When I was 19, following my intuition to leave college after graduating with my AA and attend esthetician school at Acaydia: School of Aesthetics was a risky decision at the time. Now that I’m 30, flirty, and thriving, I can positively say this was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I'm so grateful I listened to my soul's whispers.
I vividly remember walking around campus thinking, "I'm not meant to be here. But, where am I meant to be?" Little did I know, the word "esthetician" would soon be introduced to me by my aunt and the floodgates to my future were opened. My pursuits of skin care and wellness have only continued to evolve, as I evolve. Because of my education in skin care and spirituality, I’ve practiced holistic prevention and maintenance methods to maintain healthy skin throughout my 20s. I've also shared these methods with others to help them maintain healthy skin - no matter their age.
To age gracefully and nurture myself with the TLC I deserve, I plan to continue implementing these practices throughout my next decade and beyond. Without my background in beauty and wellness, I honestly have no clue where I'd be, or what my skin would look like. Read on to learn more about my relationship with skin care, and what I, as a licensed esthetician since 2013, recommend for glowing skin in your 30s!
Positive Self-Talk, Happy Skin:
How you talk to yourself and how you think about yourself is the bread and butter of skin care. When I spot a new wrinkle, sun spot, scar, etc. on my face, I aim to send it love, thank it for its wisdom, and accept it as part of my evolving beauty.
Negative self-talk is unwelcome in that noodle of yours!
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.
Because of this universal law, I choose to reframe any negative beliefs regarding aging skin and set myself free with self-acceptance. For example, I'll reframe the negative belief, "I feel judged because I'm getting older" to a positive belief, "I feel admired because I'm getting older."
You can make the same choice. This goes for reframing negative beliefs in any area of your life as well. The power is yours!
The Law of Assumption can additionally come into play with skin care, as this law states that if you assume something to be true, it will be your reality. Like the Law of Attraction, if you believe positive thoughts, you will attract a positive reality.
For instance, instead of assuming "I'm going to age like spoiled milk," assume what you desire, "I'm going to age like fine wine!" Hence, thinking good thoughts and assuming good beliefs will yield good results. If anything, it doesn't hurt, or take a lot of effort, to think positively. There are many other factors involved in skin health (genetics, diet, lifestyle, etc.), but the ideas that beliefs can affect skin health are from an energetic standpoint.
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.
And for someone who struggles with severe OCD and repetitive intrusive thoughts (thoughts you don't want that are out of your control), here's a reminder that your intrusive thoughts don't manifest.
Do your best to redirect intrusive thoughts, but give yourself grace when you can't seem to tame them. Focus on what you can control outside of your mind, like breathing exercises, moving your body, or journaling.
Take back your power in the present moment. Remind yourself that even when you feel defeated, you're trying to stay positive and that's all that matters!
Repeat these affirmations to reprogram your mind with positive self-talk:
I choose to radiate love and positivity from within, allowing my skin to glow with health and vitality.
I'm 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 don't worry what others think about my skin. I love all of me. I'm thankful for beautiful, healthy, and glowing skin. When I see myself, I'm in awe at how amazing my skin looks. I'm confident in my skin. People compliment me on my skin all the time.
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:
The simplest, yet most effective ways to upkeep youthful skin is hydration. Water is your skin’s number one fan; preserving plumpness and elasticity (stretchiness of the skin) while preventing dehydration. As a matter of fact, those fine lines you see are likely not fine lines at all, but a sign of dehydrated skin. After a night out and one too many Dr Peppers, I barely recognize my skin. As a saving grace to us all, you'd be amazed at what some moisturizer and water will do. Moisturizers come in all shapes and sizes. Finding one that jives with your skin is an integral step in every skin care routine.
The different types of moisturizers include emollients (they keep your skin smooth and soft,) occlusives (they protect your skin's moisture from escaping,) and humectants (they pull moisture into your skin.)
Select a moisturizer that best suits your skin type. Thankfully, most skin care brands label and formulate their moisturizers according to each skin type, so the legwork is done on your end. Dry Skin: Needs all the moisture it can get! Go for a combo of emollients, occlusives, and humectants. Think creams with hyaluronic acid, shea butter, or jojoba oil.
Personally, I have dry skin and load up with a creamy moisturizer, followed by a facial oil. I switch out what oils I use to expose my skin to a variety of ingredients. If I'm applying makeup, I go easy on the facial oil to prevent my makeup from separating.
Oily Skin: Light, non-greasy is the way to go. Look for humectants like aloe vera and lightweight emollients like squalane. Gel-based moisturizers are your good ole' pals.
Just to clear up a skin care myth, facial oils aren't off limits for oily skin types, so long as they're non-comedogenic (doesn't clog pores) and used correctly. Combination Skin: A bit of everything. You might need to use different moisturizers on different areas of your face. Light humectants and emollients are key.
Sensitive Skin: Gentle and soothing. Stick with emollients like ceramides and occlusives like beeswax, dodging fragrances or irritants at all costs. Moreover, 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 and 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.
Do I need to break out the scary before and after photos of sun damage?
