When to start on anti-ageing products

[naj]

Hi everyone,
i was wndering what would be the ideal age to start on an anti-ageing regimen. Im right now 21 and wantto be on time.
Better safe than sorry...
I use sunscreen when i go out and cover myself outdoors always.
I dontuse moisturizer except aloe gel and i have vey oily skin.
Thanks in advance.
Naj

[Suzi-Q]

You're definitely on the right track! Sunscreen is the number one anti-aging treatment that you can use. I'm not sure if your protection rating system is similar to ours, but I suggest no lower than SPF 30 for daily use, and reapply every 4 hours or so. Also, sunglasses with 100% UVA/UVB protection. Basically, you can use a good cleanser that won't strip your skin of its protective oils, your sunscreen, a light under-eye moisturizer, and your aloe gel for any dry spots that might come up.

[cichlid]

I've started a little bit by using jojoba oil nightly on my face. I am 20 years old and I am afraid of getting old...LOL! :sweatdrop: But my mom looks really young considering she is pretty old; and I don't think she does anything special other than no tanning, putting on sunscreen, using gentle stuff to clean, and just good genes.

[AshenLady]

Dont Smoke - Stay Out Of The Sun - Late Thirties

[Koala Kim]

Sunglasses are a *must*. I have worn them for eons in any and all kinds of weather.

There was a story recently on the news that you should wear sunglasses everyday between 11:00 & 3:00 (when the sun is at its' strongest) regardless of weather.

Weekly DIY facials are great. Do a nice exfoliating treatment (you can easily make a scrub out of brown sugar or other kitchen staples). Follow with a steam treatment. Add EO's or herbs to the water if you want. Next up- a mask! Again- you can make it yourself, or buy one pre-made. Last, but not least- moisturize! :grinhappy:

[Nastasska]

It's never too soon to start:happy: I've been using anti ageing eye creams since 1990 and I don't have any wrinkles yet of course having oily skin may have something to do with that:ooh:
And do stay out of the sun as much as possible

[moonchiald]

I started using an anti-wrinkle cream when I started noticing that my forehead lines didn't disappear immediatly after lowering my eyebrows. That was 2 years ago and I still don't have any lines. Of course I am not even 30 yet but that was my indication.

[Buddaphlyy]

I've been "anti-aging" since I was 16. Sunscreen everyday, wash and moisturize every night. I can't wear sunglasses often because some contacts hurt my eyes, so I always use eye cream.

[dancingbarefoot]

What's wrong with aging?

[cichlid]

What's wrong with aging?
Nothing...I should actually age a little bit. Everyone in real life that I know says I look like I am 17. :sweatdrop: I'm almost 21 and I am going to bet I will get carded a lot when I go out for my b-day. I blame the lack of overdoing it with makeup and having my hair all one length.

[5of10]

What's wrong with aging?

Thank you. I thought I was alone with this opinion.

[enitsirk]

Oh come on...everybody wants to be forever young at one point or another =p

Cichlid...you could cut your hair. Make it really short..that'd age anyone :rassberry:





Of course you all know I'm just kidding :)

[zub]

Alpha hydroxy is great on young skin.. Ive been using it since I was like 14 or less for blemish control and pore reduction... it exfoliates and makes skin clearer, but is also anti-aging. "Kiss my face" is great.
I'd also moisturise the eye area and lip line (I love burt's bees "Attar of Rose") now or sometime in the next couple of years.


Aging is great.. it's better than dying so you gotta do it.... (being "cute" sorry!) ;) I want to look as "fresh" and healthy as possible at any age. I keep my natural grey streak as testiment to embracing maturity though.

[Wind]

Well, my aunt is a "Mary Kay Lady" and she says it's never too early. So I already have anti-aging face wash and moisturizer from her. :grinhappy: I'm not really concerned about visible aging yet, but use sunscreen to help protect from skin cancer. :boggle: That's a lot more dangerous, and can happen at any age. :purplex:

[enitsirk]

Well, my aunt is a "Mary Kay Lady" and she says it's never too early. So I already have anti-aging face wash and moisturizer from her. :grinhappy: I'm not really concerned about visible aging yet, but use sunscreen to help protect from skin cancer. :boggle: That's a lot more dangerous, and can happen at any age. :purplex:

I definitely agree on the sunscreen/skin cancer note. I use sunblock/screen for prevention. Skin cancer is scary! :boggle:

[cichlid]

Oh come on...everybody wants to be forever young at one point or another =p

Cichlid...you could cut your hair. Make it really short..that'd age anyone :rassberry:





Of course you all know I'm just kidding :)
LMAO! I actually did have my hair short at one point to try and look more mature. I looked like a 16 year old guy and everyone was like "excuse me sir...oh...oops, miss." :evileye: I have since then been scarred for life and here I am. :gurn: Though...I am kidding about the scarred for life. I know you are joking, but I could never cut my hair short again.

