Sudden Wrinkles! Options

[wnkk1]

Hi Everyone,
I haven't had a period in 7 months and have noticed my skin seems to have changed a lot in that time. I seem to have
developed lots of wrinkles and crows feet and my jowls are sagging, YUK. I am 53! My weight hasn't changed but it
seems like my whole body is much drier now, skin, hair, everything!

Does anyone have an suggestions? All of a sudden I feel old and I don't like it! I have been looking forward to menopause
and no more periods and for that part I am grateful. I do seem more tired lately but nothing dramatic. Does anyone
else feel like they have aged a lot quickly when their periods seem to be stopping?

Help!
Nancy

[daebert54]

Hi Everyone,
I haven't had a period in 7 months and have noticed my skin seems to have changed a lot in that time. I seem to have
developed lots of wrinkles and crows feet and my jowls are sagging, YUK. I am 53! My weight hasn't changed but it
seems like my whole body is much drier now, skin, hair, everything!

Does anyone have an suggestions? All of a sudden I feel old and I don't like it! I have been looking forward to menopause
and no more periods and for that part I am grateful. I do seem more tired lately but nothing dramatic. Does anyone
else feel like they have aged a lot quickly when their periods seem to be stopping?

Help!
Nancy

Nancy,

I too am 53 and am in the same boat as you - no "real" period now for a year - only a few bouts of very light spotting and all of a sudden I have chicken skin on my neck, lines around my mouth and I look OLD! Not sure if it's all related, but I'm in dire need of a makeover:)

I hope that not feeling alone helps and puts a smile on your face - at least then the wrinkles will go in the right direction - that's what I'm trying to do in spite of all the other unpleasant changes.

Donna

[orngkat06]

Maybe 53 is the magic age. At 53, I am still having periods but have noticed just in the last few months that my skin is thinning and sagging a bit around my eyes. It is so bizarre to feel youthful inside and then look in the mirror and see that I really am a very middle-aged woman. Even weirder when I don't have any gray hair yet.

[Interactive]

I'm 53 as well and it's about a year and a quarter since I stopped supplementing with estrogen in HRT. In the last couple of months I've noticed skin changes - suddenly there are wrinkles when I smile that weren't there before. I'm convinced it's the reduction of estrogen - I had only three periods in 2007 and my last period was in November. Or maybe, now I've seen your posts, it's something that happens at the age of 53! I would have never expected it to happen this early - although goodness knows why, women acquire their wrinkles at some stage I suppose.

[Tekisui]

Hi Everyone,
I haven't had a period in 7 months and have noticed my skin seems to have changed a lot in that time. I seem to have
developed lots of wrinkles and crows feet and my jowls are sagging, YUK. I am 53! My weight hasn't changed but it
seems like my whole body is much drier now, skin, hair, everything!

Does anyone have an suggestions? All of a sudden I feel old and I don't like it! I have been looking forward to menopause
and no more periods and for that part I am grateful. I do seem more tired lately but nothing dramatic. Does anyone
else feel like they have aged a lot quickly when their periods seem to be stopping?

Help!
Nancy

Hello Nancy,

I'm 39 and have the same problem! I use Shea butter and it works heavenly! It's all natural and costs about $11.00 a pound. I melt mine in a crock pot and put in a container by my bed a small container in my purse and one by my tub to apply when I get out of the bath sometimes add a tablespoon to my bath water and rub it all over my body! The only bad thing about that is you have a tub to clean out afterwards :-) it's also great for chapped lips!!! You will absolutly love it!! It's way cheaper then any lotion out there and 1 pound will last you forever! I buy my online. Just type Shea Butter in the search and do some research you may find it cheaper then $11.00 a pound. :-). Oh by the way it's great to make the skin on your face very supple. This is the time to love yourself and treat yourself kindly. I hope you feel better soon!

Hugs,

Michelle

[chocolatewoman99]

Same thing happened to me. No periods for about nine months and I swear my face went south! The bags under my eyes looked like I was packed for an around the world cruise. Baggy jowls, droopy neck. I hated it! I didn't know who that woman was.

