So I had weight loss surgery this summer. I’m about 5 1/2 months postop and have lost about 83 lbs. I weigh about 30 lbs less now than I did when I graduated from high school. Still a long way to go, of course, but it’s turning out to be one of the smartest moves I ever made.
Except …
I’m getting wrinkles.
I’m 35 so I know it was bound to happen eventually however I’m told it’s pretty common with big weight loss. I have always looked much younger than my age, mostly due to genetics, also because I stay away from the sun. I still look younger than 35, but my mouth now has laugh lines, I have a vertical crease in between my eyes (my job is very cerebral and I furrow my brow when I’m thinking) and lines are showing up on my forehead that weren’t there before my surgery. And underneath my eyes? Ugh. More lines. I know I probably sound vain but there’s truly a striking difference between my face then and now.
So … it’s time to get serious about skin care, I guess. I don’t care if I eventually do look my age as long as I look a good 35, or 40, etc.
Botox is out of the question - I can’t afford it. What I need is a kickass firming moisturizer that can either plump up these wrinkles and make them less visible or, failing that, keep me from developing more of them. Or at least slow their development. I can’t afford Botox or plastic surgery but I’m willing to splurge on something topical if it’ll work.
So what do you use, or what have you seen other people use/swear by?
There’s really not that much you can do, except get Botox or fillers. The one topical thing you could try is retinol, and you may need a prescription for a strength that will be effective. It does speed up turnover of cells and promote collagen growth. Will it make enough of a difference to really be noticeable? Probably not.
You might want to speak to a dermatologist about microdermabraision or chemical peels. Chemical peels especially have some of the most amazingly dramatic results on the people I’ve seen in person. The chemical peel would also help even out any discoloration and acne scars, which is a bonus.
I’m 26, but I get facials every couple of months with a series of treatments. I get Dermasweep, which is sort of like microdermabraision, but not at all (it’s brushes instead of diamonds or whatever they use)-- very exfoliating. Then I get a hydrating facial with stuff to even the tone of my skin and promote collagen production. The last thing I do is this light they offer, which I was certain was just some nonsense quackery. Basically, you sit under this yellow light for 20 minutes, and it’s supposed to promote collagen, etc etc. After I did it, I was hooked-- seriously, all the little lines around my mouth and eyes were gone.
So, my point is, maybe start with the lower level stuff, then work up to the microdermabraision if need be. But a dermatologist will be able to advise you on your best options.
I suspect it’s a little more than regular aging in her case. Fat in your face = a youthful face. Losing a bunch of weight is going to “age” anybody pretty substantially in that sense, so I totally understand wanting to find the best way to counteract that.
I’d guess that part of it is that the skin hasn’t yet had a chance to “rebound” from the weight loss. There are limits to that, of course – stretch the skin long enough and you will get new cell growth along with elastic stretch, plus you lose elasticity with age – but time, along with really taking care of your skin to promote elasticity, may help at least somewhat.
If you’re still losing, it will likely be some time (months, at least) after you’re at a stable weight before your skin rebounds as much as it’s going to. After that, you’ll probably have to either live with it, or surgically remove the excess skin.
Eating enough healthy fats will help your skin, along with biotin and niacin (B vitamins), vitamin E, and A. Be careful not to overdose on the fat-soluble vitamins. Also, moisturize, at least once a day, preferably twice (morning and night), more often if your face feels dry or tight. I tend to think plant-based oils/butters work better than things like baby oil or vaseline. You can get bottles of almond oil, shea butter, coconut oil, cocoa butter, or similar, from health food stores, and just rub a small amount into your face.
I had a rather gaunt face the first year after weight loss, too. It became a bit better after a 1,5 - 2 years.
Don’t splurge on a facial creme. Such creams may prevent damage (mostly by the sunscreen, and a few active incredients like retinol) and plump your skin up a little bit. A teensy bit.
But they can’t repair what you describe. No cream can, even if they advertise themselves as “firming” or anti age" “anti wrinkle”.
And no, pricier cream is not better then expensive stuff.
Instead, spend money on better hair cuts. Go to a stylist, *get advised and follow the advice. *
Another good investment is going to a color and style stylist for men and get advised on what color type you are. Then, when you start buying clothes for your new body, you will buy them in colors that flatter your skin tone and make your face look a whole lot better.
Creams won’t do jack for the wrinkles you’re describing and they’re very expansive.
Take the $$ that you would spen on the creams and get some Botox and restalyn - I know you said you can’t afford it, but shop around - it can be a lot cheaper than you probably think.
Retinol (Retin-A) is good, also a sonic facial cleansing brush like Clarisonic has been shown to help with fine lines and skin texture. Definitely use sunscreen, always. If you have deep creases, botox is not terribly expensive. Not so good for fine lines and crows feet, but if you have a deep crease between your brows, or horizontal forehead lines it works wonders. About $200 per area, and lasts 4-6 months.