already an old wrinkly in my mid 20's, extremely distressed
I hope someone can help, I'm at my wits end here. I'm only in my mid 20's and over the last 2 years have noticed deep wrinkles and creases appearing on my face, neck, collarbone, chest, abdomen, wrists, knees, bum, and ankles.
This shouldn't be happening to someone my age, especially since I've always been very conscientious about my health in every possible way.
I've tried a vast range of lotions and potions but nothing seems to make even the slightest bit of difference.
Is there anyone else out there who started ageing prematurely, and if so, what did you do/are you doing to combat it? I'm terrified because if I look 20 years older now, how am I going to look when I'm 30, 35 and 40 (presuming this doesn't drive me to suicide...no honestly, as Al Gore in South Park said "I'm serial!").I'm wondering if a premature menopause is just around the corner too?
I'm very distressed about this. Hope someone can help or at least console me.
Re: already an old wrinkly in my mid 20's, extremely distressed
I can't help you, but do want to console you. First, always use sun screen. Other than that I would see a dermatologist and see what they have to say. What do your parents look like as far as aging goes? These kind of things are genetic. What about your other relatives and siblings if you have any?
Don't despair, I think there is a solution to your problem, but you need to find it.
Re: already an old wrinkly in my mid 20's, extremely distressed
Quote:
Originally Posted by beergoogle
I hope someone can help, I'm at my wits end here. I'm only in my mid 20's and over the last 2 years have noticed deep wrinkles and creases appearing on my face, neck, collarbone, chest, abdomen, wrists, knees, bum, and ankles.
This shouldn't be happening to someone my age, especially since I've always been very conscientious about my health in every possible way.
I've tried a vast range of lotions and potions but nothing seems to make even the slightest bit of difference.
Is there anyone else out there who started ageing prematurely, and if so, what did you do/are you doing to combat it? I'm terrified because if I look 20 years older now, how am I going to look when I'm 30, 35 and 40 (presuming this doesn't drive me to suicide...no honestly, as Al Gore in South Park said "I'm serial!").I'm wondering if a premature menopause is just around the corner too?
I'm very distressed about this. Hope someone can help or at least console me.
I trust you and believe the above (in bold) to be true, but please could you elaborate a bit on it? How do you concretely look after your health, in terms of nutrition, sleep, exercise and stress management? Remember that a vegetarian diet is not the ideal diet for everyone! Read books about natural rejuvenation. I am much older than you, and I have some wrinkles on the forehead, around the eyes and the so-called Chinese moustache. But I think that is in accordance with my age. Every morning, while I am on the bus on my way to work, I am massaging my face and my hands for about twenty minutes. It's my personal version of Taoist self-massage that I've picked up in a book by Mantak Chia. You could try it, too.
Re: already an old wrinkly in my mid 20's, extremely distressed
Thanks for the replies.
Negot, I didn't use sunscreen growing up (only when I sunbathed), but no-one I knew did and they still haven't suffered the same degree of decay that I have. I've been using moisturizer with an SPF of 15+ everyday since I was 18. At about age 21 I started using ones with a higher factor.
I don't think it's genetic; my father looks his age, however my mother and sister look a lot younger than their ages. My sister's 3 years older than me and has no wrinkles whatsoever even though she smokes like a chimney and eats a very poor diet, and my mother didn't even get her first wrinkle till she was about 50! My grandmother, maternal aunt and cousins all look good for their age too.
Pendulum, yes, up until last year I was a vegan since age 10 (celiac disease, and a vegan diet was recommended for me), however I would always take the necessary vitamins (calcium, omega complex, b vitamins) to make up for lost nutrients. About 6 months ago I started eating white meat and fish again in the hope that they'll preserve what little remains of my collagen (to no avail though).
I exercise 30 minutes a day (brisk walk), although throughout my teens I would be in the gym 2 hours every day except for Sundays (I've heard over execrise can age you, but I've never seen it happen to anyone else). I've piled on weight since I've stopped.
My sleeping pattern used to be regular (probably about 7 or 8 hours a night) until a few years ago when it suddenly went haywire (sometimes I sleep 3 hours, other times 10, other times a normal amount...bit it's never logical or predicatable). I drink 2 litres of water per day and limit my caffeine intake to 2 cups of coffee (no coca cola or anything).