My solution was a face lift, something I said I'd never do 15 years ago. Didn't keep it a secret. Told my friends. Had my family's support. Vain? Whatever. All I know is, I'd do it again tomorrow.

But I will never cover my gray hair again. I love it! I have these gorgeous gray streaks around my face and I think they highlight my face. I'm sure I could look a few years younger if I covered the gray but that's not what I'm after. I just wanted to get rid of the saggy face that was staring back at me in the mirror.

Am I suggesting that everyone get "done?" Heck no! But I'm not embarrassed that I did. Do what feels right for you.

[Tekisui]

Hi Everyone,
I haven't had a period in 7 months and have noticed my skin seems to have changed a lot in that time. I seem to have
developed lots of wrinkles and crows feet and my jowls are sagging, YUK. I am 53! My weight hasn't changed but it
seems like my whole body is much drier now, skin, hair, everything!

Does anyone have an suggestions? All of a sudden I feel old and I don't like it! I have been looking forward to menopause
and no more periods and for that part I am grateful. I do seem more tired lately but nothing dramatic. Does anyone
else feel like they have aged a lot quickly when their periods seem to be stopping?

Help!
Nancy

Hi Nancy.

I forgot to tell you that what you need to look for is unrefined shea butter not refined. I found an article for you. Here's the difference: I found some shea butter for $4.50 a pound. Agbanga Karite the number is 1-800-664-8005. they are out of Olympia,Washington.

For centuries, dating as far back as Cleopatra, shea butter has been used for multiple purposes. It conditions the skin and hair and protects them from harsh dry climates. It is also traditionally used for soothing sprains and strains and for its anti-inflammatory properties. New research is confirming natural shea butter to be a versatile active ingredient for skin anti-aging, moisturizing and healing. Everything from wrinkles and stretch marks, to rashes, blemishes, and muscle aches can benefit from its use. However, according to the American Shea Butter Institute, when shea butter is refined and bleached by the use of heat and chemicals, like most shea butter products on the market are, it loses most, if not all of its healing properties.

The Shea Tree
Living up to two centuries, the karite tree (shea tree) is a hardy tree that bears fruit after 15 years and produces a full crop after 25 years. It grows thoroughout African Savanahs, blooms from June to July, and bears dark green fruits that fall to the ground when ripe. Each fruit contains a nut with a hard white kernel, which is the source of shea butter.

In the traditional method of extracting shea butter, the shea kernel (known as the karite nut) is picked, cracked, grilled and then pounded. It is boiled in water until the fresh butter rises to the surface, then it’s scooped into gourds and left to cool and set. This is all done by hand in a process that has been done for centuries. Often times an expeller-type press is used to crush the nuts which produces more butter and can save hours of time. These are both superior extraction methods as they are done without the use of dangerous chemicals and synthetic agents. The result is known as “unrefined”, “raw”, or “virgin” shea butter.

Chemical Extraction, Bleaching and Refining

When shea butter is extracted with the toxic petroleum-based chemical “hexane”, traces of the solvent may remain in the butter. Currently, the market is saturated with butters extracted with hexane. This process turns the butter a whitish color and takes out the distinctive natural odor – which provides a good way to detect if the product is processed. However, sometimes leftover shea butter from the expeller-press method is mixed in with the solvent method and sold as "unrefined shea butter". To get the best benefits from shea butter’s inherent healing properties, it’s important to use a source that has third-party verification of its purity, such as the “USDA Organic Certified” seal.

In the refinement process, shea butter is exposed to heat of up to 270 degrees in order to remove its characteristic nutty smell, and chemicals such as sodium hydroxide and sodium carbonate are mixed in and added to the shea butter. When shea butter is bleached, it goes through an acid treated filter at high temperatures. These actions remove the natural essential fatty acids, as well as valuable proteins and minerals.

