Face has gone downhill since the pandemic

[Poetrypatty]

I know it's mostly ageing (menopause) but also I think all the tension, jaw clenching and stress has made my lower face look much older. I reckon all the mask wearing has meant I smile less than I used to as well Don't have the money or inclination for expensive interventions though.

I feel like this
Old and tense and wrinkly

Old and tense and wrinkly

Yes that sums it up! Gave me a rare laugh so my pissed off Pauline Fowler looking face probably perked up for a second.

It happened to me too. I don't really understand why because we're always being told that sun is the most ageing thing so staying inside should theoretically be good for skin ageing.

I have come to the conclusion that the only thing holding my face together was air pollution and tube grime.

I think joy is good for your skin though and misery is very ageing

Same. Blue light from screens?

Dark circles, puffy, sallow and liney. Ive started exfoliating and weekly face masks (the old, pampering kind, as opposed to the covid kind!!)

On the hunt for a decent multivitamin. hope in a jar

If you're prepared to throw some money at it as a one off, I had good results with a silk'n facetite device. Made a real difference to jowls, pores and general skin texture. It does take a couple of months to see the difference, and its pretty time consuming (though pleasant) to use, but I had a lot of spare time in lockdown and it was worth it. I got mine on offer at about £85 but they are usually around the £150 mark i think.

ROFL at hope in a jar
I have been paying for hope for 20 years!
I am always suckered into brands with "glow" or "radiant" in the title 😂🤣
Didn't need it then. My gosh the bags now are shocking
I have recently noticed puckering around my lips, like that of a smoker: have never ever smoked. Wtf is that about

I have the same, and have taken to fake smiling
I probably look li,e a loon, so it's something to do when alone

Just to exercise the face muscles.

A dermatologist who does cosmetic work could help you. I have Genius micro needling facials twice yearly. It is a little ghastly but you are back to normal after 48 hours and the results are amazing. It has taken 10 years off, helping with sagging, wrinkles, dark spots and scarring.

I have the same, and have taken to fake smiling
I probably look li,e a loon, so it's something to do when alone

You might be on to something there and I'm going to try it. I think it's the lack of smiling as much is a factor. It feels weird to smile under a mask and I think I've been tensing my face up under the mask. I'm going to start fake smiling when I think of it and am alone

@JassyRadlett

I have come to the conclusion that the only thing holding my face together was air pollution and tube grime.

That sounds good but expensive (and painful?) Ruthietuthie

5128gap That looks interesting - how long do you have to spend doing it?

I think joy is good for your skin though and misery is very ageing

Yes must be. My aunt looked at least 5 years younger when she got a toyboy.

@Poetrypatty

5128gap That looks interesting - how long do you have to spend doing it?

You divide your face into 4 areas and spend 15 mins on each. You do this 3 times a week for 10 weeks. I would do mine watching TV. Its a nice warm feeling and I found it relaxing. You do have to keep it up though, as its definitely not a quick fix

No advice, but I definitely feel about 25 years older since this all started. I was a youngish feeling mum at the beginning and now feel decidedly middle aged. I'm sure it's all in our heads though. Need to steer clear of certain news stories and boards on here I think!

You could also try a good retinol and a hyaluronic acid. Neither need to be expensive - Paula's Choice or The Ordinary. A couple of months of regular use and you will be glowing.