How to give my skin a boost?

[BadActors]

Hi everyone, I looked in the mirror today - properly looked, not a quick look before running out the door - and realised that the last extremely busy, stressful, 12 months have had such an impact on my skin. I'm 56 and starting to show some deeper lines now, and what was a fairly greasy T zone is now much dryer thanks to hormone changes and so on.

So, what would be a good way to give my skin a lift and a boost? I'm cleaning up my diet again - too many rushed meals over the last 12 months - and would also appreciate advice/recommendations on supplements.

Thank you!

I'm 55 and often get compliments on my skin.
I put it down to retinol that I started using in 2020.

I have a real 'glow'. Even my DD22 comments. Wish I had started using it earlier!

I only use it now a couple of times a week. Would highly recommend.

Thanks @Youreshitimnot, can you recommend a retinol? I have used it but always seem to end up with sore skin.

Interesting thread. I look at retinols and have no idea which one to buy or how to use it.

I initially used a REN one but have been using this one for a couple of years now.

Cleansers & Toners Dry Skin | Expert Skincare Advice | Vichy UK https://share.google/prNlcN0cgXqFOGE0g

I would recommend skin+Me or there sister company Renew and Me. You can get Tretinoin on prescription from them. It's a very strong retinol so better results abd quicker. You do have to start on a low percentage and work your way up gradually as it can irritate but I have used it for about 3 years and really rate them. Also spf in the morning and vit serum. I have a code for skin&me below you can get a month free just £3.50 p & p but renew and me might be better suited, someone else might have a code you could use for them?

www.skinandme.com/?promocode=LAURENS5YP3

'I would recommend skin+Me or there sister company Renew and Me. You can get Tretinoin on prescription from them'

Another vote for tretinoin. It's one of the very few skincare products that has been clinically proven to have a real impact on your skin. Daily SPF 50 absolutely essential, whether using tret or not

Lifestyle stuff like diet, exercise, sleep, hydration also has a HUGE impact on skin, and in your health in general

Was about to post basically the same thing. I do use Skin+Me but I think there's another one called Dermatica.

About 3-4 years ago I was so fed up with my skin, but I've been using tret plus a vitamin c serum (currently the skin+me one but that's quite recent) and I think I look ok!

I totally agree with a Vitamin C serum in the morning followed by a SPF.

If your skin doesn't tolerate retinol (mine doesn't either) then maybe have a look at bakuchiol which is a plant-derived alternative and is gentler. I use this serum and really rate it: https://amzn.eu/d/iIe7Lzh

I would highly recommend taking a daily high strength evening primrose oil capsule (I recommend Nature’s Best).
It will probably take 2-3 months to show real benefit - the best way I can describe it as lubricating your skin from the inside. Skin looks brighter, firmer and fine lines less visible I have found.

I'm 52 and have clear, glowy skin with very few lines. Water +++, tretinoin and a good SPF are my main recommendations.

I also double cleanse with a balm or oil and only exfoliate with a clean flannel (never use exfoliating 'products'). I don't bother with expensive or complicated skincare - my favourite night cream is the blue Nivea and I like the Aldi watermelon serum for the day.

You can have injectable skin boosters, there’s lots of different ones if that’s something you’d contemplate

This French pharmacy retinoid cream is a good place to start.

Also Elizabeth Arden ceramide capsules. I saw them recommended on here. They're wonderful. You can get them about half price on All Beauty.

And then I'm a big fan of Cicaplast B6 moisturizer for overnight, on top of both of the above.

Thanks everyone - really appreciate the support.