Thirties are nothing like your twenties; it’s a decade to hit pause on experimenting with skincare and commit to a routine. Because by the time you hit 30, your skin’s collagen production slows, sun damage starts to show, and signs of anti-ageing creep in. With a focused, no-fuss addition to your daily skincare routine, you can slow down visible ageing and keep your hair, skin, and eyes looking their best for years.

Morning Routine

1. Gentle Cleanser

Forget harsh scrubs. At 30, your skin needs balance, not sudden barrier attack. A mild gel or cream cleanser removes oil and sweat without stripping natural moisture. Also, make sure to keep your skin type and concern in mind before deciding on the product. Look for specific ingredients if you have acne, pigmentation, uneven skin tone etc

2. Antioxidant Serum (Vitamin C)

A few drops in the morning protect your skin from pollution and UV damage while brightening your tone. It’s one of the best defenses against the dullness that creeps in during this decade. While vitamin C is good for everyone, you can skip this if you have sensitive or dry skin and don’t have dark spots as your concern.

3. Lightweight Moisturiser

Hydration keeps skin firm and resilient. Look for formulas with hyaluronic acid or ceramides that strengthen your skin barrier and lock in moisture.

4. Sunscreen, Every Single Day

This is non-negotiable. A broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher prevents sunspots, and wrinkles. Chemical or mineral, the best sunscreen is the one you’ll wear daily.

Evening Routine

1. Cleanser again

Wash away the day: sweat, sunscreen, and pollution.

2. Retinoid or Retinol

This is the gold standard anti-aging ingredient. Retinoids speed up cell turnover, smooth fine lines, and encourage collagen production. Start slow — two or three nights a week — then build up as your skin adjusts.

3. Moisturiser

You don’t need a night cream separately unless you want one. The same moisturiser you used in the morning also works. If retinol leaves you dry, layer moisturiser first and make a skincare sandwich.

Add-Ons

• Eye Cream/Serum: If puffiness or dark circles are an issue, try one with caffeine or peptides.

• Niacinamide Serum: A great option for oily or acne-prone skin, as it regulates oil and shrinks the look of pores.

• Exfoliant (AHA or BHA): Once or twice a week for smoother skin but don’t use it on the same nights as retinol.

• Hyaluronic Acid: If your skin feels dehydrated, a HA serum under moisturiser adds an instant hydration boost.