Skin is aging fast

[ninetofiveeveryday]

I’m 44. I’m very pale with fair skin and hair, think factor 50 daily. I burn really easily so occasionally it happens but mostly I just cover up.
Ive really noticed my skin deteriorating in the last couple of years. It’s crepey, red coloured and wrinkly. I had my first Botox this year which helped my face but it’s not something I’m keen to do repeatedly.
Can any one share the magic solution? I drink water, I exercise a bit (not really enough), I sleep well. I’ve just ordered collagen sachets out of desperation. Any other tips?

There's no magic solution. It's discipline and consistency, like any healthy habit. Water and sleep are excellent, as much as possible of both. Daily factor 50 is essential. Ditch the collagen - it's a scam, you just need to eat plenty of protein, as well as plenty of plants.

Do you use a moisturizer? What do you use to clean your skin daily? Any issues with your health in general?

Yes, mine fell off a cliff as soon as perimenopause hit. I don't have any miracle solutions, so hope someone will rock up to help us both, OP!

How’s your diet? I know for me that if I eat poorly or have too much alcohol, then it shows in my skin and face. I eat a Mediterranean diet, little upf and lots of water and it seems to be keeping my skin fairly taut and my complexion even.

Water, sleep, suncream cream and a decent diet are your best bets but I disagree on the collagen front BUT make sure it’s a Type 1 & 3 hydrolysed collagen Peptide and not just the heavily promoted or well packaged ones and then give it at least a month before deciding. Made a huge difference to my skin and only costs about 50p a day.

It's all about diet

Veg, protein, fat, salmon etc

No junk and plenty of water

Little processed food

I am vegetarian and eat very few processed foods. I don’t drink or smoke and really only drink water and 3-4 cups of tea a day. My weight is fine (size 12) so it’s just my skin. I feel I am doing everything else ‘right’ but it’s definitely not working at the moment 😭
I have no health issues, but my skin routine could improve. I just shower every night and put some no 7 moisturiser before bed…
It’s the feel collagen I ordered as I went for a vegetarian one, no idea what it’s like

'i just shower every night'

If you're washing your face with shower gel / soap, that may be way too harsh for your skin. Try using a cleansing cream or balm and removing it gently with a wet flannel morning and night instead.

Is the moisturizer right for your skin - does your skin feel soothed and hydrated and plumped up when you put it on? You could add in a hydrating serum under your moisturizer too - Simple, The Ordinary and The Inkey List are good high street brands to try, or stick with No7 if you like their products

Beyond that, it depends how geeky you want to get with skincare really. There are online dermatology brands like Skin &Me or Dermatica who will provide you with a bespoke clinical formula based on your skin concerns..... But you need a really good consistent skincare routine in place first that leaves your skin feeling happy

Try adding a glycolic acid or some other AHA into your routine. When my skin is looking tired a swipe of that helps exfoliate and brightens things up.

Or if you can afford it get on a prescription strength tretinoin (the big guns).

what sort of sunscreen do you use?
My NHS dermatologist recommended Heliocare to me and it has improved my skin no end and I never burn any more.

I would also recommend going to a The Ordinary shop and picking up a few bits, that has helped too as they do single ingredient products so you can tailor to you skin type, they will advise you

Ok thank you…I’ll address skin care for a start. It’s only laziness really that I haven’t in the past. I hope I’m not too late.
also I tend to use La Roche posay face suncream but will also look at others. It’s my neck that looks old too so I’m going to look at things I can try. Not stuck on no 7, will try anything!
thanks for the suggestions!

HRT, Collagen and evening primrose oil.

Try retinol (which I use) and tretonin (which I don’t use).

I would also add that good makeup makes a real difference people instantly start asking you what you’ve been doing!

Not together though! One or the other.

And yes to evening primrose oil, I started taking it recently to help with PMT but can't believe the effect it's having on my skin too, even my partner noticed.

I might start taking this. Used to use starflower oil but my mum swears by evening primrose oil.

I'm toying with the idea of cool Co2 laser treatment. Would be interested to hear if anyone has any experience of it.

Plenty of foods with beta-carotene in them. They are anti oxidants and help keep moisture in the skin. Cut down sugar as it can make skin worse, especially wrinkles.

Tretinoin but it's a temperomental beast and requires patience and care to introduce
Vitamin C based serum
Hydration essences
LED
Microneedling

I swear by using olive oil. Eating it i mean. Avocado oil too. You're already drinking water so that's good.

How has mum and maternal gran aged? We have fab genes. I'm 58 and taken for 40s. You can't fight genetics. Well of course you can do it with a surgeon etc but that's a bad look eventually.

I have just discovered Sunekos injectable booster and it’s AMAZING so I recommend that. It’s injectables though. Have been told that a lot of skincare is a waste of money but good to have a decent spf that you wear daily and retinol.