• About
  • Home
  • TRAVEL
    • Destinations
      • California
        • The Ultimate 10 Days in California Road Trip Itinerary
        • An Ultimate Travel Guide To Lake Tahoe in The Summer
        • Big Sur
          • A Complete Travel Guide to Visiting Big Sur
          • Things to Do in Carmel by The Sea: a Full Travel Guide
        • Joshua Tree
          • A Complete Guide on Day Tripping to Joshua Tree
          • Best Things to Do in Pioneertown California: A Complete Guide
        • Los Angeles
          • The Ultimate 3 Days In Los Angeles Itinerary
          • 20 of The Best Photo Spots in Los Angeles
          • A Complete Travel Guide to Visting Catalina Island
        • Palm Springs
          • The Ultimate Palm Springs Weekend Travel Guide: A Complete Itinerary
          • 20 Best Instagram Spots in Palm Springs: A Complete Guide
        • San Juan Capistrano
        • San Diego
          • An Ultimate San Diego Travel Guide: written by a Local
          • Best Brunch in San Diego: An Ultimate Locals Guide
          • Best Restaurants in San Diego 2025: A Locals Guide
          • 30 Best Coffee Shops in San Diego – A Locals Guide
          • Where to Find the Best Speakeasy in San Diego
          • A Local’s Guide on The Best Things to Do in Old Town San Diego
          • San Diego Photo Spots: The Best Locations – A Locals Guide
          • 18 Best Things to Do in North Park San Diego
          • The Insider’s Guide to Balboa Park
          • Best Things to Do in San Diego
          • The Ultimate Guide to Fall Activities in San Diego
          • The Best Pumpkin Patches in San Diego
        • Santa Barbara
          • Things to Do in Solvang: The Most Charming Town
          • 15 Exciting Santa Barbara Photo Spots
        • San Francisco
          • 18 of The Best Photo Spots in San Francisco
          • Best Time to Visit Sausalito: A Perfect Day Trip from San Francisco
        • Yosemite
          • A Complete Travel Guide to Yosemite National Park
      • Europe
        • Amsterdam
        • Ireland
        • Italy
          • The Ultimate Lake Como Travel Guide: for First Time Visitors
          • A First Timer’s Travel Guide to the Amalfi Coast
          • A First Timer’s Guide to Visiting Florence, Italy
          • An Ultimate Guide to the Top Sights in Rome
        • London
        • France
        • Portugal
          • The Ultimate 3 Days in Lisbon Itinerary: for a First Time Visit
          • The Ultimate 10 Days in Portugal Itinerary
          • The Ultimate Day Trip to Sintra: A Perfect Fairytale Town
          • The Ultimate Best Beaches on the Algarve Coast Guide
        • Spain
      • Japan
        • The Best 4 Days in Kyoto Itinerary: Japans Prettiest Region
        • The Ultimate 4-Day Itinerary in Tokyo: Best Things to Do
        • The Ultimate Day Trip to Mount Fuji: 1 Day Itinerary
        • Your Ultimate Japan Packing List: Essentials for an Unforgettable Trip
      • Mexico
        • The Ultimate La Paz Mexico Travel Guide: Baja’s Hidden Gem
        • The Best Weekend Trip to Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico
        • The Ultimate 5 Days in Mexico City Itinerary
        • Exploring the Best Restaurants in Mexico City
        • Tulum
          • The Ultimate Tulum Travel Guide
          • The Ultimate Guide to Tulum Instagram Spots
        • What to Pack for Mexico: a Packing List
      • New York
        • A Locals Guide: 36 Must See Places in New York
        • A Guide to the Best Central Park Photo Spots
        • A Local’s Guide to Visiting Montauk New York
        • 20+ Christmas Activities in New York: Best Things to Do in December
      • North America
        • The Perfect Fall in New England Roadtrip Itinerary
        • Arizona
          • Best Things to Do in Sedona: A Complete Weekend Travel Guide
          • An Exciting Weekend Guide to Scottsdale Arizona
        • Boston
        • Canada
          • 3 Days in Vancouver: An Exciting Itinerary in Vancouver
        • Charleston
        • Chicago
        • Hawaii
          • The Perfect 7 Day Maui Itinerary: a Complete Travel Guide
          • 5 Days in Kauai Itinerary: The Best Things to Do
          • A Complete Travel Guide to Visiting Maui, Hawaii
          • A First Timer’s Guide to The Road to Hana in Maui, Hawaii
          • My Experience Traveling to Hawaii during Covid
          • Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting Queens Bath
          • The Ultimate Kauai Travel Guide
          • Best Oahu Instagram Spots: a Photography Guide
          • Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden
          • The Best North Shore Oahu Beaches to Visit
          • Kauai Instagram Spots: Most Beautiful Places in Kauai
        • National Parks
          • The Ultimate 2 Day Olympic National Park Itinerary
          • The Best 2 Day Zion National Park Itinerary
          • A Guide to the Best Hikes in Arches National Park
          • One Day in Bryce Canyon National Park: A Complete Itinerary
          • A Complete Guide on Day Tripping to Joshua Tree
          • A Complete Travel Guide to Yosemite National Park
        • New Orleans
        • Seattle
        • Vegas
          • The Ultimate Luxurious 3 Days in Las Vegas Itinerary
