What can I do to look better?

[ForeverAndEverCheese]

I’m 47 and in the last couple of years, these lines have appeared. They’re prominent even at rest and make me look grumpy and old! Any ideas for how to make them disappear?

I’m not sure you can make them disappear without surgery or medical intervention, but you can stop them getting worse and make the appearance better. Do you use a high SPF (50) every day on your face, neck and décolletage?

If you have the budget then I would strongly recommend an LED face mask. I bought the CurrentBody one, along with their neck/chest mask and there's a noticable difference in just two weeks. I've been taking pictures so it's definitely real and not wishful thinking! My skin looks brighter and clearer, my neck/jawline is a little firmer, and the lines between my eyes (the elevenses) are less prominent. I take the pictures in a morning, after showering but before using any skincare so that there's no bias introduced from what skincare I'm using.

I'm honestly gobsmacked at the difference in such a short time. They say that you should see a difference at the 6-8 week mark so I really wasn't expecting much at this early stage. I do use it religiously five times per week. Oh and I'm 45 and I would say my skin is similar to yours, my forehead lines are maybe slightly less prominent but my elevenses are much more prominent (I frown when I'm thinking and had faint lines here before I was even 20).

Botox would sort that out really well but you’d want to have it at least twice a year. Would probably make a huge difference visually but I am not suggesting anyone needs it.

I'm a little older than you and have had those lines for as long as I can remember 😂
I assume Botox would help, but I opt for a fringe and also embracing the grumpy look.

Botox - I’m a skin therapist

I started to really fixate on the 11 lines between my eyebrows when I was late 40s. On Teams calls I would see myself on screen and think I looked grumpy and constantly frowning if my face was in repose.

So at age 51, I had botox. Had it 3 times now in space of about 16 months. Freezes the 11s so they are less ingrained and over time have faded a bit. It also gives a slight lift to your brow area (nothing too freaky looking). Really pleased and will continue to do it as long as I can afford to. I get it done at a dentist who offers various cosmetic treatments. So I knew they were medically qualified and unlikely to be dodgy.

Botox will sort that. It’s amazing!

Botox. It works wonders for these lines.

no skin lotion or potion will fix them so don’t waste your money!

Green peel - I had these and 20 years later after green peel still not come back.

Which LED mask did you get @AndeanFlamingo ?

OP I'd focus on hydration- are you using a great moisturiser, a serum and hydrating mask? Doesn't look too bad now anyway that's my opinion.

Where do you find someone good to do the botox? I think I seriously need to do something mine is similar to the OP's but I feel like my whole space is just sliding south too.

I do, yes, and until a few years ago I looked really good for my age! I’ve been quite unwell (long hospital stays) over the past two years and it’s really aged me!

I’m a bit scared of Botox! I’m worried about looking fake, and also just because I have lots of allergies and reactions to meds etc, that I’m worried it could go wrong!

Have your eyes tested and get glasses. A lot of those lines are caused by squinting to try and read things.
Other than that, botox would sort the frown and forehead lines, but you need to go to a qualified medical doctor, who specialises in aesthetics and expect to pay.

I don’t see any problem with those. They are natural and not deep set. You could do a wispy fringe?

I don't think they look prominent op. Sorry you have had a bad time healthwise. Destressing activities might help you worry less about changes like this and also relax your face a bit which can't hurt! A nice moisturiser at bedtime too.
We're all ageing and i honestly think embrace it if you can. You don't look grumpy to me but a relaxed attitude is always appealing so i hope you can find peace of mind about it.

51 and first time Botox user last summer after getting sick of being so miserable when I o look in the mirror. I’ve since had another round with roughly 4 months after the first. Literally no one has noticed including my husband and close pals it’s so subtle but if you compare photos to a year ago my 11’s are nowhere near as prominent and my eyebrows have a slight lift. It’s enough for me and I will continue doing it whilst finances allow (I go to a highly rated medical doctor so not cheap)

Do you still feel it's worth it @PhoebeMcPeePee if nobody has noticed it?

I have some seriously grumpy 11s Botoxed. Only that area as it's about not looking disgusted with people the whole time, not looking younger. I have some pretty bad crow's feet but that's the opposite, smile and laughter lines. It doesn't look fake, just like you are less tired and grumpy.

I don’t think they look that prominent either. I think you could get your hair dyed and styled and your brows tinted and waxed plus a lash lift and that would make the difference.

I don't think they look as prominent as you think tbh. You sound like you've had a tough time of it, and this is what worked for me, as am scared of botox.
Agree hair- my skin looks better with blonde highlights. And eyebrows being waxed.
Boots no7 night serum makes my skin amazing. I lash it on though. Not the creams.
Water. Lots of water and fresh air.
You tube for make up tips. I use bare minerals now. Much better for my tired old skin.

There was a thread About how to look good on teams recently? I use the blur now:) and my computer is raised.

That’s completely understandable. Do you use retinol? Won’t make these disappear but it may help longterm / may help slow down the progression.

micro-needling, chemical peels etc may help soften these as well. But nothing will be as effective (especially when taking the cost/benefits into account as well) as botox.

CurrentBody. I have both the face mask, which also covers the under chin area, and the neck/chest mask.

I also have lots of allergies, including to medication, which is why the LED mask was my last ditch attempt before seriously considering botox!

Not much, once they are there! Sleep, water, good food, exercise, a nice hair cut and a good moisturiser will help going forward. Perhaps have a makeup lesson as well with someone who knows about more mature skin.