Need Wrinkle Advice from FReeper Sisters

me | July, 11, 2009 | me

[Marie]

OK FReeperettes, I need some help.

It’s finally happened, just as I knew it would… my face is starting to show my age. Quickly.

I knew it would happen just like this. Every woman ages the same in my mother’s family and apparently, I’m no exception. They get seriously carded, their husbands get flack for being with a teenager, nobody believes their teenagers belong to the - until about 40.

Then BOOM! Their faces crater. They go from easily passing for 21 to looking 45 within a few months and it all happens around 40. Doesn’t matter if they smoke or moisturize or how much sun they get. The timing is never off.

I’m almost 40 and for the last month I’ve noticed the dark circles under my eyes getting darker, my skin starting to slack, and my pores starting to enlarge. I don’t have many fine lines; however, if genetics hold true, the wrinkle brigade will be in full force by next summer.

But I will NOT go gracefully into that good night! It’s too early for a facelift (plus I’m a big chicken), so I’m looking for a good face cream. I already moisturize, so I’ve got that going for me, but I need something to fight the dark circles under my eyes and something that firms and tones the skin and reduces pores.

There are literally thousands of products out there. I’d like to find out what’s worked for you. Point me in the right direction my conservative sisters! Tell me where to put my money!

(One thing. I can’t use Retin A. I have some permanent burn scars from using that crap for only two weeks a decade ago.)

[MAD-AS-HELL]

not sure...

but if one is vitamin deficient..best way is to eat FOODS to get vitamins and not multi vitamins.

[Jemian]

Vaseline Petroleum Jelly

1. Smear that stuff on in a thick layer,
2. wait 10 minutes, apply a steamy hot wet washcloth
3. wait until the washcloth is cool
4. wipe remainder of jelly off.

Disclaimer: it is hormones which is causing the problem. No matter what you do, you're going to have problems.

[mel]

Juvaderm! Milk of magnesia works great if you have dermatitis

[Ditter]

Noxzema, been around for ever, like me. I am 69 and I have used it since I was young. I wash my face with it, use it for moisturizer before I go to bed and instead of make up base in the day. I don't wear much makeup, blush,eye shadow and mascara, no base, no powder. I have no wrinkles!

[LiberConservative]

I had my wrinkle free days but those days are over. Wrinkles on a woman’s face are a symbol of wisdom and maturity. What’s your problem?

[latina4dubya]

Have you ever been to a Sephora store? I'm like a kid in a candy store!

love Sephora! going there next week... so the Perricone stuff really works? i've been tempted to buy it ever since in read The Perricone Promise... i just want to make sure it works before i dish out the dinero... i am currently using skinceuticals retinol 1.0... maximum strength with 1.0% pure retinol... i'm hopeful!

[Chickensoup]

I love my wrinklew and grey frosting on my hair.

[VA40]

Well you are probably right because I've tried so many that did nothing. I hate L'Oreal, they have the best marketing but it's all BS and a huge waste of money. You need moisture though and if it just plumps up the wrinkles so they are less noticeable that so be it! After 40 every lady deserves a nice skin cream.

[Chickensoup]

shave your head.

[count-your-change]

Try Irish whiskey. Drink enough and you won’t see any wrinkles or care if you do.
And it goes down nice.

[Recovering Ex-hippie]

I agree that a good dermatologist and or cosmetic surgeon ( they do a lot of other things than surgery) is the answer for minimal help. But be sure to get a recommendation from someone who has gone to them or your physician.

I have heard from my eye doctor that minor work around the eyes is often covered under insurance because lids that droop affect eyesight.

BTW, more men are using cosmetic /dermatology options ..especially if they are back in the job market again.

[RJL]

I use that Just for Men stuff to get rid of my TOTAL grey hair. 5 Years ago I just had a touch....now it's everywhere.

I tell my wife that it's the blonde hair of my youth coming back... she just laughs.

[Marie]

Honestly, it bothers me because I’m already disabled. I’ve got a broken back (not paralyzed, but I have 5 crushed vertebrae and it hurts and deforms me) and an auto-immune disorder that lays me up for weeks at a time.

All I had left was my brain and the fact that I was still cute.

I’m just not ready to give up the “cute” part yet.

[Marie]

Saved! Thank you!

[diotima]

1. Acid peels- find a good salon and get them once a month. Once you are used to them you can by the acid and do it yourself, its cheaper that way. Best to start with a professional. Do not mess with OTC peels, start 30%.

2. Retinol, Retin-A. You can get good retinol HERE You can also buy peels here.

3. Dermatologist will help with bags under your eyes.

[Chickensoup]

Now that I think about it the other part of my skin care is a good morning scrub wth St Ives apricot skin exfoliant. I use a british complexion cloth I think they are still found at Vt Country store. Been using it for about thirty years. The cocoa butter about 15.

[LucyJo]

I’m not offended. We’d better get comfortable with growing old. It’s gonna happen to us all, if we don’t die young. : )

[proudofthesouth]

I colored my hair red for a couple of decades. I am/was brunette. Finally stopped coloring my hair several years ago when I got sick and tired of coloring it every few weeks.

I'm now pepper with A LOT of salt!

(BTW, if it were possible to take a pill and instantly turn my hair red I'd do it in a heartbeat. Some women grow up wanting to be blonde. I wanted to be a red head since I was a small child.)

[VA40]

I’m going to Sephora on Monday (it’s my 49th birthday). I haven’t tried too many Perricone products besides the face lift. They are so expensive. I’d love to try his Eye Lift. I’ll keep y’all posted.

[redgirlinabluestate]

You are right. We do deserve a nice skin cream. I’ve tried most of the expensive creams and I have Olay and Avon on my counter right now. No miracles yet. I think the #1 factor is genes. After that, exfoliation, a nice cream, drinking lots of water and eating a Mediterrean diet can’t hurt.