Entering your 30s is like your skin unexpectedly choosing to not glow. Collagen declines, fine lines settle in, and that radiant glow?
It begins to wear off. But graceful ageing isn’t a fantasy, it’s attainable with the right routine.
If you’re a minimalist or a maximalist when it comes to self-care, these six anti-ageing hacks will keep you glowing and radiant well into your 40s, and beyond.
Ready to glow up rather than grow old?
1. Prioritise sun protection
The sunlight might feel nice to your skin, but it’s the leading cause of premature ageing. Daily sun protection is not optional. Select a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 50 and PA++++. Pro tip – Get one that also blocks blue light from screens. Indoors, too, UV rays and blue light degrade collagen and increase wrinkles. Reapply every couple of hours, and add hats and sunglasses for additional protection.
2. Incorporate retinoids
Retinoids are the gold standard in anti-ageing skincare. Whether it’s retinol, retinaldehyde, or tretinoin. These vitamin A derivatives increase collagen, smooth out fine lines, and refine your skin texture. Start slow with a beginner-friendly 0.2%-0.5% formula a few times a week.Use it only at night, always paired with moisturizer, and never skip sunscreen the next morning. Gradually, your skin will become more resilient, smoother, and visibly younger.
3. Prioritize hydration and barrier repair
A good skin barrier is your body’s first line of defense against ageing.If your skin is dry or inflamed, it’s more susceptible to fine lines. Look for skincare products full of hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate, ceramides to lock in moisture, and peptides to firm and restore. Skip harsh scrubs and over-perfumed products, as they can actually cause more damage than good. Keep your skincare minimal, hydrating, and consistent.
4. Antioxidants for free radical damage
Stress, pollution, and bad habits cause oxidative damage, which quickens ageing. Antioxidants are your lifesavers here. Apply a Vitamin C serum (10–20%) during the day to brighten and protect, and niacinamide (5%) during the night to smooth out your tone and boost your skin barrier. These ingredients counteract free radicals, leaving your skin looking radiant-from-within minus the harm.
5. Invest in professional treatments
Sometimes, your skin requires something beyond what topically applied creams can deliver. Non-surgical dermatological treatments such as chemical peels, microneedling, or radiofrequency treatments stimulate collagen growth and improve your skin’s elasticity. These in-clinic solutions revive dull complexions, even out pigmentation, and delay signs of ageing. If you’re serious about skincare, a seasonal professional boost can make all the difference
6. Nutrition and lifestyle adjustments
What you feed your body shows on your skin. Anti-aging begins in your kitchen. Stock up on foods rich in omega-3, such as walnuts and flaxseeds, antioxidants in berries and green tea, and Vitamin E in almonds and avocados. Reduce sugar and alcohol consumption, both of which deteriorate collagen. Combine it with good sleep, regular exercise, and mindfulness activities – your skin (and future self) will be grateful.
