly as it once did. This slower renewal process is one of the primary reasons consistency with your skincare routine and even yearly or quarterly treatments becomes far more valuable than constantly switching products or chasing quick results.

Pregnancy & Post-Partum

The biological changes that naturally occur during our thirties are only one part of the story! This is also the decade when many women are becoming mothers, or on their second, third (or more) pregnancy and navigating post-partum in between. Pregnancy, postpartum recovery, breastfeeding, even fertility treatments, interrupted sleep, and the physical and emotional demands of raising young children can all influence the skin in crazy ways. Hormones fluctuate dramatically throughout each of these seasons and because the skin is so closely connected to our hormones and internal health, it often reflects those changes too.

During pregnancy, some women experience what has commonly become known as the "pregnancy glow," while others notice or feel the exact opposite. Increased breakouts, melasma, rosacea flares, dryness, sensitivity, or changes in pigmentation are all very common during this season of life. Of course, every woman's hormonal makeup is different which is why pregnancy can affect the skin so differently. After giving birth, estrogen and progesterone decline rapidly and you know very well that sleep often becomes fragmented. Then, stress naturally increases as you adjust to caring for a newborn and breastfeeding can dehydrate the body and therefor the skin. It's all, of course, so worth it. Not trying to point out all the negatives here, but just being real about how changes in the body can effect the skin. With this said, it is not uncommon for skin to feel a bit duller or more reactive in the months that follow. None of these changes mean your skin is "unhealthy". They simply reflect the tremendous work your body has been doing and indicate the skin may need a little extra support.

Postpartum is often one of the seasons where women are hardest on themselves! Speaking skin wise, it can be easy to compare your skin to how it looked before pregnancy while forgetting that your body has just accomplished something extraordinary and divine. Remember, your body is created to heal itself, and skin heals alongside the rest of you. During this season your skincare routine should be supportive. GENTLE cleansing, deep hydration, nourishing moisturizers, mineral sunscreen, gentle exfoliants, and... realistic expectations! Your skin needs TIME to repair, regulate, and get back to center as your body does as well.

Hormones

Even women who are not having children during their thirties can experience some pretty intense hormonal fluctuations related to chronic stress, demanding careers, thyroid changes, died and lifestyle catching up, etc. An important takeaway here is that your skin does not exist independently from the rest of your body. It responds to your hormones, your sleep, your NUTRITION (huge deal), your stress levels, medications, and even major life events. Looking at skincare through the lens of overall health rather than simply treating the surface often leads to a much healthier relationship with your skin over time. Personally, I cannot eat known allergens, not sleep well, skip meals, and be chronically stressed without it directly showing on my skin. In my twenties, no problem. In my thirties, absolutely not.

Exfoliation

As we learned so far in this email, cell turnover naturally slows during the thirties, so it can be tempting to compensate by exfoliating more in hopes of restoring that "youthful glow". Many of us were taught that if a little exfoliation was good, then more must be better. Physical scrubs, strong acids, exfoliating cleansers, retinol, peels, and resurfacing treatments have become increasingly popular for women in their twenties... often being layered together in the same routine. While exfoliation certainly has its place in a solid skincare routine, the goal should never be to remove as much skin as possible! The best kind of exfoliation supports the skin's natural renewal process. Over-exfoliation interrupts it and can creates big issues when the skin barrier becomes compromised. Healthy skin is not created through constant irritation.

Skin Treatments

Many women also begin certain facial treatments during this decade and there can be benefits when these treatments are approached carefully. Chemical peels may help improve the appearance of pigmentation or uneven texture when performed appropriately and at the correct frequency by a professional. There are also less aggressive, more holistic and naturally derived types of peels like enzyme or lactic acid peels that may be a much better idea for many skin types. Microneedling has become increasingly popular because it encourages the skin's natural wound-healing response which can stimulate collagen production over time, and this can be a compliment to your routine, when done by a professional alongside a solid skincare routine. Laser treatments may also be beneficial for concerns such as persistent pigmentation or uneven skin texture depending on your individual skin type and goals. These are just a couple common treatments that we think can work alongside your holistic routine, but with caution, proper planning, correct strength, and not overdone.

It is important to remember that none of these treatments are requirements for healthy skin. The skincare industry often presents professional procedures as though they are the inevitable next step once you reach some certain age. Healthy skin has existed long before lasers, injectables, or chemical peels were ever developed! Modern treatments can complement a healthy routine but they should never become a source of fear or pressure. Not to mention, they can cost a pretty penny.

Treatments We'd Skip (or at least think twice about!)
The goal is not to wage war against the natural process of growing older. It's to support a healthy skin barrier! Because of that, there are a few popular skincare treatments that we personally choose to skip or approach with great caution.

