If you’re a millennial who spent your twenties over-scrubbing, chasing every skincare trend, and stressing over breakouts—you’re not alone. I’m Peonie, Botnia’s Marketing Manager, and I’ve been there too. After years of trying everything, I found that less is more. Switching to gentle, plant-based skincare was the reset my skin actually needed.

Your thirties come with enough curveballs—career, relationships, hormones—and for me, pregnancy was the biggest one. Through every shift, Botnia has truly given me the healthiest skin of my life. No harsh actives, no ten-step routine, just balanced, thriving skin that feels like a reflection of me at my best. This is what’s worked for my skin. 

How Skin Evolves in Your Thirties

Your thirties are basically your skin’s “plot twist” decade. One day, everything feels the same as your twenties, and the next, you’re squinting in the mirror wondering when those fine lines showed up. Between hormones, lifestyle shifts, and years of sun exposure, here’s what I’ve noticed (and what you might, too):

Slower cell turnover: Suddenly, that radiant glow takes a little more work. Your skin can look a bit duller than it used to.

Increased pigmentation: Sunspots and melasma can start to pop up from years of cumulative sun exposure and hormonal shifts.

Dehydration: My skin used to feel naturally hydrated, but in my thirties, I noticed it drying out more easily. 

Fine lines: Collagen production dips, making those first wrinkles more noticeable.

Breakouts: Yes, adult acne is a thing. Hormonal fluctuations tend to show up along the jawline and chin.

A skincare routine for your thirties

This is the decade of working with your skin, not against it. The holistic estheticians at Botnia have shown me that a simple, intentional routine beats an overflowing skincare shelf any day. Focusing on these three essentials—hydration, barrier care, and sun protection—creates the foundation for healthy, balanced skin that lasts.

Hydration: A hydrating serum (like one with hyaluronic acid) is key for keeping skin plump.

Barrier care: Your skin barrier is everything—keep it strong by skipping harsh scrubs (RIP St. Ives), drying toners (bye, Oxy pads), and aggressive actives that leave your face feeling tight and irritated. 

Sun protection: If you haven’t already made SPF a daily habit, consider this your sign. Sunscreen is non-negotiable. It helps to prevent sun damage, hyperpigmentation, and fine lines. Your future self will thank you.

For me, sticking to a daily plant-based routine has been a total game-changer. If you’re curious, here’s exactly what I swear by:

Cleanse: A double cleanse with Balancing Oil Cleanser to dissolve excess oil, makeup and SPF, followed by the Gentle Cleanser for a thorough yet soothing clean. In the morning, I stick to rinsing with warm water to avoid over-cleansing my naturally oily skin.

Tone: A generous spritz of Rose Geranium Hydrosol hydrates and balances oil production.

Serum: At night, I use Well Serum—its antioxidants promote repair and its hyaluronic acid adds hydration.

Moisturize: Daily Face Cream adds just the right amount of moisture without feeling sticky, especially during drier months when my skin needs a little extra love.

Spot treat: For occasional breakouts, I spot treat with Clarity Oil and Sulfur Mask to keep things calm and balanced.

Sun protection: Every. Single. Day.

Finding the right routine doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Take this quick skin quiz to receive a personalized plan from Botnia master estheticians.

Lessons as a new mom

Pregnancy made me pause and rethink my skincare. I suddenly cared just as much about what I put on my body as what I put in it. That shift led me to simplify my routine with nutritive, plant-based products. My skin thrived when I stopped chasing quick fixes and focused on what it actually needed—deep hydration, barrier support, and gentle care.

Postpartum, I’ve stuck to that same approach, even on sleepless nights. Skincare isn’t just about looking good—it’s about feeling good in your own skin, especially if you have a little one who also needs so much care. Caring for yourself isn’t a luxury as a mother—it’s essential. Even small moments, like deep breaths while spritzing a hydrosol or massaging my skin during cleansing, remind me that skincare is more than skin deep. It’s about showing up for myself, even in the chaos.

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Whether you’re navigating big changes in your thirties, adjusting to life as a new mom, or just trying to simplify your routine, know that you don’t need a million products, just the right ones. Our twenties were for experimenting, our thirties are for healing. Let’s unlearn the habits that did more harm than good and give our skin what it’s been asking for all along: nourishment, balance, and way less exfoliation.

With love,
Peonie

P.S. Just found out you’re pregnant? Congrats! Some skincare ingredients aren’t safe during this time, but you have plenty of plant-based options. Check out our pregnancy-safe skincare guide.