Top tips for caring for skin in your 30s

Turning 30 is the time to put your skin care 'best intentions' into action. Although 30 is the new 21 (and 21 is the new 12), it's still around this time that signs of stress (physical and environmental), and the sins of your 20s (late nights, cigarettes and alcohol) begin to manifest themselves. Falling face down on your bed in your make up won't wash once you hit your fourth decade, so read on to find out which (not very drastic) skin care steps must be taken...

{Exfoliate} By 30, cell metabolism has started to slow - which means cells aren't replacing themselves as regularly, and need a friendly scrub to help them on their way.

Switch between a polish and an acid, to refine skin's surface whilst also optimising cell function on a deeper level. Sand&Sky's {Flash Perfection Exfoliating Treatment} boasts finely ground bamboo and macadamia nuts to physically smooth and promote circulation.

Alpha-H's bestselling {Liquid Gold} then harnesses the brightening power of glycolic to dissolve dulling dead cells and encourage collagen synthesis - ideal applied 2 - 3 nights a week, to spur sluggish cells into action.

{Respect you complexion} and steer clear of harsh, dehydrating ingredients. If you're acne or blemish prone, ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide strip your skin of its oils (increasingly precious as we get a little older), compromise hydration levels, diminish protective barrier function and KILL collagen.

Cleanse with a nutritive, conditioning balm like Emma Hardie's {Moringa Cleansing Balm} then treat individual blemishes with a targeted solution. Indie Lee's {Blemish Lotion} both stops spots in their tracks and reduces their lifespan, while Odacité's {Oily-Acne Prone Serum Concentrate} is naturally microbial and anti-inflammatory, to clear up a problematic complexion.

{Supercharge your serum} - opt for something vitamin-rich, that will help to combat free radicals, preserve precious collagen and maintain skin's strength and elasticity. Vitamin A (commonly referred to as retinol) is one of the most potent skin-regenerative ingredients, vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and vitamin E replenishes and conditions.

The Ordinary's {100% Organic Sea-Buckthorn Fruit Oil} is dauntingly orange but don't be deterred by the colour - this replenishing treatment is brimming with vitamins, moisturising fatty acids and omega 7 to repair and elasticise skin overnight - just add a few drops to your night cream and wake looking LUMINOUS.

{ALWAYS wear sunscreen}, it's the single most important thing you can do to protect against the ravages wrought by UV exposure. Even when the weather is depressing, the sun is still up there so take this step seriously. Zelens {Daily Defence} is beloved by discerning beauty bloggers because of its lightweight, non-chalky formula.

{Invest in an eye cream} and actually use it. In your 20s, you can get away with applying the same moisturiser everywhere (don't say I told you) but in your 30s, it's important to pay attention to the delicate skin around the eyes, which is where ageing first starts to show.

Kate Somerville's {Goat Milk De-Puffing Eye Balm} is packed with goat milk and botanical actives to wage war on wrinkles and counteract crêpey-ness. Apply with your ring finger in gentle patting motions, and don't stray too close to your lashline... you want to counteract puffiness, not cause it!

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