The first is the pursuit of aggressive treatments only for the sake of looking younger. We understand the temptation, but as you know the beauty industry is incredibly persuasive, and many procedures promise dramatic, immediate results. But at what cost? There is a difference between supporting healthy skin and trying to force it to behave like twenty-year-old skin with aggressive treatments. Our skin is intelligent and it WON'T be forced. You cannot turn the clock back on skin. It responds best to consistent nourishment and gentle support far more than it does to repeated treatments that are traumatic to the skin.

We also tend to be cautious with overly aggressive lasers and deep resurfacing treatments when they are performed primarily to erase every visible sign of aging. Many laser treatments have legitimate medical and cosmetic uses and we're not against all of them when done properly at at proper strength and frequency, but remember - they work by intentionally injuring the skin to stimulate repair. We don't believe every woman needs these procedures simply because she has reached a certain birthday. I have never had a professional treatment done, and I don't know if I ever will. I am just not that concerned about visible signs of natural and healthy aging, but I understand if some women choose to invest in them.

The same can be said for frequent, high-strength chemical peels. oh my word, for the love of all things holy, please proceed with caution. Gentle exfoliation absolutely has its place but repeatedly stripping away the skin's protective barrier in pursuit of smoother skin often creates more sensitivity, irritation, inflammation, hyperpigmentation, and even acne then women realize. Certain peels are NOT for everyone. Again, some peels may be able to address your skin concerns when done by a professional at the correct strength, and not overdone. Remember, healthy skin is not created by constantly forcing it to recover from injury. When it comes to chemical peels, less is more.

Another area where we encourage discernment is injectables. Botox®, fillers, and similar treatments have, unfortunately, become incredibly common. Our hesitation towards injectables comes from both the message they are often sold alongside and the toxins they contain. Too often, they reinforce the idea that normal facial movement, expression lines, or simply looking our age is somehow a flaw that needs correcting. Read here for more info on why we do not feel comfortable recommending injectables.

We also aren't fans of constantly layering strong active ingredients. Skin cycling, multiple acids, retinoids, exfoliating cleansers, vitamin C, benzoyl peroxide, and prescription treatments can have their place in a healthy routine, but not all at once and with proper planning and placement. I think social media has convinced many women that a complicated routine equals a better routine. Really it just leads women to have damaged skin barriers as the result of too many products being used at once. Want to learn about how we reccomend layering in actives in your holistic routine? Read here!

Red Light Therapy

One treatment that has received a lot of attention in recent years and one that we love is is red light therapy! Red light therapy is generally considered a gentle way of supporting the skin's natural processes at a deep cellular level, and it's more of a one time cost that goes a long way if you purchase the right red light tool. We actually have an entire dedicated blog about RLT, how to choose the right device, incorporating it into your skincare routine, the benefits, and more.

BLOG: All about Red Light Therapy

Facial Massage & Gua Sha

Gentle facial massage and gua sha are also wonderful practices that can easily become part of your routine during your thirties. While gua sha and facial massage are often marketed as anti-aging tools, but we like to use them for the deeper benefits they can provide. Many of us carry far more stress in our facial muscles than we realize! Taking even a few minutes to slow down and intentionally care for your skin can become a meaningful part of your day. As you may have guessed it, we have an entire blog with a full gua sha routine.

BLOG: Full Gua Sha Routine

Sun Protection

One of the most freeing skin revelations we've had in our thirties arounds here is that the sun is to be respected, not feared! As you have probably noticed, the conversation around sun exposure has become unnecessarily polarized in the skincare world. On one side, you'll hear that you should never let a single ray of sunshine touch your skin lest you develop wrinkles and skin cancer. On the other, you'll hear that sunscreen is never necessary. We don't believe either extreme serves women particularly well.

Sunlight is one of God's gifts to us and life giving, literally. Heck, sometimes we even stare into the sun. Feels like we are getting solar charged! It plays an important role in vitamin D production, circadian rhythm, mood, and overall health. Spending intentional time outdoors in the sun, especially during times of the day when UV levels are lower, can be incredibly beneficial! At the same time, repeated sunburns and excessive UV exposure are well-established contributors to faster skin changes and skin damage. Both of these things can be true.

Rather than approaching the sun from a place of fear, we encourage approaching it with wisdom and respect. There are plenty of days when we spend much of our time indoors or only step outside briefly, and we personally don't feel the need to apply or constantly reapply sunscreen simply because we walked to the mailbox or drove to the grocery store. On other days, when we're gardening for hours during the highest UV index of the day, spending the afternoon at the lake with the sun beating down on us and reflecting back off the water, hiking all day, swimming, playing sports, or simply outdoors for extended periods during peak UV hours, we're much more intentional about applying and reapplying our mineral SPF throughout the day.

