Age - it's hit me :-(

[WineGetsMeThroughIt]

A few weeks ago we had some family photos taken and when I saw the photos I cried. Not out of joy or for sentimental reasons, but because I look like I've aged and my face now resembles my mothers. Jowls, crows feet and all. I've cried for the past hour. I honestly thought I looked alright for my age (40), but these photos have hit me hard and now I'm panicking. My face is chubby and round with jowls despite being a size 10. I've got deep set hooded eyes as well, and a F cup bust that makes me look 3 sized bigger than I am.

What can I do to turn back the clock? The jowls and how round and chubby my face look is the worst part I feel. I'm considering getting cheek fillers as I've heard they can lift the skin and minimise jowls.

Has anyone had them before for this reason? Have they worked?

I'm sorry you've been so upset but this. Getting and looking older is inevitable, but it can take some coming to terms with.
Bright lipstick, not looking to closely in the mirror, and a large dose of fuck it are my main solutions. Hopefully this bump for some more replies.

Lower face lift, somebody on here had one and the results were incredible.

I have an F sized bust. Apparently we’re supposed to get professionally fitted for bras and wear structured tops to emphasise our shape. 💐

I've solved this by rarely looking in a mirror, never taking a selfie, never having a photo taken of me alone - always with my children, so people don't notice me so much.
Only going to get older, may as well embrace the freedom of it

Yes me too, lock down has exacerbated it too (no idea why). I stick my neck forwards in photos to stretch my chin out so I don’t see the true horror of it in photos, no idea what to do about crows get though, I keep my big glasses on to hide them. I won’t be having surgery for it, but I’m considering Botox for the ‘11’ between my eyebrows that has appeared this last 6 months 😒

Remember the you in photos is different to the you you see daily. It does take getting used too. My face isn't too bad for my age, but my hands are awful.

Consider the alternative to ageing

In ten years time you will look at those photos and think how good you looked and didn't realise it. Trust me.

Ageing is horrible but what can you do? Have a face lift if you can afford it I guess!

In the meantime, nice clothes that fit well and a decent haircut can make a difference.

Following as my 2 year old charge got hold of my phone and took photos of me from multiple bad angles. I look old fat and frumpy.

Depends how much it bothers you and how much you want to invest. BUT.

Google how to pose in pics for the most flattering angle

Good bra as PPs have mentioned - worth getting properly fitted. See the reddit group called A Bra That Fits.

Crest whitening strips (from America, order online. Whiter teeth take years off)

Obviously don't know your stance on this but Botox is so miraculous. You can just do the 11s for the most bang for your buck.

Sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection every day when you go outside. See the reddit for skincare addiction and Asian Beauty.

Tretinoin. Prescription cream and only thing proven to reverse wrinkles. It's less than £10 in online pharmacies. You do need to research how to use it as it can cause irritation. It is so good tho.

Google best neckline for big breasts (ie high necks can make the area look really big and your face disappears)

Gentle tan drops mixed with your moisturiser if you're very pale. Evens out skin tone.

Vitamin C from the ordinary helps even out the skin tone. I use the powder mixed with toner in morning. Before moisturiser.

Never let anyone photograph you who is shorter than you. Or make them stand on a ladder. Job done. The rest is bollocks.

OP I think lockdown has not helped at all.

I am in the process of not dyeing my hair anymore and so have almost 2" now of roots showing. It is instantly ageing.

I have also piled weight on which is also ageing when you are older

I'm 65 and although i don't have many wrinkles I do have a problem with my face slipping downwards so it's not a good scenario is it :)

SMILE. You are a beautiful person inside and out.

I am currently running again and contemplating a lower facelift like the lady on here. You gotta make the most of what you have, and at 40 you are just a baby. Trust me on that one - I know x x

A small amount of cheek filler can help with jowls and nose to mouth lines, Botox on 11’s can also help if you want to go down that route (I have and am pleased with the results - very subtle when done correctly). A strong eyelash can disguise a hooded eye - doesn’t have to be fake, a really good mascara can also be very effective.

Drink lots of water, cut down booze, sugar, salt etc to get rid of bloat. Have a look on google for lymphatic drainage face massage techniques and/or facial yoga

Strict control over pictures, where they’re being uploaded and angles and def agree with pp regarding a big smile, bright lipstick and healthy dose of fuck it is a good strategy