[AshenLady]

I am trying to age as gracefully as I can!!!!

[Love My Cop]

Gee, so many affraid of aging. lol.. I think you can do things to slow the process down, and possibly have a few less wrinkles, but reality is we are ALL going to age. Anti aging products sound to me, like if we use them, we are going never going to age.....Alrighty now!... Why dont we all just love who we are, and age gracefully! :happy:

[enitsirk]

LMAO! I actually did have my hair short at one point to try and look more mature. I looked like a 16 year old guy and everyone was like "excuse me sir...oh...oops, miss." :evileye: I have since then been scarred for life and here I am. :gurn: Though...I am kidding about the scarred for life. I know you are joking, but I could never cut my hair short again.

My best friend in 4th grade had her hair got really short and one time we went to the girls bathroom together and some teacher started scolding her (having only seen the back of her head) saying that 'a BOY does not belong in the GIRL'S restroom!!' and that she needed to leave. I think she was a bit embarrassed when my friend turned around =p

[naj]

Dancingbarefoot and 5of10, i guess there is nothing wrong with ageing. But the stress and problems in life makes one look older than you are. I have seen my mom change dramatically over 2 yrs(she had to go through tough times). In just 2 yrs she lgot 6yrs older visibly. I love to look like my age, not older.
Since then im always trying to keep control over my visible ageing. And thats the reason for my anti ageing endeavours.

[naj]

I use an spf 30 sunblock,exfoliate once or twice a week and apply aloe gel under eyes in the day and almond oil at night.
I dont use glasses since im rarely outdoors.
Thank you all for your responses.
Naj

[Hedera]

Thank you. I thought I was alone with this opinion.

Thirded.

Ageing is going to happen no matter what, at the usual rate: one day per 24 hours. ;)

(most of how old you look at a certain age is determined by genetics anyway, not by any outside factors)

[Nastasska]

I don't want to look any older than I have to.This is a sensitive thing for me I feel I had my youth robbed from me by having such bad acne for so long and now I finally look halfway decent I don't want to be thought of as old.I'll fight looking "old" all the way by whatever means available:pissed:
I can't get back the years the acne stole from me but I don't have look like I went straight from childhood to middle age

[Emichiee]

Nothing...I should actually age a little bit. Everyone in real life that I know says I look like I am 17. :sweatdrop: I'm almost 21 and I am going to bet I will get carded a lot when I go out for my b-day. I blame the lack of overdoing it with makeup and having my hair all one length.

Same here..I have to show my ID everywhere to proove Im an adult :whyme:
Teenage boys have crushs one me and coworkers cracking up when they hear Im married :boggle:
And Im turning 24 soon :sweatdrop:
It has good sides though I can ride the bus with the kids ticket 0_0

[Wind]

Just thought of one part of me aging way too fast - my legs. Circulatory problems run in my family, but spider veins starting at 15 is a little much, I think. :evileye: I'm going to get those looked at someday...

[walkinglady]

There is one thing I am not reading here when it comes to aging and skin care. Drink lots and lots of water! It is the best piece of advice, outside of exercise, I could give to anyone. Water keeps the skin hydrated from the inside, it is so important to healthy looking skin. Exercise (including facial) keeps muscles toned. Your skin will still age but you will have excellent muscle tone so your skin will not sag nearly as much. One last thought, don't think to much about ageing, it just makes it happen faster!

[enitsirk]

There is one thing I am not reading here when it comes to aging and skin care. Drink lots and lots of water! It is the best piece of advice, outside of exercise, I could give to anyone. Water keeps the skin hydrated from the inside, it is so important to healthy looking skin. Exercise (including facial) keeps muscles toned. Your skin will still age but you will have excellent muscle tone so your skin will not sag nearly as much. One last thought, don't think to much about ageing, it just makes it happen faster!

