Aging Gracefully
I talked on GlitterGirl and TwinkleToes a while back about my mom pointing out the gray hairs I’ve developed since coming home with TwinkleToes. I bought a box and colored my hair and was pleased with the results. But after a week the gray hairs were showing again. I’ve now tried two brands, the second lasted about the same amount of time. And I didn’t like the color so much on the second. My goal is to find a color that looks like my natural hair color, and the first box did that almost exactly while the second did not. On the second, my hair is still the same color as the box, except for the gray. It seems to not stick to the gray hair?
For those who use a box to cover gray hair – what brand do you use? How long does the gray stay covered up with the new color?
And, while we’re talking about aging gracefully, does anyone out there use a miracle wrinkle cream that actually works?
I’ve aged two years in the past six months. This isn’t working for me. Once upon a time I said I wasn’t going to fight the aging process, that I’d age gracefully.
But now that I appear to actually be aging my definition of aging gracefully now means I intend to fight it every step of the way.
August 11th, 2007 at 8:28 am
I feel your pain. I used to just pull the grays out with tweezers. There weren’t that many of them and I sort of got a sick satisfaction out of doing it. Twisted. I know. Then I went to the box hair color and that worked for a nanosecond. Too many grays kept popping up for the stuff to really work. I finally bit the bullet and now I have my stylist color it. It costs more but it lasts a lot longer. I had it colored just before we left for China in March and just last Saturday went in to have the roots touched up. Well worth the extra $$$ IMHO and probably not that much more since I’m not shelling out $$ every few weeks for the box stuff. If your budget allows it I would think about having it done professionally. A stylist can achieve a natural look for you better than the box stuff can.
As far as miracle creams go…if you find one please share the news. I’ve tried them all with no luck. I also have a problem with the dark circles and bags under my eyes. They have gotten so much more pronounced now that I’m chasing a 15 month old around all day. Ahhhh the price we pay.
August 11th, 2007 at 8:40 am
I agree that you have to go to the stylist to get the best color. I resisted for so long, now I consider it my personal time to relax. I know it can be hard to fit into your schedule, but it can be worth it considering how much better you feel when you leave.
I need to know about the miracle cream as well??? Suggestions please.
August 11th, 2007 at 8:44 am
I use Garnier Nutriese (spelling?). My sister and I find it works the best of all the boxes but the greys still pop out after a few weeks. I’ve never had great luck with the salon coloring my hair. The color always came out to flat for my liking but if it’ll keep the grey away longer it might be something worth considering again. I started going grey in my early 20′s so believe me I feel your pain. :-)
August 11th, 2007 at 8:50 am
My tips for dying hair:
1. If you are using semi-permanent dye, it will only last two weeks. Only permanent dye is going to give you the coverage you want–the problem with permanent dye is that it is permanent.
2. Go to Sally Beauty to get some professional strength hair color. L’Oreal worked well for me. (No I am not a blonde.)
3. Go to a salon and get it dyed. I know it is expensive, but I think it is the only way to get really good, consistent results. (I have dark brown hair and have to go every 6 to 8 weeks.) If you don’t go to a salon, only touch up your roots after that initial dying. Wait for 20 minutes or so and then pull the dye through to the ends of your hair. Makes for a more natural look.
Face care tips:
1. Olay’s Regenerist line has gotten lots of great reviews. It doesn’t work miracles, but NO products do that.
2. Use a night cream with retinol–if your skin can tolerate it.
3. Use sunscreen everyday–even in the winter.
4. Read Dr. Leslie Baumann’s book, The Skin Type Solution. She also has a web site. Check out Paula Begoun’s Cosmetic Cop web site. They both give you the straight scoop.
5. Go to a dermatologist if the wrinkles really bother you. What they can prescribe is more expensive, but very high powered.
Keep fighting the good fight!
August 11th, 2007 at 8:55 am
Are you using temporary colours or permanent? That makes a huge difference!
I have been completely gray since my mid 30′s so have been colouring for years. Could not possibly afford to have it done at a hair dressers (although that would be a wonderful treat) so have always done my own and it works very well. I’m currently using L’Oreal Paris. Some of the roots begin to show after 3 or 4 weeks but that’s just normal root growth.
Hope you find something that works for you!
August 11th, 2007 at 8:56 am
I too go to a stylist…but I have been coloring my hair since was 25…always highlighting it….so when I started turning grey I was already in the hands of a stylist.
And it could be worth the splurge. Now I color my hair about every six weeks although I do see greys in between at times…but it is not so bad since I am blonde. I think it is harder if you have darker hair.
I do remember however that my mom and my aunt used to color their grey….I never even knew my mom had grey hair! They used Nice and Easy and I still remember my mom’s color number–101. They never seemed to have a problem with it.
Although if you do decide to try a professional stylist…I can tell you that if you find the right stylist it can also serve as a real therapy session. For whatever reason you do wind up talking to your stylist about things you never imagined!
As for the miracle aging cream….more on that later. I could really go on there!