The amount of protection your skin needs depends on your activity, the UV index, the length of time you'll be outside, your base tan, the diet you eat (yes, your diet influences how well your skin can tolerate the sun), and your individual skin type. It's not a one-size-fits-all kind of thing. We have LOTS of SPF resources on the blog. It's actually one of the topics we cover most at SBA, and for good reason. Here's a few notable ones below:

Lifestyle: Nutrition, Sleep, & Stress

It is impossible to discuss healthy skin during your thirties without talking about your lifestyle, is important as skincare products and treatments can be, they are not "enough" for balanced and healthy skin. This is often one of the most demanding and busiest decades of a woman's life. The career demands do not stop, the needs of your family increases as children are born and growing, responsibilities multiply, and finding time to care for ourselves can seem impossible. As you know, the skin notices these changes just as much as we do!

Sleep, for example, becomes increasingly valuable. We like to say it's your skins most important skincare treatment. And it really is! The body carries out countless repair processes that influence everything from hormone regulation to immune function and skin recovery during sleep. Consistently poor sleep has been associated with absolutely no positive health outcomes, including with your skin. I know, some seasons you cannot avoid the sleepless nights. We get it. But when you can grab some extra sleep, DO IT! Whenever, wherever, however. Restorative sleep whenever possible is one of the kindest things you can do for both your skin and your overall health. The IG scroll session can wait... do not meaningless things rob you from sleep. Also, yes, we also have a blog all about what exactly happens to your skin when you sleep, and when you don't.

BLOG: Sleep is your skins most important treatment

Nutrition also continues playing an important role throughout this decade. This is pretty darn high up there on the list of how to keep your skin thriving in your thirties. A well-balanced diet rich in protein, healthy fats, colorful fruits and vegetables, and essential vitamins and minerals provides the building blocks your skin needs to continually repair and renew itself from the inside out. Annnnnd, yes. Here is the blog all about how to "eat your skincare" and what we eat for healthy, balanced skin (and bodies!)

BLOG: How to "eat your skincare"

Stress is another factor that deserves far more attention than it often receives. Chronic stress influences cortisol production, sleep quality, inflammation, wound healing, and hormonal balance, adrenals, all of which usually become visible within the skin sooner than later. This statement is very true for me - many women notice increased breakouts, eczema flares, rosacea, or heightened sensitivity during particularly stressful seasons of life. While eliminating stress entirely is impossible, and all stress isn't inherently "bad", isn't it insane how our skin can be effected by the stress we think about and that can eventually manifest in the body? Healthy skin is deeply connected to the health of our mind, thoughts, and entire body. Remember, it's all one ECOSYSTEM.

Reframing What Healthy Skin Is

Perhaps one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself during your thirties is permission to accept that changing skin does not mean "unhealthy" skin. Healthy skin is not poreless, spotless, perfectly smooth, unchanged, etc. Healthy skin has texture, expression lines and wrinkles from years of smiling, laughing, concentrating, and living. It may have hyperpigmentation from genetic and pregnancy, scars from acne or those reckless teenage years. You get the point! Healthy skin includes evidence that you have lived and are living. It's all simply a part of being a living, breathing, HUMAN.

As your skin matures we think it's best that our approach to caring for it can mature as well. Maybe instead of constantly asking how to make your skin look younger, perhaps a better question becomes, "How can I best support the skin I have today?"

As you know here at SBA, we believe skincare should evolve alongside every season of life. The products, routines, and habits that served your skin in your twenties may not be exactly what it needs during your thirties! And that is simply life. Supporting healthy collagen by eating nourishing foods, protecting the skin barrier, staying consistent with hydration, wearing mineral sunscreen, prioritizing sleep, and choosing gentle treatments when appropriate all become valuable ways of caring for your skin without becoming consumed by it.

Most importantly, we hope you remember that healthy skin in your thirties is not supposed to look twenty. It is supposed to look like healthy skin that has lived, learned, laughed, weathered challenges, perhaps grown a family... Whatever your skin looks like in your 30s is what 30 year old skin looks like. In reality, there is no one metric of what it is supposed to look like, so don't like the fear-mongering, greedy, skincare industry fool you. Until more recent history, aging has never been something to fear, but rather to honor. And once again, we have a blog all about pushing back on western beauty ideals and where the pressures came from in the first place. It's an interesting read.

BLOG: Pushing back on western beauty standards

On the journey with you,

Brier