I didn't think so. 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. In the house, in your car, at work... you're not safe from the sun unless you're literally in a windowless room or it's nighttime.
Hard truth, but it needs to be heard. There's no messing around when it comes to SPF.
Being proactive with a consistent sunscreen regimen will really pay off in the long run. Apply a broad-spectrum (protection against both UVA and UVB rays) sunscreen on the daily and thank me later. There's a lot of hype that sunscreen is bad for you and does more harm than good, however there's no solid evidence or research that supports these claims.
Actually, the evidence and research is quite the contrary, showing that sunscreen prevents aging, and of course, minimizes the risk of skin cancer. If you're concerned with the chemicals in sunscreens, which I completely get, opt for a physical, or mineral, sunscreens. Just beware they leave a white cast on the skin and are frequently thicker than chemical sunscreens. On the plus side, they start working immediately. And pinky promise you'll reapply every 90 minutes if you're outside?
Cleanser, Cleanser on the Shelf:
Cleansing is an important part of any skin care routine, if not the most important part in my opinion. It's the foundation, after all! Getting this step right will save you a lot of trouble.
Pick a mild, hydrating cleanser to remove dirt, makeup, and impurities, without stripping your skin's natural oils and disrupting your skin’s barrier (outermost layer of your skin). Your natural skin barrier should be treated with the utmost care. It's a precious thing.
If you make the mistake of using a harsh cleanser, your skin will most likely pay the price. A ton of skin 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 routine. 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 settle on, stick with this schedule to keep your skin looking and feeling so fresh and so clean, clean. Every now and then, you just gotta go back to the basics. Check out my favorite cleanser!
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.
Physical Exfoliants: Tiny particles are used to slough off dead skin cells manually. Picture face and body scrubs with sugar, salt, coffee grounds, etc.
Chemical Exfoliants: Acids and enzymes are used to dissolve dead skin cells. Popular ones include glycolic acid, lactic acid, papaya enzymes, and pineapple enzymes.
Set aside a little extra time to exfoliate 2-3 times a week. Avoid exfoliating multiple nights in row, or exfoliating with multiple exfoliants in one session. You'll find your own groove.
Give your skin the support it needs to regenerate itself, but don’t over do it. Too much of a good thing can indeed be a bad thing.
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!
Antioxidants are like bodyguards for your skin. These little warriors have a big job of fighting off free radicals: the lousy scoundrels that can accelerate skin aging. Integrating antioxidants into your skin care routine helps:
protect your skin from aging and environmental stressors, such as UV rays and pollution,
brighten your skin and even out skin tone,
and reduce inflammation within the skin, easing redness and irritation.
Invest in skin care solutions that contain antioxidant ingredients including vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin A, green tea extract, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, etc.
It also doesn’t hurt to add fruits and veggies (naturally full of antioxidants) in your diet. Research shows that eating your antioxidants can benefit the skin by reducing aging, lessening sunburns, and improving hyperpigmentation. Your skin will love the double dose.
The Magic of Vitamin A:
Vitamin A is another secret weapon to fight against aging skin. This powerhouse of an active ingredient consists of varying derivatives.
From weakest to strongest, below are vitamin A's derivatives:
Retinyl Palmitate: The gentlest of them all. Gentle, but mighty! Ideal for beginners and those with sensitive skin.
Beta-Carotene: Converted by the body into active vitamin A. The best option for maintaining overall skin health. Suitable for all skin types.
Retinol: Over-the-counter staple for anti-aging and acne. Good for normal, combination, and oily skin.
Retinal (Retinaldehyde): More potent than retinol. Fitting for those wanting quicker results without prescription strength. Works well with normal and combination skin.
Retinoic Acid (Tretinoin): Prescription-strength, the strongest form. A conventional option for severe acne or significant aging concerns. Only advised for experienced skin care users.
Each derivative positively impact the skins' structure by promoting collagen (building blocks of the skin) production, increasing cell turnover, neutralizing free radicals, and more. In other words, vitamin A reverses aging, reduces hyperpigmentation, clears acne, and the list keeps going. Talk about a cocktail of benefits. A huge seller in the industry, vitamin A formulations can be bought from retailers, over-the-counter, or prescribed. The recurrent and educated 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. When used improperly, vitamin A can wreak havoc on the skin. When used properly though, it can work like magic. Whatever vitamin A product you decide on with your skin type in mind, don't forget you only need to use a pea-size amount on your entire face. If you extend it to your neck and décolleté, use only a pea-size amount on each of these areas as well. You can apply vitamin A products around your eyes, but proceed with caution. Gradually get your eye area used to the product. Your delicate eye skin can only handle so much.