          • The Ultimate Guide to Best Las Vegas Photo Spots
    • Travel Tips
      • The Ultimate Packing Guide: 29 Must Have Travel Essentials
      • Best Practices on How to Find Cheap Flights
    • Packing Guides
      • The Ultimate List of Amazon Travel Must Haves
      • Travel Capsule Wardrobe: How to Dress Like A European
      • The Ultimate Packing Guide: 29 Must Have Travel Essentials
      • The Ultimate Paris Packing List for Every Season
      • 35 Airport Outfits: How to Look Effortless while Traveling
      • What to Wear in San Diego: The Ultimate Packing Guide from a Local
      • What To Pack For Hawaii: The Ultimate Hawaii Packing List
      • What to Pack for Italy: a packing list
      • What to Wear in Palm Springs: The Best Packing Guide
      • What to Pack for Mexico: a Packing List
    • Hotels & Resorts
      • Romantic Escapes: The Best Hotels in Ireland for Couples
      • Complete Hotel Review: Sands Hotel and Spa in Palm Springs
      • Complete Resort Review: Iberostar Grand Bavaro Punta Cana
  • Style + Lifestyle
    • Product Reviews
      • An Honest Dior Saddle Bag Review + How to Style
      • My Honest Review of the Gucci Princetown Mule
      • My Honest Gucci Marmont Shoulder Bag Review + How to Style
      • My Honest Stuart Weitzman 5050 Boot Review + How to Style
      • 5 Reasons Why You Need the Gucci Soho Disco Bag
      • Are Necessaire Products Worth the Hype? A Full Review
      • A Complete Review of SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum
    • Styling Guides
      • Fall Outfit Ideas: The Best Trends to Try in 2024
      • 28 Best Holiday Outfits: What to Wear this Holiday
      • 25 of The Best Denim Shorts to Wear this Summer
      • How to Create a Capsule Wardrobe: The Essentials
      • The Best Summer Outfits Ideas to Try in 2023
      • How to Style a Slip Dress
      • 12 Bodysuits to Shop Now
      • 18 Best Straight Leg Jeans and How to Style Them
    • Photography
      • A Guide to the Best Central Park Photo Spots
      • San Diego Photo Spots: The Best Locations – A Locals Guide
      • 15 Exciting Santa Barbara Photo Spots
      • A Complete Guide on Day Tripping to Joshua Tree
      • Kauai Instagram Spots: Most Beautiful Places in Kauai
      • 20 of The Best Photo Spots in Los Angeles
      • The Ultimate Guide to Best Las Vegas Photo Spots
      • Best Oahu Instagram Spots: a Photography Guide
      • 18 of The Best Photo Spots in San Francisco
      • The Ultimate Guide to Tulum Instagram Spots
      • How to Edit in Lightroom Classic
      • The Best Photo Editing Apps for your iPhone
    • Skincare
      • The Best Summer Skincare + SPF Essentials for Glowing Skin
      • What I’m Purchasing at the Sephora Sale 2022
      • A Complete Review of SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum
      • Vitamin C Serum Benefits: and The Best Ones to Buy
      • Best Skincare Products + How to Layer Correctly
      • Are Necessaire Products Worth the Hype? A Full Review
    • Lifestyle
      • Christmas Gift Ideas 2024: The Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide
      • Our Boho Mid Century Modern Home Tour in San Diego
      • 30 Best Coffee Shops in San Diego – A Locals Guide
  • San Diego
    • An Ultimate San Diego Travel Guide: written by a Local
    • Restaurants
      • Best Brunch in San Diego: An Ultimate Locals Guide
      • Where to Find the Best Speakeasy in San Diego
      • Best Restaurants in San Diego 2025: A Locals Guide
      • Locals Guide to The Best Italian Restaurants in San Diego
      • 30 Best Coffee Shops in San Diego – A Locals Guide
    • San Diego Photo Spots: The Best Locations – A Locals Guide
    • 25 of The Best Things to Do in La Jolla
    • 20 San Diego Hidden Gems: written by a local
    • A Local’s Guide to Coronado Island
    • 18 Best Things to Do in North Park San Diego
    • A Complete Locals Guide on Things to Do in Balboa Park
    • What to Wear in San Diego: The Ultimate Packing Guide from a Local
    • 15 Amazing Things to Do in Julian California
    • The Ultimate Guide to San Diego 4th of July 2022
    • A Complete Guide to Visiting Carlsbad Flower Fields 2023
    • The Ultimate Guide to Fall Activities in San Diego
    • The Ultimate Guide to San Diego Christmas Activities
    • The Best Pumpkin Patches in San Diego
  • Work With Me
  • CALIFORNIA MAP
  • Shop
  • Travel
    • california
      • big sur
      • catalina Island
      • joshua tree
      • los angeles
      • palm springs
      • san diego
      • san francisco
      • san juan capistrano
      • santa barbara
      • yosemite
    • europe
      • Amsterdam
      • France
      • Ireland
      • Italy
        • amalfi coast
        • florence
        • Lake Como
        • rome
      • London
      • Portugal
      • Spain
    • hawaii
    • Japan
    • mexico
    • New York
    • usa
      • National Parks
      • arizona
      • boston
      • charleston
      • Chicago
      • new orleans
      • seattle
    • hotels
      • Sands Hotel and Spa in Palm Springs
  • Blog
    • Style
    • photography
    • packing guides
    • product review
    • Lifestyle
    • skincare
  • San Diego
  • Work With Me
  • CALIFORNIA MAP
  • Shop My Looks

