I have one month to glow... can anyone help

[Weareoutofwine]

Urgh. Sleep deprived after two children. I popped out for lunch today and caught myself in the mirror. My skin is dehydrated, fine lines and visible pores. Where did my youthful glow go? Due to non sleeping children and a very busy job I have completed neglected my skin.

I go on holiday in mid May and feel so down, that I look so tired and aged. Can anyone please recommend an emergency overall, routine and beauty regime to improve my skin condition. Or have I left it too late...

I know I need to hydrate so from today I'm drinking 8 glasses of water. I've added an alarm to remind me to take my supplements (vit d, well women skin nail thingy tablet). I always wear a moisturiser with factor 15 - 25 depending on which pot I lay my hands on first.

Please can anyone recommend any skin saving serums, night creams, acids etc that I can buy now and at least make a start in looking half way decent for my holiday in May? I used to apply retinol a couple of times a week but fell out of the habit.

I'm early 40s, with combination skin, visible pores and fine lines.

Someone please help!

Glowy, youthful looking skin is generally well hydrated skin. Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin C should help. My routine, which I introduced over lockdown, has made a huge difference.

I start with Cerave hydrating cleanser. Very important to wash off the previous evenings products. I follow with a quick spray of Curel Deep Moisture Spray and apply Hada Labo Super Hydrating Lotion to damp skin, then follow with another quick spray of the Curel Deep Moisture Spray. Then, L’Oréal 12% Vitamin C Serum. Currently using Ren Brightening Eye Serum but I’m not sure it’s making much difference. Lastly Byoma Gel Moisturiser to protect my skin barrier. It sounds a lot but only takes a few minutes.

You really need a separate SPF. The ones in a moisturiser are not enough. I use La Roche Posay, but there are loads of great ones out there.

PM I use either The Ordinary Squalane cleanser or the Inkey List Oat Balm cleanser. Both are lovely and hydrating and remove all make up. I then just moisturise. I’ve have got some retinol to add to my routine but haven’t started using it yet.

All the products I use are fairly cheap and my skin looks better now than when I was using expensive products.

I hope that helps a little.

Try cutting out bread/carbs
Cut out alcohol
Eat veg + fruit + good fats + protein
No takeaways

Thank you KnackeredGoat and sorry for the delay - the joys of Easter holidays. I love the sound of the hydrating cleansers. As often the usual cleansers dry out my cheeks.

I'm heading off to town shortly to buy some of these goodies - gasp I have 2 hours childcare so I can 'treat myself' ha!

Have you tried any serums at night. I used to use Estee Lauder Advanced night serum - but I saw no difference. But that said it was back in my twenties when my skin was plump and glowing after 5 cocktails, 2 hours sleep and a day of junk food - so maybe now is the time???

Yes you are right - I've cut back on the evening glass of wine and increased water. I don't drink coffee but tdo enjoy a couple of morning cups of tea - so will cut that to one.

I do need to increase fruit and veg - again this usually ends up on my children's plate whilst I fill up on stodgy left overs...

Any old cheap cleanser is fine. I favour the Beauty Pie Japanfusion one.
Introduce an acid toner step - The Ordinary do a great glycolic one.
Then in the morning a vitamin C serum, at night a Niacinamide serum.
Hyaluronic acid - Hada Labo is the best imo.
In the morning a separate factor 50 SPF is essential. Ambre Solaire anti age spots is brilliant and affordable.
At night a retinol.

Agree with the alcohol thing. Sadly, I do seem to look better when I cut down. Agree with what others have said. Hyaluronic acid and a separate SPF daily (but tbh, that's for more long-term damage I think so may not help in the short term). Try some moisturising face masks and maybe go for a facial at a salon if you can.

Cut down on sugar and refined carbs.

I need to take my own advice btw

Biore spf watery essence is brilliant. Get from Amazon’s.

For night routine I double cleanse with almond oil then micealar water. Then a retinol serum, then eye cream, the welleda skin food and an eye cream. Lansinoh on my lips and cuticles.

Body brush on dry skin then apply a gradual tanner I like the bondi sands one. Skin looks healthy and toned with a bit of colour. Dry pumice your heels/feet then apply Vaseline and wear cotton socks at bed time. Instant smooth feet.

For instant fixers-
eyevrow threading- gives a very clean and sharp finish. Consider getting a tint as well. Eyelash curl and tint. Gel mani/pedi.

I’m in a similar position!

Sleep
Drink water
Quit alcohol (and coffee if you can - I can’t)
Lose some weight (even 2kg will make a difference)
Strength/core exercises (good for posture and tone)
Simple but regular skincare:

• any gentle cleanser twice a day
• AHA serum PM (or retinol, but not both)
• niacinamide serum AM
• cerave moisturiser
• spf50 (I use Nivea anti shine)

Brands are not important. Look for active ingredients. People will recommend different brands which is confusing, but there’s no difference apart from packaging and possibly texture.

Hyaluronic acid and a separate SPF daily (but tbh, that's for more long-term damage I think so may not help in the short term).

I think SPF helps in the short term too, mainly for pigmentation rather than wrinkles. My pigmentation always gets worse with sun exposure.