Dr.Robyn Tisdale Scott, a Clinical Pharmacist and founder of Purely Shea® – which makes 100% pure unrefined USDA certified organic shea butter – found out first-hand the difference natural, organic shea butter can make. She says: “In my pharmaceutical work, I use a lot of harsh cleansers on my hands, which resulted in severe dryness and rashes. I tried many things, including some refined shea butter I got from a local drugstore, but nothing seemed to help. Then a friend gave me some pure, unrefined shea butter and the rash on my hand was gone within three days. I wondered why the previous shea butter didn’t work. Then I did some research and found out that the less the butter is altered from its original natural state, the more it retains its therapeutic benefits.”

In order to provide others with the same advantages she received, Scott founded Purely Shea – a unique skincare line that guarantees their customers therapeutic-grade, pure and unrefined, USDA certified organic shea butter. Purely Shea is significantly richer in vitamins, phytonutrients and UV absorbing factors than refined shea butter, and because it’s produced with traditional extraction methods, it retains its original time-honored natural healing attributes.

Psoriasis “Corrects Itself” with Unrefined Shea Butter
Charlene LeRoy of Shelby Township, Michigan had struggled with the itching, peeling, skin scales and rash of psoriasis for sixteen years. She says: “The psoriasis was so bad I couldn’t shave my knees without making the scabs bleed. When I used to put my elbow down, it would hurt because the skin was so chapped. I tried the shea butter at the drug store and it was fine as a moisturizer, but because it wasn’t natural, it didn’t help the psoriasis. A doctor had prescribed a cream with a steroid in it, but it didn’t work. Then my husband found Purely Shea online and I began to use it. It’s easy to apply and absorbs quickly into the skin. I used it consistently and the psoriasis seemed to correct itself and was actually healed – it took it right away. The built-up skin is gone and it’s very smooth – I can see my actual knee cap for the first time in sixteen years.”

Recommendations of the American Shea Butter Institute
The American Shea Butter Institute takes a definite stand regarding the “Refined Vs. Unrefined” contest. On their website they say: “In the U.S., some alter their shea butter in an attempt to give it a better fragrance and texture. Others alter shea butter for economic reasons. These alterations may disturb or in some cases destroy the natural integrity of the product. While altered shea butter may smell nicely, or when mixed with less expensive ingredients may cost much less, in many such cases it has lost significant properties…we now know that poor quality shea butter is ineffective in healing many of the skin conditions listed (on this site).”
They go on to describe the benefits of the “real thing”, saying: “Shea butter will provide improvement in all the conditions listed below…The amount of time required for optimal results with various conditions may vary with each condition. Wrinkles for example require 4 to 6 weeks of daily use. Itching is relieved immediately.”

These conditions include: “Dry skin, skin rash, skin peeling after tanning, blemishes and wrinkles, itching skin, sunburn, use with shaving cream for a smooth shave, small skin wounds, skin cracks, tough or rough skin on feet, cold weather, frost bite, stretch mark prevention during pregnancy, insect bites, muscle fatigue or aches, skin damage from heat, and skin allergies like poison ivy.”
Another happy user of the “real deal” is Lillie Hamberlin of Illinois, who discovered natural unrefined shea butter at a local fair. She says “I bought the Purely Shea product and now I use it every morning and evening – especially on my feet. I used to have severely dry, cracked skin on my heels, but not anymore. What’s unique about the shea butter is that it’s not oily – it just goes into the skin and keeps it moisturized. It’s a regular footstone that keeps my skin just beautiful.”

Studies Confirm Shea Butter’s Anti-Aging and Moisturizing Properties
For his PhD thesis, F. Renard conducted an intriguing anti-aging clinical study. Thirty volunteers aged 29 to 82 used shea butter as a daily massage and balm for 4 to 8 months. Within a few weeks, the rough aspect of a dull, grayish complexion was eliminated, giving way to smoother, clearer skin. Skin thinning was combated, creating an observable regenerating effect – due to shea butter’s ability to reactivate collagen synthesis. Wrinkles caused by prolonged sun exposure were visibly diminished in half of the volunteers.

