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Help me glow up in 6 weeks

25 replies

ICanTuckMyBoobsInMyPockets · 02/04/2026 09:05

Starting in about 6 weeks I've got a load of functions and a holiday.

I'm 45 and really noticing how my body is changing.

How can I tone a bit, make my skin look better and generally shine before I have to get my legs out in public.

And possibly needs a separate thread, but im getting loads of skin tags on my neck and armpits. Annoyingly not big enough to remove them, they're more flat. I think they're so ageing, anything I can do?

On HRT gel for the last 10 months so feel loads better but I'm turning into my mother before my very eyes 😞

OP posts:
paddyclampofthethirdkind · 02/04/2026 14:37

Collagen!! Expensive but I’ve noticed a big difference.

Exercise too, especially weight training!

MrsPottscloset · 02/04/2026 14:47

Weight training, walking, intermittent fasting and collagen. I'm 56 and in the best shape of my life. You will definitely improve in 6 weeks but if you keep it up for the long term the results are amazing

1AnotherOne · 02/04/2026 14:47

Increase your water intake! It’ll make a huge difference to your skin.

BloodyHellBob · 02/04/2026 14:49

Honestly, I wouldn’t bother with collagen but I would drink plenty of water and cut out booze for a while. Try and get good sleep habits and a sensible diet and also moisturise the hell out of your skin! I don’t bother with expensive moisturiser just one that I am happy to use loads of (obviously an SPF for the day time one). Six weeks is completely doable to make a bit of a difference!

OneBusyFinch · 02/04/2026 14:55

Sleep
no alcohol
get a proper facial
as pp said - up water intake
increase vegetables and fibre intake
intermittent fasting/ listening to your body and only eating when you are actually hungry (one meal a day works well for me)
no fast food

controversial but works for me - don’t sit down at home to watch tv/browse screens/social media - just do stuff - chores/walking/dancing/ - just move more

DuchessofStaffordshire · 02/04/2026 14:59

Go to the gym and lift heavy things.
Drink loads of water.
Eat plenty of protein and fibre, some healthy fats.
Give up booze.
Get plenty of sleep.

Chocbicc · 02/04/2026 15:08

I find these things make a big difference without requiring much effort / upkeep

lash serum to grow your lashes
lash lift and tint
gradual tan moisturiser
brow tint / wax
hair trim

sHREDDIES19 · 02/04/2026 15:34

Hi, I'm a little older but it feels like these last few months I can really notice a decline in my skin and hair. Just everything feeling dry, frizzy, and flat. I've been doing loads of research and I've found that the cheapest things are the best to start with; drink plenty of water and get plenty of sleep. Eat lots of veg, fruit and increase your protein and fibre. If you are getting all your nutrients from food, it's unlikely the collagen will have a material impact as it is just a type of protein. Much cheaper to eat the protein rather than buy pricey powders or supplements. Invest in a skincare routine which includes a cleanser and toner at night that are specific to your skin needs. Use a serum that again is targeted as well as a moisturiser and spf. Layering is good to hydrate your skin.

Passingthrough123 · 02/04/2026 15:52

Sleep
Water
SPF
Walking
Weights
Vitamin D supplement
Decent haircut
Clothes that fit and flatter the body you have now, not the body you want
Get your colours done

previouslyknownas · 02/04/2026 15:58

Skin
I’ve had really good results with nip fab
glycolic face scrub and cleansing gel
noticed the difference with 2 days
my face looks loads brighter clear and very smooth

if your pale some bronzing drops / tinted moisturizer

exfoliate skin every time your in the shower

get eyebrows waxed and shaped tinted if pale

botox if you can afford it

MajorProcrastination · 02/04/2026 16:34

Get good sleep and rest. Reduce alcohol intake. Drink more water. Moisturise - I'd definitely use a serum too, there are lots of options out there and it can be overwhelming - I like the upcircle peptid serum and a moisturiser from Lidl. I take collagen but no idea if it's making any difference! For shiny hair I'd shampoo twice before using conditioner.

I like to fake tan to take the edge off the post-winter glare, just the medium St Moriz from Home Bargains.

I've been working on my fitness with cardio, weights and core work for months. I'm not smaller (not the aim!) but I am more toned, stronger and fitter. Do you jog or walk or cycle regularly? Being more physically active outdoors helps me mentally and I think that always helps with the glow!

