Losing my looks already? Advice!

[Justanamechange2]

I’m 23. Over the past however many months, I’ve just felt so “meh” about my appearance.

I have always loved dolling myself up and doing my hair. I still want to - but the end result is always so disappointing now, that I genuinely think I look better with my hair scraped back into a ponytail.

I have very fine hair, but a decent amount of it. Straightening it used to be my go-to. Lately though, it looks dreadful. Dull, lacklustre. Sticks to my head. I wondered if it was partly to do with the colour - I went very blonde last year, and it reallly washed me out. I’ve since had it toned down a lot, with warmer tones. It’s still quite blonde though, and I’d love to go darker again.

My skin seems soo dull these days. It feels dehydrated, yet oily at the same time. My makeup disappears and I look messy and horrible by lunchtime. I use Simple “hydrating” facial wash morning and night. Followed by Boots Botanics “Youth Maintain” moisturiser. I think I need a good face mask. Recommendations?

Could do with a new wardrobe, too. I’m very slim, hourglass figure (about the only thing I feel I have going for me, right now). 5’4. I really like 60s style shift dresses and ditsy prints. I just don’t know how to pair stuff, especially in this awkward weather.

So... this has turned into more of a rant, but I’m looking for some tips, or any one who can relate?! I feel like I’m losing my looks, I just look rough most of the time...

If you are underweight, you are almost surely under-nourished and deficient in crucial vitamins and minerals. The proof of that shows in your skin and hair. Really focus on your diet and I'll be willing to bet you see dramatic improvement.

Thank you for the tips on diet. Surely I can eat better/get more vitamins without putting much weight back on? I don’t want to be over 8st. Believe me, my upper arms were stubby, fat, horrible things at my old weight! I shudder looking at photographs of myself from then...

You can absolutely eat better and improve your health without gaining weight. Be mindful of calories and choose nutrient dense foods.

You are underweight, you need to put on weight and get back to your previous healthy weight. If the idea of putting on weight scares you you need to talk to a doctor or dietician. Here is the NHS advice for underweight adults. If you maintain your current low weight you are storing up health problems for when you are older, particularly osteoporosis. If you eat a healthy diet and do weight bearing exercise you will put on muscle mass and look better for it. You want to be strong and healthy don't you?

You are very slim for your height and it’s unlikely to be a conicidence that when you lost weight your skin started to look dull. I would suggest taking an evening primrose supplement as I mentioned and also including oily fish, nuts, olive oil, avocado and some good quality cheese in your diet. You don’t need to eat unhealthily, but you might need to eat slightly differently and eat a little bit more to make sure you’re getting all your nutrients to keep your skin and hair glowing

You don’t have to go back to 8 st 6, you can aim for half way - around 8 stone. The way to get better arms is exercise (weights, press ups etc) not being underweight. Being underweight does mess with your hormones.