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, lightweight skin care products packed with potent ingredients. Depending on your skin concerns, what type of serum(s) you use will vary. Well-known serum ingredients include: Peptides: Peptides signal your skin to boost collagen production, leading to firmer skin. AHAs/BHAs: Alpha hydroxy acids (like glycolic acid) and beta hydroxy acids (like salicylic acid) chemically exfoliate your skin. AHAs = water-soluble, meaning they target the skin's surface. BHAs = soluble, meaning they go deeper into the pores. They're wonderful for texture, acne, and brightening. Antioxidants: Antioxidants are free radical fighters that protect your skin, boost its radiance, and slow down aging. Ceramides: Ceramides strengthen your skin's barrier, keeping moisture in and irritants out. They make your skin more resilient and hydrated. Stem Cells: Plant-derived stem cells assist with skin cell regeneration, promoting healing and rejuvenation. Serums are easily and deeply absorbed into the skin. When applying your skin care products from thinnest to thickest, you'll want to apply your serum after cleansing and toning, but before moisturizing. If you have more than one serum, apply the serums strategically, by adhering to the thinnest to thickest rule. For instance, begin with the water-based serums first, follow with oil-based serums, and end with oils and creams. Applying serums may not seem like it has that much power to enhance your skin, but it can pack a punch! Really want your serums to pack a punch? Try dermarolling before you apply your skin care products for the evening. Learn more about it and my take on things here.
Use Your Intuition in the Kitchen:
What you eat can show up on your skin. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats can do wonders not only for your entire body, but 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! When you continuously don't allow yourself foods you enjoy, you're choosing a path of resistance, which creates an energy blockage, or inner conflict.
When you allow yourself to enjoy the foods you enjoy in moderation, you're choosing a path of least resistance, which creates a flow state, or inner peace. (Which, isn't inner peace always the goal, anyway?)
In turn, your body is more in alignment with itself and in synch with its natural rhythms. You'll be less stressed, and your skin will be too; yielding gorgeous, healthy skin. Sustainable wellness comes from harmony, not extreme restriction.
Exercise, schexercise?
Moving our bodies shouldn't feel like a chore, but sometimes, it be like that.
Exercising has been shown to keep us youthful and benefit our skin.
Exercising:
Corresponding to intuitive eating, I'm a firm believer in intuitive exercising. Have fun moving your body and try switching things up. For example, going to the gym day after day can become so mundane. In lieu, spice it up with hot girl walks, yoga flows, dance parties, active classes/lessons, swimming, sports leagues, music festivals, rollerskating, etc.
The intention is to enjoy it; therefore, choosing the path of least resistance, creating a flow state, promoting inner peace, and this harmony being reflective in your mind, body, spirit, and skin. Give yourself credit where credit is due too. If you've spent the day at a theme park, track those steps. If you've wrangled your pets or kids all day, count those calories burned. If you've cleaned your house from top to bottom, consider it a full-body workout. You're probably a lot more active than you think: and all that movement makes a difference. You're killing it and you don't even know it.
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. To make the most of your snooze time, wear Frownies to bed and wake up with tight skin and a smooth forehead. You'll be wowed at how these small patches create a caste on the skin to relax the muscles, prevent movement, and decrease visible fine lines and wrinkles.
Like getting an overnight BOTOX® treatment, Frownies are an effective and affordable alternative invasive skin care therapies. They also come in handy before a big event, or just when you need an extra boost. With persistent use over time, the results get even better. Use my code (MERMAIDINTUITION) for 10% off your next order, or if you wanna try Frownies for the first time!
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. Believe it or not, smiling alone has been shown to reduce stress and aid with stress recovery! If you're thinking, "Can I get wrinkles from smiling too much?" I'm gonna hold your hand when I say this, but you've missed the point, my dear.
Avoiding smiles to prevent wrinkles will only make you less happy and more stressed, leading to worse skin. Embrace those smile lines, knowing that happiness and low stress will make your skin radiant. When in doubt, always choose the path of least resistance (AKA inner peace.)
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 and a glowing, happy you.
Connect with Nature & Science:
Nature is brimming with skin-loving ingredients, 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.
When I'm speaking of natural ingredients, I'm referring to ingredients loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, etc. When I'm speaking of synthetic ingredients, I'm referring to ingredients that are stable, precisely dosed, and scientifically tested for efficacy.
I understand and respect the girlies who are 100% natural (I've been there myself), but after my experiences and what I've learned, I believe that a genuine, holistic approach to skin care includes a mix of natural and synthetic ingredients, backed by education, science, research, and of course the woo-woo; energy work and spiritual practices. Not all natural ingredients react well to the skin, as not all synthetic ingredients are toxic. Just because a product claims to be natural, doesn't mean it is. Likewise, just because a formulated product claims to be properly tested and stable, it isn't always.
Educate yourself and do your research before trying out a skin care product to know what you’re getting yourself into. Know the facts before wasting your money and harming your skin.
Regarding natural vs. synthetic skin care procedures, methods, treatments, and therapies, I feel the same way - finding a balance between the two will help your skin thrive.
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!
My Wish To You:
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.
It may feel like there's a lot to know and do to maintain healthy skin, but it really boils down to:
making intuitive, educated choices,
focusing on what you can control,
surrendering to what you can't control,
achieving balance in life,
and loving yourself.
Let’s raise a glass to glowing in your 30s: naturally, authentically, and with total confidence. Cheers!
xo, SK <3
