Suddenly looking old and panicking - help me!

[ABrotherWhoLooksLikeHellMugYou]

At the very very tail end of my 30s and suddenly getting creases and age spots and could cry. I've been using moisturiser with SPF for as long as I've known it was a thing, I use an expensive night cream (Vichy idealia) which i love. My day cream is currently the Aldi skin caviar, which I really like, but would be happy to switch if anyone had a good recommendation, esp one with a higher SPF.

Have attached a photo of my forehead where the sun spots are (esp bothered by the big one on the left) and the beginning creases.

Please help. I'm trying to make more of an effort with myself now the kids are a bit older and I can actually spare a little time and money, but I have no freaking idea where to start.

Oh. And if anyone can recommend a lightweight sun hat, too, I'd be very grateful.

Hey OP, I'm about to turn 39 so I feel your pain.

I mean it's hardly terrible but seeing as how you ask.

How much SPF is in your moisturiser? Do you spend a lot of time outside? You should be wearing SPF50 and reapplying every 2hrs if so.

Horizontal forehead lines - botox is the solution

Discolouration/melasma - retin-a, azelaic or maybe hydroquinone for topical treatment. Laser can also work.

Overall, I'd see a private dermatologist and get it nipped in the bud early.

I like Cetaphil Daily Defence SPF50 facial moisturiser btw. La Roche Posay is v popular on here but more expensive.

Don't spend money on expensive over the counter creams. If it's not on prescription, chances are it does not a lot!

I feel you. I’m 38 and all of a sudden feel
like a washed up piece of shit. My weight is horrendous too thanks to peri menopause. Ready to give up!

Op spf in a moisturiser isn’t enough, you need a proper facial spf to protect against sun damage

My hyperpigmentation gets noticeably worse when my Vit D is low. I'm not sure what the link is for me, but is yours also low by any chance?

An SPF moisturiser is fine as long as it's a) high, broad spectrum protection and b) you apply enough. (same as for the the equivalent product marketed as "sunscreen")

The reason people disagree with SPF moisturisers is that people tend not to apply much or very carefully. They put on more and more carefully when it's a product marketed as a "sunscreen". The high protection makes up for that fact you're not putting enough on to get what's on the bottle anyway.

I slather on my moisturiser because it's not expensive so I don't mind!

Happy for good face sunscreen recommendations though.

I don't sunbathe, but I do go for lunchtime walks when it's not so hot and do the school run twice a day. Occasionally go cycling. Most of my exercise is in a gym though.

Are dermatologist appointments spendy? I've been assuming they are...

They can be a bit spendy - maybe £100-200 for a consult. But will save you wasting money on the wrong products or what not.

Botox 3 times a year would be £1k.

I'm doing laser for thread veins atm - will be £400 to sort my nose.

Hopefully you don't smoke of course!

I like dermaologica powerbright brown spot serum

I follow that with Eucerin pigment control spF 50

My beautician said cheapest & most effective anti aging products are spf & retinol. I'll add in Botox though;)

The main thing you need is a decent sunscreen everday, and the second thing I would recommend is tretinoin.

It is a prescription strength retinoid which over time helps increase collagen production, reduce fine lines, and increase cellular turnover (which decreases as we age). It also helps to slough off the top layer of dead skin cells, which helps your skin look brighter and fresher.

However it can be very harsh on the skin, which is why it can only be gotten on prescription. A dermatologist can give you one, or if you are in the UK you could try Skin & Me or Dermatica, they are both subscription services that will send it to you.

Do some research and start very slowly, using it sparingly at first. Many people have a purge at first, where their skin is red and flaky and irritated. But if you can make it through that phase your skin adapts to it. In a year or two your skin will look far better than it does now, but it's a long haul thing and it's not a miracle worker, but hands down the best cream available for skin.

If you do want to go to a dermatologist, they may have some laser treatments etc. that could help, but your best bet is to get a skincare routine going, doesn't have to be complicated or expensive.

The sunscreen I use everyday is La Roche Posay Anthelios 50+, it's good under make up, not too thick or greasy. Very watery though, I mix with a tiny bit of moisturiser to make a paste.

Not sure, but as it's an easy fix I just restarted my vit D supplement!

Have never smoked, barely drink, drinks LOTS of water. Bad sugar and caffeine habits though, so not exactly an angel

Do you have a DP? What does he do? Could he give any tips?

Botox for the lines, IPL for the pigmentation. I'm 40 and have done both with very good results.

Then sunscreen every day religiously, rain or shine. I like Ultra Violette from SpaceNK, the SPF50 for face is very lightweight.

Hey, even the Mona Lisa is falling apart.

I do. He's an electronics engineer. Not sure how useful he'd be on this matter, though he's pretty handy generally!

I think potentially you are not putting enough of a high factor SPF on. I think we often are more sparing with the sides and top. My brown spots came up round the very edges of my face, near my ears. Just shows you how good SPF is. Good on your hands and neck too.

So you need to be more obsessive about that. Agree with PP it can be marketed as an SPF or a moisturiser, just find something you are happy to keep repurchasing as you'll get through it. At least 50.

Agree also with PP about Dermatica or Skin and Me. Dermatica has faded my marks but not got rid of them completely. It has removed almost all my freckles so it clearly does something. I could ask for hydroquinone to be added to my formula which is supposed to target these specifically. I'm still trying to fight acne so one thing at a time for me!

Honestly you need moisturiser and spf as separate things. One thing can't do the same job so you aren't being moisturised enough or having enough spf. Have two separate products!

OK. I just spent £140 on sunscreen products. Will share with my 7 year old DD who is frighteningly fair and has a history of skin cancer on her dad's side.