Suddenly aging

[BumpedmyElbow]

I'm a 41 year old white woman. I've been quite lucky so far that my skin is fairly clear, no major problems. I hardly drink, don't smoke, use a bit of suncream but generally not someone who likes or spends time much in the sun. I probably don't drink enough water. I eat a healthy diet. I get as much sleep as I can but I have two young children... one of whom asked me the other day 'mummy, what are those lines on your forehead?'. I do agree with her that I am suddenly aging more, possibly partly more noticeable as I have recently lost a little over 10kg. So far, my skin routine has been that some water goes on my face in the shower. I know myself, I am never going to cleanse, tone, serum, moisturise etc. I reckon I might be able to persuade myself to put on one product regularly. I dont want to spend more than £20. What would you recommend?

A moisturiser will make a big difference. A good moisturiser will make a HUGE difference.

It’s fine being skeptical about products, but based on what data? The beauty industry has revolutionised over the last 20 years. Many things are brilliant and do work (I say that as a 47 year old who has in the last five years started using them). If you are bothered you might have to make a bit more effort.

You are very lucky at 41 to not need to do anything apart from wetting your face. Fat plumps the skin so that will make a difference to volume when you lose weight. However your skin is probably dry and has a buildup of dead cells. Sweep over an acid exfoliator and put on a good moisturiser. Takes seconds.

@BananaPeanutToast , It’s fine being skeptical about products, but based on what data?

What about data to support that they do work?
I've worked in the industry and the general opinion was that a basic moisturiser and good SPF were all you really needed.

@BananaPeanutToast thanks. Do you have any recommendations for specific products?

I have only used E45 cream on my face for decades and am told I don't look my age. I buy a massive pot, usually when it's on offer, and then fill a small pot with it for daily use. If I opened the big pot every day it would dry out long before I reached the bottom. It's so cheap you can it twice a day, and use it as handcream and body moisturiser as well, and yet it's good stuff. There's also E45 lotion if the cream seems a bit thick.

Other than that I'd say try to drink more water and get more sleep.

The beauty industry has certainly revolutionised marketing @BananaPeanutToast.

I totally agree with avoiding retinol if you're not wanting to be very conscious about the rest of your routine, how often you are applying it, if you're going to use other actives etc. Simpler to just avoid.

In your case I'd focus on drinking water, getting enough sleep and eating plenty of fruit and vegetables. I'd also buy three products.... an SPF for the morning and then a cleanser and a moisturiser for the evening. You don't have to spend a lot of money.

In the morning, apply something like this: Garnier SPF 50 with hyaluronic acid

Then in the evening wash your face with something like this: Aveeno Gentle Cleanser

And apply a moisturiser. I like this Nivea night cream

Those three would cost you your £20 and you try using them for a month and see how you feel.

100% drinking more water and getting more sleep but I recently discovered this stuff - it's a bit dark on it's own but small amount mixed with my SPF moisturiser and instantly look SO much better and natural enough to use everyday

Bondi Sands GLO Gloss Finishing Glow 100ml : Amazon.co.uk: Beauty

I’m very much the same as you. Last year started Botox. I have two areas done (not the eye creases as they are not too bad yet) it costs me around £150 every 4ish months so I keep back about £37 a month when I get paid and it makes all the difference!

The ordinary have some great products at really affordable prices. The multi peptide + HA serum is really good. Sunscreen every day and lots of water and good sleep helps a lot too. Also you can use frownies or a similar product on your forehead over night, over time it does make a difference but obviously not as dramatic as botox.

Watch out for perimenopause - that will unleash all sorts of unexpected things.

Organic rose hip oil. It's a game changer. I use Sukin. Trilogy is also great.

Organic rose hip oil. It's a game changer. I use Sukin. Trilogy is also great.

The answer is and will always be retinol/tret.

Wear a high factor sunscreen every day - this is what will make the biggest difference in the long run.

Spend your £20 on a hat to keep the sun off your face.

I'm in my sixties and without exception the people amongst my friends who look the youngest are those who have stayed out of the sun. The bits of my body that look youngest are the bits that rarely/have never seen the sun.