Skincare Routine
Many women over 30 are potentially still using the same cleanser and moisturizer they had in their twenties. Skin changes a lot in this decade and the products that suited you before may not be ideal for your skin now. There isn’t much difference in how 30-year-old skin and 40-year-old skin looks, but there are changes occurring that will affect the health of your skin that you may not notice. Collagen production slows, cell turnover doesn’t happen as quickly, and skin can start to look lackluster. You really need to make sure you’re cleansing well to encourage cell turnover, and the products you are using should aim to preserve collagen. Now is the time to start focusing on using products with active ingredients to maintain skin health. Always use products that are right for your skin type, and remember that fragrance is not your skin’s friend. The most active and effective products tend to smell a bit unusual.
Cleansing
Cleansing is an essential first step to any good skin care routine. A good cleanser should remove dirt, makeup, and excess oils from your skin without stripping the skin of its natural oils. With the hormonal changes of your 30s, you may notice new skin problems you’ve never had before. If you still have oily skin or acne, you may continue to use a deep cleanser. If you are starting to see the signs of aging, a gentler hydrating cleanser would be a better choice. Always use warm water to help soften the skin before applying any cleanser. Massage the cleanser into the skin gently with a circular motion and rinse with lukewarm water. Do not rub the skin vigorously, scrub with a washcloth, or use hot water as these can all be irritating and damaging to the skin. If your skin is inflamed, itchy, burning, or experiencing breakouts, these are signs your current cleansing routine isn’t working and you should change it. Always pat your skin dry with a soft towel. Now is also a good time to switch to a gentle eye makeup remover. The skin around the eyes is the thinnest and most delicate skin on the face, and eye makeup can be difficult to remove, so be very gentle. Avoid using normal eye makeup remover on your entire face as they are too harsh and can be drying to the skin. Oil-based makeup removers and cleansers are an effective way to remove makeup. As with all skin care products, avoid those containing alcohol, fragrance, and other irritants.
Moisturizing
Also, start using moisturizers with antioxidants as they help to slow down aging by preventing free radical damage. Vitamin C is great in the mornings as it has been proven to boost sun protection and repair sun-damaged skin. Vitamin A is best used at night as it increases cell turnover and improves the appearance of the skin. With consistent use of the right moisturizers, one can expect to maintain soft, supple, and radiant skin and delay the appearance of wrinkles.
Internal health reflects on the outside, so remember to keep yourself healthy by drinking lots of water and allow sufficient intake of essential fatty acids, as commonly found in fish or flaxseed oil. Water is a natural hydrator and helps to flush out toxins in the body. Essential fatty acids help to rebuild the lipid layer in our skin, which is responsible for keeping the skin plump and glowing.
Instead of using just any moisturizer, women in their 30s should start using one that caters to their skin type. Besides, pretty much any type of skin can do with a bit of moisturizing. Women with oily skin would naturally want a lighter lotion, and those with dry skin would need a richer cream. Also, have a separate moisturizer just for the eye area. The skin around the eye is the most delicate part of the face and shows age the fastest, so it’s very important to keep it well hydrated.
Sun Protection
It is a well-known fact that 80% of skin aging is caused by sun exposure. An Australian study has shown that people who are under 55 years old and had frequent sunburns before they were 20 are more prone to skin cancer. If you are not worried about skin cancer, at least be worried about having younger-looking skin because the sun has a way of making our skin age at an accelerated rate. What you did not notice now will be very apparent 20-30 years from now. Ever wondered why certain body parts have younger-looking skin than others? For example, your stomach compared to your arms; this is because certain areas of the body are not exposed to the sun as much as others. Apply sunscreen 20 or 30 minutes before going out into the sun. This allows the sunscreen to enter your skin, providing a protective layer against harmful UV rays. 20 or 30 is sufficient and there is no need to grab the SPF 100 one which claims to block 100% of UV rays because this is not true and it will give you a false sense of security. Also, it is not good to apply something with high oil content as it increases the risk of acne. If you are constantly on the go, remember to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours and wear a hat or use a sun umbrella for shade. This is because constant exposure to UV rays will cause the sunscreen to deteriorate, and using both methods to block the sun will be an effective way of taking the best care of your skin. In addition, try to avoid outdoor activities between 10 am to 4 pm as the ultraviolet rays are the strongest during these times.
Exfoliation
The exfoliation process should be gentle. Use your fingers to massage the exfoliant in light, small, circular motions around your face and neck. Pay particular attention to the creases at either side of your nose and your chin, and areas where you have particularly thick or rough skin. Take care not to apply too much pressure, as doing so can cause broken capillaries and further skin irritation.
