I’ve hit 40 and I look it! Help!

[Slayduggee]

I feel like the last 2 years (pandemic/house move/two under school age) has really taken a toll on me and I feel like I’ve let myself go. Pre DC/pandemic I was quite fortunate that I looked younger than my age without really doing anything apart from not smoking/using suncream/exercising. I’ve only ever worn makeup and don’t really do anything to my face apart from wash it but I’m feeling now that I need to have a revamp and do some maintenance. I go to Boots and just see row and a rows of stuff and I don’t know what to pick. So I thought I would try to pick the wise brains of the S&B mumsnetters!

The main problem areas are -

Creases in my forehead - is there anything that would help them apart from Botox? I’ve always had lines on my forehead.

Under eyes look dark and tired - can anyone suggest a product/treatment that would help?

Face generally looks tired/dull. I have combination skins with an oiley T zone. During lockdown I swear I had rosacea as my skin was all red and blotchy accord my nose/cheeks but couldn’t get to the doctor so bought some cream from Boots for rosecea instead and everything has calmed down but cheeks and nose are still noticeably redder. Can you recommend any really good products or treatment you use one a month/week to help perk up your face. What do you use on a day to day basis?

I had my hair cut and coloured last week and I’ve had my eyebrows done. I’ve started a diet to lose weight and lose 2lbs so far. When I get paid I’m going to look into gym memberships.

I felt like you and definitely don’t have all the answers but what helped me with fine lines was drinking more water and using a heavier moisturiser for dehydrated skin - I used La Roche Posay Hyaluronic range. My skin wasn’t dry but definitely lacked hydration in areas like the forehead.
Reducing my wine consumption a little also helped with eye bags etc.
Exercise certainly helped me feel more radiant. And having clothes and accessories that I enjoyed wearing rather than just threw on. Nothing hugely expensive but pieces that made me feel on trend rather than frumpy or dowdy.

For creases in your forehead try Superdrug collagen, it's a tiny bottle but you only need 2 or 3 drops for your entire face.

I felt like this 12 months ago. I take a well women multi vitamin now, plus collagen tablets. I invested in some expensive anti wrinkle cream and I do lots of exercise too. I’ve added an overnight serum with retinol in it, I’ve just added an eye cream into the mix also and I had my hair done. All of these have really helped

Do you know I could have written your post, I’m 40 and by god I look and feel it after the last 2 years. I’ve always looked fairly young for my age but now my god I look awful. Will be watching this with interest.

Becca under eye brightener is brilliant for dark circles.

Really recommend Botox - I have a little in my forehead and it just makes me look so much more awake!

Decent eyebrows (HD brows means minimal fuss, totally worth doing).

AHA liquid gold alternated with retinol (prescription from dermatica) and lots of hydrating, plumping face masks.

Eased back on the eye makeup too, dropped the liner which makes my eyes look less heavy.

Lots of water helps ease the effect wine has on droopiness and lines too!

I feel the same. I’m 41 and I feel old. I’m pregnant and have a three year old and that’s pretty knackering, alongside a demanding full time job. I see myself on screen and wince. I wear glasses for work to hide the eye bags!

Skincare wise, I feel like I do have that cracked. I use an Elemis cleansing balm, pixi glow tonic for exfoliation (a glycolic or AHA exfoliating toner is essential!!) a serum which varies but liked ones from Medik8 recently and then a moisturiser and ensuring that I have a decent amount of SPF coverage. For eyes I like the Murad vitamin C eye cream - it really does brighten. Also, good quality basic make up - primer, foundation, subtle blusher, eye brightening concealer and a good mascara. I

Personally, once I’m no longer pregnant and I ditch the extra three (!) stone I’m carrying, my plan is some subtle Botox/filler to tackle the tired sunken eyes, getting toned and keeping a decent weight. No desire to be super thin as my face is too narrow and I look gaunt, but getting back to 8-10 as I have been most of my adult life would be nice!

I think with age it becomes about looking neatly put together rather than being fashionable. I tend to go for spending most on a coat, handbag and shoes. Then buying good quality basics like tips and t-shirts and only the odd ‘fashion’ item.

Thanks everyone for the suggestions!

There’s a typo in my OP. I meant to put that I don’t really wear make up not that I do wear make up.

I take a basic Boots multivitamin but I can look at upgrading my multivitamin. I could definitely do with drinking more water. The good news is that I don’t drink apart from on very rare occasions and then it’s only one or two.