Priorities for looking less haggard and does skincare make any difference?

[Countrygardener21]

Prompted by a younger friend, I took the plunge and had Botox for my frown lines this week with a highly recommended doctor.

I'm in my mid 50's and asked him what else he recommended - a longish list includes various fillers including tear troughs, orthodontics to fill out my lower jaw and Botox in other parts of my face. As well as something like microdermabrasion - the clinic has various options.

I'm going to wait and see how this first treatment looks first before deciding on the rest (and depending on budget as I can't afford it all). I'm also going to use my neglected Tua Viso every day to see how much difference that makes.

He also said just cleanser and suncream is enough skincare, although he could prescribe tretoin if I wanted it.

What would be your priorities for looking (subtly) less haggard? I'll probably go for the orthodontics as I have early gum disease and that would help, and tear trough filling has great reviews. Not sure about microdermabrasion though.

My friend had Botox, and it looks great, not noticeable at all, but personally I am a bit scared of it ;) I have this feeling that it can get a bit out of control once you start, IYSWIM. Botox does not last forever, and it doesn't stop natural ageing, so you would have to keep doing it, and presumably you would need more as you age.

How will filling your lower jaw help with gum disease? Is your gum disease manageable?

It would straighten my overlapping teeth, making cleaning and flossing easier. It's mild gum disease. The teeth positioning is causing wrinkles around my mouth.

Yes, I would need the Botox and fillers topped up but that's ok, and I too have concerns about it getting out of hand.

I would make sure I was wearing sunscreen, eating a decent diet and getting enough exercise and sleep. Then I would buy some nice clothes and get my hair done.

I can tick all of those Floisme - and it makes a difference.
No matter how much sleep I get, my eyes have dark circles, and the naso-labial lines (I think tht's what they're called) are quite pronounced, plus I'm getting quite jowly.

Do I accept it or do something about it?...

I would definitely tackle the orthodontics. Once it's done, you will benefit for life. It will also boost your confidence and that in itself will affect your perception of yourself, how you smile/look etc.

The problem with Botox (and I am not speaking from experience here as I've never had it done, and doubt I ever will) is that you will have to keep going back again and again for. Ditto other treatments like fillers etc.

it depends what you mean by accept? I like to look as good as I can but I also believe in picking my battles and as far as I'm concerned, ageing is one I am never going to win. Even if I zap the lines and the circles and the jowls, there will always be something else coming up over the hill to drive me even crazier.

I seriously think nice clothes and a good hairdresser are the best weapons - and much more fun than injections.

I see teeth differently as they're about general health and comfort as well as looks so yes, I would consider treatments for them.

Drink 2+ litres of water a day. I see a huge difference in my skin and cuticles since starting doing this in June. Warm water with a squirt of lemon juice is very easy to get down

I would strongly reccomend a strong exfoliator. Something with enzymes or retablos type stuff. It will reduce pores and improve skin tone. There are all kinds of brightening creams and serums out there. I would strongly reccomend checking out beauty Pie. Their products are affordable but very high quality. I love it!

I have IPL on my face occasionally which helps. I don't look 45 for sure. Yes to the water etc but I also use the Medic 8 skincare range. They have made big impact to the general appearance of my skin.

I went with a fringe a couple of years ago rather than Botox

Drink collagen lattes (Great Lakes collagen powder with coffee). Scrub your face gently with used (preferably organic) coffee grains in olive oil once a week. Oil cleanse method and no creams on your face. Low carb diet, silly amount of good oils. I swear it's taken years off my face and body.

Thanks for all the advice. I'm pretty sure I'll have the orthodontics.