Le Travel Style

by Courtney Delfino • a San Diego based travel + lifestyle blog inspiring you to travel in style

Beauty, Blog, Lifestyle, Skincare · Last Updated: December 14, 2023

The Best Skin Care Routine for your 30s: + How to Layer Properly

Best Skin Care Routine for your 30s: and How to Layer Properly

Curating a skin care routine for your 30s is not an easy task. With self-care being so important these days, you want to invest in your skincare as you get older. Skincare is my favorite form of self-care and I’m here to teach you all the products that are worth buying.

In this post, I cover the best AM + PM skin care products, how to layer them correctly, and how to pick a routine that works for you. You can easily curate the best skin care routine for your 30s without breaking the bank. Sure, it’s nice to splurge every once in a while but the majority of products I use are very reasonably priced. Finally, one product I love to splurge on is my moisturizer because since it’s the last step in your routine, it stays on your skin the longest.

You must always stick to the cardinal skincare rule when it comes to layering products “Layer thinnest to thickest”. If you can remember that you’re already skincare natural!

While all opinions and recommendations are always my own, my content on this blog post may contain affiliate links for products I use and love. This means I get a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking one of these links at no additional cost to you. As always, I am so thankful for your support and will continue to offer free resources!

BELOW IS MY CURRENT ROUTINE IN ORDER OF APPLICATION

BEST AM SKIN CARE ROUTINE

am skin care routine products for your 30s

Ice Roll and Cleanser in the AM

You should only wash your face in the morning if you truly need it (extra oily). Or if you have acneic skin. Otherwise, I would simply splash my face with cold water, dry it thoroughly, and then use the best ice roller on the market to de-puff the skin. Not to mention the cool feeling on your face is heavenly in the morning and helps with those under-eye circles. Pro tip: use these eye masks and ice roll over them. If you are looking for a gentle cleanser the Sulwhasoo Cleanser is great (I use this every night).

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum (SPLURGE)

I’m sure you’ve heard of this serum as being the holy grail of serums. Even though it’s very expensive I can attest to the fact that it is worth every single penny. I’ve been using Vit C for years to diminish one dark spot on my cheek. I even went as far as getting a laser treatment (that cost well over $200) to get rid of said spot and nothing seemed to work. Then I started using Skinceuticals and within weeks the spot has diminished so much that I don’t even notice it anymore. If you struggle with dark spots try this serum and you will not be disappointed.

Skinceuticals C E Ferulic Serum

Adding a Vitamin C Serum to your routine is vital as you get older. It has so many benefits that I actually wrote an entire blog post on it. Check out “Vitamin C Serum Benefits: The Best Ones to Buy“.

Maelove “The Glow Maker” Vitamin C Serum (SAVE)

If you want a more affordable Vitamin C Serum then Maelove is your girl. I used this for years before my SkinCeuticals obsession and it does the trick! It’s not as effective as the Skinceuticals option, in your 30s skincare should be an investment, but if you’re truly on a budget then this is a great alternative.