I've used sunbeds only about 10 times in my life, and have never properly sunbathed without a sunblock of 15 or above (and I really would slather it on as reccomended). I don't smoke, I drink only about 3 units per week at best, and I use the gentlest products on my skin and moisturize with Bio Oil and then Clinique moisturizer for dry skin with an SPF of 25. For my body I use Bio Oil and then a body moisturizer for extra dry skin, and then apply sunblock. My mother never did any of this, neither did does my sister, and they look fantastic.
I just don't get it. All the time, effort and money I've put into looking my best and for what?
I'll look into that Taoist self massage thing, although (no offence) I won't hold out any hope. If everything I've done so far has proven useless, I doubt anything short of surgery or botox (both of which are far beyond my financial remit) would help.
I apologize for the pessimism but when you have to watch your body decaying severely prematurely, it kinda tilts your outlook on life downwards. If I was 10 years older I wouldn't feel so bad, but right now I'm supposed to be at my youthful best.
Re: already an old wrinkly in my mid 20's, extremely distressed
You are far too young to have these problems. I really think that you should make an appointment with a dermatologist. In your case it doesn't sound genetic, so maybe there is something else, something simple like for example that you are exposed to something that you don't tolerate and that causes premature aging. I wouldn't even think about botox or anything similar at your age. Let a dermatologist evaluate your skin and you may get an answer.
By the way, for how long have you had this problem? Did it come slowly or all of a sudden you saw changes in your appearance?
Another question I want to ask you (and, please don't get offended because that's not my intention) is if the premature aging is reality, if it is really as bad as you say? The reason I am asking you this is that I have a friend who sees wrinkles where there are no wrinkles at all. My friend looks about 15 years younger than she is, but she is terrified of all the supposed wrinkles that she has. She has absolutely no wrinkles at all. When my husband met my friend, he told me that I must have her age wrong, he couldn't believe how old she is. She looks that much younger. But, she thinks that she has wrinkles and panics about her appearance.
Re: already an old wrinkly in my mid 20's, extremely distressed
Hi Negot -
I completely understand your question and am not offended in the slightest. The rapid ageing began suddenly about 2 years ago (first one line under the eyes, then about 6 months later 3 more lines under the eyes, then over the next 18 months approx appeared the forehead lines, deep creases on my neck, collarbone, chest, stomach, wrists knees and ankles) and it was actually my sister who alerted me to it. I'm not sure if it's as bad as I'm making out, because I'm petrified of asking anyone else other than my sister face to face for their opinion in case it concurs with mine, and I cover up from neck to toe whenever and wherever I go (haven't had a boyfriend in over a year either) no matter how hot the weather is. My sister can see it - I point out the wrinkles and creases to her and she notices them but now I think she plays them down to soften the blow.
Re: already an old wrinkly in my mid 20's, extremely distressed
I agree with Negot in that you should consult with a dermatologist as soon as possible.
How often do you eat meat and how much? I could be wrong, but I think you need to eat some animal protein twice a day, that is, every day, not a couple of times in the week. Maybe your vegan diet has affected your assimilation of food, of protein in particular, so you may need a digestive evaluation, for just in case.
You really don't need pessimism at this point of your life. I'm much older than you and I am not pessimist at all! Yes, try the Taoist self-message or if you prefer, look up Facial Shiatsu. Follow the instructions as best as you can. It doesn't matter if you believe or not. Just do it. Don't expect immediate results, but keep doing the exercises regularly. Sooner or later, you'll see the results.
Anyway, consult with a skin doctor, check to see if you are eating enough animal protein and assimilating it, and forget your pessimism, please.
A last question: does the ageing affect only your face, or other parts of your body and your internal organs, too?
Re: already an old wrinkly in my mid 20's, extremely distressed
Have you had a physical in the last couple of years? Maybe you should start by seeing a doctor. There are conditions that cause premature aging. I have heard of it, but don't know anything about it, but you should discuss it with a doctor. Maybe you can reverse the process or at least stop it. At the least a doctor can rule out any such condition.
