Premature ageing?! Help!

[Hiccupiscal]

hello mumsnet.
Hope ive put this in the right place.
I'm 33, and this is my face
I was shocked when this photo was taken and couldnt believe this is actually me..
Is this bad for my age?!

And what can i do about it?

Admittedly, ive had a horrible 3 years. Unbelievable stress. Coped with alcohol and cigarettes (i know, i know - im teetotal now, and smoking a few ciggies a week)

I'm cleansing, toning and moisturising every night. Sunscreen and moisturiser every AM.

How do i fix this? Can i? Is it as bad as i think?

I think you look as though you are laughing in that picture...you have very smiley, expressive eyes and that is a compliment! I cant see any aging?

It’s not as bad as you think.
You do have a few lines but that’s normal at your age, I have them too.
Keep your skin routine and maybe take some supplements to help your skin recover from the drinking/smoking now that you’ve stopped. Also try to massage in your products to stimulate blood flow and maybe look at doing facial exercises. And protect the skin around your eyes with some big sunglasses

You look tired to me so I’d definitely prioritize sleep as well as the good advice from other posters. Also drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated.

Yes, I was just about to say your skin looks a bit dehydrated. Lots of water, fruit and veg. Take Biotin, too.
You have lovely ‘smiley’ eyes.

Oh thank you for the last two replies, I didnt expect nice things to be said..
I might be hard on myself, I dont know.
Due to (ongoing) stress, I feel very critical of myself, I dont know if this is a 'normal' way to look at 33. I havent been very kind to myself.
I dont wear make up 99.9% of the time, so looking totally naturally "nice" has always been quite important.
My father taught me not to hide behind make up, but I saw this and what I see in the mirror, really makes me wondering if i should begin "covering up"

Thank you for your replies :)

*first two replies was meant to say

You have lovely, smiley eyes. I’m guessing, like me, you just need to drink more water and hydrate !

I think you look your age I dont think you are prematurely ageing at all, your face can wrinkle when you are smiling. I also agree with pp you have lovely smiley eyes.

@AmICrazyorWhat2

You look tired to me so I’d definitely prioritize sleep as well as the good advice from other posters. Also drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated.

I'm always tired!.. this is true. Last few weeks I've made sure I get between 6 - 8 hours sleep, but sometimes I find myself tired in the afternoon too.

I drink tons of water, green tea, eat my veggies etc.

I take coenzyme vits, multi vits, fish oil daily.

I'm really trying all I can!...

Really wondered if anyone who knows more about the "beauty" side of things could recommend anything to me..

I mean, it's quite hard to tell just seeing your eyes but yes, you do have lines however, who doesn't at that age?! Possibly very few people. I'm in my thirties too and got lines but all in all I don't think I look old. Dark circles I've had most of my life 😒 I don't think we can reverse it but prevent it?! I'm using eye cream, face cream every morning, evening, nothing crazy expensive but hoping it helps :)

oh all the messages about having "smiley eyes" are so kind, its making me want to cry!
Thank you for your words, mumsnet.
Ive been fighting with myself if to start this thread and was bracing myself for some harsh words and truths..

I have the occasional facial and have been given some really good advice on how to look after my particular skin, so it might be worth splashing out for one if you want some professional adivce.

I’m a lot older than you though (46) so I need all the help I can get.🤣

Are you Kate Winslet? You have such pretty eyes. Dump the fags and start taking oil of evening primrose capsules and vitamin E and lots of water.

Ooh and really good sunglasses all year round.

I think this is normal. I'm the same age. Plus you are smiling, so it's normal to look like that. One recommendation I could give you though, if you can try darker hair. Your hair colour is a type that will make you look like your in your late 30s/early 40s

Sorry didn't finish my comment. That type of hair colour will make you look like washed out*

Tbh you do look older, but not aged just tired. Eat healthy, exercise and drink plenty of water. Do you sleep enough? I must look at least 10 years older when i've not been sleeping well, I tend to avoid having my photo taken then😳

Try SPf50 sunscreen every single day, even in Winter, as the UVA rays ( the ones that age you) are there even when it's overcast.

Do you use an eye cream? If you do keep it in the fridge, if not buy a good one for your skin type and concerns. You do have really pretty eyes too. smiling does make you look older, that's why you never see celebrities smiling in their photographs

Also you don't have the 11 lines inbetween your brows which is a good sign. They make you look much older and angry. My DB has terrible 11 lines and always looks super angry, I tell him it's because he was always grumpy as a teen!