What has happened to me since having a baby??!

[gaalam]

I am not saying I was model material before but I did feel attractive and sexy and young. I had dd two years ago now. I’m now 38. I look horrendous. I can’t understand how I could go downhill so much?! I know I’ve aged two years but surely it should be more gradual? I do work and do nearly all care for Dd as her dad works away but I do get a lot of sleep and downtime most weekends. I don’t think it’s sleep related?!

My face is sagging. I’m very slim still but my face that looks so haggard. If I use some make up it makes a bit of difference but not much. I just look old and without any sparkle. I am grey ish and eyes look sunken and just… I don’t know. Awful. I also don’t own any nice clothes anymore, I don’t know what the style is for 38 year old women? Where do I start? It’s really starting to bring me down.

Could you start with something that is quite easy to change e.g. your hair? Maybe look on Pinterest at colours and styles you like and go treat yourself to a lovely haircut. That will hopefully help you start to feel more confident and able to then look at your clothing and get a few new pieces that feel like your new style. Again Pinterest will be your friend, but also Instagram has loads of style accounts and you can copy the style of people who are a similar age / body shape as you. I think buying from boutiques is nice as you know not everyone will have the same outfit as you, and they’re often better quality than online fast fashion stores - nice quality clothes will make you feel good. Also, colour is a great way to appear more youthful. Don’t shy away from a bright pink or deep orange. You could even do one of those colour assessment things to learn which colours suit you the most. I’ve never done one but lots of people say good things about them.
Then possibly invest in some decent skin care. Treat yourself to a facial and ask the therapist skincare questions so you can find out what products are good for your skin.

The above is probably what I would do. After I gave birth and felt rubbish I got a haircut and bought myself some nice clothes once I’d returned to my normal size again. Made me feel a lot better!

Your body has been through a trauma of birth and hormonal ups and downs will have an effect. I am sure it is nothing that can't be fixed with a bit of TLC. New hair colour? I really suit bright copper, it highlights my freckles and really lifts my skin tone. A bit of a light foundation and blush and it's golden.
As to what is stylish for 38 year olds, it's whatever you like. Treat yourself to a session with a personal shopper, maybe? You don't have to buy anything but get a chance to try on some clothes and have good advice.

Ageing is not steadily linear, it comes in fits and bursts. That not to say it's disappointing!(!), but it's not unusual to find a sudden downhill, especially in your late 30s.

Definitely treat yourself to some new clothes. Don't worry about what the style for 38 women is: all that matters is that it's a style YOU feel happy with.

Maybe try some new make-up, too. Just to brighten up your skin.

What's your diet like? Do you eat lots of fruit and veg?

Try out some of the fancy anti aging moisturisers daily and exfoliate once a week. Also develop a "no make up" make up look for yourself and re vamp the way you're styling your clothes. I've aged backwards since stopping BF and doing those things!

Face yoga is a thing!