Aging very fast

[SureFootedWhispher]

I have always looked about 10 years younger than my age but all of a sudden at 36 something happened.

My forehead is very lined, crinkley and dry looking and looks older than 36.

My hair now plaits into a plait the thickness of barely two fingers. And it's apperance and texture has changed.

My hands look very dry and old.

What can I do? It's like i've aged years within 6 months.

[BecauseIsaidS0]

I did experience rapid decline from 36, but strangely enough now that I'm 40 it seems to have stopped in its tracks and I'm looking pretty good. Or maybe I'm just happier

[VenusRising]

Dry skin, thinning hair all point to thyroid problems.

Before you start shelling out for creams and spa days, go to your GP as there could be a hormonal resolution to your problem.

You need blood tests.
Un diagnosed thyroid problems can cause heart disease down the line, and I don't think they sell creams for that!

Better to get all health concerns written off before you splash out on cosmetic appliances and potions.

Craving oil and vinegar may point to a badly functioning gall bladder and liver. Best get that checked out too- sonogram for gall stones. Bloods for liver function.

[Pinkfrocks]

Clinique City Block spf 25 uses titanium dioxide as a barrier- it's safe.

Facials cannot prevent ageing. They might increase blood flow but they won't do anything else.

Skin is made up of 2 main components- the deep layers that are made from collagen and the upper layer which is the one that wrinkles.

Bone structure, fat and collagen are responsible for the support to the face. Collagen can be destroyed by too much sugar- there is a lot of evidence that sugar causes inflammation which breaks down collagen. Collagen also declines post menopause. Collagen is found in other parts of the body, not just the face. When collagen is reduced or destroyed that's when faces droop and folds appear.

The upper layer of the skin which wrinkles is affected by UV rays, hydration and lifestyle ( ie diet.)

Retin A products may reduce wrinkle depth by removing a layer of skin, but they can't replace collagen. The skin can't absorb collagen by applying iy so any creams containing collagen are just a scam.

[lurkingaround]

Retin A does boost collagen production.

[BecauseIsaidS0]

Ah Venus yes! I had subclinical hypothyroidism and definitely look better since I started medication.

[spiderlight]

I was going to say thyroid too! Get thee to the GP.

[SureFootedWhispher]

All bloods are normal.

Worried about the sugar and collegen thing! I was addicted to red bull for two 18 months. Is it all too late?

Since starting this thread I have developed twitch and now can't stop raising my forehead over and over. How do I stop?!

[Deckmyballs]

I am only 29 and have looked 17 forever. Until now.

All of a sudden my forehead is very crepey looking and the lines do not go away, also between my brows there is 1 prominent line always there and the 2nd pops up after some frowning. I also have some circles under my eyes

Why is this happening??? Apart from the obvious (getting older) is there anything I can do to stop this/prevent it/reverse it??

[SnowBells]

Deck - only thing I can think of is Botox/Fillers to stop it from getting worse. The famed 11's between the brows are impossible to get rid of with creams. That's mostly genetic (look mum/dad between the brows next time you see them)…

[lottieandmia]

Pinkfrocks - some facials do boost collagen production.

[AlleyCat11]

Deck, I noticed the first set of changes at 30. First lines, weight increase etc... I suppose these are all just natural stages of aging.

[ChickenFajitaAndNachos]

At 37 I got a looking after myself plan. I started using Clinique, got all dental work I needed doing done and have very regular dental hygienist appointments. I had my very long hair cut (I have since grown it back) but it was good to get rid of the old hair. I am 45 now and still do all these things but am really pleased I started them when I did. I'm not trying to look young but the best version of a myself as a middle aged woman. I also try not to touch or rub my face as I think it's really bad for wrinkles.

[Floisme]

I first got number 11s in my early twenties as did loads of women, including many celebs of the day. If you watch recordings of Abba, Agnetha Faltskog, the singer - who was really beautiful - had them. The difference was that, in those days, no-one gave them a second thought. In some ways I feel quite sorry for young women today but I also think - and I don't mean this unkindly - that some of your expectations are unrealistic. The first signs of ageing can kick in quite early but it doesn't mean you can't still look good. I like your phrase, Chickenfajitas about not trying to look young but like the best version of a yourself.

[MrsKoala]

I think a lot of it for me is having children later. I remember mums at school and my mum (and have pictures of them) in their 20s with young children, and i am going to be in my 40s when DS is the same starting school age. To me i look like their nans compared to what mums looked like when i was young.

[Floisme]

MrsKoala I was 46 when my son started school - it was fine. In fact I remember noticing how haggard some of the younger mums looked and feeling quite good (and even a tiny bit smug). I bet you will look great!

[Suzannewithaplan]

36 a tipping point!!
good lord I still looked like a teenager at 36, infact I think I looked at my best in my early to mid 40's
I dont think putting on weight is a natural sign of aging, it's a natural sign of eating more and moving less

[ChickenFajitaAndNachos]

My top tip for a wrinkly forehead is to have a fringe cut.

[Floisme]

And ditch the contact lenses for specs. They are a great distraction from all kinds of horrors.

[ChickenFajitaAndNachos]

Massive sunglasses are even better.

[MrsKoala]

i have a heavy fringe and always wear massive sunglasses.

Floisme - i'm not sure i'll look great, most mornings i look like St Bartholemew after the flaying :(

[MrsKoala]

Me, in the morning.

[ChickenFajitaAndNachos]

[superstarheartbreaker]

I've started using organic rosehip oil at night instead of night cream. Recommended by Miranda Kerr and David Gandy. I do seem more glory. I am 36 and nervous. Have ordered retin a and use high factor.
But nothing will keep me away from sun, coffee or booze hence why I will endure the crows feet!

[AlleyCat11]

I have the organic Rosehip oil, superstar. It's lovely. And it works!
Yeah you're right about weight, Suzanne. I just mean it's harder to keep it off. I can't get away with what I ate in my 20s...

[Suzannewithaplan]

I'm refuse to accept that coffee is bad, at least freshly made rather than freeze dried, it contains all sorts of beneficial phytochemicals I'm sure of it!

Sun and booze on the other hand are anathema to me.
I've always been careful about what I ate even in my 20's so it's not my personal experience that staying lean requires any more or less conscientiousness now than it did then.
I appreciate that others have different experiences in that regard.

I found rosehip oil quite irritating, same with jojoba, prefer coconut or olive thickened with beeswax.