August 11th, 2007 at 9:04 am
Howdy! I started getting grey with I was 16, I colored my hair when I was in my late 30′s and early 40′s, now 46 I refuse to color it any more, I am 50% greywith hair to my waist, I personally like the look!!
August 11th, 2007 at 9:15 am
As a professional, there is a specific way to color gray, and it’s hard to get that with drugstore color. Without going through everything I know, you need a neutral color first, using a percentage of that based on the ratio of gray to natural color you have. Then the remainder of your target color. For example, I use 3/4 of the formula neutral brown and 1/4 golden brown I hope that makes sense!
I am at least 75% gray, but you would never know! Of course as a professional, I feel hair should be colored at the salon.
August 11th, 2007 at 9:18 am
I can’t speak to hair color. I too go to my salon for that. But… Avon has some wonderful anti-aging products. The Anew Clinical Youth Extending Cream is great. Also the Adavanced Wrinkle Corrector cream. Can you tell I’m an Avon rep. I’m not just toting my products though, they really do work to soften out wrinkles. Even my husband loves using their stuff! :)
Vanessa
August 11th, 2007 at 9:29 am
I have stubborn grey as well and tried a few brands before I settled on one that works for me. I use L’Oreal Excellence and leave it in for the extra 10 minutes. It keeps my grey covered until the roots grow. I don’t like going to the salon (sorry karenmb ) because I have a thing about people I don’t really know touching my head. lol.
August 11th, 2007 at 9:37 am
Interesting this should come up this morning as I prepare to “home dye” my hair. I find the Natural Match permanent color works as long as the professional coloring – the benefit (or maybe not) is I’m home and can multitask while I’m coloring (relaxing at the salon does seem so appealing!!)
My stylist actually told me what shades I should mix 75%/25% as mentioned to best cover my grey, I do have to color ever 5-7 weeks to touch up my roots but $10-$12 dollars compared to $75-$80 is a lot of savings over the course of a year.
I also only use shampoo and conditioner formulated for colored hair that does not contain Sodium Laureth Sulfate which strips your haircolor. This seems to be the key to home or professional colored hair – at least for me!
August 11th, 2007 at 9:38 am
Have it professionally done. I am 36 and have had grays for awhile, thanks dad, it runs in the family. My stylist is able to mix the color and get it right. She uses Goldwell colors and they are great because they stick to the grays and not the towel for the next week. I go about every 5-7 weeks to have the roots done with a cut and it is $50 with tip and it is well worth it. I used to pay $25 for just a cut and then the box of color is not cheap so if you do color and cut at the same time you save money and it just comes out better.
August 11th, 2007 at 9:41 am
I started coloring my hair in my early 20′s. I had a LOT of silver by that point. I’ve tried over the counter stuff a few times, but it never held well. I pay to have it done at my salon every 6-7 weeks. It’s frustrating to spend that much $$, but I’m only 31 now (32 on Monday…shhhhh) and I refuse to have white hair yet.
As far as creams, no miracles found yet, but I do have to say my skin has looked a lot better since I started to use Philosophy’s Hope in a Jar.
August 11th, 2007 at 9:45 am
RQ,
As far as the wrinkles goes I sell Mary Kay and we have a fabulous line called TimeWise that I, not to mention my customers, swear by. We actually have products in that line that REDUCES wrinkles and it has a money back guarentee with it if you don’t like it. Sorry to sound like I’m soliciting but it is fabulous and if you don’t currently have a MK consultant, email me and I will be happy to send you a brochure on it. I think you would be happy with the results!! : ) Have a good one!
Melanie
August 11th, 2007 at 9:54 am
I agree with going to a sylist for your color. It last alot longer.
As far the wrinkles and aging, I have been using Arbonne for the past two years. They have many different products, the Corrective Eye Creme works great! It cost a little more, but has been worth every penny I have spent.
Lori
LID 11/23/2005 NEXT!!!
http://www.thestoryofyou.net/kati.html
August 11th, 2007 at 10:01 am
Love this discussion. I’ve been gray since 30. I have no idea how grey I am now at 47 because I have always had my hairdresser take care of this. She uses semipermanent but I am “blond” now and do not know my actual real color. But I think that highlights even those darker ones for people with darker hair help to would help mask the greys when they begin to pop out. I have my hair colored somehow every 5 weeks. one time we highlight, the next is rootwork and “calming the brass down.” then we start over. It would be so easy to use a box though but it’s fun to get pampered.
RQ–invest in the extra luxury. I think you might just be worn down and we always look older when tired.
Too funny about Nice and Easy. I remember those boxes at my house too–Ash Blond 103.
Would love to know if any wrinkle creams work. I think the best thing to do is get a good regimen going. always cleanse and moisturize with whatever. always use a moisturizer with sunscreen. I’ve been religious since I was 17 about this and I think its helped.
August 11th, 2007 at 10:19 am
Hear, Hear! I vote for the stylist, too.
