Dull looking skin - LCD mask? Injectables? Treatments?

[DarkDarkNight]

I like skincare and spend a lot of time and money on it, but my skin looks rubbish. I’m early 40s and still suffer from hormonal acne so have to be careful of what I use. I also try not to do too much and overwhelm my skin with too many acids. I’m quite lucky as I don’t have too many fine lines, but they are getting more noticeable recently. I do have quite deep set marionette lines and a line above my nose which make me look old and severe.

Overall my skin just looks dull. I don’t look like I am using decent products. For example I look dehydrated despite a hyaluronic acid serum. Fine lines are starting to get more noticeable despite a retinol serum.

What do I do next? I’ve been reading about LED masks, it appeals as apparently it can help acne as well as signs of aging. Do I take the plunge and look into Botox and/or filler? What about micro needling?

prescription Tret.

Will Tretinoin give me the plumpness and radiance I want alongside reducing fine lines? What other skincare can you use alongside?

I used a retinol via Dermatica not long after it launched. I had a course with a topical antibiotic and adapalene to clear acne, then moved on to an anti-ageing formula. I can’t remember if it was tret or adapalene again. I felt quite restricted as I like to use other skincare and don’t enjoy the dryness that comes along with it. Maybe I need to give it longer.

It does all the above for me. I dont use any other skincare except any old moisturiser and sunscreen. Nothing expensive. Currently Cetaphil. Retinol and Tret are rather different in terms of effectiveness

It is drying but you need that for acne?
I only use it twice a week and buffer wity moisturiser.

Oh good the filler peddlers have arrived.

Interesting to hear that Lentilweaver I know it encourages cell turnover so should help with glow. It should be ideal for me with the acne and ageing but I hate the dry skin and end up abandoning it. The formula I use now may not be as effective but it feels nicer. I maybe need to stick with it longer.

MumsBeautyHelper it was the idea of the red and blue lights that interested me. I am trying to stave off any treatments but the marionette lines in particular make me look harsh. Targeted skincare hasn’t helped.

I have an LED and I find that if I use it with some regularity it gives me a boost but it's not life changing.

I'm not sure if Botox would give you what you're looking for, and I'd generally stay away from fillers, but I do find that I get a really nice long-term effect from Profhilo. I do it about every six months and really notice a difference when it's wearing off.

Lastly, have you tried any oral medications for your acne? I never had any issues until nearing menopause when I developed cystic acne. I tried quite a few topical things, none of which worked, until a course of very low dose antibiotic cleared it up.

Diet. Your skin is an external reflection of whatever you're eating and the state of your guts. If you drink, stop. It's the usual stuff - lots of fruit / veg = good; processed, dairy, grains, excess fatty meat etc = bad

I have been a vegetarian all my life- 30 veg a week- and dont eat any processed food or drink, but still got peri menopausal acne so diet doesnt always work

@DarkDarkNight don’t give up too soon on prescription skincare. There’s definitely a period of adjustment for some people, but no comparison ultimately between the low strength retinol you speak of, and prescribed active ingredients once your skin is used to them (which comes with consistent use and occasionally missing a day if skin feels too dry, or by compensating with more moisturiser before or after use, for example). My daughters and I all use Monderma for different skin issues. My youngest has had her acne flare ups completely brought under control with Tretinoin and Niacinamide and her skin looks totally different and really clear now, but she also had to overcome a bit of flaking and dryness initially. Hydration is another key to glowing skin; both from water intake and a colourful diet. Personally I’m very sceptical of the heavily marketed red/blue light masks. A friend bought the best on the market last year and has had very minimal improvement she tells me, despite regular use.

I would agree if your diet is anyway bad look at that first- cut right down on fizzy drinks, crisps and greasy foods last year, started drinking more water and eating eggs, avocados, berries and people started saying I was looking well (without make up!)

Thank you for the advice. As far as the acne goes I really think it’s hormonal and nothing topical has much of an impact. I’ve tried so many things including the odd round of Duac cream for particularly bad periods of cystic acne, but the only time I’ve been persistently acne-free is when I was taking Dianette. I have been weighing up going back on the pill to ease heavy periods so I will start looking in to ones which will help my skin as well.

I definitely agree with the diet suggestions, I know my skin looks better when I’m drinking enough water and hydrating from the inside and eating healthier too. I’m neglecting that at the minute. The same goes for getting enough sleep.