Feeling really low about my appearance- too late for skincare?

[Squigglewigglediggle]

Sorry if this is a bit of a jumbled mess. I turn 40 this year and have recently started feeling very down about my appearance.

I've in the past couple of months developed what I think is xanthelasma (yellow patchy deposits of cholesterol on my eyelids- waiting on Dr's appointments to address underlying causes which is adding to my stress I think!)

I've also gained weight this last year, I've always been pretty slim (size 8-10) and am now about a 12/14 but don't have a particularly bad diet so I'm already feeling upset about the fact that I can't see a tonne of areas that I can "cut back" - I do have chronic health issues that cause a lot of fatigue so could stand to be more active but when I was working out regularly earlier in the year it made literally no difference to the weight gain and just left me feeling in pain and more tired so my enthusiasm dropped off.

I don't really wear make up at all unless I'm going out because I don't like how it looks on my skin and I don't have a huge budget for anything decent.

My whole face looks puffy and saggy, my skin sallow and I always have eye bags/dark rings no matter how much sleep I get, I feel so ugly. My skin is for the most part pretty clear with the odd breakout but I am noticing some redness/dry skin in some areas, particularly around my nose.

I really feel like I need to at least try some sort of skincare but feel almost overwhelmed at the choices and wonder if it's just a bit like locking the stable door after the horse has bolted - is it even worth doing anything now?

Can anyone recommend ANYTHING, I just feel my confidence dropping every day. I'll be OK until I catch sight of my reflection be it in the mirror in passing or even reflected in my phone and then I just feel sick and depressed. Obviously my first port of call will be my GP for some testing around the more serious symptoms but is there anything else I can do to maybe gain a little bit of confidence back? Help!

If it's any comfort, I've noticed that people age in fits and starts. And it's absolutely worth looking after your skin, not least because it'll make you feel better.
I'm no expert but plenty of water, particularly if you feel 'puffy', will help.
All you really need is a gentle cleanser, a moisturiser and a SPF. You could try a vitamin c serum for glow.
Start off slow and simple if you're new to it all.
There's several excellent budget-friendly ranges, such as Simple, Garnier and Superdrug B. No need to spend loads in my opinion.

Definitely drink more water. If you dont, your body retains what fluid you have hence makes you puffy.

I gua sha each morning, helps with the puffiness.

what is your skin type? Plenty of choice in Boots. Its a good place to start.

No7 and Good Intent is good

I know how you feel. I'm approaching 37 and my skin is awful. I've also got bags and dark blue circles which only mildly fade with colour corrector/concealer.

I often get spots around my chin even though I use an azelaic acid treatment. I use moisturiser, SPF.

I guess the only thing I'm missing is drinking enough water. That's the one thing I don't do very well with.

The weight gain is common around menopause,it’s a real nuisance but do see if you can get a blood test for low thyroid as that’s a common reason, it made me gain weight when I’d always been thin, not being able to exercise is an added problem as I have really bad arthritis.
As far a skin care, no it isn’t too late, not at all. Keep an eye on Boots web page on Tuesdays. Every week they have £10 Tuesdays & there are always some good skin care offers,things like No7, Olay etc reduced by £20 or even more. Spend £25 & you even get free postage but unfortunately this offer isn’t in store, only online.

Try the Human being Diet - Petronella Ravenshear. It’s primarily about reducing inflammation and resetting habits and your gut biome through diet. Book is about £15 - easy to read, make notes and commit for your well being. As well as feeling better you should lose weight and improve your skin