Now you're gonna give everyone wrinkles as they make silly faces thinking about not thinking about aging :gurn:

But that is excellent advice...and it has made me thirsty.

I used to be in the great habit of drinking at least 3 20 oz bottles of water a day but that stopped for some reason :evileye:

I really need to get back in the habit- being well hydrated is good for so much more than the skin!!

[nicolezoie]

I love to look like my age, not older.

Curious, what is any age supposed to look like? :whoa: Granted, I don't want to look like a wrinkled baseball mit, but I don't want to look like a kid either. For the amount of time I spent in the sun as a kid, I ought to have alot worse off skin than I do, but all things considered, at almost 30 I get mistaken for early 20s regularly, which isn't a bad thing. :grinhappy:

I wear 50spf while biking. If not biking, I use 30spf. And, my bike helmet has a visor. I won't leave home without some kind of sunblock on my face anymore. This is what has helped prevent any new lines from forming. I'm olive complected, so that helps a little. And, I drink at least a gallon of water daily.

ETA: I see you're from India, so things may be different where you are, but in America, I think we've all become waaaay too youth-obsessed, and it ain't natural to look 20 at 40.

When to start on anti-aging products? I don't really think they're all THAT necessary. However, sunblock and a good moisturizer are integral to keeping your skin supple and protected.

[Stephanie]

The minute you start worrying about it is the minute you should hit the anti-ageing products. If nothing else than for the peace of mind and stress release that goes with it. Stress is notorious for ageing people.

I love lines. I think they're beautiful and the day I notice crows feet on myself is a day I'll open a bottle of champagne. :grinhappy: My nana used to tell me that she loved her lines because she earned them and because of that I've always looked at them with a positive mind. I also can't wait until I get my red hat. :rassberry:

[golden_gal]

Wonderful thread...I've been thinking about this recently. I don't even use sunblock (and I live in the tropics!!) so my half year resolution (yea, odd, I know) is to use sunblock everyday.

I'll be reading this thread for more info. Thanks gals (and guys, if any)!!

[naj]

The best thing about being on these forums is that you learn to accept yourself and your body prosesses as it is. I love that.
On LHC i learned to love my hair, accept it and bring the best out of what i have.
Now this thread is teaching me to age gracefully. I actually want to look my age.
Originally posted by Nicolezoie
Curious, what is any age supposed to look like?
Well Nicolezoie, i should not be mistaken for a 25yr old at 20. If im 21, others should say i look like im 21yrs old, not older or younger.
I think genes have a lot to do with ageing, some genes make you age fast. I guess, my familial genes are that type. And stress can make this ageing exponential...
Its stress which i cant beat fully...so i'll atleast try to keep my skin out of this.(i know its impossible).
I'd definitely not want to age worrying that im ageing.I'll keep a safegaurd and pass the years.
Originally posted by walkinglady
There is one thing I am not reading here when it comes to aging and skin care. Drink lots and lots of water! It is the best piece of advice, outside of exercise, I could give to anyone. Water keeps the skin hydrated from the inside, it is so important to healthy looking skin. Exercise (including facial) keeps muscles toned. Your skin will still age but you will have excellent muscle tone so your skin will not sag nearly as much.
I think thats very important too.
Thankyou all ladies.
Naj

[eiyela]

Yeah, but the way we perceive age is different from what it used to be. Most women start greying in their 30s and 40s for example, but the 40-year-olds I know who have grey hair are perceived as much older, regardless of lines. Everyone is so used to women dyeing their hair when it starts to change that they automatically think 'old' when they see it. It's the same way with wrinkles. A lot of women work hard to keep the lines away, so those who don't are perceived as older.

I don't know if it makes any sense at all, but my point is that how others perceive you won't always be the same. As long as YOU feel comfortable in your own skin, it doesn't mtter what anyone else thinks.

[Ursula]

Well Nicolezoie, i should not be mistaken for a 25yr old at 20. If im 21, others should say i look like im 21yrs old, not older or younger.

People are, in general, bad at guessing age. When I was sixteen, people thought I was twenty-six, now that I'm in my thirties, I'm getting carded when I buy alcohol.

People guessing your age as plus or minus five to ten years, once you're old enough to look "adult", is normal. When you're at the younger end of looking "adult", they'll tend to guess older, just because you're obviously not a kid. Someone thinking you're 25, or 15, when you're 20, is well withing looking your age. Just out of manners, I think people tend to "guess older" when you're young, because it might be seen as rude to say that you look childish, with the associated lack of adult rights and competence.