Brows and lashes make a difference as someone else mentioned.

namechangeabc123 · 02/04/2026 16:40

For the skin tags you can get them taken off with electrolysis at some beauty salons, or if you're feeling brave you could buy a mole remover pen on Amazon for about £25 and do it yourself (obviously as long as you know they're skin tags or senile warts and not anything suspect).

How are your teeth? White teeth make the biggest difference. Maybe look into getting some Crest Whitening Strips, or get your teeth whitened at the dentist if you have the funds.

Are you happy with your hair?

Have you considered gradual tan?

Maybe subtle/natural lash extensions, or trying a lash serum such as Rapid Lash?

It depends on your budget really. I do enjoy a glow up myself, and I'm on a strict budget but it's still possible to make a big difference.

Lottie6712 · 02/04/2026 16:40

I am usually a somewhat enthusiastic consumer of alcohol and I've completely stopped for the last 6 weeks, and I am genuinely surprised at the huge difference it's made to my skin!

Marylou2 · 02/04/2026 16:43

Please pop to see your GP about the skin tags. Can be insulin resistance/hormone related. Definitely worth checking out.

CMOTDibbler · 02/04/2026 16:46

On the skin tags, I had mine frozen off by a private dermatologist- he could do the flat ones and dealt with all the age spots at the same time. It was pricey but I had loads, and he did a free top up after 6 weeks to catch any that had missed out the first time (I had hundreds). Best money I’ve ever spent and should last me a couple of years.

Tutorpuzzle · 02/04/2026 16:46

I love these threads, always get good ideas, but if I had only 6 weeks it would be fasted cardio for me.
Before breakfast, treadmill, highest incline. Walk slowly for as long as you have time (I would say minimum 30 mins). You can gradually increase the speed over the weeks.
You’ll be a sweaty, shaky mess but your skin will start to glow after a couple days, and will only get better.
(In my experience better than Botox!)

mindutopia · 02/04/2026 17:09

Stop drinking alcohol if you do.

I took before and after photos from when I stopped and the difference is amazing.

Humblebumbley · 02/04/2026 17:29

Gradual tanning, a fresh hair cut, teeth whitening and getting extra steps in outside (walking or running) are some of the less invasive and less expensive options that can make a difference

MrsWhites · 02/04/2026 17:45

No tips as such but I am aiming for a similar glow up.

I bought a walking pad with an incline and I try to do 30 min each day (must admit I’ve missed a few).
I’m rubbish at drinking water so I’m aiming to increase this.
I’m trying to change my eating habits, I’m terrible at snacking.
I had lip filler about 10 months ago and it was the best thing I’ve done for myself, I researched and found someone who only does a natural look.
I’m working on exfoliating and moisturising my legs to get ready for fake tan season.
I have my roots done every 4 weeks and my nails done every 3-4 weeks.

Grapewrath · 02/04/2026 22:24

Plenty of early nights, fresh air, walking and lifting weights
Protein and fibre in the morning
Botox if you lean into procedures like that.
The best face mask I’ve used is a Tumeric peel
gradual tan

curious79 · 02/04/2026 22:36

Human Being Diet (get the book) - designed to lower inflammation and with that weight lowers. Will get your skin glowing. Fast results too

tatyr · 02/04/2026 22:51

I had skin tags of all sizes zapped by laser, it took maybe a week/10 days for them to drop off/heal, and then I was advised to avoid exposure to sun. It was something like £90 and I had about 12 of then treated
(This might help you decide if you want them done before a holiday).
I was surprised how much better I felt with then gone.
I was also advised not to continually wear a necklace (which I have done for years) as this can increase the likelihood of them around your neck.

wakeupshakeupmakeup · 04/04/2026 19:39

Great thread 👏

Do you have access to a stairmaster? I’ve started using it in the gym and have noticed a difference in just a couple of weeks. Legs & bum are definitely toning up

I always feel better when I consistently:

moisturise head to toe daily
use teeth whitening mouthwash daily
drink a good 2L water per day

MimiSunshine · 04/04/2026 19:47

Skincare wise, I rate Boots No7. It’s inexpensive, usually on offer and in my experience, actually works.

i recommend
No7 Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Dual Action Cleansing Water
No7 Radiant Results Purifying Toning Water
And the day and night moisturisers in the protect and perfect r as Joe.

Ive really noticed how much brighter my skin looks and after a few weeks.

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