Prioritizing your skincare routine is essential to maintaining a youthful glow and tackling early signs of aging

As you approach your 30s, your skincare routine becomes more essential than ever.

If you’ve recently reached your quarter-life milestone like I have, the reality of adulthood has likely been weighing on your mind. Worrying about wrinkles is something I think about often. Premature? I say not. 

As the saying goes, when it comes to skincare, it’s always better to prevent than to try to reverse the signs of aging later. With the right products, you can maintain a youthful glow and address early signs of aging while nurturing your skin’s unique needs. 

Whether you’re just starting to build your regimen or looking to refine what you already have, incorporating effective skincare products can make a significant difference. 

Here are six must-have skincare essentials to add to your routine before you hit the big 3-0, helping you to look and feel your best as you transition into this exciting new decade.

READ: Cult-favorite Japanese beauty products available in the Philippines

La Roche Posay

The emphasis on sunscreen is based on the fact that approximately 80 percent of skin aging is due to external factors. By shielding your skin from UV rays and pollution, you can help delay the appearance of aging signs.

A great option is the La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra Facial Sunscreen SPF 50+. This mineral sunscreen features a lightweight, non-greasy formula that applies smoothly. Unlike some mineral sunscreens that can feel heavy or leave a chalky residue, this one absorbs quickly and provides a comfortable finish that works well under makeup—a definite bonus for everyday use.

With its impressive SPF 50+, it delivers strong protection against both UVA and UVB rays. The zinc oxide in its mineral-based formulation creates a physical barrier against harmful sun exposure.

Additionally, it contains moisturizing ingredients that keep skin feeling soft and hydrated throughout the day without the dryness that some sunscreens can cause, which is especially important as the weather changes.

Clinique Smart Clinical Repair Wrinkle Correcting Serum

Incorporating retinoids into your skincare routine can be intimidating, but the right formulation can make it a breeze. The Clinique Smart Clinical Repair Wrinkle Correcting Serum features a new-generation retinoid in a lightweight formula that is not only gentle on sensitive skin but also safe for both day and night use.

For those with reactive or sensitive skin, introducing new products can be challenging. However, this serum is a great starting point, as its new-generation retinoid is well-tolerated and easy to incorporate into your routine, even for sensitive skin types.

The Clinique Smart Clinical Repair Serum focuses on three main benefits: repair, resurface, and replump. It combines two powerful ingredients—retinoids and peptides—that work together to exfoliate and plump the skin. Additionally, it contains hyaluronic acid, which significantly boosts moisture levels, making it ideal for those dealing with discoloration, rough texture, and premature wrinkles.

The serum supports natural collagen production through Clinique’s proprietary CL1870 Laser Focus™ Complex. This advanced formulation helps smooth skin texture with its potent retinoid, resulting in a resurfaced appearance. The inclusion of hyaluronic acid provides a substantial dose of hydration, leaving your skin looking plump and supple.

READ: What makes Filipinos start celebrating Christmas as early as September?

Clarins Double Serum

As we all know, aging is influenced by a variety of factors, from our lifestyle choices to the environment around us. 

Epigenetics looks into how our genes respond to factors like diet and stress, essentially switching them on or off, which directly impacts skin vitality. For instance, a diet rich in antioxidants can enhance skin health, while too much sun exposure might trigger genes related to aging.

Building on this fascinating science, Clarins has introduced Epi-Ageing Defense Technology in its ninth-generation Double Serum. This innovative formula features organic giant Provençal reed, a groundbreaking ingredient that helps reverse skin changes caused by lifestyle and environmental stressors.

The Double Serum boasts 22 powerful plant extracts, each selected for its unique benefits. Acerola helps boost oxygenation for a radiant glow, aloe vera delivers soothing hydration, and strawberry tree helps control shine. Plus, ingredients like turmeric and edelweiss work to preserve skin vitality, while the giant Provençal reed enhances adaptability to environmental challenges.

The Clarins Double Serum is perfect for anyone looking to tackle signs of aging, improve skin texture, and boost hydration. Personally, I’ve found it to be a game changer for my dull skin—probably a result of a few too many late-night binge-watching shows. This has become my go-to morning serum due to its lightweight formula that works really well under makeup, leaving my skin feeling smoother, more hydrated, and noticeably brighter.

Neutrogena Visible Repair Eye Cream

When it comes to tackling the signs of aging around the eyes, a retinol eye cream can truly make a difference. Retinol is celebrated for its ability to rejuvenate and nourish the delicate skin in this area, effectively reducing fine lines, wrinkles, and dark circles. If you’re in the market for an effective yet budget-friendly option, I highly recommend the Neutrogena Visible Repair Eye Cream.

This product stands out as one of the more affordable retinol eye creams available yet it delivers impressive results. While it doesn’t work overnight, I noticed visible improvements within just a week. My eye bags have significantly diminished, and the dark circles that used to make me look perpetually tired have gradually faded. 

The formula is designed to rejuvenate the skin around the eyes with its uniquely stabilized retinol that releases slowly, minimizing irritation—a common issue with retinol products. Featuring pure retinol, a dermatologist-approved form of vitamin A, it also includes rosemary peptide complex, a proven antioxidant that boosts radiance in the eye area.

Neutrogena’s Visible Repair line also incorporates “comfort complex,” a soothing ingredient designed to alleviate any discomfort that can sometimes accompany retinol use. For anyone new to retinol, this eye cream is a fantastic starting point. It’s recommended to begin with occasional use and gradually work your way up to daily application.

Drunk Elephant Protini™ Polypeptide Cream

One of the key highlights of Drunk Elephant’s Protini™ Polypeptide Cream is its impressive ability to strengthen the skin. With a blend of nine different peptides, this moisturizer is all about enhancing our skin’s protective barrier—especially important given the daily stressors our skin faces.

What really sets this cream apart is its powerful mix of peptides, each designed to tackle different types of skin damage and build resilience against future issues. These tiny molecules play a significant role in skin health by boosting collagen production and improving elasticity. After just a few weeks of consistent use, I noticed a perceptible difference in my skin’s firmness and texture and my complexion was brighter and more youthful.

On top of its strengthening benefits, this moisturizer is incredibly hydrating, packed with about 12 ingredients focused on moisture, while many others offer only a couple. Plus, it includes amino acids and nourishing ingredients like pygmy waterlily, which work together to enhance hydration and support the skin barrier. 

It’s also good to keep in mind that peptides are more about prevention than repair when it comes to skin damage. That’s why I love using this product—it offers great protection for my skin throughout the day.

NeoStrata Glycolic Chemical Peel

If you’re looking to tackle fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven texture, exfoliation is key. The NeoStrata Smooth Surface Glycolic Peel is an excellent option for anyone wanting to refresh their skin and address issues like dullness and uneven tone. This advanced, at-home peel is formulated with 10 percent glycolic acid, which works to exfoliate, clarify pores, refine skin texture, and improve overall skin tone.

The application process is simple and user-friendly, thanks to the pre-soaked pads that you soak yourself when you first get the product. I experienced a mild tingling sensation during application, which reassured me that the product was effectively working its magic without being uncomfortable. 

After just one use, my skin felt noticeably smoother and looked brighter. Over several weeks of consistent use, I noticed a significant improvement in my complexion. My pores appeared smaller, and the overall clarity of my skin enhanced, making it a great skincare option for addressing fine lines and texture issues.