Following my intuition to leave Florida State University after receiving my AA and attend esthetician school at Acaydia: School of Aesthetics at 19 was a risky decision at the time, but I’m so grateful I listened to my soul’s whispers. Now that I’m 30, flirty, and thriving, I can positively say this was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Because of my education in skin care and spiritual healing, I’ve practiced holistic prevention and maintenance methods to maintain healthy skin throughout my 20s, as well as helped countless others maintain healthy skin (and love the skin they’re in!) These practices I’ll continue with in my 30s to age gracefully and nurture myself with loving care. When I look at myself and see a new wrinkle on my face, I aim to send it love, thank it for its wisdom, and accept it as part of my evolving beauty.
I choose to reframe any negative beliefs regarding aging skin and set myself free with self-acceptance. A belief is a thought we keep on thinking, and our thoughts hold the power to transform energy. Therefore, when we have positive thoughts about our skin, we invite the energy of health and radiance.
On the other hand, negative thoughts can attract the energy of concerns and issues. This is the basis of the Law of Attraction – like energy attracts like energy. There are many other factors involved in skin health (genetics, diet, lifestyle, etc.,) but this is the energetic standpoint; and while many other factors are out of your control, you can control what thoughts you choose to focus on.
Choose the good ones: your skin cells are listening!
I choose to radiate love and positivity from within, allowing my skin to glow with health and vitality.
I am grateful for my body's ability to renew and heal. My skin is regenerating and becoming more youthful every day.
I honor and embrace the uniqueness of my skin. Each mark tells a story of my journey, and I choose to love and accept myself completely.
I release all negative judgments and criticisms I hold about my skin. I replace them with loving thoughts and beliefs that promote its natural beauty and resilience. I cherish my skin as a precious gift, and I treat it with kindness, gratitude, and the best care it deserves.
So, other than keeping your headspace is the right place, what are the best skin care practices to continue with or implement in your 30s?
Besides your thoughts, you can also control how you approach skin care.
Let’s get on with it!
Hydration, Hydration, Hydration:
One of the simplest, yet most effective ways to maintain youthful skin is hydration. Water is your skin’s number one fan, preserving its plumpness and elasticity. Research shows that drinking even just 2 cups of water increase blood flow to the skin, which contributes to healthier, vibrant skin.
Drinking enough water throughout the day not only benefits your skin, but your overall health. If you're thirsty, your skin likely is too!
Sunscreen — Your BFF Forever:
If there's one product you should swear allegiance to, it's sunscreen. It's the ultimate shield against premature aging and uneven skin tones. UV rays are a major culprit in causing fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and loss of elasticity. We know this, but forget how much its impacting us because it falls into the background and we forget.
Like we aren’t constantly aware that we’re taking breaths, we aren’t constantly aware that the sun is damaging our skin. Being proactive with a consistent sunscreen regimen will really pay off in the long run. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen on the daily and thank me later!
Cleanse Gently and Daily:
Cleansing is an important part of any skin care routine, if not the most important part in my opinion. It is the foundation after all!
Opt for a mild, hydrating cleanser to remove dirt, makeup, and impurities without stripping your skin's natural oils and disrupting your skin’s barrier. Your natural skin barrier should be treated with utmost care!
A plethora of skin care issues can result from an irritated skin barrier, such as inflammation, dryness, sensitivity, and aging. Using a cleanser that repairs and protects you skin’s barrier is crucial for a successful skin care regimen! Commit to a cleansing schedule that works best for you. Some people like to cleanse in the morning and evening, while some people like to only double cleanse at the end of the day. Whatever you choose, stick with this schedule to keep your skin looking and feeling so fresh and so clean, clean! Check out my favorite cleanser here!
Exfoliate Wisely:
Hate to be the bearer of bad news, but as you age, your skin's natural exfoliation process, or cell turnover rate, slows down. To combat dullness and keep your skin looking bright, regularly exfoliate your skin with both physical and chemical exfoliants.
This helps give your skin the boost it needs to replenish itself with new, healthy skin cells.
