Daily/weekly routine for 50 something who has lost their way?

[LovelyDonkey]

Realised in the office yesterday that my every other day shower with in between washes and deodorant combo just not cutting it for me and I smelt. I have had health issues and been v depressed (and with it lazy) so I need to come up with a routine of what you do daily/weekly to try and structure myself better.

Don't need specific products (though if you have goodies please do share) but have various health conditions inc skin cancer so don't be offended if I can't take up your suggestions, but seeing people's routines would really help.

Hair is shoulder length wavy and I do wash it every other day and do curly lite - it is v fine and am losing hair so have to wash as it gets greasy but currently reacting to product/s unknown so trying to to bare mininum.

Thanks

Came to say this: for anyone using deodorant in the morning and finding they are getting pongy through the day, switch to applying anti perspirant on clean armpits at night. I use Mitchum roll on and it really works.

I have melanoma and I use cerave cleansing balm followed by cerave foaming cleanser.

Then nivea serum followed by their factor 50 facial fluid.

Burts Bees coloured lip balm, Red Dahlia looks like your natural lip colour but better.

For greasy hair I have found Faith in Nature Grapefruit and Orange shampoo and conditioner is really, really good.

Spray some John Frieda volume booster root spray and dry hair with head upside down and quick blast from hairdryer.

No suggestions for deodorant though because I am not very sweaty and find Dove works well enough.

I find some clothes/fabrics hold smell even after washing. It doesn’t appear evident until the are worn an exposed to body heat. I stopped wearing synthetic fabrics for this reason apart from active wear which I wash in a detergent designed for gym clothes.

There’s no way I could get away without showering very morning and I do so before the gym and after. I always have done, but k think it’s become particularly necessary as I’ve got older.

Check out your washing machine and give it a clean as they can get very stinky if you regularly wash at low temperatures and this will make your clothes smell. Make sure you wash all underwear at least at 40 and towels/bedding at 60. Keep a packet of wet wipes in your bag for a quick freshen up and also spare underwear. Cotton is best as it is likely to make you sweat less. Ensure you don't wear clothing repeatedly without getting it washed/cleaned as fabrics do harbour smells. Shower at least once daily and if you're sweaty on your return home then a quick shower will make you feel better.

As you have hair loss, get your bloods tested and ensure you ask for ferritin and zinc to be checked as well as B12 and D as they don't test for these routinely. Note that the within normal limits is not necessarily a good sign as ferritin levels in particular need to be higher than that to encourage hair growth. Ensure you are eating plenty of protein as this can also help. You might also find the reddit hair loss forums helpful as there is loads of useful info on there. For hair loss don't leave it, as if the follicles die off then you can't get the lost hair back so quick action is best.

It can all feel overwhelming but good habits once in place are just normal routine and you'll be surprised how quickly you can adopt them.

I think that’s a good call regarding the washing machine and not something I’d think of. Our new obe has a “maintenance cycle” which cleans the drum. I tend to put it on about once a month and leave the door open after a wash.