Thanks to my mother, I’ve lucky to have largely been blessed with good skin genes. My naturally fair skin means that although I grew up in Australia – land of the blazing sun – I can’t tan at all (it’s always fake, I’m afraid). Instead I have spent a lifetime slathering myself in SPF and avoiding sunbaking at all costs. But my pale skin also made me much more aware of the need to look after my skin generally. Both my mum and older sister taught me the importance of good quality skincare from a young age, and as a result I’ve been using products packed with preventative and reparative anti-oxidants since my late teens. While I might envy my naturally bronzed friends, I’m now feeling thankful for all those hours I didn’t spend in the sun and the help I gave my skin.
I’m not planning on turning to cosmetic procedures anytime soon (zero judgement if you are), but I do think my 30s are the time to start introducing more active skincare products, techniques, and ingredients so that I can preserve the appearance of my skin and fend off the ageing process as long as possible (without going near a needle).
For me, that means targeting the first signs of ageing that I’ve started to notice in my 30s: dullness (I’ve noticed my skin isn’t as naturally ‘glowy’ as it was ten years ago), softening the ‘smile’ lines that have started to appear around my eyes and from the corners of my nose to my mouth, and keeping the balance in check (annoyingly I still get hormonal breakouts around my jaw whenever I’m stressed or run down).
I’ve been looking for supercharged serums and products which pack a punch without stressing my skin: adding exfoliating salicylic and glycolic acids every other day (to help cell turnover and avoid breakouts), loading up on Vitamin C (to brighten and repair), and have been researching light and laser treatments to try (to gently even out freckles and skintone).
The new No7 Face Study tool is a website which lets you navigate around the different areas of the face, hone in on areas of concern, and get personalised guidance and solutions to address those specific issues. The key factor for me is understanding the science – behind both the skin and ageing process, but also the solutions – so that I can make my own educated decisions about what I choose put on my skin each day and why. The tool prescribed me the No7 Lift & Luminate Triple Action Serum, which is packed with peptides (to counter fine lines), hyaluronic acid (for hydration and firmness), and Vitamin C (to brighten and fade pigmentation). I know No7’s serums are amongst the best in the industry in terms of the effectiveness and concentration of active ingredients (ten years ago, they released the first-ever clinically proven serum), so I know this will be a worthy addition to my skincare routine.
We can’t change the skin we’re in, but we can all learn to understand what it needs and give it the best care it deserves. Now, somebody pass the Vitamin C!
Love, Briony xx
This post is in collaboration with the No7 Face Study. Learn more about their skincare solutions and try the face study tool here.
Loving that you are giving beauty tips for women in their 30’s, many thanks! I too have noticed dullness in my skin since I joined the 30’s club and have been looking for ways to up my skin care routine.