Set aside a little extra time in the bathroom to exfoliate 2-3 times a week. Avoid exfoliating multiple nights in row, or exfoliating with multiple exfoliants in one session, as this can cause more harm than good.
Give your skin the support it needs to regenerate itself, but don’t over do it!
Antioxidants for the Win:
I guarantee you already have antioxidants in your skin care lineup, but if you don’t, it’s better late than never… introduce them now! These little warriors have a big job of fighting off free radicals: the lousy scoundrels that can accelerate skin aging. Invest in skin care products that contain antioxidant ingredients including vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin A (retinol,) green tea extract, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, etc.
It also doesn’t hurt to include fruits and veggies (naturally full of antioxidants) in your diet. Your skin will love the double dose!
The Magic of Retinoids (especially skin care in your 30s!)
Retinoids are another secret weapon to fight against aging skin. These vitamin A derivative positively impacts the skins structure by promoting collagen production, increasing cell turnover, neutralizing free radicals, and more.
What does all of that do? Reverses aging, reduces hyperpigmentation, and clears acne! Talk about a cocktail of benefits. A huge seller in the industry, retinoid products can be bought over-the-counter, or prescribed. The consistent use of these products leads to firmer, smoother skin. Be sure to start with a lower concentration and work your way to up a higher concentration, as retinoids can be intense for some skin types.
Stay Natural with Serums:
If you’re wanting ward of the signs of aging without going under the needle or receiving harsh skin care treatments that requires recovery time, serums are your best bet! Known by some as “Botox in a bottle,” serums are highly concentrated skin care products packed with potent ingredients. Depending on your skin concerns, what type of serum(s) you use will vary. These lightweight products are easily and deeply absorbed into the skin. Applying a serum may not seem like it has that much power to enhance your skin, but it can pack a punch!
Healthy Diet, Healthy Skin:
What you eat can show up on your skin. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats can do wonders for your complexion and skin health. Adding nutritious foods to your plate will keep your skin healthy and glowing, but this doesn’t mean you have to cut yourself off from the foods you love! Practice balance with your diet and intuitive eating.
For instance, if you eat fast food for lunch during the day, eat a healthy dinner.
Or, if you treat yourself to a dessert as a late night snack, make an effort to incorporate a healthy breakfast. Listen to your body; it knows best!
Beauty Sleep isn’t for the Weak:
They don't call it "beauty sleep" for nothing! Everyone’s different, but shoot for at least 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Without this, your skin will show visible signs of aging and negatively affect your skin’s functionality. While you sleep, your body may be at rest, but it's still hard at work. Your skin, the largest organ in your body, takes this opportunity to heal and revitalize itself.
When there’s less time for this opportunity, your body has more difficulty sustaining healthy, radiant skin. Give it the chance to recharge itself by getting lots of sleep!
Get Your Smile On:
Skin care and stress are two words that shouldn’t even be in the same sentence! Stress can speed up the aging process, so it's vital to take charge of managing your stress and keeping it under wraps.
Smile big (and often,) hang with loved ones, engage in activities that bring you joy; do whatever is it is that makes you happy.
A low-stress life creates the optimal environment for glowing, happy skin!
Connect with Nature & Science:
Nature is brimming with skin-loving ingredient, and so are scientific labs. Consider incorporating a balance of natural and synthetic skin care products and ingredients into your skin care routine for well-rounded approach to skin care. Not all natural ingredients react well to the skin, as not all synthetic ingredients are toxic.
Always educate yourself before trying out a skin care product to know what you’re getting yourself into before its too late! If you’re feeling overwhelmed or confused, consult a skin care professional (like myself!) We’ll guide you in the right direction.
Your skin’s health relies a lot on your informed choices. Choose wisely!
As you embark on this wonderful journey through your 30s, remember that skin care is a marathon, not a sprint. Be patient, stay consistent, and enjoy the ride.
Let’s raise a glass to glowing in your 30s: naturally, authentically, and with total confidence. Cheers!
xo, SK <3
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