I've been v strict with the SPF and now I look like I've died

[WitchesofPainswick]

I've turned 50 and about a year ago SUDDENLY started taking care of my skin.

I've been using tret and so have been SPFing it up during the day.

But MY GOD I've never looked this pale and drawn.

Do I need a tinted moisturiser? How do I counteract this? I'm wondering if I'd look better as a lined crone with a slight tan. Help!

I stood in front of the mirror earlier and had this exact thought OP!!

This is the first summer I’ve really started to take sun protection seriously. I haven’t left the house without a layer of SPF 50 since May. My face is awfully pale - a deathly grey I usually only experience mid winter.

It really made me consider whether the SPF is worth it or not, especially on days where it’s not hugely sunny. I hate not feeling confident in my own skin and refuse to leave the house without tinted moisturiser at the minute as I look ill to be frank.

Haha! Yes I look terribly drawn and quite ancient. I'm wondering about just using the tret in the winter and sucking up a bit less sun protection in the summer... that might be stupid though...

You could try a SPF with a tint like this one? https://amzn.eu/d/hMYFlPp

Self tan drops are your friend!

They don’t tango you, just take the ‘caspar the friendly ghost’ look away.

I've read that they shouldn't be used with tret, as they can look patchy

I use SPF 15 on sunny days, 20 if I’m sunbathing/working in the garden for a while. I’m a nice healthy colour and my skin is fine (I’m in my 70s).
Unless you have a medical condition that requires them, these medications and heavy duty sunscreens are pointless.

Try the ambre solair spray tan for the face - foolproof and very natural looking. Spray a little every day and you gradually build up a natural golden glow. Drops are good too but I find the spray easier and quicker to apply.

Tinted SPF?

SPF during the day and then mix fake tan drops with your moisturiser and apply overnight.

Ha! I've done this before!
I switched from wearing factor 50 in the winter to factor 30, keeping factor 50 for late spring to autumn. I no longer look like a ghoul.

I used not to wear SPF apart from what was in my moisturiser. On holiday I wore SPF 30. Since I’ve been wearing it all the time I think I look a lot worse. My skin is more sun damaged and I look grey and ill. My health has also been a lot worse. I think I probably lack vit D too despite taking a supplement . I don’t think they are all they’re cracked up to be at all. Also the sheer amount of chemicals being absorbed can’t be good.

I was a goth. I have always been pale (probably spent much of my early life with a vitamin D deficiency!)...SPF 30/50 for years, now in my mid 50s, I have a ton of freckles (red head) but I've done one of those weird filter things which shows little sun damage. Still got a wrinkly forehead though.
I now look less Wednesday, use a lots of serum and brightening creams

My SPF is tinted but it has worked a little bit too well.. - now my natural skin is so pale that it looks orange on me

I sometimes use the isle of paradise self tan drops in my Moisturiser and use tret, I've never had any problems with patchiness.

I thought most skin damage is done in our early years, by the time you get to your 50s, whats done is done. I have to admit I dont wear SPF.

So you’re not tanned at all? I am therefore assuming you don’t go on holiday… sorry a bit curious as I use SPF all year around and I still tan

https://www.clarins.ie/self-tanning-radiance-plus-golden-glow-booster-for-face-CS00356124.html?srsltid=AfmBOoqx6BWIpZMhs37AqV2f3m5ey5snsWmeDPodEGwjSROn0bcQRfdn

i use 1 drop of this in my moisturiser every night and it stops the grey look; might be worth a try? (If you’re darker you could go 2 drops)

I wear a tinted spf50 fluid everyday. I really like the texture and I think it smooths out my pigmentation issues. Also use tanning drops in face oil some evenings. My skin is very damaged from sun and I’m in my 40s.

Out of interest when you say 'in your moisturiser'

Do you put a blob of moisturiser in a container and mix it with this stuff?

I put my moisturiser on with a blob on my finger and rub it round my face, I dont know how i would mix something like this in

Hi @soupyspoon i put a blob of moisturiser on the back of my hand and add a drop in and mix with my finger before applying. Just rinse my hand after to ensure no tan mark. It’s v easy to do and you get a nice subtle glow (and my skin is crazy sensitive and I don’t react to this which is positive)

Oh good idea. I didnt think of doing it that way.

I think I will dial back the SPF50 and just use it on existing sun-spots...

I’m the same and recently my dr has told me to stop using SPF 50 I have serious vitamin D deficiency - I now have to take supplements (repeat bloods in 6 weeks) and use a max of factor 20 if I’m in the sun. I’ve only been using it most days for about 8 months.

I don't know. I am in my mid 40s, use SPF religiously all year round and quite pleased with how my skin looks especially if I compare it to friends of the same age who do not use it. So I will persevere.

I hear you OP, the Roche Posay tinted SPF 50 is good, and then I use a good brush of bronzer.