There are essentially two types of exfoliation – manual and chemical. Manual exfoliation uses a gritty substance to gently massage the surface of your skin, removing the top layer of dead skin cells. Chemical exfoliators use acids or enzymes to chemically break down and dissolve the dead skin cells. Manual exfoliation is generally safer and more appropriate for all skin types than chemical exfoliation, and while there are a wide range of products available that are specifically marketed as exfoliants, many of these are too abrasive and can do more harm than good. Avoid using products that contain large, jagged granules or sharp particles as these can scratch and tear the skin.
Facial exfoliation is important at any age but especially so in your 30s. Exfoliation immediately makes your skin feel radiant and smooth, and leaves your complexion looking revitalized. Regular exfoliation improves the tonal quality of your skin over time, and is known to provide anti-aging benefits. If you’re not already exfoliating on a regular basis, now is the time to start.
Makeup Tips
Do wear a lightweight, hydrating foundation. This is the time of your life when your skin really starts to change. Whether this is due to hormonal issues, stress or just natural aging, you will want to keep your skin looking fresh and dewy. Using a heavy foundation can settle into fine lines and make you look older. Opt for a tinted moisturizer or a dewy foundation. Beauty balm creams are a great option because they are sheer and give 24-hour moisture. If you suffer with uneven skin tone or under eye circles, do use a concealer. Brighten skin by applying concealer to areas such as the inner and outer corners of the eyes, sides of nose, and side of lips. This will really lift your complexion and define features. Always set your foundation and concealer with a translucent powder to avoid shine and make your makeup last longer.
Foundation and Concealer
Applying foundation and concealer does not have to be a daunting task. It can be tempting to wear a heavy foundation to cover the blemishes from your younger years, but the heavier the foundation, the more likely it is to settle into and accentuate wrinkles. In addition, heavy foundation can look as though you are wearing a mask and often causes a line along the jaw. To avoid this, buy a light to medium coverage liquid foundation. These can be sheer when applied lightly and can be built up in problem areas. Alternatively, tinted moisturizers give a very sheer coverage. They are much less likely to settle in wrinkles but may not provide enough coverage for those who are very self-conscious about blemishes. If this is the case, apply tinted moisturizer all over the face and cover each blemish individually with a bit of foundation. When choosing a concealer, remember the rules you learned in your 20s. You should already be a pro at choosing the right color. These days there are very few people that do not have some signs of sun damage around the face. As a general rule, if the blemish is dark, use a concealer that is one shade lighter than your foundation. If the blemish is light, use the same shade concealer that you would use for under-eye circles. What have you gotten by the way of sun damage? If you are over the age of 30, you are likely to have the beginnings of some fine lines around the eyes. Concealer will often settle into these lines and accentuate them. If concealer is only being used to cover dark circles, it can be helpful to use an eye-specific product. These are formulated to be less drying and work more by light reflection. If the concealer is to cover blemishes, it can still be applied near the eye area, but it is best to use a very small amount and to avoid the very outer areas around the eyes.
Eye Makeup
– Choose sheer, light eye shadow colors. Heavy colors can make the eyes look tired. Don’t apply the shadow in the crease. Use a light iridescent color in this area. This can create the illusion of larger eyes.
– Use a dark colored pencil. This can create a more natural look than a harsh line achieved with a liquid eye liner. Draw a line as close as possible to the lashes, parting towards the outer edge of the eye. Use a cotton swab to smudge the line for a soft focus approach.
– Apply two coats of mascara in brown-black or black. Mascara is almost a necessity if you want your eyes to stand out. It creates darker, fuller, more defined lashes. This can make the eyes appear bigger and the whites, whiter. Don’t use an eyelash curler. This can cause damage to the lashes and create an unnatural looking curl.
Lipstick and Lip Care
Give a wide berth to dark, reds and wines. A sheer lipstick or gloss will soften up your lip color if the thought of no lipstick is unbearable! Once again, moisturizing the lips cannot be emphasized enough. Lipsticks with brown undertones tend to streak or settle into fine lines around the mouth. Pinks, roses and plums are more forgiving. If your lips are in great shape, wear lip gloss. It reflects light making the lips look fuller. Dark lipsticks make small lips look even smaller. Don’t be too adventurous with lip liner. You want to avoid looking like a 1980s throwback. Line the lips following the natural shape and only color in the entire lip if you are going to wear a sheer lipstick that day, to make the color last longer. A dab of lip gloss in the center of the bottom lip will make thin lips appear more pouty.
Haircare Tips
Conditioning your hair is probably a step that you are most familiar with. Most of us are uncertain about the amount to use and there is a good method that will help you get the most out of your conditioner. Conditioner should be applied about 1-2 inches away from the scalp. Too close to the scalp and the extra moisture will weigh the hair down. Too far from the scalp and the ends of your hair will not get the moisture they need. Apply a small amount of conditioner and comb it through your hair with a wide-toothed comb. This will help distribute the conditioner evenly. A leave-in conditioner is also a good idea for those with tangles and frizz.
