I've done everything possible and still aged

[Cheeeeeeese]

I don't drink, never smoked, wear spf50 every day, moisturiser every day, use retinol, tretinoin, and so on. I sleep well 90% of the time, no children etc.
My diet isn't perfect, but this is all I can think of.
Despite this, I've still got crows feet, lines under my eyes and dark circles.
I am only 31 but presume the worst is yet to come. It's frustrating to already feel that I'm looking 'tired' at this age.
I've always looked after my skin well, yet I've still got these signs around my eyes already.

All I can think of is that they don't actually work? I'm using prescription strength products too. Does anyone else feel like this?

She’s not saying she wants plastic surgery. She’s also not saying she doesn’t want to stop ageing completely. She’s simply saying she’s not happy with how she looks at a relatively young age.

There’s nothing wrong with ageing, but there’s also nothing wrong with wanting to look good.

I would focus on the things you can control - teeth, hair, weight. It sounds like you're making a huge effort with your skin and you could try dropping the expensive skincare and see if there's any difference.

Forget the creams, maybe contact the scientists who have perfectly preserved the decapitated head of mass murderer Diogo Alves in a jar. It's amazing after 180 years he hasn't aged abit, he still looks as fresh as the day he was executed.

Crows feet you say? You probably smile too much. Keep smiling and stop thinking about the way you look 😊

Do you drink or smoke?

Sounds like diet and genetics are the main issue here

I'm not convinced by retinol. Yes it obviously works, but some are saying we don't know if the long term consequences of application may weaken the skin barrier and actually cause aging. Who knows 🤷

Another one saying it's genetics which play a huge part. I am lucky in that I have very few wrinkles. However I do have awful baggy skin under my eyes, which my Mum and my Grandma both had. No cream or diet will change them; the only way to resolve it is surgery.

Hi OP, it is shit isn't it?

I admit I forgot creams, I didn't exfoliate but I did cleanse and still do. I'm lucky with genetics. My mum is 83, looks like she's in her 60's. I'm 56yo, so when a 30 something asked for my phone number on Weds I was a bit taken aback and politely declined cos I might look younger, but I've got a knackered knee already. We're never happy are we? 🤣🤣🤣

Just have a bit of botox now, it'll help reduce the risk of the lines deepening. Avoid fillers they are horrible.

Good luck.

I've done fuck all about my face for some 50 years and I look fabulous:) you have your glasses on wrong

I'm told I look about 10 years younger.
I think a large part is genetics but I also;
Don't drink much
Fish oil everyday
Marula oil on my face everyday
I eat a diet high in protein.

There is no way anyone who is 50 looks 38. Deluded or possibly dreaming. Maybe both.

Are you keeping well hydrated? That can cause lines on the skin, drink plenty of water. Also I love Botox, it’s amazing

@KnittingDiva Yes you have a valid point there. I feel reassured by that, thank you.

I can't think of a family member that didn't have vision problems (even when young), fingers crossed all will be well. Sorry for the temporary derail there.

@Winter2020 good idea!

It’s genetics.

@tiddler39 There’s nothing wrong with ageing, but there’s also nothing wrong with wanting to look good.

Young does not mean attractive or good looking though? Like I could understand it if you were in a room of 30 year olds and being 30 yourself and them specifically asking/assuming you were in your 40's or beyond. 99% of us don't look like the people we see on screen or are as good looking. Just the way it is. We all try to look our best. But most of us are just average, it does not take away from life, children, partners, etc. If someone loves you for you then you are blessed, but doesn't mean you are a dead ringer for insert any good looking person here.

Yup

In your genes

Drink and be merry. Enjoy life!

You're doing everything you can to prevent it. Maybe add retinol. Other than that it's down to genetics.

It's genetic. Lifestyle factors can take years off but you will still age when you genes determine it. I know people who have more grey hair in their 20's than my mum in her 60's.

Btw my mum swears by pork fat and tbf her skin looks better than it did 10 years ago!

Maybe just a little.

It's mostly from my macrobiotic diet though. I eat only things I scrape off the underside of a horse.

We either get older or we die young.

Sorry for being flip, OP.

I think it's mainly genetics, with some help from sunscreen, hydration and lack of smoking.

Tret works for me. Some swear by botox. Others go for surgery. Depends how much it bothers you and what your budget is.

Def genetics, I have smoked (not anymore) occasionally drink, crap at sleep, no skincare regime at all - I don't sunbath though and I have no greys or wrinkles at 45.

Thanks for that tip, Rene. I've just had some myself, and I can see some improvement already - here's a selfie taken two minutes ago:

It's all in the genes. My colleague is 37 but looks 18. Her skin is glowing and has bright eyes, slim and petite. She hates it and I think she is insane. She doesn't do anything to look that young, no moisturisers or clever make up, she is just blessed with lucky genes as both her parents look young too.

It does happen though. I have always looked younger.. Now, I am always being told I look like I'm in my mid to late twenties. I'm 51. I think drinking lots of water, fruit/veg/minerals, avoid smoking, regular exercise and good quality sleep are important (not that I do any of that!)

Unfortunately for us women, estrogen is crucial for keeping our skin supple which is why we tend to show signs of ageing around our early to mid-fifties x