Pale/grey washed out face - help

[stupidphone]

I am nearing 40 and trying to take care of my skin. Trouble is I only seem to look healthy and pretty when I have a tan on my face! Unless I plaster on loads of make-up. I eat healthily, I could drink more water, I use a scrub and then hot cleanse method with micro fibre flannel. Trouble is I look really old tired and 'grey' in the face! What can I do to give my face a fresher look without make- up?! Any ideas?

[Destinysdaughter]

Origins Vitazing is a good moisturizer that gives a nice glow to the face. I use it when my skin feels a bit dull

Korean sheet face masks are a good pick me up too!

[Fuzzypeggy]

I'm not a skin care expert but I'm guessing make up is the answer. My skin looks ok when I've just washed/exfoliated it but after a while it just looks sallow, grey, not good at all. My skin is in decent condition, it's just the colour that it is! Make up all the way for me

[ElspethFlashman]

You could always try that new face cream from L'oreal that has a rosy tint. Age Perfect Golden something.

[LorLorr2]

This sounds silly but you could try regularly doing some yoga poses that cause blood to go to your head. The 'downward dog' for example! And pinch your cheeks a little. After a minute once the redness has gone,you might see more natural colour to your face.

[YodaBest]

Not to worry you but have you heart disease?
Are you unfit? Are your nails on your feet or hands grey or are they a healthy pink colour.

Do you smoke?

Maybe try some vigorous exercise three times a week. Fast bursts of sprinting or cycling SIL do the trick.

Fwiw, fake tan is excellent for the general pale look, but having a grey undertone isn't good news vascularly speaking.

Keep active, and try and to get enough rest. Hope this helps.

[YodaBest]

Cycling SIL = "cycling can"

[Onegreatday]

Makeup wise, clarins do a facial tanning oil that you mix a few drops in with your moisturiser. Gives you a glow without being full on fake tan.

Bourjois little round pot healthy mix blusher is a good colour for perking up complexion. As is estee lauder peach blusher. I also like clarins radiance foundation.

[FrustratedFrugal]

I'd try glycolic acid or lactic acid pads combined with daily sunscreen. You said no makeup but blusher can work magic if you feel a bit faded and gray. Have you checked your iron levels?

[Onegreatday]

Sorry - just read you don't want makeup!! I think ageing makes your pigment less so you'll look more washed out than when you are younger. That's why I love makeup!

[RemusLupinsChristmasMovie]

How are your iron levels? I looked pale grey when mine were v low.

[stupidphone]

Thanks for replies! I do a lot of exercise and am fit and generally healthy. I did have low iron once, maybe I need to take some again. I just seem to have really pale skin in the winter. Without make up I do look like shit! I like the sound of the clarins oil stuff..... off to google!

[Eliza22]

I have good skin; few wrinkles, clear complexion. I look like death, without makeup. I use foundation, blush and lippie. Eye makeup too. Every day. Not to look younger or flamed up but simply to look like I still have a pulse. I tried the Pixi Glow To I'd (made me glow...for 1 minute - then I was back to normal. I'm mid 50's. It's fine. Wear the makeup (if you want) or don't. No one is judging you as harshly as you judge yourself.

[humanfemale]

If you're not keen on makeup this is lovely and smells divine

m.johnlewis.com/dr-hauschka-translucent-bronze-concentrate-30ml/p/122644

[ItShouldHaveBeenJingleJess]

I know it's soooo boring, but I look a million times better when I drink more water. Also, spend a bit longer massaging your face when you put cream on.

[Delatron]

The Clarins oil is amazing. A couple of drops mixed with your moisturiser give a lovely, healthy, 'glowy' colour. I'm a complete convert..

[BounceBounceSplishSplash]

I second the Clarins facial tan drops. I add 3 to my moisturiser. It's very subtle though - gives more of a healthy glow rather than a full on fake tan look. It lasts maybe about 2 days before I have to reapply.

I also like Nib & Fab Extreme Pads. Use at night and they'll gently exfoliate and liven your skin up a bit.
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I'd try a primer too. I like MAC Strobe cream but only under foundation. If you don't wear make-up the Rosie for M&S autograph would be good for putting on over moisturiser. This:

www.marksandspencer.com/amazing-radiance-cream-35ml/p/p22445358?&mcptredirect