When we hit 30, we should start thinking about two goals in our beauty routine: correcting the first signs of skin aging and slowing its progress. How do we achieve that and what products should we use? Well, for starters, read on…

WHAT HAPPENS TO OUR SKIN IN OUR THIRTIES?

• The renewal of cells slows and our skin begins to lose its reserves of collagen and elastin, the proteins that give skin its firmness, moisture and suppleness. As a result, the first small lines and wrinkles begin to appear around the eyes, between the eyebrows and near the edges of the nostrils, and skin becomes streaked with lines caused by dehydration.

• As our skin becomes more fragile, it also becomes more vulnerable to the exposome, the cumulative effect of all the factors that cause harm to our skin on a daily basis: UV rays, pollution, climate, etc. When that happens, our complexion becomes duller and often, pigment spots begin to appear.

A FEW GOOD ANTI-AGING STEPS TO TAKE…

1. Cleanse your skin deeply

To help stimulate the regeneration of cells and prevent lines and wrinkles from appearing, it's important to wash your skin carefully morning and night. It's also good to exfoliate a few times a week using a gentle scrub. This last step helps give your skin back its radiance. For best results, look for products that contain alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA,) salicylic acid (BHA), as well as purifying and anti-inflammatory ingredients.

3. Replace your moisturizer with a more targeted care product

Everyone needs to moisturize but starting at around age 30, it's important to use an anti-age product created for specific types of skin: dry, mixed or oily. The goal is to give your skin the targeted active ingredients it needs to preserve its elasticity and counter the appearance of wrinkles.

It's also a good idea to spread your cream all the way down your neck to the upper areas of your chest, including your décolleté.

5. Use a daily SPF

While the effects of aging caused by exposure to the sun aren't that pronounced in our 30s, it's important to keep up the habit of using a sunscreen... the same habit you started when you were in your 20s, right? The idea is simple: protecting your skin will help keep it looking its best for as long as possible.

In a hurry? Choose a multi-purpose face cream with SPF. Otherwise, apply your sunscreen after you've completely your beauty routine, but before you apply your makeup.

HEALTHY HABITS FOR HEALTHY SKIN

Eat well so you can absorb the nutrients responsible for repairing and regenerating your skin (vitamins, fatty acids, antioxidants, minerals, etc.). Make plenty of room for vegetables, nuts and fish and be sure to drink plenty of water.

Drink alcohol in moderation: excessive drinking can irritate blood vessels and make them pop, which causes rosacea.

Get plenty of sleep. Many growth hormones are at their peak while you sleep and they're essential for regenerating skin and producing collagen. So give them a chance to work!

Stay out of harm's way. Avoid air pollution whenever you can and use lukewarm water when washing your face: extreme temperatures are hard on your skin.