I go faithfully every 5 weeks for cut and color. I have incredibly thick, curly (long) hair to begin with and the grays in there (plenty) are even more difficult to tame than the un-gray ones. If I were to color at home I would have to use at least 2 boxes. I tried it a couple of times with help from my DH and it was a disaster. I pay $110 per visit, which seems a lot, but that is my non-negotiable me time where I sit and read trashy magazines that I would never buy or read in public and dish with my stylist over the latest gossip (we also talk about adoption a lot as her sister is a foster mom who is hoping to adopt).
I’m 37 now and have been coloring my hair for at least 10 years. My oldest sister is 50 and has been completely gray since her mid-30s. My other sister is like me and will continue to color indefinitely. I’m all about fighting the aging process as much as possible.
RE: anti-aging creams. Renova has been very good to me. It’s expensive if your insurance won’t cover it but a tube lasts forever because you only have to use a very tiny amount. I figure it balances out since I’m not buying every new product that comes along.
August 11th, 2007 at 10:19 am
TNS Illuminating eye treatment works very well. Both my sister and I use this and agree with the results. I buy it on ebay it is soooo much cheaper.
Also, my sister would get grey very fast after I would color her too. Going to the salon does seem to have the longest results.
August 11th, 2007 at 10:24 am
Definately, definately get it done at a salon! It is so worth it!! As for the wrinkle creams….try Clinique total turn around cream. It is expensive (about $35) but it lasts and it works great! Clinique also has cream specifically for eyes (called All About Eyes) and it works awesome! TRUST ME ON THIS RQ!
August 11th, 2007 at 10:24 am
I have had grays or actually mostly whites since I was a teen. I was never ever going to color my hair because it tended to turn red when I did. But when DH and I were planning our wedding we made a deal, he would shave the beard for the wedding if I would get rid of the grays. So I went to a stylist, telling the story of how I did really want to color my hair because of the reds. She suggested a camoflauge effect. The results were georgous, my hair remained dark but when out (only) in the sun had a purple tint to it (my wedding colors were purples).
Of course after the wedding I kept the color for a while until the stylist moved on and no one could match it again. So I moved on the using a box, Clairal Nice n Easy, but I keep it on 5 minutes longer (I also have long hair). It tends to be very dark for a week or two before it settles into my exact color. The last time I colored was 2 weeks before Christmas and I probable should have done it again about a month ago but have been to busy.
Skin care for me is never use soap on your face (if you knew what was in it?). I always use a cleanser like Noxema and then a moisturiser just out of the shower, and always use sunblock.
August 11th, 2007 at 10:25 am
Hear, Hear! I vote for the stylist, too.
I go faithfully every 5 weeks for cut and color. I have incredibly thick, curly (long) hair to begin with and the grays in there (plenty) are even more difficult to tame than the un-gray ones. If I were to color at home I would have to use at least 2 boxes. I tried it a couple of times with help from my DH and it was a disaster. I pay $110 per visit, which seems a lot, but that is my non-negotiable me time where I sit and read trashy magazines that I would never buy or read in public and dish with my stylist over the latest gossip (we also talk about adoption a lot as her sister is a foster mom who is hoping to adopt).
I’m 37 now and have been coloring my hair for at least 10 years. My oldest sister is 50 and has been completely gray since her mid-30s. My other sister is like me and will continue to color indefinitely. I’m all about fighting the aging process as much as possible.
RE: anti-aging creams. Renova has been very good to me. It’s expensive if your insurance won’t cover it but a tube lasts forever because you only have to use a very tiny amount. I figure it balances out since I’m not buying every new product that comes along.
**Apologies if this double-posts – my browser has the hiccups**
August 11th, 2007 at 10:31 am
Like MKMel, I’m a huge Mary Kay fan. My mom has used it for years and before she was so gray, everyone thought we were sisters (I don’t think that’s a compliment for me though!). Truly, she does look young, most of her patients (she’s a nurse) do not think she is old enough to have 3 kids in their 30s! MK has several really great products that I’ve been using for 16 years (it’s been THAT long! WOW). Great stuff.
Hair color…I think you’ve gotten some great advice. I use Garnier Nutriese, but I’m dark blonde and truly have no idea how many grays I have. I select a color almost exactly like my natural color so you can’t see how much it’s grown out (at least not much). I’ve been coloring for years simply b/c I need the body boost. My hair grows really fast (like an inch a month at least) so I’m sure when I do turn mostly gray I’ll be at the salon every couple of weeks to get it touched up, I hate roots a different color!
August 11th, 2007 at 10:41 am
I am also fighting aging with everything I’ve got….I use L’Oreal Excellence Creme. I actually only have three gray spots so I color those to match my hair color (I am a strawberry blond). It is a Level 3 Permanent and says it has superior gray coaverage. It really does. the color will last 3 -4 weeks and then I redo because of the roots. I definatley would recommend. I have not really found a wrinkel creme that works. I have heard that Strivectan (spelling??) works really well. It is expensive but I am not really at the point where my wrinkles are bothering me…I will be soon I am sure.
