why is my face looking so horrible lately?

[Dropdeadfred]

I have never had 'beautiful' skin but my complexion has always seemed quite even and pale...nowadays my face looks pink and blotchy and shiney even when i wake up in the morning...I hate it...is it my age? I'm 40

anyone???

Is it just at the moment? I am suffering from all the pollen because it's so unseasonably warm - it brings me up all blotchy and puffy.

Wonder whether you might have a mild case of rosacea. Even if you don't, skin changes with age and its maintenance requirements change.

You should check out your cleansing and moisturizing routine. I was stuck in a routine that was too harsh and irritating to my skin. When I switched products (more hydration, less , and no peels), my skin tone improved. You might also need good oil control / mattifying products.

hmmm..possibly
thanks for replying
I just don't want it to be some permanen hormonal change - i do have a couple of red capillaries on my face but usually these are easily covered with just a bit of powder...my foundation and everything doesnt seem to want to go on properly at the moment either....agggghhhhh

oh thanks DonaAna - think you just posted my worst fears!

I think dermatologists say couperosa is the same as mild rosacea. I have r. in my family and I'm also fearing I'm getting it. However, it can usually be controlled at least to some degree with the right routines and also sometimes medication.

Google rosacea forums and pics and see whether they look at all like you. Then try some of the basic caring suggestions. If you seriously suspect r., you should see your GP or a dermatologist.

That said, I don't have proper r. yet and my skin can be controlled with the right cleaning and moisturizing products. Hope yours can too!

thanks DonaAa - i normally use Liz earle stuff but admit i have run out and started using wipes instead...maybe i should order some more today!

I dont hold with wipes for skin. Sounds like your face needs a bit of TLC

I like Decleor Facial Oil, makes you wake up all plumped and even

oooh i have used decleor before (usually when a tsv on qvc )

any other recommendations?

I think QVc are featuring them this weekend coming, with a deal on the oil. Or so the QVC postcard that popped though my letterbox told me

oooh thanks..will look!!

Mine has also gone horrible in the last few weeks and I've always had fabulous skin :( I was putting it down to my age/hormones etc...

Get rid of the wipes. They really damaged my skin, as do most alcohol-based product and toners (alcohol worked fine when I was younger but now it just irritates). And I can't do any scrubs or peels. Many oils and alkaline soaps are also sometimes tricky. And anything too natural is irritating for me, too. Rosacea has some basic dos and don'ts - check them out. This is an OK intro by a dermatologist. This also a good one.

La Roche-Posay does some good products. Not everyone benefits (check Makeupalley for reviews), but Toleriane Riche has been a good non-irritating moisturizer.

Some of the treatment requires lifestyle modifications. Winter is really difficult me, as is sun exposure. I think I have very light, 1st stage rosacea and ocular rosacea. So haven't been on antibiotics yet.