Moisturizer after you wash is a good start. I really like ones with lactic acid in them as they are moisturizing and exfoliating, so they really help with dry skin. I only shower a couple times a week, but put on this lotion on my face and body almost every night. My skin looks great, even better than before I started using it, which it’s never really been bad.
Also, drink water and try to get more protein in your diet. Your skin is protein, so it’s important. I know you struggle with anorexia so it’s impossible to just tell yourself ‘eat more meat!’
So I’ll work with you. There are plenty of low calorie, high protein powder that you can mix in with water. Get a flavorless powder that you can mix with water and drink two or three glasses a day. It will at least be a step in the right direction. This is the brand that I use and they have a few different options.
I know where you’re coming from to an extent because, though I don’t have an eating disorder, I have terrible anxiety that makes it impossible for me to eat for days at a time without throwing up. I have incorporated unflavored protein powders in my diet to make up for the lack of nutrition I get on these days. You just have to get used to drinking a lot of water. This is easier to do if you cut out sugary beverages completely. Once you go long enough without them and force yourself to drink water when your thirsty, you will lose your taste for less healthy drink options and crave water much more often. The fact that it doesn’t have calories also makes it easier to not have anxiety over drinking it.
Mine grows SO slow too! I’ve heard amazing things about this brand (haven’t tried it for myself yet)
I buy it on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/Collagen-Peptides-Hydrolyzed-Grass-Fed-Certified/dp/B00XQ2XGAA
It’s certified Paleo, Keto and non-GMO, derived from pasture raised grass fed cattle.
I’ve been taking it for over 6 months now. For my joints, I could feel results in about three weeks. At two months my joint pain issues reduced about 40%. I noticed my hair was growing like crazy at around six weeks.
At the five month mark I noticed that I was regaining flexibility and could walk for long periods without any pain. This really works for me!
Collagen peptides have been LIFE CHANGING! I noticed results in 10-14 days, I’ve been consistent for 2 years now, in addition to the bumps on my arms, legs, cystic acne it also started regrow on the hair I lost after my first baby, it’s incredible. Start out with 2 scoops and then you can go down to the recommended 1 scoop a day. I wouldn’t recommend skipping more than 2-3 days. I’ve tried a couple different brands, this has been my favorite.
Editing: words
Collagen Peptides Powder | Hydrolyzed for Better Collagen Absorption | Non-GMO Verified, Certified Keto Friendly and Gluten Free - Unflavored https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00XQ2XGAA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_tuY-Fb9ARKMA3
For sure let it grow. My cheeks look very similar to yours. Im at roughly 3 months now and its starting to fill in somewhat decently. my facial hair seems to grow slowly though. I had half-assedly attempted beards in the past bu gave up because of the sparse cheek growth, but one day my wife bought some collagen powder to mix with her coffee in the morning, its good for joints and stuff so I started using it too, but the weird thing is that my facial hair started growing more than it ever has in my life. im not sure if its just a coincidence, but it may be something to look into. if you care this is the stuff i use. I put a little less than a full scoop in my coffee every morning ( it is tasteless, but doesnt dissolve in cold drinks well) Collagen Peptides Powder | Hydrolyzed for Better Collagen Absorption | Non-GMO Verified, Certified Keto Friendly and Gluten Free - Unflavored
Here it is! This one dissolves immediately even in cold drinks, and tastes the least nasty of all I’ve tried. This is the only one I use since it’s so much better! The container is huge and lasts a while, I try to remover (haha I’m a failure!) to take two tablespoons daily. Your hair and nails will thank you too! I also included a liquid multi vitamin I take, also super helpful for skin, hair and nails. My face and hands are painfully dry, when I take these they are much better!
Great Lakes Gelatin, Collagen Hydrolysate, Unflavored Beef Protein, Kosher, 16 Oz Can https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005KG7EDU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_Y3P7HEEX964N1FYQ3PF1?psc=1
Mega Premium Liquid Multivitamin... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071CNR16Q?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I use a brand called Sports Research and I get it from Amazon. Collagen Peptides Powder (16oz) | Grass-Fed, Certified Paleo Friendly, Non-Gmo and Gluten Free - Unflavored https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00XQ2XGAA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_6i74BbBFAVMNQ
This is the one I bought from Amazon. You can buy in either powder or tablet/capsule form; however I prefer powder as I can just dissolve a scoop in water. When buying collagen make sure it contains Type I and Type III which are the ones that are known to support nail and hair growth.
Here's the amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006VAZYNG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I take four a day and it takes about a week to see a difference. Apparently it also has vit c in it which I didn't know!
