Wrinkles, Lines and Spiderwebs! Yuck!

I do love to eat a crepe -- as a dinner item or as a dessert item.

But that crepey look of skin is a nightmare. I look at the back of my hands, my arms, even my legs and see "old lady skin."

 

Those fine lines that seem to form an unending web of "crinkles" are a natural process of ageing but they sure look awful and make you a bit sad.

So you need to know that the culprit of this look is primarily due to a lack of estrogen in your body.

From the International Dermal Institute:

"Estrogens play a major role in the collagen and elastin network of the skin. Losing estrogens means losing dermal collagen production. So skin thins out, loses elasticity and sets the stage for wrinkle formation."

The next thing we then do is figure out is how to improve the quality of our skin without taking hormone replacements. But you must have your thyroid checked because that can influence how your skin grows and ages. So assuming you're in good health, here are some tips:

1.  First and foremost you should increase your hydration. We don't drink as much water as we should as we get older but we absolutely must. Coffee, tea, soft drinks, juices do not count as hydration. The only true hydration is water....eight or so glasses per day.  If you're like me, water is boring. So infuse it with fresh fruit or cucumber.  Just drink it all day, every day. Doing this will stimulate collagen production and re-energizing the skin.

2. And this is very simple and available no matter where you are: use invigorating essential oils to also provide hydration, nourish and heal your skin. Using oils like Rosewood and Jasmine to provide intense hydration and Carrot Seed, Argan and Rosehip Oils to boost antioxidants, improve elasticity and reinforce the epidermal lipid barrier as great treatment options with the added bonus of providing aromatherapy throughout your day and/or night. 

 3..Exfoliation is a key step in rejuvenating aging skin with slowed cell renewal. Deep moisturizers are appropriate for an aging skin, so be prepared to use rich emollients that hydrate and protect chronically dry skin.  

 4. A diet rich in healthy fats, like Omega-3 is found in salmon and nuts, and will help nourish skin from the inside. Eat up!

 5. Extrinsic aging is practically inescapable, so daily use of sun protection is a must in everyone’s skin care regimen. This is particularly important in aged skin, as it is thinner and allows even more penetration by damaging UV rays.

 Yes, crepey skin is inevitable but you can postpone the problem by doing all of the above. And pray you have good genes!






With that in mind, take good care of yourself.....you're all you have.

Until next time, I remain,
Stylistically yours,

Sooz

Fringe Benefits!

If you are like me, you are "on the fence" about whether to cut bangs (called fringe in Great Britain) or not.

I have worn bangs for a million years (yes, I'm that old!) and only recall two times that I let them grow out.

So today's post is a discussion of whether bangs are appropriate for women "of a certain age" or too cute.

Here's why I still wear them:

1. They hide a multitude of issues....wrinkles, lines, and fading roots.
2. I don't have the patience to let them grow out.
3. They suit my face and my hair style

Here's why I often want to let them grow out:

1. They would make my bob cut look amazing (I think)
2. They would allow my eyes to "pop" more....especially if I make them up well
3. My hair would swing and sway nicer if all one length (I believe)

There is a belief that bangs are a great beautifier for older women. Here's a few examples:

As I stated in a much earlier post, women "of a certain age" just cannot wear hair barrettes, head bands or clips (except to pull your hair up). They are too "precious" and make us look silly.

So to make a case for bangs, whether they are full and cover your forehead or brushed to the side as an accent to your style, I submit to you that they are simply acceptable to wear, if you choose 

They can, indeed, work for you and you can try them if you want....or not. This is one of the great hair options that we CAN wear and decide on our own.

Therefore, I think I'm keeping mine.  You?

Until next time,



I remain,

Stylistically yours,


Sooz

Fashion as Fun!

Our clothes say a lot about who we are. Some of us are conservative, classic and simple. Others are outgoing, flamboyant and carefree. Some of us are trend followers, while others of us stick to basics.
The great thing is that none of us are wrong. Clothes allow us to express to people, even before they meet us, who we sincerely are, who we wish to be or who we think we are...all through clothing, accessories and make up.

I follow Ari Seth Cohen who has published a few books and a film entitled "Advanced Style" and these are perfect examples of making self statements through what is worn. He honors men and women in their advanced years who use clothing and accessories to say "Look at me! I'm relevant, stylish, unique and HERE!"

I have always admired women who dress with aplomb. I am not one of those but I love their looks.

I have been a trend follower but conservatively; and admire those stylish women as role models for me..

Hair color and style is a fun way to project your inner spirit.

And if you are not bold enough to wear funky hair colors or styles, the easiest approach is costume jewelry and glasses frames.

It takes a lot of maturity and panache to wear these items, not as costumes, but as an outward sign to the world of what kind of woman you are and how much these things mean to you and your happiness.

And never forget shoe: they do not have to be just comfortable. They can also help you make that statement.

And you don't have to spend a lot of money on fun jewelry. You can find great costume jewelry at thrift stores, garage sales and flea markets

.

If you haven't found your "look" yet, I do recommend you look at a the Netflix film, "Advanced Style" or get your hands on the book. These amazing women might inspire you to try a new approach to wearing your heart and personality...not just on your sleeve but your head, your body and your feet.

I really like this quote to conclude this post....

Until next time, I remain,

Stylistically yours,

Sooz