Skin looks tired at 30: where should you start?

Skin that starts to look tired in your 30s, and fine lines around the eyes, come from natural ageing plus years of accumulated sun. Start with SPF 30+ sunscreen every day, gentle cleansing morning and night, a daily moisturiser, sunglasses instead of squinting, not smoking and enough sleep.

Why does skin start to look tired and dull at 30?

Tired-looking skin rarely has one cause. It is the sum of natural changes, sunlight and everyday habits, and the pace differs from person to person.

Natural changes with age

As we get older, cell turnover slows, collagen and elastin decrease and skin holds less water. Skin also produces fewer lipids, so it dries more easily. These changes are a natural part of how the body works.

Accumulated sun

The most important external factor is ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight. UV causes oxidative stress in skin, and the effects of sun exposure build up over the years (Gromkowska-Kepka et al. 2021).

Everyday habits

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) says smoking greatly speeds up how quickly skin ages, causing wrinkles and a dull, sallow complexion, while alcohol dehydrates the skin and in time damages it. Scrubbing hard and using products that sting or burn irritate skin, which the AAD says can make it look older.

How should you start caring for your skin at 30?

The basics the AAD recommends are simple and can start today.

Use sunscreen every day

• Choose a broad-spectrum (UVA and UVB), water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
• Most adults need about 1 ounce, roughly a shot glass, to cover all skin not covered by clothing.
• Apply it to dry skin 15 minutes before going outdoors.
• Reapply about every two hours, and immediately after swimming or sweating.
• The sun's rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. If your shadow is shorter than you are, seek shade.

The AAD notes that up to 80% of UV rays can pass through clouds and that UVA passes through window glass, so a cloudy day is no reason to skip sunscreen.

Cleanse gently

The AAD suggests washing your face twice a day, morning and night, and after heavy sweating. Use lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser without alcohol, apply it with your fingertips rather than a washcloth or sponge, do not scrub, and pat dry with a soft towel.

Moisturise every day

The AAD recommends a facial moisturiser every day, because moisturiser traps water in the skin. Apply it while skin is still damp after washing or bathing. Creams and ointments add more moisture than lotions.

Stop products that sting

If a product stings or burns, your skin is irritated. The AAD advises stopping that product.

What causes fine lines around the eyes, and how should you start caring for them?

Repeated facial movements

The AAD explains that when you make the same facial expression again and again, the muscles underneath contract in the same place, and those lines can become permanent. Squinting in the sun is a common example, and wearing sunglasses outdoors helps you avoid it.

Sun on the skin around the eyes

The skin around the eyes is part of the face that sees the sun every day. Apply sunscreen across the whole face, including around the eyes, taking care to keep it out of the eyes, and add a wide-brimmed hat outdoors.

Moisture and no rubbing

Moisturise every day, including around the eyes, remove eye makeup gently rather than rubbing hard, and do not smoke.

Skin gets drier with age: how should you care for it?

Skin produces fewer lipids with age, so it holds moisture less well. DermNet notes that nearly everyone over 60 has some degree of dry skin, but dryness can be felt well before then, especially with air conditioning or frequent hot showers.

The AAD recommends:

• Bathe or shower in warm rather than hot water, for five to ten minutes.
• Apply moisturiser while skin is still damp after bathing, after washing your hands and whenever skin feels dry.
• Creams and ointments add more moisture than lotions.
• Run a humidifier in your bedroom while you sleep, and clean it regularly to prevent mould.
• Apply lip balm or petroleum jelly to your lips.

Beyond skin care, what everyday habits matter?

• Do not smoke. Smoking greatly speeds up how quickly skin ages.
• Drink less alcohol. Alcohol dehydrates the skin.
• Eat a varied, balanced diet as part of everyday health.
• Exercise most days of the week, as the AAD suggests.
• Get enough sleep. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine and Sleep Research Society consensus (Watson et al. 2015) recommends at least 7 hours a night for adults on a regular basis, as a foundation of overall health.
• Try new products one at a time. The AAD suggests applying a new product to a small spot such as the inside of the arm or the bend of the elbow twice a day for seven to ten days, and using it on your face only if there is no redness, itching or swelling.

When should you see a dermatologist?

If you still have concerns after following these basics, or your skin shows unusual or persistent changes, redness, itching or swelling after a product, or a spot that changes shape, size or colour, see a dermatologist.