Aging is an inescapable part of life, yet it is beautiful in many ways. The lines and so-called “imperfections” on our faces show the depth of the emotions we have experienced over the years, and it is something to be proud of! Expressions from crying, laughing, and experiencing the truths of life are all engraved into our faces in the form of fine lines and wrinkles.
That being said, several women choose to have cosmetic enhancements to somewhat slow the aging process, if not remove its effects entirely. For women over the age of 50, myself included, the notion of getting a procedure, having not tried treatments befor,e can be daunting. Let’s face it, there’s only so much beauty enhancements can do, right?
This is where I have been proven wrong. While my face does not resemble that of a fresh 20-year-old version of me, I have shaved several years off my appearance. The media today has suggested that women as young as 25 should begin Botox. However, if we are being honest, this is a strategy to encourage repeat servicing of these treatments, offering contestant cash flow to estheticians.
Truthfully, I am glad I started my cosmetic enhancement journey at 50+. The key is to first understand the range of treatments available, to then make an informed decision about what will work best for your desired outcome.
Understand your options
Starting with the basics of your journey, we will share some of the methods of anti-aging for over-50-year-olds, including their rate of efficiency at a later stage of life.
Non-surgical
We have all likely fallen victim to the never-ending hoax marketing advertisements showcasing ‘age-reversing creams, ’ etc. But what I will say is that a non-surgical method for enhancing your look is the best way to start your cosmetic journey. Often these methods are reversible and will fade over time, meaning you are not stuck with a certain look should anything sour happen.
Skincare routine
First and foremost, you should have a skincare routine that works for your skin that you stick to religiously. Skip the 10-step process. All you need is a mild hydration cleanser, a good toner (avoid high acidic ones), a high-quality serum (potentially look for hyaluronic acid ones), a reliable moisturizer, and sunscreen. Avoid opting for combined sunscreen moisturizers. For an extra boost of radiance, consider using a refreshing face spray for glowing skin to hydrate your skin throughout the day.
Why? Because they simply do not have the same effect as opting for a separate moisturizer and sunscreen. The UV rays are what got us here at 50+, reducing its impact now will save your skin 10 years from now, take care of it!
Injectables
Injectables sound daunting, but they are a great non-surgical method for smoothing the face, and or adding volume that is so often lost due to aging. When discussing injectables, we are talking about the infamous Botox, which can be sourced from a trusted Botox distributor for safe and effective results.
There are so many options when it comes to Botox, but be sure you discuss your options with a regulated and qualified esthetician. There is also the option of hyaluronic acid filler to add volume to the face. Perhaps you have lost volume due to weight loss, or perhaps your face has naturally lost volume and bone density (yes, we lose facial bone as we age, terrifying I know). Whatever the cause, these are great initial options to consider before the more invasive cosmetic treatments.
Laser treatments
Anti-aging laser, professionally referred to as Laser fractional resurfacing, is a treatment that uses high-energy beams of light to target cells that are perhaps damaged or discolored, and stimulate collagen production. Our collagen production naturally decreases as we age, causing loose skin and wrinkles that appear. Hence why so many women over 50 opt for lasers to stimulate the cells they already have. Think of the laser as a personal trainer telling your cells to get up and work harder!
Micro-needling
Micro-needling works similarly to lasers. Stimulating your skin cells to produce more collagen by penetrating the skin, your cells work harder to regenerate the targeted areas, leading to a smoother, more even skin tone.
Surgical enhancements
We are all pro-aging, but that does not mean to say that surgical treatments are not appealing to others. Some of the facial transformations I have seen from women over the age of 50 from facelifts and blepharoplasties have been sensational, to say the least! However, you should always be aware of the risks associated with surgical treatments, in addition to the costs, which are significantly higher than non-surgical options.
Facelifts
The facelift, also known as a rhytidectomy, aims to smooth the face and remove any excess skin that causes sagging and a depleted appearance. The surgeon will tighten and lift soft tissue in the face, being careful not to leave scarring in prominent areas. Often, the incision is made around the ear and neck area, and there are options for deep plane facelifts should you wish to target deeper fibers of the face. Facelifts are a transformative treatment, but just be certain you are working with a reputable surgeon. Be open to traveling for the right treatment, for example, there are London facelift surgeons who are renowned.
Blepharoplasty
Blepharoplasty, also referred to as the eyelid lift, is a great option for ladies dealing with sagging and excess skin around the eye area. There is only so much Botox can do when the upper and lower eyelids begin to sag. Blepharoplasty carefully removed excess skin while maneuvering the area to be flat and bulge-free. There are both upper and lower lid lift options available, should one area be more troubled than the other. This skin can be especially problematic when it starts to cover the peripheral view for some ladies. Ultimately, the blepharoplasty can improve the quality of vision, while also providing the ‘awakened look’ that perhaps has been missing for some years!
Neck lifts
If I had a penny for all the times my mother told me to moisturize my neck, I’d be a lot richer with a much smoother neck! I am guilty of focusing all my SPF on my face over the last 50 years and neglecting the importance of the neck. Many women opt for neck lifts for this very reason due to excess sagging in this area and discoloration. The nick lift will reshape the skin and jaw, reducing the signs of drooping and sagging. This treatment alone can shave 10 years off your appearance, but of course, it’s not for everyone!
Bottom line
Overall, navigating the world of cosmetics at 50+ can be a minefield, especially if you are hearing different things from different people. What works for one person may not work for you, but the key is to research, go for many consultations, and find the right single treatment, or combination, for what you are aiming to achieve.
As a 50+ year-old who had her first “cosmetic enhancements” at a later age, I am glad I waited! The idea of having a frozen face throughout life up till now sounds terrible. I am glad I got to express my emotions freely without the pressure that young women face today. Regardless, having a few tweaks here and there as an ‘old girl’ has helped me feel much more confident, and reflect my young, free spirit inside to be more visible on the exterior!
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