August 11th, 2007 at 10:42 am
Have you ever tried Henna. After years of regular hair dye, I developed a terrible allergy. My scalp burned for days. Henna is a natural dye. Looks like a mud pie when you mix it up. Actually kind of conditions your hair. I’m not gray so don’t know about the coverage, but the package recommends it for graying hair. It comes in shades besides the traditional reds. And it is super cheap (under $5), and as easy as regual hair dye. You can get it at Sally’s Beauty Supply under brand name Hennalucent.
August 11th, 2007 at 10:46 am
RQ,
I would agree that if the store brands aren’t “sticking” then a professional stylist is the best way to go. I’ve been coloring my hair since I was in my 20′s (yep, runs in the family) and I’ve been really happy with the different hair colors I’ve tried over the years. I’m told that the color I have now looks really natural. It grows out and I have to have it colored every 5-6 weeks or the roots show.
I used to pay a lot of money, but I’ve found a new stylist that uses the same products (Goldwell also) and charges me a lot less. Also, you always have the option of leaving the salon without them “styling” your hair. My stylist charges separately for cut, color, and styling. “Styling” includes blow drying. But some salons charge $15 to $20 for the styling. You’d be surprised how inexpensive the coloring is if you don’t have them style. (I wouldn’t recommend leaving with your hair wet until you’ve been there a number of times and have confidence in the outcome).
Regarding face creams, I have seen various “investigative” tv shows that rate the face / eye creams. The ones with retinol are effective. I personally don’t like them. Also, stryvectin (not sure of spelling) is sold at department stores and it works as well. I don’t use it either because I heard it has hormones in it and I’m not comfortable with that. But a 45 yr old friend of mine uses it and she doesn’t have any wrinkles at all.
Hope this helps.
August 11th, 2007 at 10:55 am
Here’s a way to get salon coloring at half the price…We have a hairdressing school in our city. Students are carefully supervised by their teachers. I’ve been going there for color and styling for years with great results, and a great price!
CaelynsMum
August 11th, 2007 at 10:56 am
Hear, Hear! I vote for the stylist, too.
I go faithfully every 5 weeks for cut and color. I have incredibly thick, curly (long) hair to begin with and the grays in there (plenty) are even more difficult to tame than the un-gray ones. If I were to color at home I would have to use at least 2 boxes. I tried it a couple of times with help from my DH and it was a disaster. I pay $110 per visit, which seems a lot, but that is my non-negotiable me time where I sit and read trashy magazines that I would never buy or read in public and dish with my stylist over the latest gossip (we also talk about adoption a lot as her sister is a foster mom who is hoping to adopt).
I’m 37 now and have been coloring my hair for at least 10 years. My oldest sister is 50 and has been completely gray since her mid-30s. My other sister is like me and will continue to color indefinitely. I’m all about fighting the aging process as much as possible.
RE: anti-aging creams. Renova has been very good to me. It’s expensive if your insurance won’t cover it but a tube lasts forever because you only have to use a very tiny amount. I figure it balances out since I’m not buying every new product that comes along.
(Apologies if this now posts a gazillion times. I keep trying but it’s not showing up. I’ll give up if this one doesn’t work.)
August 11th, 2007 at 11:00 am
I think it’s time to shell out the dough and I wouldn’t feel guilty about it, either. You work really hard and are constantly giving to others. This is something you feel strongly about. So:
1. go to a salon. I have dark blond hair and can get away with having my roots done every 8-10 weeks (sooner during the summer). She keeps my hair natural looking and No gray at the roots for 2 months is very worth the $100.
2. I remember watching an Oprah show where they discussed face creams and different kinds of procedures, from small stuff to big time action. Creams are not at all effective, according to their experts, for aging lines.
My suggestion is microdermabrasion. It’s not at all invasive and you can go every 3 months and still have powerful results. It costs about $120.00 a visit, but that included, for me, a facial and waxing. I was pretty good about going until I came home with DD#1. I haven’t been since, but am planning to return as soon as I notice the need.
August 11th, 2007 at 11:18 am
I use L’Oreal Excellence (dark brown), in fact I just used it last night! The directions say to leave it on for 30 minutes; I leave it on for about 35 or so and that extra time helps to get those stubborn, nasty gray hairs! I noticed my first gray hairs in college, but didn’t start coloring until a few years later. At first I went to the salon, but found that I couldn’t keep up the cost…it’s ridiculous!!!! I especially can’t afford it now with the little one taking a bite out of my pocket book! So….I shell out for the good haircuts, but dye my hair at home. It works fine for me. I’ve always loved my natural hair color, a really dark brown, and never felt the need to change it or highlight it when all my friends in high school and college were. I find that the hair color I currently use really does get it back to that natural color I love so much.
August 11th, 2007 at 11:25 am
I think that everything has pretty much been covered above! I too go to the stylist about 2-3 times per year for colouring – for special occasions – and do the rest at home; however the store items often cause my hair to break.
