Dull, tired, haggard skin...

[Chocamochalatte]

I have been through a lot of stress in the last six months and it seems to have taken its toll on my skin. My face looks dull and haggard. Any recommendations? Should I be looking at supplements or creams??

What's your budget? People could recommend anything from high street stuff to fancy pants lasers and £200 creams really.

Sorry you've been so stressed, hope things are picking up!

As little as possible?! Def nowhere near £200 unfortunately...

Watching with interest, I feel like I've aged about 10 years since DD was born 20 months ago, and although I'm getting OK sleep now (not as much as I'd like), I too look dull and haggard.

What's your skin type op, mine's fairly dry, need a good moisturiser.

Doesn't help that I have no skincare routine, just a quick wash and moisturise if I'm lucky!

Well it's always been dare I say it 'normal' but since I've had the mirena fitted it seems to have become more oily... I recently spent out on No 7 anti wrinkle day cream and eye cream, but not sure the day cream agrees with me, seem to be getting tiny spots but again that could be the mirena?

No skin care recommendations
Blusher - benetint
Plus highlighter on eyes and cheekbones - no7 or glow maximiser (Dior)
Eyelash curlers
10 years off plus a good nights sleep

Lots of water
Superdrug Naturally Radiant Glycolic Overnight Peel

Hot cloth cleanser (any cleanser really) double cleanse with a wrung out muslin cloth

Sleep

Hmm, sleep is a problem, with all the stress I've had anxiety, and developed insomnia... Taking Kalms each night seems to work, I now get about six hours sleep a night.

Not very good at applying highlighter, maybe I should get on YouTube and take a look... Same with blusher!!

Will def try hot cloth cleansing. How does the vitamin e supplement work? Can you take too much??

just tried the paulas choice aha lotion and started to do the double cleanse as well as a facial wash in the morning and I feel my skin is looking less dull than it has for years all the expensive moisturisers were a waste of money

Another vote for Paula's Choice. If you tend to spots and blackheads get the BHA not the AHA. The bottles last forever.

The most difference you can make to your face is with AHA/BHA and retinol - plus SPF to stop it getting any more damaged.

Possibly try a peel to kickstart your new regime.

I go for one once every so often, it tightens my skin and makes it glow. They cost around £40.

Where do you buy Paula's choice from?

What type of peel skinny?

It's an enzyme peel, but I'm afraid I can't remember the brand name. I just have the gentlest 5% one as it does sting a little (wimp!)

Sleep and water, firstly.

Even if you have insomnia (with which I totally sympathise), at least get to bed an hour earlier to rest your eyes.

Also, fifteen minutes of brisk exercise in the morning. Although I appreciate it is the last thing you feel like after a bad night, it will wake you up faster.

Evening primrose oil on your face at night does wonders to tired skin. It's also very cheap.

Agree with double cleansing with a flannel and acid toning. Facial massage is great for glow boosting. Youtube has lots of how to videos. Either do it with your cleanser or with a facial oil as a last step in your routine. A nice oil that won't break the bank is Good Things Argan Oil (I think it's about £9, but it lasts for ages). Omega 3 supplements will help as well.

Don't do a peel. I think you end up just having to do them more if you see what I mean.

Sounds like you need sleep! Also eating well helps, things with oil in them like nuts, seeds and avocado. Get outside and do some exercise if you can (will help with sleep). Also cut down on alcohol if you do drink.

Never had so many compliments as when I started using hot cloth cleanser (otherwise known as using a flannel when washing your face) and took up running - slept better too and helped cope with stress.

you can get a good cleanse from the dry olay facecloths
they foam up when you use water and they exfoliate your face by the fact that they are a cloth

neutrogena have a very good bha

neither are expensive and both are excellent products

I've never heard of putting evening primrose oil on skin like that, will give it a try...

I'm not able to take Omega 3 (due to medication)

I will start hot cloth cleansing, I like the look of those wipes wipes and the cream Ronald, def something I can stick too!

I guess the trick is not to make too many changes at once??

I recommend two thins - I started using them last Winter when I was particularly stressed from work, and exhausted. My skin was almost grey, not good.

• Clarins Beauty Flas Balm - I know other people say this does nothing for them, but to me it has made a big difference in making me look more 'alive'.
• Closely followed by Christian Dior radiance primer. Just gives my skin a really nice glow.

I wear make up too, but these two products have really rejuvenated my face. They are both pretty expensive (around £28-ish I think), however with daily use they have each lasted me six months, so definitely worth it.