In your 30s, skin starts to show it—fine lines, fading glow, stubborn dark circles. A quick rinse and random moisturizer won’t cut it anymore, but the fix isn’t complicated. We asked top dermatologists what really works for men at this stage.
Why Your Skin Looks Different Now
“As the body ages, your skin also undergoes changes at both visible and cellular levels,” says Alexandra Mills, skincare expert at AM Aesthetics. Slower turnover and less oil mean fragility and dryness. Her takeaway: “You’ll need to begin moisturizing more.”
Dermatologist Dr. Mia Jing Gao adds, “Age spots may develop, and the skin’s ability to heal slows down,” leaving it “more susceptible to damage and infections.” Shifts in circulation and fat distribution, she notes, “lead to a duller complexion, altered contours, and reduced elasticity.”
The good news: with the right skincare routine, you can counter most of these changes. Here are some key steps to start.
The Six Skincare Rules For Your 30s
#1 : Use Daily SPF
Yes, that big ball of fire in the sky can give you a sweet tan. But it also emits skin-damaging UV rays. So, start adding sunscreen into your routine—rain or shine.
“Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every day,” says Gao. “This is crucial.”
Jack Black
Double Duty Face Moisturizer SPF 20 Sunscreen
Jack Black is one of the best names in affordable men’s grooming, and this dual-purpose moisturizer is no exception.
Your 30s call for more antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Supplementing with vitamin C, vitamin E, and omega-3 fatty acids helps skin repair and reduces inflammation.
“You may want to consider peptides to help skin stay firm,” says Mills. “As we produce less collagen with age, supplements can lend a hand as well. Oral collagen has been shown to improve skin elasticity, turgor, hydration, and reduce wrinkling and roughness.
Nutricost
Omega 3 Fish Oil
#3: Apply a Retinoid
Retinoid is an umbrella term for a group of compounds derived from vitamin A, including retinol and retinal. Basically: it promotes cell turnover and can aid in reversing skin damage, which helps halt signs of premature aging (it’s also often used to treat acne).
“Retinoids can significantly reduce wrinkles and fine lines,” says Gao. “If you’re thinking of trying it, I would recommend beginning with a lower concentration to assess your skin tolerance.” And, of course, speak to a healthcare professional for more advice.
Kiehl’s
Daily Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Facial Serum
#4: Look Out for Your Eyes
One telltale sign of growing older is crow’s feet—the fine lines that radiate outward from the corners of your eyes, typically caused by repeated facial movements and the natural loss of collagen and elasticity.
“Don’t forget the eyes,” says Mills, noting that it is especially sensitive and prone to dryness. “Protecting this area with a well-formulated eye cream is essential.”
Augustinus Bader
The Rich Eye Cream
#5: Stay Fit and Stop Smoking
Consistent exercise boosts circulation, immunity, and skin radiance. You don’t need a marathon—stretches or steady movement every morning can help. If you smoke, quitting is essential; it accelerates aging.
“Even if you’ve got a six-pack abs but you enjoy a smoke every now and again, this will rapidly accelerate the aging process,” says Gao. “So quitting is crucial.”