Age is not being kind… with pic! Botox needed, and what else??

[MamaDuckling]

I have always had a very “expressive” face but now it is really getting me down. I look battered, and significantly older than my friends (who are mostly older). For info, I’m not yet 40.

I’ve had Botox a couple of times and whilst I don’t love the frozen look, I think I need to keep it up as a preventative measure now??

I don’t smoke, don’t see much sun, don’t drink too much, why am I so wrinkled?! And what else will help? I could probably drink more water but that can’t be all I’m doing wrong!

Any advice much appreciated. Feeling a bit miserable.

Use spf every day. Even in winter.

Oh, yes sunglasses. And in fact, regular eyetests to prevent squinting.

But we are what we are, you have an expressive face, kind and happy.

From your hair and skin, you have Celtic colouring?
As above, daily SPF is a must.
Have you looked at a hydrafacial?

Surely thats the face you're pulling?

I really like crinkly bits around peoples eyes, I think it makes them look warm and nice.

Having said that I hate my cats bum mouth with horrible open pores all over my upper lip/under my nose which is so aging.

Not Celtic I don’t think…

the worst bit is, mum is 71 and barely looks 60. Great genes on her side, and dad’s side are hardly haggard!

SPF ok, sunnies yes good tip.

I’ll look at the facial.

keep ‘em coming!

Nope, this is just a half smile.

the lines are deep and static

What's your usual skincare routine? Which moisturiser do you use? Any serum?

It looks to me like you have dry skin.

My red-headed sister tells me that redheads have much drier skin than dark-haired oily skin-types like me, and going by my red-headed friends think she might have a point. Even though I already have oily skin, I use facial oils and really notice a difference for the worse when I’ve run out - have you tried an oil?

You look like you have a nice face OP.

I sympathise because I look older than I am. In my case, I blame my past life of smoking and drinking and enjoying the sun too much. (But I enjoyed it all at the time).

Mine has got a lot worse in the last couple of years now that I am perimenopausal. Don’t know if you are in that phase yet, but lots of women find depleting oestrogen really changes the skin.

I have tried Botox but it didn’t do much for me (my nurse friend said I probably metabolised it too quickly because I exercise a lot).

So I am basically just trying to accept it. Some days it really gets me down, but I have lovely friends, kids and husband who all love me and don’t seem to mind being seen out and about with me 😂

I’m just focusing on keeping my skin clean and hydrated and have started using tretinoin. I figure I don’t mind the wrinkles so much if I at least look healthy with a bit of a glow.

I also have a fairly lean physique, so although my face looks older than my years, my body is in good shape. This can be part of the issue because women who are carrying more fat are rounder and softer overall. My larger friends tend to have fewer wrinkles! Those of us maintaining a lean body shape can find the drawbacks of this are shown in the face.

You could try eating unsalted nuts (brazil, almonds...) as well as good fats (avocado) and oily fish (mackerel).
Cod liver oil supplement.
Olive oil.
Zinc is good for skin too, found is some foods or in tablet form.

My larger friends tend to have fewer wrinkles! Those of us maintaining a lean body shape can find the drawbacks of this are shown in the face.

Hence the expression “face or arse”, @waterlego .

I think lines are lovely, natural, characterful, interesting and they tell your own story. I hate flat noticed faces, to me they say so much about the person behind them (Shallow? Vain?)

But then I am a bit different in my views to most!

It has to be sun exposure if you are under 40. Wow! Do you walk a lot or do lots of outdoor activities?

You have to wear SPF50 sunscreen all day every day. Also tret. Get on it asap.

Well that's not judgemental at all....

What was the "wow" in aid of?

I'm 38 and my forehead is like that when I'm shocked, I am too an expressive Jim Carrey type! I love my smile lines and crows feet but considering botox now for the forehead.
Thing is, I've had these lines since late teens so they might take some getting rid of.

Vit c serum and then really hydrating moisturizer (I don't mean expensive!). I use welleda skin food and Revolution sali hughes vit c serum.

Also do you use any tinted moisturizer or anything to even your skin tone? That helps skin to look healthy I think.

Urgh…

sun: I’ve had a few sunny holidays, no more than most, always worn spf… not here in a London winter though.

I’m not red headed but it is in the family (DS, DM).

I do exercise yes but not manically, and infact have had long periods without doing much at all.

You mention looking older than friends...is it possible that when you see these friends they are wearing make up, whereas you don't seem to be? I would recommend following Trinny Woodall on Facebook/Instagram as she shows some really good videos on effectively masking (her own) wrinkles.

Ok, so for those saying tret- where do I buy this miracle cream? Is it retinol? Any specific links??

@Acunningruse i actually tried Trinny’s make up filler but it did nothing../

Indeed! And I do have quite a nice bottom.

If anyone ever comments on my wrinkles (no one ever has), I will just show them my arse. 😂

Fellow expressive facialist here, following for advice (although I'm late 40s and the preventative measures are probably too late for me 😥)

@waterlego haha! I do have cracking legs.

@MamaDuckling Yes, tretinoin is retinol. I think it’s the strongest formulation you can get. I get mine online from Dermatica. It needs a prescription I think, but that can all be done via filling in a form and sending some photos of your face.

@waterlego i love that my wrinkles are prescription worthy! i will order, thanks.

usually I just use La Roche cleanser and moisturiser. No serum etc but occasional oil.