ARGH help me I've gone ugly overnight

[JodieHarshHasALumpyPennie]

It's been a foul couple of weeks chez Harsh, with a sudden bereavement and a thousand other things which pale into insignificance beside the bereavement but which are all contributing to my lying awake sleepless at 3am with a racing heart.

I know it's really bloody shallow to care about my appearance at a time like this but I swear to all that's holy and precious I've turned into an absolute minger in the space of 10 days.

My skin is grey, my eyes are puffy, and I am COVERED in tiny spots, including along my hairline and into my scalp

What can I do that will make me look respectable? I'm taking high dose vit C and trying to sleep - in fact I am sleeping far too much but it's not refreshing sleep, you know? I have really sensitive skin that flares up if I so much as touch it too much.

Anyone got an recommendations for intensive, cheap, reliable stuff that might return me to my normal self?

Also can I have the moon on a stick. Thanks.

No product recommendations but it sounds like treating yourself to a facial (for sensitive skin - maybe dermologica?) would be good for you.

You might feel better for pampering yourself

Or maybe Clarins beauty flash balm? You can use it as a mask if it suits your skin.

thanks nomore (your name has made me want a mini break now!) - I wonder if under the circumstances a facial wouldn't be too decadent. I feel such an arse even thinking about how I look but wincing every time I see my reflection in a shop window isn't going to help anything I guess...

I wonder if I can do a sort of home facial? But no getting out of the house would be good.

Sorry, am rambling!

Oh lovely :( So sorry for you. I thought you'd been quiet on FB. (((((((((((Jodie)))))))))

I would absolutely get a facial. And drink tons of water. And sleeeeeeeeeeeeeeep.

Have you tried Elemis? This in particular I am loving so much right now. I've just come off the pill and my skin is on the cusp of an epic hormonal fuck-over and this twice a week seems to be keeping it calm. It's v gentle.

I also prescribe as many cuddles and hair-strokes as DH can manage (I know he's under stress too) xx

I don't think it would be too decadent at all. Just take yourself off (no-one even needs to know?) and spend some time on yourself. Pretend you had it booked anyway!

Oh and freshly washed bed sheets and pyjamas and an early night with some smelly lavender stuff.

You're entitled to do what you need to do to feel better. Hope you feel gorgeous again soon x

Kneipp bath oils are fecking amazing. They do scents for all moods, and they change the bathwater an amazing colour.

Hop in there with a stack of products - I find that my skin only feels clean if I use cheapy garnier face wash, its v refreshing. Put on a lovely hair conditioner, shave your pits etc.

That might help you get restful sleep (temazepam also good, I find).

Xx

I've started taking vitD and kelp for my skin. It's been spotty and is now pretty good.

Exercise is good. I've started walking/running 3 or 4 days a week and do feel good when I've (had time) done it!

And, be kind to yourself, love. Sometimes, we go through a ropey patch.

Also, Circadin 2mg. Get it from your gp.

I had this to help me get back into a decent sleep pattern, after my son was really poorly. It's Melatonin, so "natural". It gave my body clock a kick start and now, I've "learned" a decent sleep pattern again.

Thanks so much everyone. And thanks darling Pinot - I'll be back to my FB stalker best soon XXXXXXX

I think I'm going to book a facial. I've only ever had one professional one and I do recall it going on for about 50 minutes and making me feel amazing (apart from the extraction bit which made me want to punch her lights out).

Eliza that's a really good tip, and worth bearing in mind for DH too (not only has he lost his Mum suddenly, but he's a shift worker, so you can imagine what his body clock is up to!). I do hope your son is better now x

I've woken up with a deathly white face pocked all over with little bright red spots but this morning they seem to be old ones not new ones, so maybe I'm mending.

Thanks again chaps. Weird how comforting it is to talk about frivolous stuff :)

And Morris - I am already planning tonight's bath! Brilliant suggestion xx

Aspirin face mask ( basically just rub dissolvable aspirin on face, wait a bit, rinse,) is a good starting place for spots.

Sorry you are going through a hard time :(

I also have sensitive skin and tend to get eczema flare-ups when tired/stressed.

Not wearing make up, eating good food, lots of fresh air and exercise seem to really help.

Just spent a week in a tent in wales in the pissing rain, my skin looks amazing :o

Decleor facials are lovely & really relaxing. The ones I've had included a neck, shoulder & scalp massage.

not very pampering but brilliant for grey skin is a bicarb scrub (knocks spots off asprin IMHO) mix a splodge of cleanser with enough bicarb to make a paste. scrub to high heaven, leave it for a couple of mins, then rinse v well. Moisturise a lot afterwards. You'll look like a new woman, honestly..

I had a decleor facial recently as I'd been ill in bed for months and was just beginning to recover, but v. frail and run down. It was very relaxing and the effects lasted several days. I think 50% of the effect is just someone taking the time to be nice to you, but sometimes its worth coughing up for I think!

Thanks for all this folks. I can report that I've drunk loads of water not giving up my coffee though, been for a stout walk in the rain, had a bath with some shockingly expensive oils in, done an aspirin face mask (which does indeed appear to be miraculous!), run another bath for DH, and am about to change all the bedclothes for the very best white cotton ones, and we're going to watch back-to-back Arrested Development on the laptop and then go to sleep early.

If that doesn't work nowt will.

xx

The sanctuary anti ageing skin mask and facial oil. Always perks me up. Sorry to hear you[ve had such a rotten time

Get short course of sleeping pills from the dr - proper sleep will work wonders along with plenty of water. Not very decadent but will work!