u/Lilbookworm91

Hi everyone! I'm (34F) looking for some feedback on my skincare routine. I haven't been deep into skincare that long, but I am noticing some age related changes that I don't love (fine lines, more visible pores, increased laxity) and would appreciate opinions from people who know more than me! Here is my current routine:

Morning:

Water cleanse

Peach & Lily glass veil mist

Good molecules 5% niacinamide serum with ectoin

Honest hydrogel cream

Live Tinted hueguard (SPF)

Night:

La-roche posay hydrating gentle cleanser

(Actives)

Cocokind cera mode barrier serum

Fresh rose deep hydration face cream

Actives:

Cocokind beginner retinol gel 1x week

Andalou naturals rejuvenating serum (with bakuchiol) 2x week

Knours PDRN rice green tea (on non active nights)

Additional treatments:

Red light 5 minutes, 3x a week

Qure micro infusion targeted patches 1x week

Additional info: I had some melasma in the past, I haven't had a flare up in years, but I need to avoid the sun, heat, and anything inflammatory or estrogenic (including chemical sunscreens). I also have VERY sensitive skin, and was focused on barrier repair over the last year, I only added the beginner retinol in the last 6 months, before that I was just using the bakuchiol 1-2 x a week, and I've only been using that for maybe 2 years.

I've also used the Qure microstamp system in the past, but I'm unsure if it's really effective or more of a gimmick. I've considered PRP injections, but am not open to traditional fillers or Botox, and I don't have downtime for a lot of in office procedures (plus I have super sensitive skin). I also tend to focus on clean skincare brands and barrier support and Korean skincare over western routines, but I am located in the US.

I'm (34F) looking to join some local groups that meet regularly so I can be more social and meet more people in the area. I'm especially interested in things like book clubs, board games, crafts, casual rec sports, outdoor activities, dance, or even groups that get together to watch and discuss movies or shows. I'm also open to things like trivia or other hobbies since I enjoy learning new things, but I'm not super interested in watching sports or playing video games.

Groups based in Corvallis or Salem could work too, but I'd prefer to not go much farther than that.

Note: I'm already on Meetup and Eventbrite, I just haven't really found what I'm looking for, though I'd definitely be open to specific group recommendations.

I've been given the option to work 4 10 hour days a week instead of the standard 5 days. On the one hand that's one less day to get ready, make lunch, and commute, but on the other hand I worry about there being more pressure to perform for longer days and what might happen on a "nope" day when my brain doesn't want to work. I have to track my billable time, and I'm being promoted to a heavier workload, so that's part of where the pressure is coming from. I'm also worried because I have had a hard time sticking with full time jobs in the past or staying in one place for more than a year and I'm still at the tail end of recovering from burnout. How do people with ADHD manage heavier workloads? And do 4 10s sound easier or harder to maintain long term? I do see a therapist who has helped me set strong work boundaries, but there's only so much I can push back on while maintaining job security. I'm also dealing with imposter syndrome and a whole host of other bs that I won't get into here. Any advice is appreciated, thank you in advance!

I can't stand sleeping on my back. I love nothing more than spreading out like a selfish starfish on my tummy touching all four corners of the bed or curling up into a tiny ball surrounded by pillows. Unfortunately my myofascial release therapist has pointed out how much this is affecting my body, including chronic tightness and pain in my chest, shoulders, neck, and back, even spreading to hips and jaw (which is why I needed to visit her in the first place). The problem is I can't afford to give up precious sleep, so I keep defaulting to what is comfortable. I feel better and look better when I sleep on my back, I swear my fascial puffiness went down (didn't even know I had a problem with this) and I wake up more rested and feel like I'm breathing deeper. But I just.. can't? I've looked up how to sleep on my back and everyone just recommends specialty pillows but I think it might be related to proprioception (I can't tell which way is up with my eyes closed, common with neurodivergent people). When I'm getting a massage sometimes the sandbag she puts on my stomach helps me feel more comfortable laying on my back with my eyes closed. Has anyone tried this for sleep? Have you tried anything else that's been effective? I'm getting older and I need to make this a habit for my health, but I'm struggling! Any advice is appreciated, thanks in advance 🙏

I tried every single liquid and cream blush tester at my local Ulta, then drove an hour to the nearest Sephora. Only two blushes actually work for me after hours of trying, buying, and returning: the Merit Flush Balm Cream Blush in Archival and the Haus Labs Color Fuse Longwear Hydrating Glassy Lip + Cheek Blush Balm Stick in Glassy Hibiscus. Everything else was too warm, too cool, too dark, or pigmented. I know a lot of people in this sub recommended lavender blush but those didn't work on me either (I am a muted, warm/neutral undertone, not cool). Does anyone else have fair, warm/neutral toned olive skin and have a really hard time with makeup colors? I feel like a lot of the posts here are for cool tones, so please share your favorites if you are warm/neutral!