If the spring 2012 shows were any indication fresh, youthful skin is in. A clean, bright minimal makeup look was favoured at Stella McCartney, Donna Karen and J Mendel, while models backstage at Michael Kors received a flushed, sporty glow before marching down the runway. Achieving this on-trend beauty look might seem like a tall order, especially after 30, but no matter your age radiant skin comes down to adopting the right routine.

Turning 30 can mean noticeable changes to the skin – texture feels drier and skin tone can become more uneven, but a smart anti-aging regimen, good skin care habits and a few key ingredients will help set the course for bright, healthy skin. Get started by following these expert tips for a flawless face.

Anti aging skin care tip #1: Exfoliate
Exfoliation becomes even more vital as we approach 30. “Women in their 30s are concerned about maintaining radiance and brightness, so be sure to exfoliate at least twice a week. This will help rid the skin of dead cells and even out your complexion” says Narges Ehsani, esthetician at Tips Nail Bar. “Also have a proper skin care regimen in place. This includes always removing makeup before bed, wearing UV protection during the day, as well as cleansing, toning and moisturizing.” A good toner will help with exfoliation, wipe away residue or impurities, as well as balance out the skin’s pH level for smoother texture.

Try: Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant to remove dulling debris and leave skin looking smoother and brighter.

Anti aging skin care tip #2: Hydrate
Achieving the slightly dewy, almost glistening look we spied at Missoni and Damir Doma gets harder with age, but the right moisturizer can help keep skin supple. Your skin becomes drier as you get older so the moisturizer you used in your 20s may no longer be rich enough. Now is the time to start thinking about wrinkle prevention and upgrading to something more hydrating. Melissa Nicholl, Artistry Expert with Make Up For Ever, recommends choosing cosmetics that help combat dehydration and using foundations that aren’t too heavy. “Anything overly powdery will only accentuate fine lines and pores. Start with a non-greasy serum/primer like Make Up For Ever HD Hydrating Elixir,” she says. “This multi-use product can be applied around the eyes and lips for intense hydration in just 15 minutes and leaves skin looking radiant all day.”

Try: NeoStrata Daytime Moisture Infusion Cream to keep skin hydrated for 24 hours.

Your skin will be more youthful looking with our anti aging tips on the next page …

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Anti aging skin care tip #3: Use SPF Daily
We might have seen some tanned, sun kissed faces backstage at Rag & Bone and Timo Weiland and skin that appeared almost sunburned on models at the Robert Mouret show, but in the real world practicing sun safety is one of the most important steps to younger looking skin. “It’s never too late to start protecting yourself from harmful UV rays by wearing SPF regularly. It’s the best way to slow down the aging process and avoid injury from sun exposure,” Ehsani explains. Choose moisturizers and cosmetics that contain an SPF of 30 or higher to wear on a daily basis. Damage from the sun begins within the first few minutes your skin is exposed to sunlight, even on cloudy days.

Try: L’Oréal Paris Youth Code SPF 30 Day Cream to replenish the skin’s moisture barrier and help prevent sun damage.

Anti aging skin care tip #4: Look for key Ingredients
Many beauty products today contain active ingredients that help the skin stay youthful and radiant. “It’s important to look for ingredients that protect collagen production and rejuvenate the skin,” Eshani says. She shares four of the most beneficial.

• Hyaluronic acid: Essential for combating dryness and improving the skin’s ability to hold onto water. It also plumps up the complexion resulting in the reduction of fine lines.

• Glycolic acid: Best known for its ability to exfoliate dry, patchy skin and help treat mild hyperpigmentation, glycolic acid is an excellent anti aging ingredient and also effective on acne-prone skin.

• Vitamin C: Reduces the signs of premature aging, brightens skin and protects against oxidative stress.

• Niacinamide: Helps fade dark spots, enhances the skin’s moisture barrier and has soothing properties.

Ehsani also warns that there are some ingredients in skin care products that you may want to avoid. “Stay away from oily products that contain lanolin. This ingredient is extracted from sheep’s wool and often causes major congestion in the pores,” she explains. “Although there are exceptions, any product with alcohol in it will likely dry out your skin and beauty products with strong fragrances can cause irritation.”

Try: NeoStrata Moisture Rescue Sheet Mask that contains hyaluronic acid for plumped-up, replenished skin.

Read more:
The best exfoliators and scrubs
The best winter face moisturizers
Au naturel: 5 organic beauty products we love

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