There are also alot of anti-aging creams out there that work well. Use something with retinol – ease into it.
However, the keys for me have been: Stay out of the SUN! Wear a hat. Use a moisturizer with sunscreen and get as much sleep each night as possible (this one is the hardest!). Last, have a daily makeup regimen that includes concealer, foundation (again with sunscreen) and powder. You will look more awake and polished. I don’t wear makeup a ton, either, but notice a huge difference in my appearance when I do. So many are light these days that they don’t feel too bad on my skin.
Good luck!
k
August 11th, 2007 at 11:31 am
I live in a very dry climate and was noticing how my skin had aged so badly. I tried Arbonne’s line for anti-aging (NutriMinC – RE9). It has made a huge difference. My skin is just softer, younger looking – and the wrinkles at my eyes and other places just aren’t as noticeable. After using it awhile, if I slack off, my skin still looks good for quite a while. I also have found that even though I definitely look better with makeup, if I’m using this consistently on my skin – I look way, way better when I’m not wearing any.
They also have this line of anti-aging for the body.
August 11th, 2007 at 11:35 am
Well, I believe that I will be in the absolute minority here, but I say go natural all the way.
I am probably one of the very few men on this site (more than my wife), but I tend to like people that have a more natural look to them.
I am a redhead and am getting white hairs coming in left and right…and I’m not even 34 yet. It does get a little disconcerting when my wife points out that my unshaven face makes me look like I am 50, or that I will soon look like I have seen a ghost when the white invades in full force.
Even with all the little goofy remarks, I have never considered trying to color my hair or to fight my receding hairline. I actually embraced it by shaving the whole thing.
Anyways, I just hope that the attitude that I have in regards to vanity will help me once our future little one becomes a teenager…oh boy am I NOT looking forward to that part of the process.
jjnanj – LID=03.27.06
August 11th, 2007 at 11:36 am
Aging: I think genetics plays a big part – as do smoking, alcohol use, and sun-bathing (all are bad for skin).
I am almost 45, my big kids are 23, 20 and 19 – but get told I “look too young to have kids that old”. I have very little grey (though my sisters went grey very early on, mid 20s – Dad’s fault, he was salt and pepper at 19!) Mom dyed her hair from my birth on – I was the only redhead and both parents have naturally dark hair, so who knows when she went grey.
I have never used makeup, and also credit that with the lack of wrinkles on my face – makeup is heavy on your skin, blocks the pores, etc – it might make you look better when it’s on, but when you take it off, the wrinkles are there instead. (Just my opinion)
I have a few grey hairs now – at 45 in October, I expected they’d start to show up at some point! – but I won’t color my hair. It is what it is. :)
Being TIRED makes me look pretty haggard some days though – getting enough sleep can go a long way towards “looking young”.
Easy for me to say now, though, with only a 7 yr old at home, and no baby keeping me up all night yet!
August 11th, 2007 at 11:48 am
I second the microdermabrasion! I have mine done for 100.00 which includes a facial and my skin looks and feels so much better. I do not think creams can help as much as taking off the very top layer of your skin to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. It does not hurt at all…feels like a cat’s tongue licking your face. I could go home right away and put on make up and go to work!
August 11th, 2007 at 11:59 am
I used to dye my hair until for some reason, no matter what home dye I used it would leave black spotches in my hair. I had to pay big money to go to a salon to strip the color out and have them re-dye it. Since then (about 5 yrs ago) I’ve been paying for a professional colorist. I go to Walmart and the girl there does a great job for $60.
I’ve been battling dark age spots for years and dark circle inherited from my dad! I use Olay definity foam, just started so we will see after 8 weeks.
August 11th, 2007 at 12:04 pm
A good hairstylist who knows color (hard to find, but worth the search) and Clinique. Two things that keep me feeling and appearing thirty-something when I am forty, ahem, something.
A self-administered color will always look like it and nothing will beat a cosmetic line with years of experience behind it.
Lastly, as Sherry in Vermont points out, sleep – while as costly as our hair stylist and skin care – is worth every dime.
Your post is timely to my current personal decision about my grays; thinking of leaving one distinguishing streak of gray in a bed of brunette. I don’t mind looking “older” as long as I don’t feel it!
Thanks for your candid post, RQ. I don’t feel so alone any more ; )
August 11th, 2007 at 12:12 pm
I’m an expert in this area as I started going white, not grey in my 30′s. I use Clairol Natural Instincts. They show you on the box what colors to use depending on your hair color. It works for about 6 weeks. It doesn’t smell horrible and it goes on really easy, not runny or sticky. There is a conditioner with it which I use quite freqently.
I use Loreal touch up in between as the top of my head (the hairs underneath the top layer) get white as well as the sides (also underneath). Clairol doesn’t have a touch up but Loreal does. I use medium warm brown for clairol and medium for loreal. It matches perfectly.
