Why Your Skin Needs Extra Love After 35 — And How to Give It What It Craves
You know, our skin is pretty amazing — it’s actually our body’s largest organ and the first line of defense against all the stuff life throws at us: pollution, UV rays, oxidative damage. But if you’re like many women I talk to, you might have noticed that around 35 (or a bit later), your skin starts acting differently. The natural bounce and glow feel like they’re slipping away, and those pesky fine lines and dull patches become harder to ignore.
I get it — aging skin can feel frustrating. But the good news? With the right habits and a gentle, science-backed skincare routine, you can support your skin’s vitality and keep that youthful glow alive longer.
What’s really impacting your skin as you age?
Collagen loss: After 30, our collagen production drops by about 1% every year. That’s why skin starts to sag and wrinkles sneak in.
Hormonal shifts: Estrogen is a superstar when it comes to keeping skin hydrated and elastic. When its levels dip during perimenopause and menopause, dryness and loss of firmness often follow.
UV damage: We all love the sun, but too much exposure speeds up aging — hello, dark spots and uneven tone.
Lifestyle matters: What you eat, how stressed you feel, your sleep quality, and overall health all play their part in how your skin looks and feels.
Feeding your skin — from the inside out
Skin health truly reflects what you put in your body. Here are some of my favorite nutrients to boost skin elasticity and hydration:
Omega-3 fatty acids: Found in fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts, these help keep your skin moist and calm inflammation.
Antioxidants: Vitamins C and E protect your skin from the daily onslaught of free radicals caused by aging and the environment.
Hydration: Water is your skin’s best friend — plus, munching on hydrating veggies like cucumbers and leafy greens makes a difference.
Healthy fats: Alongside omega-3s, omega-6 fatty acids help keep skin soft and reduce dryness.
Collagen supplements: Many women find collagen peptides helpful for stimulating natural collagen production — improving elasticity and softening fine lines.
Building your anti-aging skincare routine
Besides what you eat, how you care for your skin externally matters:
Gentle cleansing: Use a mild cleanser to sweep away impurities without stripping your skin’s natural oils.
Exfoliation: Regularly remove dead skin cells to encourage fresh, glowing skin to come forward.
Hydration: Moisturizers with hyaluronic acid are great for locking in moisture and giving your skin a plump, healthy look.
Sun protection: Sunscreen every day, rain or shine, is non-negotiable to prevent premature aging.
Nourishing ingredients: Look for products with retinol, peptides, and antioxidants — these ingredients stimulate collagen and support skin renewal.
Red light therapy — a glow booster you might want to try
Red light therapy has been gaining popularity, and for good reason. It penetrates the skin’s deeper layers, encouraging collagen and elastin production. The result? Reduced fine lines, better elasticity, and more even skin tone. Plus, it helps soothe inflammation and promote healing — a holistic boost for your skin’s health.
Lifestyle habits that matter
Don’t forget: your daily habits make a big difference too.
Sleep: Aim for 7–9 hours of quality rest to give your skin time to repair and regenerate.
Stress management: Chronic stress can ramp up cortisol, which isn’t great for your skin — think breakouts and dullness. Finding ways to relax helps your skin shine.
Exercise: Moving your body improves circulation and oxygen flow to your skin, helping you get that healthy glow.
In the end…
Taking care of your skin as you move through your 30s and beyond isn’t about chasing youth — it’s about embracing your natural beauty and giving your skin what it truly needs to stay healthy and radiant.
By combining smart nutrition, a skincare routine tailored to your skin’s unique needs, and mindful lifestyle habits, you’re not just enhancing your appearance — you’re supporting your overall well-being as you navigate life’s beautiful changes.