EltaMD Renew Eye Serum

Being that I have very dark circles under my eyes (thanks genetics!) I’ve searched high and low for a good daytime eye serum to help reduce puffiness. Well thankfully, I found the EltaMD Renew Eye Gel. The gel is lighter than an eye cream making it perfect for daytime.

Peter Thomas Roth Moisturizer

Even if your SPF has a moisturizer in it, I’m a firm believer that a product either does one or the other. So I always make sure to moisturize separately during the daytime, especially in the summer months. I love this Peter Thomas Roth Moisturizer because it’s lightweight with Pentavitin®, a breakthrough ingredient that provides hydration for up to 72 hours.

Innisfree SPF

Innisfree SPF is a Korean SPF and I have grown quite fond of it over the past few months. Not only is it affordable, but it is hydrating without Phthalates and parabens. Along with that, it doesn’t have any pore-clogging ingredients. This is vital with acneic skin and should be checked with each product you use.

SPF is the most important part of your routine and if you can only choose one product, let it be this. I don’t leave the house without it. Finally, it would absolutely be my desert island pick if I could only choose one of these best skincare products to bring. Yeah, it’s THAT good.

BEST PM SKIN CARE ROUTINE

PM Skin Care products to use for your 30s

I always triple cleanse when I wear make-up so this PM routine is based on that. If you are not wearing any makeup I still suggest double cleansing because SPF is a heavy product. So scratch the micellar water if you’re not wearing makeup and just oil and a gentle cleanse.

La Roche Posay Micellar Water

It’s best to triple cleanse your face when taking off makeup and this cleansing water is the first step. Dab some micellar water on a pad and wipe clean. You don’t need to get fancy with your micellar water. You can grab this one at any drugstore or Ulta.

Biossance Oil Cleanser

After removing your makeup I love to get a solid clean with an oil cleanser. Being that I’m in my 30s now, I have to choose the best skincare routine for my skin. This takes off the additional makeup left behind from the Micellar Water. Finally, the Biossance Oil Cleanser is rich in anti-oxidants helps remove impurities, and restores skin moisture.

Sulwhasoo Gentle Foaming Cleanser

I’ve been using the gentle cleanser from Sulwhasoo for months now and it’s easily my favorite cleanser I’ve ever used. Another Korean skincare favorite this cleanser has a lot of foam which I love because it always makes my face feel cleaner. It deep-cleanses and hydrates, soothes, and respects the skin barrier. A gentle, pH 5.5, sulfate-free formula leaves my skin feeling fresh and balanced. Finally, it does not have any pore-clogging ingredients.

Caudalie Gentle Toner

A highly natural, vegan toner that hydrates and soothes skin while visibly removing final traces of makeup—leaving skin feeling clean, fresh, and softened. I love how gentle this toner is you can use it every night!

Sunday Riley A+ High-Dose Retinoid Serum

If you’re going to invest in anything for your nighttime routine in your 30s, make sure it’s this Retinol Serum. Since I started using a retinoid 3 years ago my skin has been thanking me. If you have never used it before make sure to check out this post explaining how to use it and when to add it to your skin care routine. Below are the benefits of using a Retinoid:

  • fights the signs of aging
  • improves the look of congested skin
  • balances and soothes skin
  • calms the appearance of redness for a more even-toned complexion
  • improves the appearance of damaged skin by raid cell turnover

Pro Tip: If you use it daily, you very much need sunscreen during the day because it makes your skin much more sensitive to sunlight.

Kiehl’s Avocado Eye Cream

This eye cream does wonders for hydrating the under-eye. My facialist even complimented me the last time I visited because that’s how good this eye cream is. It is super thick so you only need a small amount. And it’s affordable too!

Kiehls Pro-Collagen Oxygenating Night Cream

I love ending my skincare routine with this product. A moisturizing botanical face cream, formulated with omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, that visibly increases the plumpness of skin while you sleep. I have seen such results by adding this moisturizer to my nighttime routine.

Best Skin Care Routine for 30s: Other Products I use

These are products I add to my routine as needed. It’s important to note that on the days I don’t use retinol I will use either an exfoliant or AHA/BHA. You don’t ever want to mix these ingredients at the same time; always choose just one:

  • retinol
  • aha/bha
  • exfoliant
  • glycolic acid

Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Daily Peel

This two-step exfoliant helps to give your complexion a radiant and healthy glow. It’s been on the bestseller list for some time and it most definitely lives up to the hype. This product is primarily used at night and only used if you’re not using retinol that night. It works wonders when your skin needs an exfoliant aka that time of the month. DO NOT USE RETINOL, AHA/BHA, OR GLYCOLIC ACID WITH THIS PRODUCT.

Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting Exfoliant

This exfoliant is non-abrasive and only has 2% BHA liquid. This stuff will do all kinds of miracles – unclog diminished enlarged pores, exfoliate dead skin cells, smooth wrinkles, brighten, and even out skin tone. It combats redness, wrinkles, aging, enlarged pores, & blackheads. I use this after I wash my face. DO NOT USE RETINOL OR AHA/BHA WITH THIS PRODUCT.

Neck Cream

For my ladies in their 30s, fighting tech neck and turkey neck is a real thing. You want to make sure to take care of your neck at all costs since that is what shows the most signs of aging (and hands). This neck cream is known to help with all of the above.

Ancient Indian Healing Clay

Indian healing clay has been used for centuries to beautify and refresh when used as a facial mask. It’s used in many spa treatments and is great for deep pore cleansing. I use this mask once a week and it’s so simple and easy to use did I mention it’s like $8?! Such a STEAL!

  • Add a little apple cider vinegar and mix it up in a plastic bowl with a plastic utensil
  • Lather it on your face for 10-15 minutes or until the entire clay dries a light green
  • Wipe off gently with warm water and a washcloth

Gua Sha

Gua Sha is a face-scraping technique that has many benefits. It stimulates the lymphatic system, which in turn increases circulation and promotes detoxification. It’s an amazing anti-aging practice for your 30s skin. I love to Gua Sha at night with my Elemis Face Oil – it’s one of the best skin care products that has upped my nightly routine. I purchased my stone from Wilding and they have amazing tutorials on how to properly Gua Sha.

Thank you for reading my “Best Skin Care Routine for Your 30’s” guide. I hope this was useful to you and are motivated to invest in your skin care routine. Stayed tuned for my entire hair care blog post. If you have any questions at all please feel free to drop a comment below. Finally, don’t forget to check out more of my Skincare Guides.

pin this best skin care routine in your 30s post for later

skincare product collage
skincare product collage

XO,

Courtney

In: Beauty, Blog, Lifestyle, Skincare · Tagged: beauty, blog, lifestyle, skincare

You’ll Also Love

A Complete Travel Guide to Visiting Big Sur
Locals Guide to The Best Italian Restaurants in San Diego
a collage of christmas gift ideas for the beauty loversChristmas Gift Ideas 2024: The Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide

Comments

  1. Josefine says

    August 5, 2019 at 2:15 pm

    I can’t live without my moisturiser and my cleanser either! They’re some of my essentials for traveling when I can’t bring too many items 🙂

  2. Courtney Delfino says

    August 5, 2019 at 3:47 pm

    For sure! I always bring my SPF and moistures everywhere!

  3. Taylor Deer says

    August 5, 2019 at 6:33 pm

    This is great Courtney, I use the Foreo Luna Mini and the Garnier Micellar Water. 🙂

  4. Anna says

    August 8, 2019 at 8:59 am

    Thank you so much for sharing this with us :)!
    Currently I’m using only selfmade products and it feels soo good ?!!
    Happy Thursday!

  5. Courtney Delfino says

    August 18, 2019 at 12:43 pm

    that’s awesome good for you!

  6. Courtney Delfino says

    August 19, 2019 at 12:45 pm

    Can’t get enough of my Luna mini!!!

  7. Jaclyn Sigona says

    March 26, 2021 at 6:12 pm

    I can’t even begin to explain the coincidence of this post! I LITERALLY just asked my sisters and some of my girlfriends about what to do for a skincare routine because (embarrassingly) I’ve never really had one other than just washing my face. Trying to go through all the different suggestions and even begin to understand the complexity of all these different products was/is so overwhelming and I actually said I wish I had just a reference of everything I need and here you are! Thank you thank you thank you!

  8. Courtney Delfino says

    April 3, 2021 at 9:46 pm

    Ahhh! This makes me so happy to hear Jac. In the beginning I was overwhelmed too but now I live for this stuff! And if you ever have any questions at all I’m always just a call or text away! XO

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Next Post >

An Exciting Weekend Guide to Scottsdale Arizona

welcome friend!

Photo of Courtney

I'm Courtney. A 30 something San Diego travel + lifestyle blogger sharing travel resources, city guides, packing tips, hotel reviews, skincare advice, and style guides. All to inspire you to wander the world in style!

Learn More
  • Travel
  • Style
  • California
  • Lifestyle
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclaimer
  • Terms
  • Work With Me

Copyright © 2019–2025 Le Travel Style