Mary Kay cosmetics has a great anti aging cream. I don’t buy it alot because it’s a little on the pricy side but it lasts a long time. They also have cream for under the eyes which I’m sure would work great. They have fantastic cosmetiss. No, I don’t sell them (although I used to years ago).
Hope this helps.
August 11th, 2007 at 12:27 pm
Genetics do have a lot to do with aging. My 86 yr old grandfather died without a wrinkle on his face. Gravity of course caused sagging but he basically had no wrinkles. I’m 43 and don’t have any wrinkles yet so hopefully I’ll be like my dear grandpa.
jjnanj- You’re just lucky. Men often get more handsome with a little grey and weathering. :) But I agree with prefering a more natural look.
This is a funny thread……lol
August 11th, 2007 at 12:35 pm
I agree that sleep is a huge thing to preserving your youthful appearance and so is water. Skin tends to wrinkle more quickly when it is dehydrated and hydration starts from within. Lots of water for inside and a good cream for the outside. I have been trying anti-wrinkle/anti-aging creams for years. I have tried the Avons, the MaryKays, the Clinique’s, the Olays, etc. and I haven’t really been that overly impressed with any of them. Still searching though, so I’ll keep ya posted.
As for the haircolor thing, be sure that the at home product that you are using is permanent color and often times in the directions they give you a time for “resistant” gray coverage. Maybe you just need to leave it on for a longer time. If this still doesn’t work, go to a salon and see what they can do. If they manage to cover it to your satisfaction than you both win if not then you know to keep trying different things. I know that there is a professional line, I believe Goldwell, that has a specialty line geared toward gray coverage. Good luck and luckily here on this forum there is no aging……
August 11th, 2007 at 12:35 pm
(1) Microdermabrasion is awesome, and some of the home kits have been cheaper and worked really well for me.
(2) Believe it or not, Costco’s new brand of facial treatments (KIrkland’s version of Borghese) work very well for a good price. I have weird wrinkles in my forehead and their Wrinkle Serum zapped them nicely. The eye cream zaps the crows’ feet.
(3) Yes to those who have their color done at a salon. I tried home boxes twice and looked totally weird. My budget is tight so I just get highlights and go 4x a year.
(4) At some point it starts to become a balancing act between fighting the natural process and yielding to it. In my mid 30s, I started to panic when I realized I *really* wasn’t going to look 20 forever. (As a friend of mine put it, “when I was younger I thought my parents’ aging was due to their own poor planning.” Somehow we all think we can be exempt from this process.) So I fought back vigorously.
Now that I’m pushing 50, I’m starting to yield to reality. I don’t look 20 anymore. I don’t even look 30 anymore. This train is cruising down the tracks and I’m not going to be able to stop it. (And who ever imagined I’d be taking on a new baby at this age! But that’s a whole ‘nother thread…)
At the same time, accepting that it’s gonna happen has been strangely liberating. Nowadays I’m not trying so hard to look “young,” I’m just trying to look “good”–eating right, exercising, drinking lots of fluids, sleeping well, remembering to take care of myself in the midst of having to care for everybody else, dressing nicely, using what beauty products I can–and STAYING HAPPY. Nothing to me looks “older”–and sadder–than a person whose wrinkles suggest permanent frowns because they haven’t enjoyed their life. Maybe the best we can hope for is to have our inevitable wrinkle lines be in the shape of smiles.
August 11th, 2007 at 12:36 pm
I know many won’t agree, but I am not for aging gracefully.
I have a stylist color my hair, but I recently tried a “roots only” product that I picked up at Target. I think L’oreal makes it and I really liked it. It blended in with my other color perfectly and helped with my gray. I have dark hair and my gray is silver and shiny and really shows up.
I use all organic face products. Aubrey is a great brand. But I also do chemical peels and microdermabrasion. It has really made a big difference in the texture of my skin.
And I don’t think anyone else has said it or admitted to it, but I LOVE botox. It is not cheap, but it works. My issue is that when I am tired or thinking I scowl and look angry. Botox prevents the angry look and also has eliminated my forehead and between the eyes wrinkles. I am still able to make expressions, but they are more attractive now.
My pesonal opinion, is that there isn’t a cream that will erase wrinkles. I think preventative measures are fantastic, but if wrinkles are already there I don’t think lotion will get rid of them.
Also, Frownies really work. They are adhesives that you sleep in that hold your skin in place.
August 11th, 2007 at 1:26 pm
I have never been brave enough to color my hair by myself! I am a natural redhead….so the thoughts of Bozo the Clown always came to my mind when I considered home coloring…YIKES! So yes, I too am a salon girl and love it!
I would suggest a couple of things for coloring at home though.
1) Go to Sally Beauty Supply or Ulta or what ever the equivilent is in your part of the country, and ask for help. If the person there is not very helpful or does not seem very knowledgeable, ask someone else, or try another store or another time at that store. I have found that, at least in my area, that the majority of the people who work in these store are extremely knowledgable about these subjects! And at Ulta if the sales associates are not of any help, there is a salon right there. I have often seen the stylists from the salon out in the hair care section helping customers. It doesn’t hurt to ask!