It is utterly pointless and impossible to look your age down to the year. Don't stress yourself trying. Beyond general good health, don't stress about "anti-aging." Too often, people miss out on the pleasures of life, an occasional drink, the warmth of the sun on your face, etc. just to try and stay young looking. Focus on living your life, rather than living to try and control how you look.

[Hedera]

I really agree with a lot of the opinions I read here.
You know, when people first meet you, they don't think: "oh, she's about 43" or: "hm, I bet he's not even thirty", but rather: "wow, she has an infectious grin" or: "hey, that guy's got a wonderful smile".

People notice how you walk, talk, move, how animated your face is when you talk, how passionate you are about things and how joyful your life is.
Not if you have one or two (or twelve) crow's feet, or if you have a couple of enlarged pores around your nose.

I used to know a girl who made a point of not smiling or laughing if she could help in, who generally avoided having facial expressions as much as possible: she said she didn't want to get wrinkles (this was about 15 years ago, when we were teenagers - sort of Botox avant la lettre).
I think that is a sad way to look at life. Faces and bodies are made to be used and enjoyed, not to be kept frozen at some (imaginary) 'perfect' point.

I've always been a bit puzzled about the phrase 'prematurely', as in: "I'm going grey prematurely".
If you're going grey, obviously it's the time that your hair is supposed to start going grey - nothing premature about it!
The same goes for wrinkles and other signs of a well-lived life I think.

[Amber]

I agree with you in some ways, Hedera, but on the other hand I think that some of the so called "signs of aging" are actually signs of neglect.

Things like fragile skin or skin cancers from not protecting yourself from the sun during your life. Or like getting frail bones in your old age from a history of not eating right. Or old folk who get fat or weak cos they decide they're "too old" to exercise. Lots of people seem to accept that these things are an inevitable effect of aging, but I don't think they necessarily are.

I am all for growing old gracefully. I'd never have surgery to disguise my age, for example, and I'm looking forward to having gorgeous long grey hair. But I want to be a healthy old person, with glowing wrinkled skin, healthy hair, good muscle tone and no skin cancer.

I read a book once about an 82 year old woman, Helen Klein, who runs ultradistance marathons and is fitter than most 25 year old women. She's my old age idol! ;)

Hope that made some sense?

[Delenn]

Well said, Amber!

[SpiralingWaves]

I actually do notice how people age, but not in a negative way. I may look at someone's crows feet and laugh lines and think that person has smiled a lot during their life. Or I may see the lines that reflect a difficult lifetime experience. I believe wrinkles give a face character and tell a story.

With that said, I personally don't want age neglectfully, as Amber mentions. I also don't want to *feel* older than I am. So, I cover my grey hair w/henna, use lotions/oils with antioxidants & anti-aging benefits and making sure I wear sunscreen. I wear a bit of makeup, dress (somewhat) stylish and I try not to look at Cosmopolitian Magazine too often. I'd rather drink a Cosmo. ;)

ETA: I say *feel* to mean when I look in the mirror (psychologically), as well as physically. I just realized that this could be confusing so I wanted to clarify. I was trying to do too many things when I typed this out earlier :geek: :gurn:

[Hedera]

I agree with you in some ways, Hedera, but on the other hand I think that some of the so called "signs of aging" are actually signs of neglect.


Oh, I agree with you there - I just don't think that wrinkles are generally a sign of neglect. ;)
(winking a lot would give you a lot of wrinkles btw, I think!)

It's like with hair: I think as long as it's healthy (or as healthy as genetics etc will permit) and well - cared for, it usually looks good.
A lot better than artificially straightened/botoxed/plumped/permed hair or skin does, generally.
And 'caring for' could also mean a WO routine... :sweatdrop:

[Amber]

It's like with hair: I think as long as it's healthy (or as healthy as genetics etc will permit) and well - cared for, it usually looks good.
A lot better than artificially straightened/botoxed/plumped/permed hair or skin does, generally.

Yes, I think that's true. Vibrantly healthy hair (or healthy skin, or a healthy body) is always attractive, no matter its age.

I don't think there's anything unattractive about the normal signs of aging. Grey hair can look gorgeous, and wrinkles can be handsome.

