Re: When you lose your looks. Success stories plea... - Page 2

barefootwillow · ‎12-11-2010

When I was about your age, my hair was very thin. A friend suggested trying a wig....I did and have never turned back!! That was about 14 years ago. Also, around that time, I had about 80lbs to loose. I started being careful what I ate (did VERY low carb) and began walking. I could not walk for very long, but I put on some good athletic shoes, walked outside on my front porch, prayed , then started walking out for 10 minutes, then turned around and walked back home the other 10 minutes. In about 5 days, I felt a little stronger, so I added another 5 minutes and walked out 15 minutes, then turned around and walked back home. During this time, I didn't worry about how far I was walking, I just did what I could and would extend the time in small increments as I felt stronger. It didn't take as long as I thought it would to build up. After a while, I was curious to know how far I was actually walking in my neighborhood, so I got in my car and drove the route to clock the mileage. 1.5 Miles!!! That was a small miracle for me!!! Over a couple of months, I worked up to 3 miles and stayed there for several months until I decided to do more then increased up to 4 miles. You can do it!

AngelPuppy1 · ‎03-13-2010

I have no particularly products to recommend but I just wanted to answer your post and commiserate with you!

I am nearly 67, so I am quite a bit older than you, but I have similar feelings and issues.

I have always looked much younger than my age my whole life. Now, suddenly, I find that I am starting to look the age I am!!!

I attribute this to a lot of serious health issues which I am experiencing and my DH is also, and also a lot of stress with many things which have been ongoing for a number of years. Then, I retired a few months ago and this is a big change and a lot to get used to!

I don't think we necessarily have to give up on our looks and say --- what's the use!! But, I do think we have to be realistic and realize that we can't look the way we used to. We can, however, make efforts to look as good as we possibly can at any time in our lives!

It sounds like you are rather like me --- super critical of yourself. My husband says that I only focus on the negative things about my appearance and not the positve things. So, my advice to you would be -- give yourself more credit ---- look at the positive and accentuate these things.

I also have gained some weight and am now trying to address this. It is super hard when you're not feeling good about yourself and sometimes a person turns to food for comfort. Try to take small steps and not tackle everything at one time. Eliminate some of the "bad" foods and subtitute more healthy items.

Maybe you can go to a hair salon and request a consultation and acquire a new, more flattering haircut. This might give you the added confidence you need right now. After that, a makeup consultation - they could give you some tips as to what you might be able to use or do that would be more flattering to you.

I saw a picture of myself the other day and I was like --- WHAT??? It's shocking to see yourself in print - that's why I usually choose not to!!

Take heart, dear person, you are not alone in your struggles --- this is happening to us all!!!!

"A day without sunshine is like, you know, night." - Steve Martin

Danielle46 · ‎12-26-2011

People don't realize it but a poor diet and lack of exercise makes you look older in more ways than just weight. It ages your skin, hair, adds body weight and the composition of your body i.e. body fat vs muscle play a huge role. Your first step is to start eating healthy and focus on fresh food. Exercise every day, find something that you like and do it. For you skin, if you REALLY want to see results, get a Rx from your Dermatologist for Retin A (generic name is Trentinoin). They will give you the proper dose to start with. You put the cream on your face in the evening then follow that with a good moisturizer (my Dermatologist recommended CeraVe Moisturizing lotion). In the morning, after washing your face, follow that with a really good brand of C E Ferulic Serum. This is the combo that has worked for decades. Lines will go away, your pores will become tiny, no more blotchy skin and the texture will become smooth. This combo really works and is cheaper than the majority of "beauty" products that many people buy. I'm a little older than you and I do all of the above and have been doing it most of my life. Now that I'm older the exercise I do every day is on the AeroPilates Reformer. It's fun, feels great and will transform your body. I wear the same size clothing (size 4) that I wore when I was 20. That is a direct result of eating healthy (yes I have the occasional choc chip cookies & gelato) and exercising. Another thing is that I eat carbs almost at every meal but healthy carbs such as: oatmeal, brown rice, quinoa, and the occasional potato & pasta. All of my meals are balanced and consist of protein, complex carb, healthy fat and veggies. A NOTE: the AeroPilates Reformer has given me the best body of my life and all my aches and pains are gone. Have been using it for 5 years. Other than power walking it’s the only exercise I do. I work hard to take care of myself and "everyone" asks me what I do because I look 10 years younger than I actually am and I feel 20 years younger. Not bragging just pointing out that lifestyle choices play a major part in how we look. I know for sure if I didn't do any of the above, I would look my age or a heck of a lot older. You have to want it bad enough to do it. I have always cared not only about my looks but my "health". I don't want to spend my golden years on medication. BTW, my husband makes the same lifestyle choice that I do and also looks years younger than he actually is, feels great and is not on any meds.

Imaoldhippie · ‎06-10-2015

I can tell you from experience that I have a few "frown" lines on my face that I would not have if I had had a happy life. Too long to go into on here.

So part of my advise is you are most likely suffering from depression. Start with a visit to your doctor to see if you can be put on an antidepressant. It could be just for a period of time or it could be a life time medication. There is some great advise on here about eating right, exercise, etc.

Also asking for help from God through prayer will help. I know it has me.

