Sudden skin aging

[Nogoodwithgoodbyes]

I'm almost 40 but I'm shocked at my skin:

Basically, I've had crow's feet and lines on my forehead for a good few years and I'm okay with that. I have always taken pretty good care of my skin (cleanser, spf during the day, occasional mask and I use serums periodically). The skin on the rest of my face has always been pretty good and people used to comment on how good my skin is.

Just very recently, I've noticed fine lines all over my cheeks, as in, when I smile you can see the lines from the side of my mouth to the side of my eyes. They're very fine/early stage right now but it's actually made me so sad, I've cried. I'm going through marital separation and it never even occurred to me to worry about my skin (bigger fish to fry) but gosh, this is really bothering me.

Any tips, please? What's the best skincare? Has this happened to any of you? I'm considering giving up alcohol as I hear it ages the skin. Both of my parents have amazing skin, so this is definitely not genetic.

Thanks for all of the advice & input everyone.

@septembersunshine you know exactly what I mean so! I’m only 39 and I’ve noticed that a lot of people don’t have these lines that I have. My father doesn’t have them: he only has a few thick wrinkles & my mother’s skin is remarkably unlined. Same with my brothers & sisters. It makes me think that my lifestyle & stress levels are on my face! I just can’t believe that it’s my whole face now!

This is much bigger motivation for me than weight loss ever was. I was in the shop last night and walked away from the wine aisle and just thought ‘think of your face!’ I wish there was a fix. Hopefully intensive hydration will be a good starting point.

Thanks for the running tip. It’s never been for me but I’d try anything now! Xxx

I wouldn't bother with coconut oil.

Hyaluronic acid, retinol, vitC serum, yes. The Ordinary and GoW are good value for money. Magnesium, Vitamin D supplements, evening primrose oil, also. A good facial oil, but not reship if you are using retinols.

But honestly, what's the point of the coconut oil? It's just going to make you greasy and give you spots.

Apparently coconut oil boosts collagen production...those supplements are a good idea. I used to take evening primrose oil. I guess now is the time to really focus on wellbeing.

Thanks for the Alpha H link @ClaraTA. It’s sold out at that link; so it must be good!

@ChardonnaysDistantCousin
(Great username by the way). Why is rosehip oil not to be used with retinol? I have ordered some rosehip oil, so I might hold off on the retinol for a while...

Thanks!

Because robin oil is a precursor to retinol, so you might be overdoing it.

Ah I see...I’ll use the RHO first so & see how that goes!

Give it a go.

If you are using coconut oil it should be the last layer of skincare.

Honestly try running op. I was sceptical and really not a runner either to begin with! Still not really. I just like the time alone and sometimes thrashing myself! Gets the stress out! I love seeing the seasons change. Just go out twice a week and walk/run/walk/run, no pressure. Take music. Just build up slowly and see what happens. Or try your local parkrun for some company/group. I always feel after a run my skin feels a lot fresher and plumper after going and until the cheek disaster of 4 months ago it kept the aging at bay! I also tried coconut oil/rosehip oil. It didn't sort out the wrinkles! I am trying retinol. Need to bring forth the powerful serums now! Good luck with it all op x

The amount of vit A found in rosehip oil is negligible in terms of how much it actually rea heals any of the deeper layers of the skin. Pretty non-e instant. Nowhere near comparable to any retinoid acids. Just use any oil, it’s more important to get a consistent routine going then you can fine tune the products later. So Rosehip oil is lovely, coconut oil doesn’t work for everybody as it is very rich, prickly pear is also a good one and it’s light, almond, carrot, melon seed, whatever you like. Use a clean tissue to absorb all e chess half an hour after application. Eventually you’ll find one that suits your skin. It’s aim is to nourish (not hydrate), to an extent it also repairs skin so look for oils with Vit E and or A. Or put a drop of pure Vit E in your normal moisturiser (HealthAid do a good quality one). Get into the habit of massaging your face regularly and try and de-stress all your muscle through massage and also excercise your muscles.

Try this for your body but you should still exfoliate weekly (just mix sugar with an oil).
www.amazon.co.uk/Eucerin-Extra-Intensive-Treatment-Lotion/dp/B0098YQH2O/ref=asc_df_B0098YQH2O/?hvlocphy=9045845&linkCode=df0&hvptwo&psc=1&psc=1&hvnetw=g&hvadid=310879429615&hvpone&hvlocint&th=1&hvpos&hvdev=t&hvdvcmdl&hvqmt&tag=mumsnetforu03-21&hvtargid=pla-494443081621&hvrand=4508511187446433148

Cera-Ve are good products for hydrating skin, they do body and face products.
For face, the nicest Hylauronic product is from HadaLabo hydrating lotion it comes in red packaging.

I had a bottle of hyluronic acid for Christmas and I don't know how I should be using it. Advice please!

Thanks everyone. Great tips there. Thanks for the running tip. It’s really not my bag but I’ll try to quicken up my walks at the very least to get the blood pumping.