In another study published in a French dermatology journal, a cream containing 5% shea butter was used on half of the participants and a placebo cream was used on the rest. The creams were applied daily to the lower arm of ten volunteers. Short-term moisturization was observed with the shea butter cream, which peaked after one hour and then persisted for eight hours. For all subjects using the shea butter, a daily application maintained very good moisturization of the superficial layers of the skin.

Shea butter is a versatile product bearing excellent anti-aging, soothing, healing and moisturizing properties, but only the certified organic, pure, unrefined natural form can deliver all of these benefits.

[girlsmom]

I'm 46 this year but in the last couple of years I have really changed. The elasticity is going fast! I Botoxed my stern in November (results still holding) and had a TCA peel, a mild one, about 20%. Skin tone and texture has really improved even though I will be having 2 more. I make sure I down vitamin C w/ zinc everyday and will never be so vain not to continue with the Botox! It truly, truly makes a difference :0)
It is depressing to feel young and then look in the mirror and see a stranger infront of you.

[kayla27]

does hrt or birth control pills help with thinning and wrinkled skin? I am only 41.

[gyzwyf83]

In addition to what some of you are experiencing, I've also noticed that in the last couple of years the veins all over my body are really showing through. Guess my skin is getting thinner? On one of my last doctor visits, I pointed this out to him, thinking I had some kind of horrible disease. His response: "When you get to a certain age..." blah, blah, blah is all I heard after that! Anyone else noticed this vein-iness cropping up?

Stephanie

[Gia*]

the lack of estrogen ***** the collagen out of our skins. I've been battling the aging skin on my face the last two years which correlates to my lack of periods. I've done all of the botox and fillers, expensive creams, avoid the sun like a vampire, sure it helps, but there's only so much you could do before accepting reality. My veins stick out in the lower arms because I was into bodybuilding when I was younger. I thought the veins looked "cool" back thne, I don't think so anymore. I have old veiny hands now!

[larafalcon]

does hrt or birth control pills help with thinning and wrinkled skin? I am only 41.

Hi Kayla:

I've been on low dose bc pills for about 4 years - mainly for contraception - but the side affects have been wonderful - I sleep really well, have more energy and also I think it has helped with the quality of ;my skin - I do think estrogen depletion affects the skin - I am 51 but I could easily pass for mid-thirties - I also put estrace cream on my face a few days of the month - 41 is too young to have wrinkles IMHO - so there is a lot you can do ... try bc pills - if you are still getting your periods I don't think your doctor will give you hrt - but you can definitely take birth control pills - I totally believe in hormones - and even after I go through menopause I will take hrt - I have seen the difference in women who take hormones and those who don't - the ones who do look years younger - and happier LOL

[kayla27]

Hi Kayla:

I've been on low dose bc pills for about 4 years - mainly for contraception - but the side affects have been wonderful - I sleep really well, have more energy and also I think it has helped with the quality of ;my skin - I do think estrogen depletion affects the skin - I am 51 but I could easily pass for mid-thirties - I also put estrace cream on my face a few days of the month - 41 is too young to have wrinkles IMHO - so there is a lot you can do ... try bc pills - if you are still getting your periods I don't think your doctor will give you hrt - but you can definitely take birth control pills - I totally believe in hormones - and even after I go through menopause I will take hrt - I have seen the difference in women who take hormones and those who don't - the ones who do look years younger - and happier LOL

Thanks larafalcon for your reply
I have been on hrt for the last 5 years because I went through early menopause.
It is not working for me. What kind of bcp are you on.

[Miss Tibbs]

does hrt or birth control pills help with thinning and wrinkled skin? I am only 41.

In my case it has helped. The first I noticed was the backs of my hands seemed to look smoother--and then I noticed my face. My neck looks better too. I wouldn't pass for 16 but no one is going to think I"m 57 either. BTW, I am 57.

I have always had dry skin so I have always used a moisturizer and body lotion.

Since menopause everything got worse--dry eyes, dry skin, dry hair, dry brittle finger nails, and the worst--vaginal dryness.