BE THE PERSON YOUR DOG THINKS YOU ARE! (unknown)

sweetee2 · ‎06-21-2015

There had been some great suggestions may I add one more. Keep your fingernails well groomed. Go get a manicure every two weeks or more. You don't have to go nuts with color. I get a shear clear pink. I red this many years ago it takes many years off your appearance.

Shanus · ‎05-17-2010

@Beautiful life wrote:

‘I have definitely lost my looks. I’m going on 53. Stress has really aged me. I hate my appearance now. I am over weight by 35 lbs. I have thinning hair and a neck that hangs.
I know there are no miracle prouducts but hoping to find anything that HELPS with thinning hair and turkey necks besides surgery. Has anyone had success? Would love some pictures😊

THANK YOU

@Beautiful life I don’t like seeing posts where women focus so much on superficial factors like weight and their looks. There is pressure from social media to always look 35 or younger. Most photos on Pinterest, magazines and IG are altered or photographed with special lighting to show the women at their best.

There are no “miracle products”, but it can give you an emotional lift to take your skincare to the next level...Retin A to plump the skin, Vit.C serum to address dark spots, Exfoliation to bring a glow to your skin, lots of moisture and spf to protect from future damage.

Stress can be related to the thinning hair and weight gain. Before beating yourself up, have thorough bloodwork testing your thyroid and estrogen levels. A good, healthy diet and moving every day...even a 20 minute walk...works wonders in weight loss and mood control. Thinning hair can be addressed with dry shampoo (use it on clients 75% of the time) & Joan Rivers Good Hair Day...a powder in a compact that brushes on thin spots and does not transfer & stays until washed out w/ shampoo. I use the shade white at my temple area where hair has always been thinner. Also, book an appointment w/ a great stylist for a new haircut. Sometimes well placed layers or a shorter length can add fullness.

Pkease look at the glass as half full, not half empty. A positive attitude, a smile, spa day and self-care work wonders to make you feel like a million bucks. You’re more than what’s on the outside. Show the world your heart. That’s what matters the most.

PamfromCT · ‎05-22-2014

You have received so many helpful suggestions here. I am sure you can start to make some positive changes that will affect how you look and how you feel about yourself.

As you incorporate these changes, try to also focus on who you have become as a person. I am sure you can feel good about challenges you have overcome, as well as the difference you have made in other people’s lives.

I am turning 75 very soon. I still care about my appearance and try to incorporate healthy habits. But what is my outside appearance is less than what I am inside. I have told a certain story before, but I will repeat it. A few years ago, I was at a large gathering. An elderly gentleman approached me, Saying that although he didn’t know me, he felt he had to tell me that

”you have such a kind looking face.” Biggest compliment of all. I am far from perfect, but I try my best.

Mermaid22 · ‎05-03-2016

I hate to say this but if your neck hangs now , it will hang more with weight loss.

Im about 10 years older than you. My neck was always my problem area. I lost 25 pounds and am very happy with that , however my neck does look worse.

Thats the reality of weight loss over 50.

skin will look saggier.

PinkSunset · ‎09-01-2016

@Shanus wrote:
@Beautiful life wrote:

‘I have definitely lost my looks. I’m going on 53. Stress has really aged me. I hate my appearance now. I am over weight by 35 lbs. I have thinning hair and a neck that hangs.
I know there are no miracle prouducts but hoping to find anything that HELPS with thinning hair and turkey necks besides surgery. Has anyone had success? Would love some pictures😊

THANK YOU

@Beautiful life I don’t like seeing posts where women focus so much on superficial factors like weight and their looks. There is pressure from social media to always look 35 or younger. Most photos on Pinterest, magazines and IG are altered or photographed with special lighting to show the women at their best.

There are no “miracle products”, but it can give you an emotional lift to take your skincare to the next level...Retin A to plump the skin, Vit.C serum to address dark spots, Exfoliation to bring a glow to your skin, lots of moisture and spf to protect from future damage.

Stress can be related to the thinning hair and weight gain. Before beating yourself up, have thorough bloodwork testing your thyroid and estrogen levels. A good, healthy diet and moving every day...even a 20 minute walk...works wonders in weight loss and mood control. Thinning hair can be addressed with dry shampoo (use it on clients 75% of the time) & Joan Rivers Good Hair Day...a powder in a compact that brushes on thin spots and does not transfer & stays until washed out w/ shampoo. I use the shade white at my temple area where hair has always been thinner. Also, book an appointment w/ a great stylist for a new haircut. Sometimes well placed layers or a shorter length can add fullness.

Pkease look at the glass as half full, not half empty. A positive attitude, a smile, spa day and self-care work wonders to make you feel like a million bucks. You’re more than what’s on the outside. Show the world your heart. That’s what matters the most.

LOL. Ironic post indeed. You start by saying women focus too much on looks then everything you post is how to change or enhance or helo your "looks". So if we all walked around not focusing on our skin, our hair and our weight, hairdressers, aetheticians, trainers and so on would be out of jobs,

We all feel good on the inside when we have confidence that we appear healthy and nice looking on the otuside, It's just the way it is. So no matter what age, those of us who want to appear put together focus on our appearance. If we think we look good, inside we feel good.