Shampooing your hair seems simple enough, but there is actually some technique behind it that will greatly benefit the health of your hair. It is important to thoroughly rinse your hair before applying shampoo. This will help remove any buildup from styling products and dirt. Most women do not need to shampoo their hair every day and should aim to do so about 3 times per week. Shampooing daily can strip the hair of natural oils, causing it to become dry and brittle. When shampooing, concentrate on your scalp. The most effective cleaning is done by massaging shampoo into the scalp. Be gentle with your hair when lathering, rough movements can cause tangling and breakage. And remember to use a high-quality shampoo. It really does make a difference.
Proper Shampooing and Conditioning
Choosing a proper shampoo and conditioner is necessary to maintain the health and the beautiful appearance of your hair. Firstly, determine your hair type because different hair types need different formulas of shampoo and hair conditioner. For example, color-treated hair needs different products compared to natural hair. Secondly, purchase high-quality hair care products for daily use. Even though they are more expensive, their long-term benefits and effectiveness are worth it, and the overall difference in price is not that much because high-quality products will last longer than the lower quality products. Read the guidelines on how much shampoo is needed, it is usually about a 50 cent coin size depending on hair length. Shampoo your scalp gently with your fingertips, not your nails. Do not pile your hair on top of your head and scrub it all together as this will cause knots and tangles. Redistribute shampoo from the scalp to the ends. When rinsing, allow the water to move the shampoo through to the ends. Conditioner should be applied to the ends to the mid-shaft of the hair only. Too much conditioner will lead to product buildup, and certain hair types do not require conditioning of the roots. Keep conditioner on for 5 minutes and rinse with cold water. Rinsing with cold water is unpleasant, but it does help to seal the cuticle and make the hair appear shinier.
Heat Styling Protection
If you are using heat styling tools, use a leave-in conditioner containing heat-activated polymers before you style. These protectants act as a barrier between your hair and the heat, reducing the damage. Some products also provide the additional benefit of corrective proteins, which provide the amino acids required to repair damage that has already been done to the hair. Always apply heat protectant. No exceptions. A good heat protectant will protect hair up to 450 degrees. A heat protectant will also smooth the cuticle, leaving the hair shiny and soft. No need to spend a lot of money on a protectant. There are plenty of products out there that work well and are affordable. Adjust the temperature on your heat tools. If you want to be sure they are safe for your hair, look for tools that allow you to control the temperature. As a general rule, the finer the hair or the more damage it has, the lower the temperature should be. The thicker the hair, the more heat the hair can handle. As far as what is too hot, there are varying opinions. According to most professionals, a safe range is 250 to 350 degrees, depending on the hair type and texture. Few are going to stay within that range, so it is important to know that every 18 degrees more heat doubles the rate of a chemical reaction. In other words, simple biology tells us that using a tool that is 450 degrees is doing twice as much damage as a tool set at 400 degrees.
Regular Trims
Regular trims are just as crucial for hair in its 30s as it was in its 20s. You’ve probably noticed that your hair today just doesn’t have the youthful bounce it had 10 years ago. It seems to lack volume and shape. That’s because hair tends to get thinner as it gets older, and the ends are probably laden with split, dry ends. Your hair will look and feel so much healthier if you get rid of the dead weight. Split ends tend to travel up the hair shaft, and if left can cause hair to break. So the longer you leave a trim, the more that will have to be cut off. The old adage “a stitch in time saves nine” springs to mind. On average, hair grows about half an inch a month, so six weeks is a good period of time to leave between trims. During the summer months, and if you use heat styling tools more frequently you may have slightly more damage to the ends caused by UV rays and heat, so more regular trims may be beneficial. Trimming needn’t compromise your hair length. Remember, you only need to cut off what has grown, and healthy hair grows faster.
Hair Masks and Treatments
Hair masks are important when you have colored hair. “Dull hair is any woman’s worst enemy, it can definitely age you,” says Tara. To combat dullness, using a color enhancing treatment can make a huge difference to the overall appearance of your hair. Tara suggests trying Redken Color Extend Rich Recovery. For blondes, there are also several recipes for homemade color enhancing masks. Ehow.com recommends using chamomile tea, honey and yogurt, applying to hair and leaving on for at least an hour. Honey contains small amounts of hydrogen peroxide and has been used as a lightening agent for centuries. To bring out the golden tones in blonde hair, it is also recommended to use a honey and olive oil mask. Mix half a cup of honey with 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil, apply to hair for at least 20 minutes, then shampoo as usual. Curly hair requires a particular type of hair masque to add tone, vitality and bounce. Curly-Hair-Styles-Magazine.com recommends using a hot oil treatment to penetrate and nourish the roots of your hair. This is made more effective by gently heating the oil before applying. Another method that has proven successful is the Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque. This has received positive user reviews and contains sea kelp, argan oil and shea butter to rebuild hair elasticity and prevent breakage.