I’ve always taken reasonable care of my skin but my routine is now:

Morning:

1. wash with Image balancing cleanser.
2. Apply rosehip oil on face & the Ordinary caffeine serum to eye.
3. apply Image factor 32 matte moisturiser.
4. Layer on the slap!

Night

1. Wash with balm cleanser & remove with hot cloth.
2. Apply rosehip oil.
3. Apply trilogy Rosapene anti-aging cream.
4. Apply The Ordinary caffeine eye serum.

After showering, apply full body moisturiser & eczema cream to those areas.

How does that routine look? I’ll be delighted with myself if I do all of that! I know there’s no hyaluronic acid or retinol yet but I need to use these products first as they’re new.

I’ve also noticed that I have raised, dry, crusty patches on my scalp! This is new too. It seems like all my skin has just taken a bit of a battering. Does anyone have any tips for that?

@Welshmoth
Based on what I’ve learned on this thread, you put it on cleansed damp skin.

See your gp re your scalp. I thought I just had dry skin flaking off but turns out I have a skin condition which has weakened the roots of my hair and it’s been falling out.

So I’d ask the gp (or even the pharmacist if they can do that?) to have a look in case it’s anything that may cause you problems like mine as you dont need that!
Im on my third special prescription shampoo as apparently it’s resistant to the preparations. What a pest!

It could be you just need a dandruff shampoo or something basic and easy right enough. You could try that first if your hairs not giving you problems.

It might be psoriasis? Stress is one of the biggest triggers. Definitely see your GO as it might be something simple and easy to address. Don’t self medicate.
Do you take any supplements like fish oils (they label them omega oils). A bit of extra support. Not suitable for everybody though so check first in case you are already taking a medication which stops you from taking fish oils.

My hair was shedding a lot, so I got a short haircut and started taking Viviscal a few months ago and it has improved but then I noticed the thick, dry patches on my scalp! I went to the GP last week with a list and I didn’t even think of mentioning my skin or scalp.

When I begin writing it down, I realise my body has been in the wars. I’ve given up alcohol now and am focusing on wellbeing. I’ve been stressed about the separation and house hunting, wasn’t eating right & drinking too much; so I think it has all taken its toll.

OP you will feel and look better before you know it! You’ve got a nice serious routine going on and you will see the benefits. Stress can seriously mess up with your looks especially after a certain age but it will all get better soon. You can always introduce other elements gradually at a later date. Don’t be tempted to try every skin care product under the sun because you might end up with sensitive skin or some temporary reaction or spots. Keep it simple and be gentle to yourself. A healthy diet will do a million times more good to you than most creams. Introduce fish and nuts and good oils in your everyday menus and cut out sugar all together. And I swear being outdoors in fresh air does wonders for you. Even a 20min brisk walk every day is good for you.

Drinking definitely makes it look worse, and not eating too. Have you been eating less (or just eating junk because of the stress?)

Drink water, try and eat things like salmon. I think drinking white tea improved my skin a lot too. And more recently I've been using retinol which I'd definitely recommend.

And like a pp said, coconut oil seemed to do nothing but give me spots. I use it for my hair instead now.

Sorry, just read your last post where you mentioned your eating etc. I had the same in a stressful time when I wasn't eating properly, my hair was falling out, skin looked awful.. I got really upset, bought creams and vitamins etc, but diet I think is more important than anything.

I did the Dr Perricone anti inflammatory diet for a few days. I felt dehydrated and wrinkly and yucky this summer and it did help. I drank water every couple of hours, too, about 8 big gulps. Took fish oil capsules, general mumtivitamkn and also high dose vitamin D.

It did help. I think though that my skin has gone very sensitive to a lot of products. I am convinced my foundation is irritating my skin over time as when I leave it off at the weekend, my skin seems to really improve. I won’t take my bAre wrinkly face to work so it’a Back to square one on a Monday. I might try bare minerals or something.

I’m feeling the same. I’m 38, have lost 4 1/2 stone, but also lost some volume in my face, I gave up smoking 3 months ago. My main issue is sun damage, some pitted acne scarring that’s tethered, so when I smile I get a line between 2 of the scars, and also very fine lines.

I had a medium/deep tca chemical peel yesterday, which will help with my skin tone and the surface of it. It was painful, but even now, less than 24 hours after the treatment, I can see a very slight difference in my scars, it’s nothing major at the moment, but I’m hopeful once my skin peels and heals there will be a good change.

It wasn’t cheap, but, I definitely think it was worth it in my circumstances.

I always promised myself a phenol Peel if I aged badly. They are really deep but so effective.

Fluffycloud, that’s what I originally wanted, but the Dr said my skin concerns weren’t severe enough to warrant the phenol peel. So she done a medium/deep with the tca. I would definitely look into the phenol peel in the future though! The only reservation I have is apparently you have to go on to antibiotics for a few days when you have it?

God ive spent a year or 2 thinking " god im looking old", and trying different creams etc.
I ended up going and getting one area of botox in my frown . £150 and its taken 10 years off me and my tension headaches are gone.
I actually went back a couple ofcdays ago enquiring about a second area and she sent me away telling me I didnt need more, so at least I know shes not trying to get more money. I guess not a good advert for her either if it looks overdone.