I've aged 5 years, almost overnight

[permaquandry]

I know it sounds mad but I looked OK last week, am mid-thirties, pretty good skin, not too many wrinkles etc.

Was in a gym class and near the front, the person I saw in the mirror looked like somebody who had been aged for effect (you know when someone is in a film etc and is made up to look older).

I couldn't believe it.

I don't know what's going on. I'm getting enough sleep, have been eating a bit more sugary stuff than usual but a fairly balanced diet, exercising, but not high impact. I drink at least 8 glasses of water per day.

My Clarins products have started making my skin react so I've swapped to Avene, which, although may not have as good anti-aging ingredients, surely can't have such an effect.

What could this be, help?

Fluorescent lighting. Ignore.

Cruel mirror designed to make you work harder in class?

Unfortunately, upon inspection at home in a duller light, the evidence is still there......what can I do??

I don't know. I've aged in dog years over the last six months.

I'm contemplating a pact with the dark side and putting a portrait in the attic.

Haircut?

After Christmas I was feeling old and awful. Got a haircut - not even a drastic change, just a half fringe - and I felt like a new woman. I realised my hair had been dragging my whole face down.

Easy short-term boosts are a new haircut/highlights, eyelash dye, eyebrow shaping, new make-up.

The lovely Squoosh on a thread I started the other day recommended snail drool.

I'm using astral as a night cream as Joanna Lumley swears by it and she looks good - I put it on inch thick and my skin is soaking it up. I might get some snail sperm at some point. Roll on spring - winter skin is painful to look at! I'm also thinking about buying Glam glow face mask - India Knight was raving about it.

Oils to cleanse, water, fish oil capsules - cut out sugar and avoid booze - I look so much older after a few glasses. Install and use dimmer switches - try not to look in mirrors unless fully prepared. Catching yourself unawares can be a bit if a shock.

Embrace it. See if you can find Fabulous Fashionistas on 4OD as inspiring and fun attitudes to ageing.

Loads of much better tips to follow am sure.

At least you're exercising - I must do more. Let your aim be health and happiness first.

I'll bet you look great - you're being down on yourself which will make you glum and frown - can't afford to that any more

brightening products may help. serums also good - Nuxe Serum Marveilleuse is nice.

also weekly masks this time of year (moisturising ones) and I've been using Avene rich day cream with L'Occitane SPF40 on top.

for when you wear makeup use Touche Eclat or the Clinique Air Brush/flash under eyes, mascara and blusher - all help brighten.

can anyone tell me what you're meant to do with the snail slime

Thanks for the replies. I'm going to start taking cod liver oil (I have 3 boxes in the cupboard, obv another non-started health kick from a while back).

I don't wear makeup but then I never have. It's not just like a dull look, it's lines, wrinkles, dehydration etc. I only drink 1-2 glasses of wine at weekends and often none at all. I don't smoke.

I get fresh air every day as I have kids and a dog. Today we've had a pj day but I've been in the garden loads and drunk lots of water.

I'm naturally pale but do not sunbathe and wear large sunglasses most days, due to light intolerance.

I'm quite skinny but have wobble, if anything though, I've plumped up a little since Xmas.

I sound a treat.

If I'm honest, all the stuff I do now, I should be looking better and not worse. Hmm....off to get that mirror out of the attic.

Apparently, avocados, nuts and berries are supposed to have anti aging properties........advonutberry stew, anyone?

I think I may have to start with the makeup and Botox...?

have you been a bit stressed lately?

Also, how about face fake tan? my wrinkles look worse when I'm very pale

Sometimes I feel like I'm old and frumpy and hate the sight of myself in any mirror. Give it a week or so, the mood passes or perhaps my hormones settle and I forget all the things I hated and feel ok again. I've just turned 40 and am trying to make the most of what I have as I don't want to be miserable trying to turn the clock back as it's unachievable. I'm getting a good hair cut tomorrow and have just ordered a few trendy bits to perk up my wardrobe. I bet you look great to an outsider looking in....we scrutinize ourselves too much.

Oh god, I'm turning 36 today. Is this about to happen to me??

I'm a fan of a bit of fake tan at this time of year. Olay do a face moisturiser that I use a couple of times a week. Stops me looking bluey/ grey. Sadly doesn't hide wrinkles.

God are you me? I clocked myself in the mirror just now and screamed (in my head, I was at work in the loo).

Thegreat, shall we make a rule to just not look in the mirror unless a small compact one? It's rubbish, innit?

Mirrors at work are the worst. Mine is located in a fluorescent lit loo with incoming side light from a frosted window. It makes a bad day even worse!

I have gone downhill rapidly over the past 6 months as I hit 40. Its depressing. I am going to sort out my wardrobe, start exercising and swap the diet coke and wine for water .

I also need a botox top up. mine suddenly seems to wear off overnight.

I'm booked in for a laser consultation next week to get rid of the lovely beard and moustache I have acquired!

I blame central heating.

Every year at this time I book a facial. Lots of exfoliating and moisturising.

Then get my brows threaded.

Hair cut and coloured.

Teeth cleaned.