> http://www.amazon.com/Great-Lakes-Collagen-Hydrolysate-Unflavored/dp/B005KG7EDU
I hear it advised everywhere - but I'm always slightly suspicious of supplements in the 'expensive pee' sort of way.
So, do you actually notice a difference between when you take fish oil and when you don't, and what might that be in your experience?
Oooh do you mean this? And it’s completely flavorless? I tried an unflavored whey protein but it still has that dairy taste (ofc)
I've been using this in my coffee for years. I have no idea if it's made my skin better or not, but it's a way to start my day with some protein, which is certainly good for my mental health. It's not going to be a waste of money either way.
I think the brand I use is from Sport Researchsport research. It has 10g protein, 40 cals, and No sweeteners.
Brace sleeves. I wish I had worn them from the beginning, maybe my joints would not have gotten bad. Also as mentioned collagen, I take 3 grams morning and 3 grams at night. Amazons sells these big bottles of 1 gram collagen pills.
Youtheory Collagen with Vitamin... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006VAZYNG?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I use the Vital Proteins original https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00K6JUG4K I put a scoop in my coffee every morning. Dissolves really well and is unflavored. I tried a few before this and one was so bad, it tasted and smelled like I put beef broth in my tea, 😅.
I have been using this one for the last 5 or so years. I initially started taking it to protect my joints as I aged, not necessarily for my hair so I can't say definitively at what point I noticed the improvement. My hairstylist just always comments on how healthy it is, and how quickly it grows. I also noticed that I don't lose as much hair in the shower and in my brushes.
Collagen has also done wonders for my skin and nails.
I take organika
It is a protein, and you'll stop producing it as you age, it helps your bone, skin, muscles, tendons and cartilage, it's also what keeps your skin from sagging, so when you start producing less, guess what? Sagging skin, especially noticeable on your face. Click the link I left, that is the kind I use (make sure it has peptides), I really do see a difference, not facelift difference, but some difference.
Do not take ANYTHING with vit A. I use this:
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00NLR1PX0/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_T3GNPZR8V2SZ68SKE8EM
My derm said this is fine. It says it supports hair and nails. I mix it with my morning coffee because it dissolves better in hot liquids.
I use organika brand for collagen (& spirulina), I do find the collagen is flavourless and I’ve even mixed it into water with lemon or juice . I just use this brand cause a naturopath had me start the spirulina like ten years ago and this was the brand so I’m not sure if others are better or anything haha
This one was my go-to collagen supplement, and I would just buy whatever biotin supplements were at the grocery store, usually Nature’s Bounty brand. 👍🏻
Orgain Grass Fed Hydrolyzed Collagen Peptides Protein Powder - Paleo & Keto Friendly, Amino Acid Supplement, Pasture Raised, Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Soy Free, Non-GMO, Type I and III, 1 Pound https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BL69CD2/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_5WSKHXHF4C74DPVVA5MR?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I found this here
https://heydaydo.com/weight-loss-loose-skin-myth/
I haven't tried it yet but this guy knows a lot about health and nutrition so it seems trustworthy.
Vital Protein Collagen Peptides. It's flavorless and you can literally add it to anything with liquid. Load it into a smoothie. I also like to add in melted coconut oil mixed with carob powder. Adds a little extra fat and it's like little chocolate chips.
Here's a good one that tastes nice and dissolves well in plain water.
This is the product I use and have been happy with it. Collagen Peptides Powder by Sports Research | Hair, Skin, Nails & Joint Support from Type I & III Hydrolyzed Collagen | Non-GMO, Dairy and Gluten Free (41 Servings) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00XQ2XGAA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_W3ATD34CY4YCFPBMSZSR?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I'm not sure how it will work on your face but I take great lakes collagen powder everyday. All I really notice is crazy fingernail growth but Ronda Patrick went deep into how it helps rebuild cartilage. Either way I love the product and it is truly tasteless and odorless when added to coffee. Here's a link:
I use this one. I have one scoop in my coffee every morning.
I've been using the Vital Proteins collagen peptide in my coffee in the mornings to see if it helps me with loose skin down the road (I have about 100 lbs to lose). Like the other comments say, who knows if it will help but it's also suppose to help with joint pain too so if I end up with loose skin and NO joint pain in the end, it would still be a win/win for me.
Great reviews on Amazon which is where I purchased it and I really can't taste it in my coffee with cream. I usually stir one scoop in with some creamer in my cup, mix a bit of hot coffee to fully dissolve it in with the creamer, then fill the rest of my cup up with more coffee. I drink two cups of coffee in the mornings so I end up getting my two scoops of collagen for the day that way.
https://www.amazon.com/Vital-Proteins-Pasture-Raised-Grass-Fed-Collagen/dp/B00NLR1PX0