It took me years to figure out a skincare routine that actually worked for my skin.
I remember being 22 and absolutely clueless about skincare-- which products went together, what order I was supposed to apply them in, and which products I should avoid because they simply weren't suitable for my sensitive, combination skin.
Looking back now, skipping SPF was probably one of my biggest skincare mistakes.
Fast-forward to my mid-20s, and I still didn't have a proper skincare routine. I started noticing fine lines, dullness, and an uneven skin tone. That was my wake-up call.
I began spending hours reading skincare reviews, researching ingredients, joining beauty forums, and subscribing to newsletters. All in the hope of building a skincare routine that would work for my skin.
Finding the Right Skincare Routine for My Skin
When I finally found products that worked, I thought I was set. I had found my skincare forever products.. or so I thought.
But then came my 30s.
As my skin changed, so did its needs. I started noticing more dryness, fine lines, and unevenness, and I realized that the skincare routine that worked for me in my 20s wasn't necessarily enough anymore.
So, I decided to take my skincare regimen more seriously.
Now, after years of trying different products and figuring out what works best for my skin, I've found a few holy grail products. The ones I don't like going to bed without and the ones I always make sure to have backups of.
And because friends don't let friends struggle through confusing skincare routines alone, I've rounded up some of my longtime favorites and skincare discoveries that may also be worth trying if you're in your 30s and looking to build a routine for healthier-looking, hydrated skin.
1. Sunscreen: Make SPF Your Daily BFF
If there's one skincare habit I wish I had started earlier, it would be wearing sunscreen consistently.
Sunscreen is now a non-negotiable part of my daytime skincare routine. I love formulas that feel lightweight, absorb easily, and sit comfortably on the skin.
One of my longtime favorites is Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50. It's lightweight, comfortable to wear, and doesn't leave a noticeable white cast on my skin.
If you're just starting to build a skincare routine, adding a broad-spectrum sunscreen to your daily routine is one of the simplest habits you can start with.
2. Essence: An Extra Layer of Hydration
An essence is one of those skincare steps that I learned to appreciate over time.
For me, it adds an extra layer of hydration and helps prepare my skin for the rest of my routine. Depending on the formula, an essence can also target specific concerns such as dryness, dullness, and uneven-looking skin.
The key is finding a product that works well with your skin type and concerns rather than adding more products simply for the sake of having a longer routine.
3. Treatment Lotion: When My Skin Needs Extra Care
On days when my skin feels like it needs more hydration, I reach for a treatment lotion.
Depending on the formula, treatment lotions can help hydrate, gently refresh, and prepare the skin for the products that follow. I generally apply lighter, more watery products before thicker treatments and moisturizers.
My routine isn't always exactly the same every day. I adjust it depending on how my skin feels and what it needs at the time.
What I Use: SK-II Facial Treatment Essence and Facial Treatment Clear Lotion
After trying sample sizes and loving how they worked with my skin, I decided to add SK-II Facial Treatment Essenceand SK-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion to my routine.
The Facial Treatment Essence became one of the products I consistently reached for, especially when my skin was feeling dull or dehydrated.
As with any skincare product, results can vary depending on your skin type and concerns, so what works for me may not necessarily work the same way for everyone.
4. Serum: Targeting My Main Skin Concerns
Serums are one of the skincare products I pay the most attention to because this is where I usually focus on my specific skin concerns.
When choosing a serum, I recommend looking at what your skin actually needs rather than simply buying the latest product everyone is talking about.
At the time, I was focused on addressing the visible signs of aging and improving the overall appearance of my skin, which is why I incorporated Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair into my routine.
It's one of the products I enjoyed using as part of my nighttime skincare regimen.
Building a Skincare Routine That Works for You
Over the years, I've learned that a good skincare routine doesn't necessarily mean using the most products or following a complicated 10-step regimen.
What matters most is finding products that work for your skin and using them consistently.
My routine has changed from my 20s to my 30s, and I'm sure it will continue to evolve as my skin changes over time. Some days call for extra hydration, while others require keeping things simple.
If there's one thing I've learned from years of experimenting with skincare, it's this: listen to your skin.
Start with the basics, give new products time, avoid introducing too many products at once, and focus on consistency.
You don't need a shelf full of skincare products to build a routine you love. Sometimes, finding a few products that work well for your skin is more than enough.
These are some of the skincare products and routines that have worked for me over the years—and while skincare is personal and everyone's skin is different, I hope sharing my experience helps make building your own routine a little less overwhelming.