No lectures please - but how do I improve my skin.

[ARumDo]

I have actually namechanged for this - I am all too aware it is a problem of my own making and I feel bit ashamed/embarrassed. I am the one who ignored all the health warnings over the years and actively sought out the sun. I love(d) the sun on my face and seldom bother with sunscreen - though I always use a decent moisturiser so that, I guess, is something. Now, as I approach 50, all my chickens are coming home to roost and my skin looks a bit old and weathered. Ideas please for how to improve my skin and a good skincare routine to take me into the next decade. Disclaimer - I do not have a huge budget so realistically priced solutions please. Thanks all.

Medical grade microneedling and/or chemical skin peels to improve texture.

I've just done my own face (I work in the industry) and I'm blown away with the results.

I have sensitive and so won't go near Retinol/retinoids etc but found a hydrating toner made a huge difference to my skin. Plumps it up, feels great and soft. I use this and Etude House Soon Jung Toner (eBay from Korea, takes about 2 wks).

You could try a gentle Vit C for pigmentation - the Ordinary have lots of different ones, but the MAP cream is a good starter product. Or the FaceTheory Regena Vit C has been recommended to me but I haven't tried it yet.

Sunscreen - I like the Avène tinted sunscreen- looks dark in the bottle but isn't - blends in v easily and is 50spf.

If you check out Deciems - The Ordinary range you will find excellent skin care products and very very reasonable prices - my advice would be to join a facebook group for this product line and you will get excellent advice.
Also email Deciem and they will send you suggestions to target your actual need specifically.
Also take a look at Asian sunblocks - ( Biore, Innisfree ect) Amazon for this and read reviews. Excellent high spf broad spectrum sunblock for everyday ( Everysingleday) wear.
Check out ,
Aha/bha peel
30% vit c suspension in silicone
Retinol .2% in squalene
Hyaluronic acid
All The Ordinary, concentrating on texture and brightening :-)

Mad Hippy Vitamin A serum and a Foreo. Plus daily sunscreen from hereonin.

My dermatologist says that the only way to reverse sun damage is IPL treatment and several sessions to see a difference. She says that in skin over 40 it's the non surgical treatment that will make the most difference to most skin.

Vit C can help reduce pigmentation and sunscreen (mineral ie zinc oxide and titanium dioxide not chemical) should be worn religiously.

I have recently switched to products from The Ordinary (vit c, buffet) on her advice and include a retinol and sunscreen from Cyberderm which are highly recommended.

Forgot to link to 1% retinoid ester from Cyberderm, sun whip sunscreen is on the same site.