It's just that when people neglect their bodies for years, and then say their ill-health is just the result of being old, that kind of bugs me.

I honestly think there's a difference between someone who ages (and wrinkles!) gracefully and healthily and naturally; and someone who ages their skin and body prematurely from years of smoking and sunbaking and eating junk food. Sorry if that's a little judgemental, but it's just how I feel. :(

[nicolezoie]

Indeed, well said, Amber. :lafhard:

[naj]

Very well Amber. I wonder how i wasnt able to put these similar thoughts of mine into words.
There is indeed a huge difference between ageing naturally and ageing from neglected and carelessness for your health.
Wrinkles are supposed to come doesnt mean you dont use sunblock or take care of your skin. Take a little extra care because facial skin is most visible and most exposed to the environment, then come your hands. So they need extra care.
Wrinkles are due to loosened support of the collagen under your skin which can get loosened before time if its not taken care of and not well treated. So taking care of that wouldnt necessarily mean you are worried sick of ageing.
I personally appreciate women who take acre of their skin, eat good food and try to keep themselves young. By young i mean healtheir, more supple and radiant. Not having a healthy lifestyle and just using some cosmetics to hide your wrinkles is not antiageing.
Ageing is a whole process, involving your internal, external and psychological spheres. So you cant aim to keep one part young while neglecting the rest.
Antiageing is also a whole process, involving your entire lifestyle.
This thread was highlighting ways to help the skin alone. Probably i should start one about anti-ageing for the whole body too.
Thanks to all who have shared their views and ideas about ageing and anti-agieng.
Originally posted by Ursula
It is utterly pointless and impossible to look your age down to the year. Don't stress yourself trying. Beyond general good health, don't stress about "anti-aging." Too often, people miss out on the pleasures of life, an occasional drink, the warmth of the sun on your face, etc. just to try and stay young looking. Focus on living your life, rather than living to try and control how you look.
You are right Ursula. No one can stop their normal joy-worthy activities of life to slow ageing. Infact the joy of these things will actually help to relax you and stay younger and healthier longer. I'd love to bask in the warm sunlight early morning or late evening with a good novel in my hand or a cuppa tea with friends. That would be sooooooo good!! Im happy mentioned you about such a wonderful activity in your post.
Happy graceful ageing ladies.

[Igor]

It is utterly pointless and impossible to look your age down to the year. Don't stress yourself trying. Beyond general good health, don't stress about "anti-aging." Too often, people miss out on the pleasures of life, an occasional drink, the warmth of the sun on your face, etc. just to try and stay young looking. Focus on living your life, rather than living to try and control how you look.
Ah, Ursula… You have such a wonderful way to write things and cut to the bone :applauds: :soppy:

But to answer the question… I’ve tried a few anti-aging creams but found that 99% of them are just too fat for my skin type. I think it’s more important to match what your skin needs instead of trying to combat aging
I’ve found one anti-aging night cream I liked though, and since it costs the same as my usual night cream I thought “Why not” and buys that one instead. My skin likes it just fine. After all, most people recommend using anti-aging creams from your mid twenties *shrugs*

Another helpful little note: Large sunglasses not only protect your eyes, but also protect the sensitive eye area from UV rays!

[naj]

Welcome to TBB Igor!Thanks for your suggestion. Looks like i need to invest on a pair of sunglasses. Good for my eyes if not the skin.Hahah!
Naj

[Igor]

Welcome to TBB Igor!Thanks for your suggestion. Looks like i need to invest on a pair of sunglasses. Good for my eyes if not the skin.Hahah!
Naj

Thanks! It’s good to be here!
:flower: :soppy:

(And we all love an excuse to buy new sunglasses *ahem*)

[golden_gal]

Yeah, but the way we perceive age is different from what it used to be. Most women start greying in their 30s and 40s for example, but the 40-year-olds I know who have grey hair are perceived as much older, regardless of lines. Everyone is so used to women dyeing their hair when it starts to change that they automatically think 'old' when they see it. It's the same way with wrinkles. A lot of women work hard to keep the lines away, so those who don't are perceived as older.

I don't know if it makes any sense at all, but my point is that how others perceive you won't always be the same. As long as YOU feel comfortable in your own skin, it doesn't mtter what anyone else thinks.
Actually, that makes perfect sense! I've always thought that too.

It's a bit odd, really. When we are young, we want to look older. But when we get older, we want to look younger.