I had my last period in the summer of 2000. At first I was able to control my meno symptms with soy pills and St. Johns Wort until the Spring of 2006 when all of my symptoms came back worse than before and the remedies I had found no longer worked and I had to go on hormone replacement--estradiol patches, prometrium, and vaginal estrogen cream. Sometimes I put a dab of the estrogen cream on my face.

Miss Tibbs

[gac42200]

I'm 46 this year but in the last couple of years I have really changed. The elasticity is going fast! I Botoxed my stern in November (results still holding) and had a TCA peel, a mild one, about 20%. Skin tone and texture has really improved even though I will be having 2 more. I make sure I down vitamin C w/ zinc everyday and will never be so vain not to continue with the Botox! It truly, truly makes a difference :0)
It is depressing to feel young and then look in the mirror and see a stranger infront of you.

Dear girlsmom, I am 49yrs. old and 3 years ago I have a series of chemical peels done with made my skin look so smooth and young. I went in for a botox consult and they suggested that I wait a while because the crows feet were not that noticeable and If they were me they would not do it yet they said I looked perfect as is. Now it's just 3 years later and my skin is such a mess. It seems to have aged overnight. I am having all kinds of problems with acne (which I never ever in my lifetime had) I am growing facial hairs at a fast rate and do not know how to deal with them. This seems to be really messing up my skin and they hurt. I would love to go for another series of peels but I don't know what the outcome is going to be with this excess facial hair growth and the way my skin is acting right now. I am so embarassed to go out in puplic or see any of my friends because of all these facial hairs. I have been saving money for a facelift for the past several years but what's the use if I have crappy looking skin. I am booking an appt. with an endocrinologist to find out why things are out of wack. My hormones have to be messed up...thanks for letting me vent.

[MLster]

Dear girlsmom, I am 49yrs. old and 3 years ago I have a series of chemical peels done with made my skin look so smooth and young. I went in for a botox consult and they suggested that I wait a while because the crows feet were not that noticeable and If they were me they would not do it yet they said I looked perfect as is. Now it's just 3 years later and my skin is such a mess. It seems to have aged overnight. I am having all kinds of problems with acne (which I never ever in my lifetime had) I am growing facial hairs at a fast rate and do not know how to deal with them. This seems to be really messing up my skin and they hurt. I would love to go for another series of peels but I don't know what the outcome is going to be with this excess facial hair growth and the way my skin is acting right now. I am so embarassed to go out in puplic or see any of my friends because of all these facial hairs. I have been saving money for a facelift for the past several years but what's the use if I have crappy looking skin. I am booking an appt. with an endocrinologist to find out why things are out of wack. My hormones have to be messed up...thanks for letting me vent.

This is my first post so hope I'm in the right spot for it.
I just HAD TO add my two cents here.
I am 50 and have not had my period now for EIGHT MONTHS so I would say this is definitely it for me--
the main symptom that bothers me is that my skin (although I've always had very nice skin)seems ALL OF A SUDDEN to have started sagging..especially by the lower face. You know those little creases you get by the sides of your mouth? All of a sudden if I turn to the side it seems like they are just THERE and noticeable! Maybe I'm being too vain but I always prided myself in my appearance and this sudden sagginess and general thinning out of my face (that's by the cheek area)MUST be due to the drop in estrogen. Other than that I do not notice many menopausal symptoms so I am lucky that way but wow I am trying day and night to do help that sagging.
I'm telling you it seems like I aged years in the past 8 months! It really is amazing experience and as awful as I felt somedays having my period i"d give anything to have it back.
For it keeps you young and definitely your skin too!
The gynecologist said it really is the loss of something that wasnt very fun anyway..that is true but I still wish it would return.After 8 months I don't think it will though.
Any suggestions on that sagging would be appreciated.
P.S.You know what it is? I think women who never really kept themselves up makeup,hair,fashion wise,etc probably don't mind the certain menopausal symptoms as much as others do.
If you have always prided yourself on your appearance the sudden aging signs really get to you.