You shouldn't have to cover yourself up and avoid relationships.
By the way, what about your hair? Is your hair turning grey? That usually happens when one is in their thirties.
Re: already an old wrinkly in my mid 20's, extremely distressed
thankyou again Negot and Pendulum for the replies.
I am seeing my GP next week, then I'll try to get a referral to a dermatologist which will be about 6 weeks (can't afford private health insurance). The problem is where I live there's very few consultants to choose from, and they tend to only take you seriously if your case is severe. Whilst my rapid ageing is severe to me, I am unsure as to whether it will be extreme enough for anyone to take me seriously.
My hair isn't turning grey; I'll get one or two greys once in a while but that's natural. In about the last year I have developed a bald patch in my hairline, which is about the size a bottle top. I saw the derm for that, for which he took tests then said it there was nothing I could do. Alopecia does not run in my family. I've also been experiencing random severe weight fluctuations for no apparent reason (sometimes I'll lose around 5lbs in a week, or gain the same amount, and then the following week or fortnight it'll swing the other way). I suspected an auto-immune disorder (alopecia is one) or a thryoid problem (been on thyroxine since age 17 due to having hypothyroidism) and have had numerous blood and urine tests over the last 10 months, all of which have come back normal.
I don't eat animal protein every day, but I do take supplements - omega complex, b vitamins, multivitamin, saw palmetto (all of which I've been taking for around 18 months), and today I'm starting on skin hair and nails, and collagen.
Not meaning to dismiss your words (honestly, I'm not) but pessimism is very hard to defeat when you're watching yourself age at a rate of knots, especially when the cause continues evading you. I see other people looking young and fabulous whilst I'm falling apart at 25. It's seriously taking its toll on my mental health, which no amount of counselling or medication will solve. What's happening to me? Why can't anyone find an answer? Lol sorry I'm going round and round in circles here
Re: already an old wrinkly in my mid 20's, extremely distressed
I know that you are not dismissing my words. You seem to be a thoughtful person. Not that I am an authority whose words must be taken into consideration, lol, but I have been through a lot in my 57 years of life (made many mistakes myself) and I always like to hear about what people are eating anyway when they first start telling about their problems.
You should try to eat some animal protein (dairy shouldn't count as adequate protein) every day. This is crucial.
Start some light physical activity regularly and don't forget the facial massage. Learning to dance or any any other pleasing body movement will also help you a lot.
Re: already an old wrinkly in my mid 20's, extremely distressed
I totally understand you. It is hard to stay optimistic when you are dealing with a problem like yours. Especially for women, the aging is even harder than for men. You are at the best years of your life now and shouldn't have to even think about aging. The first time I ever gave wrinkles a thought I was 33 and saw a wrinkle under my eye. I felt so bad that I actually cried. So, I definitely do understand you and wish that I could help you. To age at your young age isn't normal so something must be going on in your system. After reading your posts, now I think that maybe the GP is more likely to get to the bottom of your problem than a dermatologist. But, you should of course go to both. If a doctor is a good doctor, he is going to understand the severity of your problem. Aging is not something you should even be thinking about at your age.
Re: already an old wrinkly in my mid 20's, extremely distressed
Are you drinking plenty of water? Hydration has a lot to do with wrinkles and aging well. On another note, I heard they are telling us not to sleep on our faces in order to avoid wrinkles. I hope you find the help you want. I know things like this can be bothersome.
__________________
Dragonfly57
Disabled
A lot of diagnoses
Only by the grace of God do I keep on going
Re: already an old wrinkly in my mid 20's, extremely distressed
Wrinkly in your mid 20’s. There must be something wrong. Have you checked your diet. Come to think of it people at 50 are looking like 25 with the right kind of diet. Have you heard of a person called Elixxir. If not I suggest you have a look. Its amazing really.
When I saw those results I did some more research and found that the product is an eating program based on a scientific anti-aging eating program. It is believed to producte permanent lifelong weight loss and also claims to slash one's risk for cancer, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, obesity thereby extending maximum lifespan by up to 50%.
And apparently the good part is there are no meals or supplements you have to buy forever. It’s an eating program and all-natural.