2) ALWAYS use a shampoo/conditioner formulated for colored hair..no cheap stuff here…it truly does make a difference! Many shampoos strip the color away quickly, while if you use a shampoo for colored hair, it is formulated to protect the color. I have put this one to the test, and believe me, it does make a difference.
Now, as far as the wrinkles and aging creams….I am on my way to the drugstore to buy all of the lines suggested! LOL
I have used Neutrogena Visibly Firm lift serum with some success for a limited amount of time. I have some very deep lines between my eyes…have since my late 20′s and it seems to smooth out these lines pretty well, definatley a noticable improvement. I have not tried it anywhere else on my face…although each day I notice that I could definately use some Visibly Firm on several locations! I have very sensitive skin and alot of chemical sensitivity and very prone to breakouts from chemicals. So I am very hesitant to use anything. When I use this between my eyes, I do not have an issue with chemical sensitivity, but have had some blocked pores and breakouts in the area from it. Hmmm…wrinkles or pimples…which way do I want to go? Well at least the pimples make me look younger…right?
Good luck in your quest!
August 11th, 2007 at 1:28 pm
Love Oil of Olay products….use to work with a gal who looked 40 but was actually 65!! She’d been using plain old Oil of Olay which comes in the pink bottle.
I color my hair using semi-perm color. I use Natural Instincts and it covers well. I only need to use it every 4 weeks ($7.99 per box verses about $100 to have it done!! Our post China trip budget will not let me go to the salon at this time.) The only time my ends turned black was while going to a professional. I do color red- so you have to be careful!
August 11th, 2007 at 1:30 pm
The way I see it, “natural” is a lovely concept, but not always so good in practice. That’s why deodorant was invented! :) Having said that, I’m also lazy, and don’t have the patience for elaborate routines.
I went grey very early, and consider professional colour a necessity. I keep the cost down by alternating full colours with root touch-ups, and by using a colour wand when my roots start to show. Blonde highlights help disguise grey roots as well.
As for the wrinkles, I use sunscreen religiously, but that’s it for creams. I spend my money on two Botox treatments, two microdermabrasions and one professional tooth whitening per year – and voila, I look 10 years younger without any further effort.
Similarly, I had laser hair removal done, and have never had to shave again. Yeah, I’ve heard the snide comments about “invasive” treatments, but I don’t care – I can roll out of bed, throw my hair into a ponytail and head out the door knowing that I look pretty good without a lot of daily primping. Natural? No. But low maintenance? Yes! And I feel good about myself, which is something that I want my girls to see.
August 11th, 2007 at 1:42 pm
I did my own hair for years, I finally bit the bullet and went to a salon. It is expensive but well worth it, highlights or lowlights also. I also get my eyebrows waxed and my eyelashes dyed at the same time. The eyelashes are pretty cool, I have very light lashes and it gives them enough color that I don’t feel like I need to run to the mascara (didn’t much anyway, but now it feels like I at least have lashes).
Where do you guys get microdermabrasion done? I did botox for a little while, but I am not crazy about that shiny lifeless look for myself. I am sure no one else noticed but I did. Also, I have a pretty deep crease near my mouth that I had filled with restylane and I love it! It has lasted for a couple of years, I know that this is not for everyone, but it is out there for those of us that want it and that is what we are talking about, so please no judgements. Creams…good luck.
Go natural??? Hahahahahahahahaha, not here!
August 11th, 2007 at 1:49 pm
aino- Does Botox hurt? How about microdermabraisions? I’m thinkining about going that route, but I am such a wimp. What does your skin look like the next day?
August 11th, 2007 at 1:58 pm
No, neither hurts at all, and neither is really visible after the fact; a quick swipe of makeup before I leave the doctor’s office, and I can head right back to work without anyone being the wiser.
August 11th, 2007 at 2:01 pm
I get my hair done professionally. I haven’t had success coloring it on my own. I didn’t get gray hair until I adopted my first daughter. The color lasts for about four weeks before roots are obvious.
As for skin care, use excellent sunblock, minimize alcohol intake, absolutely no smoking (yuck), and genetics does help. Most over the counter lotions work as a night cream. I started to get adult acne in the summer (although I have normal to dry skin) a few years ago with any day cream. I now use Coppertone Ultralight Sunscreen under my make-up. I also love the Evelyn & Crabtree eye and lip products to minimize wrinkles.
August 11th, 2007 at 2:02 pm
I think genetics play a large role in this as well. Fortunately, in terms of wrinkles and grey hair I have good genetics: At 80, my mom has few gray hairs; has never coloured her hair. My grandmother (her mom) was the same and has some grey hair in her late 80′s (maybe half of her hair), but very little in her 70′s. So fortunately, no gray hair yet…
For my skin I use Lancome products; have for more than 10 years. I have very sensitive skin and their moisturizers were the only ones my skin tolerated. I love them and fortuantely do not have any wrinkles yet either. I think I owe a lot to older siblings who taught me to avoid sun tanning at all costs. Its probably the major reasons I have avoided getting any wrinkles..when everyone else was sunbathing, my sisters were running afer me with sunblock and to wear hats. I thought they were a pain..but they were so right…
I would be terrified of microdermabrasions myself..as I think I would be left permanently scarred…my skin is very thin and fair…and I am not sure would recover from this…so I think I will stick to moisturizers and well live with the wrinkles as they come….
