to think that good skincare and "tweakments" do make a big difference?

[frostedcup]

I'm in my late 40's and have for a long time resisted getting sucked into expensive skincare products, devices and treatments as a way to look better, have smoother skin etc. I know a lot of women in my age group as well as some younger and some older and so I feel like I do see the difference between those who have been like me i.e. fairly basic in their skincare to those who pay a lot for expensive products and get treatments. I know genetics do play a role but I am talking about women in my close family, women I grew up with who I know were doing the same damage to their looks in their youth that I was and yet their use of retinol, tretinoin, botox, face peels and so on seems to have completely slowed down the way that the damage has shown up on their faces in that it essentially doesn't.

I have been using some basic skincare for years such as cerave cleaners and moisturisers and I do use SPF most of the time. I would occasionally try a serum , toner or face mask but not consistently but last year I did invest in some higher end skincare and a tretinoin prescription and my skin is looking so much better and its really boosted my confidence. I have some forehead lines that I don't think topical skincare will address and so I have decided to get some botox in that area and am also considering a peel or dermal needling as well as an LED mask.

I always worried that botox would make me look overdone but when I look at the women I know who get it they just look better in my opinion. I do know one younger woman who looks a bit strange at certain angles but I believe that is down to filler use as I know she has that. Overall I think botox makes a big positive difference to the women I know have had it.

I do worry that by participating in getting botox and other skin treatments that I am perpetuating a kind of pressure on women to follow suit. I think in some ways that is what has happened to me really that I got fed up of being on the other side of that divide of those who have it and those who haven't or perhaps it doesn't really matter and we all just do our own thing.

I hope that attitude stays in the 70s/80s where it belongs

Very fine and noble, but not much use to OP though! If someone looks in the mirror and feels depressed with their appearance, why shouldn’t they do something about it?

Very few people look better with short hair than long, it definitely takes a specific face shape. I 100% do think how you dress and have your hair makes a big amount of difference. I dont think people look at someone who has a few wrinkles and think they look awful especially if they are generally up together, in fact most people don't think too much about anyone else at all anyway.

I dont care what people think, I do all of what I do to make me feel better. I enjoy doing my hair and make up and choosing clothes. It doesnt make me an ugly person inside like some people are suggesting 😂

in fact most people don't think too much about anyone else at all anyway

That is the absolute truth and the best beauty advice!

Ah. Im not talking about standard or luxury skincare or the purchase of home beauty electricals or even regular facials etc.

I’m talking about cosmetic invasive treatments like injectables, laser, peels etc. If you use a doctor who is a specialist registered with the relevant cosmetic surgery specialisms ( I forget what these are) (and if you use anyone less qualified you’re a fool!) then you will be spending far more than a few hundred, particularly if you repeat the procedures regularly.

Exactly, you might as well save up for cosmetic surgery.

PLLA makes my face look younger. Amazing stuff

On googling yes before and after photos are impressive, but there are things to bear in mind.
https://www.google.com/gasearch?q=plla%20treatment%20downsides&source=sh/x/gs/m2/5

Not to mention, genetics and the way certain health conditions age you.

My mum always looked amazing for her age and only ever used baby lotion on her face. I look like my granny, who at 50 looked a good 10 years older. I've looked older than my age my whole life. At 14 it was great to look 18. Not so great now! But I'm not bothered enough to do skincare routines and have injections.

Each to their own.

I mean it’s fairly obvious that age causes wrinkles and sagging and what I’m saying is that Botox doesn’t get rid of this but can perhaps smooth some of it out. For me, it makes me look less haggard and tired but I don’t particularly look younger and do look my age. Maybe I’d look older than my age without it? Who knows. I just know that it really improves how I look in terms of vibrancy and not looking pissed off.
i also don’t care if people can ‘tell’ ive had Botox.. in the same respect I don’t care if people can tell that I’m not a natural blonde. Both cost a lot of money 🤣