Seems like something that is very good. Have a look and let me know what you think
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Re: already an old wrinkly in my mid 20's, extremely distressed
Hi again negot and pendulum, thanks for your continued advice.
Yup, i drink plenty of water - 2-3 litres per day. I also do 30 mins of walking per day.
Something very frightening just occured to me; could all these symptoms be due to cancer? Cancer eats up your fat reserves and sometimes attacks your hair follicles, hence why I may have been getting wrinkles and alopecia. If it's a slow growing, insidious cancer then it would certainly be possible for someome to have symptoms for years before it reached a serious stage. Over the last year I've developed various other symptoms which could be attributed to various cancer; dizzyness, fatigue, change in bowel habits, crippling abdominal cramps, back pain, occasional nausea... I only mention this now because it only just occured to me.
I don't know what to do to make my GP take me seriously because it probably sounds like I'm crazy. I already had two cancer scares last year (ovarian and cervical), both of which were negative, and I'm seeing a bowel cancer specialist in the week.
Oh hell...why do I remember this now?
Last edited by beergoogle; 04-20-2009 at 02:45 PM.
Re: already an old wrinkly in my mid 20's, extremely distressed
Every GP who is good at what he does will take you seriously. You definitely don't sound crazy, you are simply concerned about what it happening to you. Most people would be concerned. You said in one of your previous posts that you've had blood and urine tests in the past 10 months. I am not in the medical profession, but I thought that blood tests will show if there is cancer in the body. You also say that your body weight is fluctuating. I thought that if you have cancer you lose weight unexplainably. It doesn't sound like cancer, but it sounds like something that has to do with hormones, some hormonal imbalance or something like that. Have you tried googling your problem to see if you can find an explanation? I wish you the best of luck. Please keep posting.
Re: already an old wrinkly in my mid 20's, extremely distressed
Def. think U shd at least get blood work done 2C if anything shows up.
Are U a candidate for Women's Rogaine? U could also try biotin for the hair & skin, it's not a miracle worker but it def. helps protect skin & nails-- must be taken consistently. I'm sure U know to use a foundation w/high SPF to protect against further damage to your skin. Are you in a sun-belt area or spend a lot of time in the sun--maybe your skin lacks the pigmentation to protect itself. A lot of possibilities. I hope U find some answers & help very soon.
Does anyone know from personal experience if laser actually works on brown spots?? I empathize w/the person who spent $700 on dermabrasion--I paid $400 for Botox on a deep crease betweeen my eyes & neither hubby nor I could detect any diff. at all. Also, never put much foundation on the outer part of my face and now I'm noticing brown spots, so I'm being more meticulous about applying SPF-20 makeup there.
Also, I've always had a flat butt (heredity!!), but wearing panties
with a center butt seam helps under clothes (Warner's makes 'em). Aging's no fun, but I'm thankful to wake up in the morning.
Re: already an old wrinkly in my mid 20's, extremely distressed
Quote:
Originally Posted by negot
Every GP who is good at what he does will take you seriously. You definitely don't sound crazy, you are simply concerned about what it happening to you. Most people would be concerned. You said in one of your previous posts that you've had blood and urine tests in the past 10 months. I am not in the medical profession, but I thought that blood tests will show if there is cancer in the body. You also say that your body weight is fluctuating. I thought that if you have cancer you lose weight unexplainably. It doesn't sound like cancer, but it sounds like something that has to do with hormones, some hormonal imbalance or something like that. Have you tried googling your problem to see if you can find an explanation? I wish you the best of luck. Please keep posting.
Thanks again Negot. Lol you must be psychic...I've googled it numerous times today and the only consistent result that I got was cancer. I'm freakin terrified now. I'm probably letting my imagination run haywire but I can't help it. And if it's not cancer, it seems like a race against time to find out what's causing my problems before I end up looking 3x my age.
I agree the way I sleep could be the culprit of my facial, neck and chest wrinkles (all my life I've slept with elevated pillows, and what is more I sleep all bunched up as that's the only way I'm comfortable), but it doesn't account for the wrinkly skin elsewhere. It's not even like I do anything strenuous enough to warrant repetitive strain wrinkles.
