I can't believe how much I have fucking aged in six months!

[totalpondlife]

Looking a photos taken just in January compared to now and I can't believe it! My face has just collapsed. The skin has just sunk down. The plumpness and youthfulness has just gone. I am really fucking gutted. I wouldn't mind so much if I was in a relationship - but I am not. I just feel so unattractive. I can't believe the change. I wish I had removed myself from a bad relationship two and a half years ago when I was thinking about it. I'd have had a better chance of meeting someone.

Any retinal or retin-a recommendations? Been using retriderm max (1% retinol), its about to run out and its not in stock anywhere.

Also has anyone got any face yoga recommendations - feel like my jowls and eyes have dropped recently.

I'm cutting back on alcohol, drinking more water and doing better face care. Think next step for me is to drop the carbs - just putting that off as I really like pasta and bread

JMAngel - wow! Thanks so much for taking the time to post all of that!

@Zeebeededodah - face yoga - I've just signed up with Fumiko Takatsu's face yoga method. I bought a package for about £24 tailored on my key areas based on a quiz I did with her, she then offered her full programme for 297 dollars, I never bought that but a few weeks later was offered it 197 dollars (£156), can't recommend as not tried it yet, but thought I would give it a go. You can get loads of free face yoga on you tube, but I wanted a programme to follow.

I can't believe I forgot to tell you about microneedling - 1x week with 0.25mm needle. really plumping.

@JMAngel1 I’ll check out the one on Amazon, thank you!

I also prioritise these treatments and gadgets then buy cheaper clothes from the high street. Or I’ll save up.

I get Retin A from Dermatica. I did buy a 3 euro tube from Portugal last year. Wish I’d bought more!

Medik8 do really good retinols. The Paula’s Choice one is good too. You have to wear spf50 every day though.

Just get some Botox and filler and have done with it

@JMAngel1 DO you do the microneedling yourself at home or have to go to a clinic to get it done?

I do it myself - only takes a few minutes. There are loads of YT video tutorials and I get the ro!ler from Amazon.

@chubbyhotchoc. a lot of my routine is for overall health too - botox and fillers are just masking problems with poor diet. At what point would you stop getting them? The fillers will have stretched the skin so when you stop, the effect can be like a sharpei puppy. Just be careful you're not setting yourself up for trouble 20 years down the line.

Thanks @JMAngel1

I do think you need to think about skin health .
Treatments that stimulate collagen and improve the texture of skin help against ageing.

I have tried Botox and I don’t think it made me look younger or have me better skin. It did get rid of my frown lines but then I scrunched my eyes up and seemed to get more lines just under my eyebrows. The clinic I went to for my laser always get the skin in the best condition first then they arrive the Botox and the fillers are the icing on the cake (if you want them). Rather than going straight in with Botox and fillers.

Totally agree @Delatron
I'm not against them but I don't think they should be a substitute for good skin/nutrition/exercise/health regime.

@JMAngel1 that's why you only fill the skin that as already sagged. If it's already sagged you won't stretch it more by using filler. Botox doesn't stretch the skin at all. Only relaxes the muscle. You can do all the other things of course but all the water and leafy greens in the world isn't going to make much difference to ageing skin.

@totalpondlife

Does anyone know if going on HRT helps minimise skin ageing affects of menopause?

Yes, it helps with the skin dryness/oiliness but other than that it won't stop your skin aging

What's your skincare like OP? Your diet? Any exercise?

What I find works for me:

Cleanse for at least a minute, to give the cleanser time to take the dirt off and work.

The Vitc powder from The Ordinary mixed with their Resveratrol and Ferulic Serum and then SPF 50.

At night I use The Ordinary Niacinamide, followed by either Tretinoin, Retinol or Azelain Acid.

I do a peeling/acid mask once or twice a week ( the Salicylic one from The Ordinary or the red blood like one also from The Ordinary).

I exercise by lifting weights and do intermittent fasting. I also don't drink, smoke or do any drugs.

I do stress a lot and my sleep is crap though. And I am a massive sugar fiend and carb whore. But I will try to cut down.

I also take a massive amount of supplements and vitamins every day as an effort to help with my disabilities too.

I don't like how I look without make up, but with it I look good.

Exercise died in Lockdown. I think Lockdown has been dreadful for me, in all sorts of ways, but healthwise and skin wise too! Gah!

@Immigrantsong
Omg that is my exact morning routine TO ascorbic powder mixed with Spf 50 and TO reservatrol ferrulic - snap

@jmangel you have been a fountain of knowledge! I've loved this thread x

I had Botox and fillers in the past but really don't want to go down that road again. I just don't see how it is sustainable throughout the years...there comes a point where your face just doesn't match the rest of you and it doesn't look good IMO. Plus I hated how Botox felt on my face.

I would much prefer to be as healthy and strong as I can with great all over skin care so that I glow and feel good no matter what age.

I would suggest giving up alcohol & sugar for a month. Take some good quality supplements. Take a photo at the beginning & end of the month. You’ll be amazed at the difference