[Floater]

I have noticed that my face seemed to have collapsed into itself, particularly around the nose/mouth/chin area. So I broke down and got the filler done (juvaderm) in the naso labial fold - that deep wrinkle from nose to mouth...loved it!! Then I went back for more! Got the top lip plumped up and the lines from the corner of the mouth down to the chin. I definitely like it.

[corky21]

Hi Floater,

Did it hurt, ouch. And about how much does that cost? I have the roundest face, people used to call me miss sunshine when i was a kid and the mean kids called me moon face or chipmunk. My round cheeks are definitely sinking too in the last two years or so. I have been thinking about trying something to get them lifted but I didn't think the botox, juvaderms, etc. would help that. I figured I'd need a full lift or something. I have to say since I was a maniac with the vitamins on my skin for the last 15 years my wrinkles are not very deep, I have the sinking cheeks that are making me blue. It's not that bad yet, but it will get worse.

So does that help sinkers, and about how long does it last?

[MLster]

Hi Floater,

Did it hurt, ouch. And about how much does that cost? I have the roundest face, people used to call me miss sunshine when i was a kid and the mean kids called me moon face or chipmunk. My round cheeks are definitely sinking too in the last two years or so. I have been thinking about trying something to get them lifted but I didn't think the botox, juvaderms, etc. would help that. I figured I'd need a full lift or something. I have to say since I was a maniac with the vitamins on my skin for the last 15 years my wrinkles are not very deep, I have the sinking cheeks that are making me blue. It's not that bad yet, but it will get worse.

So does that help sinkers, and about how long does it last?

I do want to add to my original post that although I"m lucky and do not have many meno.symptoms that when I first missed a period or two earlier this year I was having some vaginal dryness and the gyn. did give me a sample of estrace cream.
I thought I'll wait it out to try the cream and see if the problem resolves...it DID thankfully and have to say that I'm glad because the warnings in that pamphlet the cream came with scared me.
I know there are some women who use THAT on their facial skin..and it's even crossed my mind to try some but I have not. Can't get past the fact that it's not meant for your face!

[Floater]

Hi Floater,

Did it hurt, ouch. And about how much does that cost? I have the roundest face, people used to call me miss sunshine when i was a kid and the mean kids called me moon face or chipmunk. My round cheeks are definitely sinking too in the last two years or so. I have been thinking about trying something to get them lifted but I didn't think the botox, juvaderms, etc. would help that. I figured I'd need a full lift or something. I have to say since I was a maniac with the vitamins on my skin for the last 15 years my wrinkles are not very deep, I have the sinking cheeks that are making me blue. It's not that bad yet, but it will get worse.

So does that help sinkers, and about how long does it last?

Yes it hurt. You can have it frozen first if you wish, but I don't react well to novacaine to chose to endure the pain. The recovery for my face was like nothing! No biggie at all. Getting the injections in the lip didn't hurt, oddly enough, you would think it would!! But the recovery for the lip was not so great!! My lip swelled up like a balloon, it hurt a LOT and I had a black mustache - which was actually bruising. However!! I did everything wrong!! I didn't ice it enough, I took tylenol instead of Advil (BIG MISTAKE) and I take a baby aspirin a day and I should have stopped that a week before I went in. SO I don't think the recovery needed to be as bad as it was.

It was last up to 9 months. I paid $1300 for it all. So yes, it is pricey. But it was worth not hating what I was seeing in the mirror. Will I do it again?? Yes, I think so - but not until the economy turns around unfortunately.

[SandraSmith]

I have had several minimal procedures ...

I had an undereye chemical peel at the beginning of this year, in Jan 2008. Looked great for like 3 months, now less than a year later the wrinkles are back with a vengeance, much worse than before ! Money down the toilet. I think chemical peels are good for sun damage (spots), but not so much for wrinkles.

Last year I had Juvederm injected into the areas below the corners of my lips. That stuff was great and lasted a very long time. I would definitely do that again, and will when I'm ready to fork over the $$ for it. :-)

I get Botox for my outer and under eye every 3-4 months. The stuff does not last long, it's usually worn off at the 2 month mark, but really does a good job of minimizing wrinkles.