I don't know if blood or urine tests could indicate the presence of cancer. Depends which ones are taken... and I've had so many and it's stressed me out considerably so I've honestly lost track.
I don't know about fluctuating weight being indicative of cancer either, but I've heard in some (rare) cases it can be. It began with weight loss; initially I lost 8lbs in two weeks and it's see-sawed since then.
I really hope my responses aren't trying your, or anyone else's patience.
Re: already an old wrinkly in my mid 20's, extremely distressed
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chreey
Def. think U shd at least get blood work done 2C if anything shows up.
Are U a candidate for Women's Rogaine? U could also try biotin for the hair & skin, it's not a miracle worker but it def. helps protect skin & nails-- must be taken consistently. I'm sure U know to use a foundation w/high SPF to protect against further damage to your skin. Are you in a sun-belt area or spend a lot of time in the sun--maybe your skin lacks the pigmentation to protect itself. A lot of possibilities. I hope U find some answers & help very soon.
Not a candidate and I've not read many positive reviews about it either. I've been taking saw palmetto for about a year, which is meant to help hair regrowth. Yesterday I began on a skin, hair and nails formula, plus collagen+vitC. If it's not cancer that I've got, I'll pray for some turnaround in half a year.
I live in a very dull, rainy country, plus I am half latina so I don't lack pigment. I still use a high factor SPF everyday.
Btw I have no idea if botox works, or if lasers can remove age spots. If I had the money though I'd definitely want to give them a go though!
Re: already an old wrinkly in my mid 20's, extremely distressed
Update:
saw my GP today, and as predicted and whilst he did not dismiss my concerns, he did NOT take them too seriously, no matter how much I impressed them upon him. He said I did not have cancer, that the alopecia was traction alopecia (which actually made sense as I do pull my hair back very tightly), and that I was obviously just someone who's naturally ageing younger than others and I just had to accept it. He prescribed me Prozac (which I doubt will help as my problem is PHYSICAL not mental) and Retinol, which he said stimulates collagen in the same way as a deep chemical peel would. He refused to write me a referral to a dermatologist, and told me to forget the idea of having botox, dermal fillers or laser treatment because he felt it was a load of hype about nothing.
So whoopee doo, now I'm gonna have to expend more time and then money that I don't have to search for, and go and see, a dermatologist who doesn't require a GP's referral. And because I'm now on antidepressants I can wave bye bye to any potential cosmetic surgery that I was saving up for (they don't treat you if you're on prescription meds without a GP's referral).
Needless to say, I'm also now going to have to find a new GP, because this one doesn't appreciate my worries...which means more time and money that I don't have. I am so ****** off right now it's unreal. It's not even the fact that he won't refer me to a derm, or disagrees with cosmetic procedures, but more that he blatantly agreed my ageing was very unlucky at such a young age yet he didn't give two hoots how it was affecting me! If the Retinol works, fine, but how can I ever put my concerns to this guy again when his logic is perpetually "that's life, accept it and get on with it"? If he did think I had cancer, I wonder would he have simply said "yes, cancer in younger people is rare but it does happen. You're just one of the unlucky ones; accept it." ???
I was planning on going out tonight, but I've been so upset I've just stayed in being a complete misery guts. Can't even think of how to end this post.
Re: already an old wrinkly in my mid 20's, extremely distressed
I completely understand what you are going through. I was losing my hair a couple of years ago and no doctor understood or helped me. My hair stylist said I looked like someone going through chemotherapy. What I did that seemed to help was to start taking maternity vitamins and I stopped dying my hair for a while, I don't know which one helped me the most. I would just suggest that while finding a new doctor could be an option, try something like that and good skin care. I believe nutrition has a lot to do with our health and most doctors do not have adequate training in that area. Dr. Perricone has written at least one book on skin care and part of the treatment involves change in diet. * removed *
I Put this out of order, sorry.
__________________
Dragonfly57
Disabled
A lot of diagnoses
Only by the grace of God do I keep on going
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already an old wrinkly in my mid 20's, extremely distressed 
(heredity!!), but wearing panties 