Lifestyle Habits
Being a young woman, including a young single woman often involves scarcity of money and time, as there are often pursuits on both resources that one could easily identify as more urgent medical concerns than beauty and fashion. If you’re a career professional, you may be earning more money than you ever have in the past, yet your time and energy are also in greater demand than ever. In the midst of a demanding job and possibly a family, it is harder to look and feel good than if you have lots of time and money at your disposal. In light of these issues, the tips in this essay are sortable by time, sort of an expected payoff versus investment analysis.
Suppose you are an individual who has trouble taking the long view. You find it hard to make sacrifices today in order to get a potential benefit tomorrow. If you’re still reading, it is highly likely that you are not like that at all. Career women and mothers have been included in this site’s target audience, and these are people who compromise every day in hopes of a better future. Unfortunately, it’s quite normal for societies to assume that any female focus on appearance is a shallow waste of time.
Choosing the best beauty advice for the age group can be difficult. There are trends and fads that might take you in the totally wrong direction. Turning to a classic choice allows you to filter out the noise and focus on what’s truly important. These tips all emphasize classic elegance over trendiness, and it’s probable that embracing them will make it easier for you to look well-groomed and well-dressed in 10 or 20 years.
Healthy Diet and Hydration
Despite being common knowledge, eating right is something that many women fail to practice as they may have a busy schedule that limits them from preparing meals. The majority of women in their 30s who are aggressive in their careers are guilty of eating on the run or making meals on the run. Though the quality of food is pretty good, taking a meal cannot be the only way to supply nutrients for their bodies. A good diet alone will not do the job. There must be a balance between energy intake and energy output. The next step is adding nutrition to meals by consuming enough fruits and vegetables. And as it is a common problem for older age groups, they should no longer consume soft drinks. As part of successful aging, there is a need to ensure the body takes in enough fluids and the best way to do this is by drinking pure water. By consuming enough fluid, it will prevent dehydration from occurring and it has a chance to dilute higher calorie beverages. This may stop certain women from consuming beverages with high calories and sugars. Last but not least, it is important to have the habit of consuming supplements daily. Select a good one for overall health and wellness, but certain nutrients should receive more attention, such as calcium and antioxidants. A high intake of caffeine and sodium may cause a loss of calcium, so taking extra calcium may prevent osteoporosis. Antioxidants, meanwhile, can help to prevent certain diseases and the effects of aging on the body. These can be obtained from fruits and vegetables, but for a convenient way, there are supplements ready to serve.
Regular Exercise
Exercise has a list of benefits that are significant for both mental and physical wellbeing. With regards to protection against numerous ailments and conditions, for example, coronary illness and diabetes, attending to the decrease of infection danger brought about by inertia can be an essential objective of work out. Walking 30 minutes a day is why it’s so essential for individuals to move and can bring down coronary illness and stroke hazard fundamentally. Furthermore, general exercise can help manage hypertension, enhance cholesterol levels and decrease the danger of uneasiness. For energetic and healthy looking skin, exercise can have profits too. Free radicals created all through direct and high intensity movement can bring about harm to skin cells, in any case the general exercise which is demonstrated to be connected with lower occurrences of specific sorts of growth can profit skin wellbeing. With regards to skin aging, circulation and blood flow are essential in providing skin cells the supplements they have to adjust environmental damage. Regular exercise can improve circulation and help the efficiency of metabolic waste product removal, in many ways giving skin a fresh start.
Stress Management
Give in. Everyone has a breaking point and ignoring stress doesn’t make it go away. Schedule regular relaxation time, whether it be taking a walk after dinner, curling up to read a couple of nights per week, or spending the weekends doing something that you love to do. Step back from the situation and appraise the big picture. How important is it? Is it really worth getting upset over? Chances are that it’s not.
People who are obsessed with control have a high likelihood of becoming stressed out. Control is an illusion and the more that you try to control the more that you realize that it is not possible.
Living in the future is a common factor of stress. What hasn’t even happened sometimes gets blown out of proportion causing unnecessary worry and anxiety. Learning to stay in the present will reduce the amount of worry that you have. One way to bring yourself back to the present is by focusing your attention on what is going on with you at the here and now. What do you see, hear, and smell? Tune into your senses for a moment and let your thoughts pause.
Stress not only does ugly things to your insides, it has the ability to age you at a rapid pace. Stress affects your emotional and physical health and if not managed has the potential to turn into depression or anxiety disorders. Learn how to dispel stress before it takes a heavy toll on your life.
