skin problems.

[ditavonteesed]

just trying to take a photo of my new hair to show friends but what jumps out from photo is sallow skin, looks dry, wrinkly, bags under my eyes so sunken and dark. I look haggered, what can I do about it?

The style and beauty regulars will give you much better advice than me on your skin - I am not worthy to post on this topic. I'm sitting here with hair that looks like a startled ferret and biro on my chin (which I must remember to wipe off before picking up DS...). I just hope no-one spots me and shouts 'Out you scruffter, we don't need your kind in here lowering the tone!'

But there is a quick fix to your immediate problem...

Improve the lighting when you're taking the photo - seriously! Angelina Jolie would look haggard with the wrong light. Use anglepoise lights and direct them onto white walls near you so that lots of light is bouncing back indirectly onto you - don't shine light directly onto your face. In extremis, bounce the light off something pinkish (hang some fabric for this) to give you a glow. Try different angles for the shot too - makes a big different to under-eyes looking dark and whether bags show or not - try placing the camera slightly higher, then lower, and altering the angle you're looking, turning to camera etc. If this isn't enough, try slightly over-exposing the shot also - it's a bit of a cheat but sometimes the blur is quite flattering. I would be very surprised if this doesn't fix your problem completely, but if not.... take the shot in black and white and wear strong lipstick.

Agree about the camera angles. Are you drinking enough water?

your right about the camera angles, but I tried all sorts and just looked slightly less haggard. might have a point about the water, the otrher day I thought I was ill, felt dreadful then had a cup of tea and felt fine, mostly drink black coffee. thing is I am already fat could do without looking old as well.

Strong coffee can actually dehydrate you (it's the caffeine) so I would suggest alternating with water or tea? (Your pee should be very pale if you are properly hydrated).

You could also try a fish oil or Vitamin E/Evening Primrose Oil supplement and see if it makes any difference? Might help with the dryness.

Marks place.
reads carefully.
Hopes for miracle.

What's your cleansing, moisterizing routine like? If you don't have one, implement one immediately. At the very least, a good quality cleanswer, toner and moisterizer every night at bed time and in the morning.

If your skin looks dry and a bit sallow, a good exfoliation may help. Use a good one about 2 - 3 times a week. be sure to get a face exfoliator - ones you use on your body are too harsh for the face. All cosmetic counters will have some but if you find that too expensive, boots has a good selection. You may need to experiment a ltitle to find one that feels good to you.

If you can afford it, a facial will help. It acts as a booster, cleaning your skin very deeply and also giving you a moisterizing lift.

If you can't, you can buy face mask treatments at Tesco or Boots to give yourself some home treatment. I also like this place to buy a good selection online.

On non cosmetic basis, are you getting enough sleep, eating enough fresh fruit and vegetables and drinking enough water? All of these are crucial for good skin. Boring but true.