30-Year-Old Skincare Routine: Expert Tips from an Esthetician
At 31, I’ve learned that skincare is less about chasing trends and more about what actually works. As a licensed esthetician, I’ve spent years figuring out the routine that keeps my skin feeling fresh, glowing, and healthy every day. Let’s get into it!
Morning Routine (depuff + sculpt + protect)
1. Gentle cleanse
Refresh without stripping. Always bring cleanser down the neck.
2. Ice globes
Use immediately after cleansing
Depuffs, calms redness, boosts circulation
Great after late nights, travel, workouts
3. Gua sha
Focus on lymphatic drainage, jaw tension, cheekbones
3–5 minutes max
Extend to neck if time allows
4. Antioxidant serum (Vitamin C)
Brightens, evens tone, protects against environmental stress.
5. Moisturizer
Lightweight, barrier-supporting. Face, neck, chest.
6. SPF 30+ (non-negotiable)
Face, neck, chest, hands — daily.
7. Lip balm with hydration (and SPF if possible)
Low effort, high payoff.
Night Routine (deep cleanse + repair + collagen support)
1. Micellar water (first cleanse)
Removes makeup, SPF, surface debris. Be gentle around eyes.
2. Oil or balm cleanser (second cleanse)
Breaks down remaining makeup and sunscreen. Massage onto dry skin.
3. Gentle water-based cleanser (third cleanse)
Leaves skin clean and prepped without tightness.
Clean, dry skin
3–5x per week
Use on face, neck, chest
Supports collagen, reduces inflammation, improves tone
5. Treatment step (rotate nights)
Retinol: 2 nights per week (get a retinol from your dermatologist)
Exfoliating acid or Enzyme Treatnment 1–2 nights a week (enzymatic / PHA‑based exfoliants, or glycolic, lactic, salicylic)
Not on the same night.
6. Hydrating serum
Hyaluronic acid, peptides, or niacinamide to calm and replenish.
7. Barrier-repair cream or serum (on off-nights)
Focus on products that have ceramides.
Especially after exfoliation, dermaplaning, travel, or when skin feels compromised.
8. Moisturizer
Always end with a moisturizer. At night use a slightly richer formula than morning to lock everything in.
9. Eye cream (optional)
Hydration-focused.
10. Lip mask or thick balm
Nighttime repair step.
11. Spot treatment (only if needed)
Target blemishes individually — don’t over-treat.
Weekly Extras
Hydrating mask — 1–2x per week
Best after exfoliation or on non-retinol nights.
Gentle lip exfoliation — 1x per week
Follow with lip mask or balm.
Professional Maintenance (the long game)
Professional facials — every other month
Focus on hydration, gentle exfoliation, extractions (if needed), LED, barrier repair.
Dermaplaning — every 6–8 weeks
Smooths texture, enhances product absorption, elevates makeup application.
Follow with hydration and diligent SPF.
Ready to refresh your routine? Shop my esthetician approved favorites below!
