Can you go from old and tired to looking young and fresh?

[whatsthegame]

Just that really?

I'm not old, I'm 30. But I've never taken great care of myself. I'm probably a stone, stone and a half overweight. And in the last year I've started smoking. Stupid I know. I smoke more out of boredom and I should just stop.

I'be been looking at my face and it just seems old and tired. I've never had great skin though so I don't know if this is even down to the smoking and whether it would improve if I gave up. I've always looked old. When I was 13 people thought I was a lot older and I remember when I was 23 someone thought I was in my mid - 30s!

I'd like to try and get myself together. Really looking for advice from people who have managed to do this rather than people who have always looked young and/or been healthy.

I think a lot of this might be down to stress. Had a very stressful childhood, and still have a stressful job and relationship with DP.

I think stress certainly makes you look and feel a lot older. When I'm really stressed I don't recognise myself. Do you exercise much and get out in the fresh air? I think that really helps you look more youthful. And definitely try and stop smoking as that really ages you.

It sounds like things are tough.

I think addressing your diet and stress will have the biggest effect on how you look. I went veggie and started eating five a day which made a big difference. Plus adding some exercise.

I always feel better when I’ve had my eyebrows shaped which doesn’t cost a lot.

Yes, I think you can.

I'm sorry to hear you've had/are having a difficult time

Sometimes small things like drinking more water, exercising, having a new hair style, getting brows done etc. Can make big changes, and they are quick wins.

In the meantime, you probably know you need to stop smoking and try to lose the extra weight, but most importantly make sure you get some support for yourself

I’ve only started looking after myself again, just this week, at the age of almost 50. More sleep, even if it means a nap during the day (fuck I really am getting old!) a good quality moisturiser, eat healthier foods and drink less alcohol. I’ve seen a difference already, as I look but fresher faced, iykwim. I still don’t wear makeup, but I’ve already had a couple of comments.

Thank you for your comments. I feel really touched, you're all so kind. Heh, it's amazing what a few words can do.

I do exercise although I suspect many people would never think so as I'm not the fittest but the one thing I did last year for myself is get a personal trainer and I work out with him 3x a week. I wouldn't say I'm very fit though and I suppose more than anything I do need to address the diet and smoking. I'm stopping today. And drinking more water.

I think in the past when I've gone on health kicks I've not noticed my skin improving that much. I've always had a sort of bobbly complexion which the doctors say is a form of mild acne that can't really be treated.

I think addressing the stress is the hardest part. I have no idea how I'm going to do that apart from just plod on which is what I do. But I feel like like is going past and this is the time to make the most of my looks/body/health.

You definitely can look fresher - especially at 30! I think I do in some ways more so now at nearly 38 than I did at 30 because I invest time and effort into it. I have genetic big dark circles and big wide eyes so it’s very obvious when I look tired. I also had hormonal spots for years but have barely had a spot in the two years since I changed my skincare routine.

Stress always shows on my face but it’s definitely worth making a few changes - even just the self care part of adding a skin care routine is good for you - you are worth the time and effort to be nice to yourself.

Minimum of two litres of water a day to start with and ditch sugary drinks as much as possible. Booze in moderation but at 30 you can still get away with drinking sessions. Definitely quit smoking. If your diet is heavily processed then try to move away from that but don’t beat yourself up - small changes gradually are still progress.

Start double cleansing your face - it’s amazing what a difference it can make. Buy some micellar water to remove make up and then a cleanser to wash the face. Lots of people rate the body shop camomile one (I’ve not tried it) and I don’t think it’s too expensive. If you’ve got some cash to burn then Emma Hardie cleansing balm is lovely and is my favourite.
My can’t live without item is pixi glow tonic - my skin has been fab ever since I started using it as it seems to freshen my face up loads. Use that at least once a day. Then a serum and moisturizer, possibly an eye cream. Whatever you can afford on that front, but would recommend Buffet by The Ordinary as it’s only £12 and is decent enough for the price.

Good luck x