My skin in my 30s

Seventeen-year-old Alicia would be mortified that thirty-year-old Alicia is posting a picture of us without makeup.

Watching my skin change during this first year of my thirties has been eye-opening. Milia appear overnight, pores are more visible and harder to “close,” my skin craves moisture constantly, and I find myself wondering, “Am I getting more freckles or are these sun spots?” Gone are the days when a simple under-eye cream would actually brighten my eyes. These are Mommy eyes.

Despite these changes, I’m becoming more comfortable and confident in my skin. I’ve prioritized skincare because I want my children to learn the importance of self-care, no matter what else is happening in their lives.

Here are a few tried-and-true products that have helped me maintain a youthful appearance, aside from genetics:

1. Naturopathica Pear and Fig Polishing Enzyme Peel: For my 29th birthday, my husband booked me a spa experience at The Palmer House in Chicago, which included a massage and facial. The esthetician made excellent recommendations, and this was one of them. It delivers glass-like skin without redness, is never over-drying, and is packed with natural, powerful ingredients. My husband always notices when I use this.

2. Naturopathica Poeticus & French Algae Brightening Essence (discontinued?): Another Palmer House esthetician recommended product. I use this Essence in my morning and nighttime routines. After washing my face, I apply the maximum allowed five drops of this serum all over my face and neck. It helps my moisturizer absorb better and fights hyperpigmentation effectively. I haven’t found it on the Naturopathica website, but other vendors still sell it.

3. CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser: This economical cleanser is my go-to after long days when I’m dirty or sweaty, or when I need to double cleanse after wearing makeup. It’s simple and doesn’t dry out my combination skin.

4. Drunk Elephant Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser: This pricier cleanser isn’t drying, has clean ingredients safe for pregnancy, and effectively removes makeup and dirt (especially with a double cleanse). I’ve been using it since 2020, when I was pregnant with my daughter. During that pregnancy, my skin was oilier and more acne-prone due to hormones, but this cleanser helped keep the acne at bay.

5. Drunk Elephant Protini™ Polypeptide Firming Refillable Moisturizer: I love this moisturizer! You can never use too much. It claims to be firming, and while I can’t say if it truly does that, my skin always feels great after applying it.