What makes your face glowing?

[Twatalert]

After a difficult time I'm starting to feel alive again and I'd like to try out some beauty products. I was never into much, but being in my 40s I start to look my age.

Occasionally I see women of similar age and their skin is absolutely glowing. Possibly they wear light make up (I prefer not for daily use, I don't like the feeling have having another layer on my skin) or use something else. Appreciate there are no miracles.

My face looks dull, perhaps slightly sagging, no teint to it. Slight hormonal skin issues.

How do I manage to look more alive?

@Twatalert you can access Tretinoin and other high strength actives for everyday skin issues here in the UK via registered online pharmacies. Don’t take risks with overseas suppliers. The UK Derm teams will assess your skin and prescribe accordingly. No need to visit a GP as, even if referred (highly unlikely for an everyday mild to moderate issue) you’ll then be on a ridiculously long waiting list to see a Dermatologist. I personally waited over 18 months, by which point my skin problem had actually resolved itself (thankfully!). I now use Monderma, who are really good and I love the results I’m getting. Dermatica are another option.

You probably could if it were for a "skin condition"?
It's only £20ish from Monderma, Skin+Me, Dermatica and co.

It really is. Get some for your birthday!

Polynucleotides are said to be excellent too but I've yet to try them.

I’ve just had my second polynucleotide treatment (it’s a course of three). I’ve had it in my under eye area to, hopefully, reduce the crepey look and make them less hollow. This was recommended by the clinic rather than tear trough fillers which can apparently give varying results.
I don’t see any difference yet but have read it can take a while to improve things. Unfortunately I’ve bruised really badly round my eyes this time and look like I’ve been in a fight! Luckily I wear glasses and work from home so it isn’t too visible to anyone else.

Ah interesting! Good to know.
I hope it improves quickly for you!

Retinol was the thing a while back but now it appears to be tretinoin. I'm following as I've lost a lot of weight and I look like a haggard old crow at 42.

I'm looking into niacinamide. Is The Ordinary any good or do I have to go for something more pricey? Also interested in recommendations for anything I can get off Amazon or a standard superdrug or boots without traveling to some central London shop or paying 5 quid postage for one item. My local boots don't stock The Ordinary for example and click and collect takes days.

I have a vit c serum now. Who knows if or when I will see a difference, but my face is definitely better hydrated than with just moisturiser.

Placemarking! DD is about to start nursery and now that I have some time I’m determined to get my glow back.

I'm also going to try some of the bronze/glow stuff soon. One item at a time. This skin stuff feels like such a nice treat for me atm.

Niacinamide is good but other ingredients might give you better results. Try hyaluronic acid for plumping and vitamin c for brightening from Ordinary.

You could get your own mix of several ingredients combined from services like Monderma, Skin&Me and Dermatica for a similar cost.

Tretinoin definitely. It's called the tret glow. I've been using for 4 years and I get comments about my skin a lot

I use the Body Shop mud mask. Amazing for brightening face and clearing out pores. Just once every few weeks

Yep and for me!!!

Water
Moisturiser (even basic nivea)
Rainbow food
Good oily foods (nuts and olive oil not chips)
Fresh air and daylight
Exercise.
Walking

The products themselves will vary depending on what you like on your skin and your budget.
What's important for me anyway is being consistent in cleansing and moisturising, sleeping well and rinking water. What seems to help me more is also layering mists and oils and really treating my skin whatever the product. I've recently been eating lots of healthy fats and there's a big difference in my hair and skin without a doubt.
Today is an at home day so no make up and I'll layer hydrating products on over the day.. skin will be lovely in the morning. I also drink lots of cool boiled lemon water.
Enjoy, lovely to give yourself a boost and you can do it as simply as you want. I do find a twice weekly body scrub and rich moisturiser lovely also. We deserve to treat ourselves nicely 😊

I love the inky list niacinamide

I’ve just looked at Monderma and Skin&Me but can’t see any listing of the contents of the personalised formula - so how am I meant to know what I’d be buying?

@zeebee I understood you would have a consultation and the produt would be tailored. I assumed that's when I would find out what they intend to put in mine. I have not started that process.

I did the online consultations, got to the payment screen but still didn’t tell me what my personalised daily dose contained 🤷‍♀️. I’m sure it’s probably simple and I’m being dim but I'm not going to buy or use an unknown entity!!

Tret.
I use a silicone cleansing brush when I wash my face to scrub the dead skin off at the same time.
Vitamin C serum.
Mix a bit of very glowy foundation in with my facial sunscreen in the morning. Shine like a diamond.

@zeebee no, that's annoying. I wouldn't buy it either.

Good diet
Loads of sleep
Loads of water
Exercise outside
Nivea blue tin

@zeebee after your online consultation, your info goes off to the Dermatology team (Monderma, Skin & Me…) and they formulate a prescription based on what you tell them, what they see and what you’re hoping to achieve. That won’t be apparent at checkout as no-one has looked at your consultation at that point. If you want to know which ingredients will be in your formula, head to the websites as they are very transparent. I use Monderma and they list all actives (including strengths used) plus other elements of their formulas. When you get confirmation of your order (ie that you are ok to be prescribed) they will detail exactly what’s coming in an email to you. Hope that helps!

I'm seeing some results after about a month now. I like to go for budget type brands, and work my way up to more expensive things if need be.

I do this:

Morning: Nivea vit c serum, superdrug vit e eye cream and nivea cellular filler moisturiser.

Night: Simple 10pc niacinamide, vit e eye cream and the nivea moisturiser.

My face is more plump, which I think is due to being better moisturised, but my skin also seems smoother. Overall I am quite pleased and can recommend these products. None of them are sticky and all absorb very well.