Update on my invisible woman syndrome

[ProperLavs]

A few weeks back I posted at my sadness at seemingly becoming invisible middle aged woman.
I decided I wasn't going to simply disappear without a fight so did something about it. This last few weeks I've had more compliments than I remember having had for years.
This is what I have done so far:
Got rid of all the clothes and shoes that didn't make me feel attractive when I wore them, it turns out I had a lot of those.

Upped my use of retin A

Made sure I double cleanse, exfoliatie and massage my skin daily.

Restart using vitamin c and msm on my face daily

Do my daily facial exercises- my neck has already toned up hugely.

Invested in some good quality make up

Henna- ed my hair

So I thought I would give some hope perhaps to others who are feeling a bit meh about themselves.

Well, I'm commenting to help you remain visible...

Great tips. I must start facial exercises and get myself some retin A!

Great work op! Pleased for you

This isn't a boast btw.
I am always hugely grateful when anyone shares things that have been successful for them.

I meant it op, I wasn't being sarcastic I promise!

Thank you paintbox 🙂

Exactly, it's good to have recommendations of things that actually work.

Well done

I have bought a few trendy shoes/boots and stomp around happily in them

Clarks and Hotter can piss off for now

Am also planning a haircut

Do you mind if I ask - do you think any of it is related to confidence based on the changes you've made ?

Well done! What facial exercises do you do?

Facial exercises? Share please!

Very interesting. Can you please share the brand names of products retin A and vitamin C you use. As someone who went back to work after a long gap, I am barely finding time to brush my hair. What is msm? I just use SuperDrug vitamin E cleanser and cream and nothing else. I need to something more to bring back the glow (reverse age?)

I bought some lovely clothes yesterday. I now need to go and hide the things I usually reach for. I am also having my teeth whitened (not to epic proportions). Although I have decent teeth, the colour is quite ageing.

What face exercises do you do?

Is retin a the same as retinol?? clueless

I think things feed into one another really.

If you feel you might look better then you act differently?

The face exercises I do a mixture of 2 programmes, but mainly one really quick and easy one that I bought years ago called 'ageless if you dare'

She advocates tough handling of the skin. Most people will shriek and run away at the thought, but it is actually making a big difference.

I have bought a couple of products from the website sheabynature, in particular her 25 again night serum is really amazing and dirt cheap for the amount you get.

i used to make my own c serums, but I am too lazy. Instead I have a little pot of vit c powder and msm power in a pot and after I've washed my face in the morning I simply take a pinch in my palm, add a few drops of water and splash on my face. This is a perfectly ok way to do this. making it fresh each morning ensures you aren't using stale ineffective products. AND it's a damn sight cheaper than buying any.

In the evenings I use retin A, I have for years but would forget, So now I religiously double cleanse and exfoliate me face, put the retin on and then the 25 again before bed.

Interestingly I have been very very tired these last 2 weeks and have been sleeping very badly , so should really be looking shit, but people i haven't seen for a while and have bumped into have all said how well I'm looking. You know it's odd, they look at me, looked surprised, say I am looking very well and then just stare, like they can't work out what is different.

stayfit, The Ordinary do various retinol preparations. If you email Victoria Health they'll suggest a routine for you.

Pleased things are going well for you PL. My skin is good but I need to brighten up my clothing, I got missed when going for tests at the hospital, the consultant blamed it on me being "easily missable". Yeah, thanks.

Does anyone have a retinal product recommendation please?

Neck exercises are the dog's. Someone posted in S&B saying you couldn't tone the plantar (?SP) muscle, it just droops with age - rubbish. You can always tone muscle AFAIK. Anyway, I lost a spare chin in 3 weeks by gurning at the telly nightly for a few min.

Such a great post. I am thrilled for you that everyone you know is noticing the difference, and commenting with approval. It will spur you on to maintain the effort. And you obviously feel much better in your own skin. Result!

Neck exercises are ace.

Thanks. I turn 50 this Friday and I'm determined to look better in my 50's than I have in my 40's!

🙋 high five. (Wanders off to renew pilates membership).

Link to neck exercises? pleaseeeee?