August 11th, 2007 at 2:09 pm
I tried the color in a box for awhile, but it dried out my hair horribly! I go to the salon and they use Goldwell products – have tried a few others but this brand looks the most natural on me. My stylist explained that the stuff in the box has harsher chemicals that should only be applied the first time you color – it gets the pours to open and accept the color. When they touch up at the salon, they use a gentler color. Maybe the home products “touch up” products are gentler now. I gave up on it because of those “resistant grays.” I get the touch ups every 6-7 weeks. I skip the cut every other time – cuts the cost in half! I’m not too proud to leave with a wet head when I save $50 and really don’t need the cut that frequently.
As for the skin care, I like the Clinique stuff. It’s been the only stuff that doesn’t make me break out. I love the total turnaround cream too! It makes my skin brighter so you can’t tell that I just woke up. It isn’t heavy. I haven’t seen any NEW wrinkles, which I can live with (buy when there’s a bonus. It kills the pain of the $35 purchase price). I don’t wear foundation, stay out of the sun, and drink water, water, water! I gave up diet coke at the new year. Now I make iced tea with green or white tea. My skin is healthier and I don’t have headaches anymore. Not sure if that was dehydration or the sweetener.
I knew two different older women who had GORGEOUS skin. One used olive oil (too greasy for me) and the other used Preparation H (too stinky and sticky). You can try those if your feeling desperate!
August 11th, 2007 at 2:09 pm
Hair – well, I now “streak” my hair – no one even notices the greys that have started. The benefits above coloring your hair, is that the roots are not as noticeable (you can go longer between coloring), and the chemicals don’t penetrate your scalp (which can enter your blood stream).
wrinkles – eyes –
best thing out of all creams etc I’ve tried is just pure Jojoba oil – once at night and once in the morning – under the eyes (at night you can put some above the eyes ) – people always think I am 10-12 years younger than I am. The wrinkles almost disapppear overnight.
skin – I can’t say enough about yogurt – plenty is documented about the benefits of its good bacteria in your stomach and the role it plays in keeping the skin youthful – skin is always best treated from the inside out :)
noxema – love to do a commercial sometime :) I have used nothing but noxema to wash my skin since I was 12 – no astringents, no soaps, just noxema. It is medicating and gentle and leaves the natural oils on the skin to keep it looking young (use the “original formula”). once in a while, I’ll use a natural skin cleanser now, which is from orange oil, natural. but that’s all (it cleans the pores).
sleep – I think the aging is from less sleep – I age far more when I work on a film (I work on hollywood movies that are done in our city) than I do during my breaks: the sleep on my breaks, seems to “de-age” me, – I look younger again. But what can you do, when you have kids, and are run off your feet :) (I don’t have any yet) – maybe a “sleep holiday”.
coffeee – it dehydrates your body (more acurately it is a diuretic) – I LOVE espresso, but if you drink a lot, I would cut it back perhaps :)
Jackie (thank you for your site – it is a God send :)
waiting for child #1
LID Apr 06
August 11th, 2007 at 2:17 pm
As for age creams here is my take on it…there is a lot of info here….as I have tried many many things.
Currently I am trying a new regimen (expensive as it is) recommended by my dermotologist
1. Prevage as a starter, followed by this TNS Human growth hormone–yeah, that is what I said …Human growth hormone! Then for under the eyes I am using TNS illuminator which someone else mentioned and they liked it.
It has only been a couple of weeks but my skin does seems softer for sure…as for wrinkles–they jury is out.
We’ll see. I have been this route before. Everytime I go to the doctor for my skin check for skin cancer I always leave with at least $150 worth of something for my skin. Sometimes I feel as if I get shamed into it when she asks if I am happy with my skin treatments.
As for what I have tried before and have liked:
1. I have tried Arbonne and actually like it. However I did develop a few “age spots” while using it. I don’t know if it had anything to do with the Arbonne but when I asked dermo she said she doesn’t see good results with it–of course she is not selling it either. I do think it is pretty good however.
2. If you can shell out the mucho bucks try Creme de la Mer which is sold at pricey dept. stores it is an amazing creme. I have two friends that use it and they look fantastic. A lot of celebrities use it. I used and my skin looked great but the cream is think and I have a tendency toward rosacea if I use heavy creams on my skin so I had to stop–which was a mixed blessing since the stuff is so pricey. You can also find on ebay but make sure it is a reputable seller.
3. I keep hearing that Olay Regenerist is a great product. I haven’t used it but seems to have a great reputation.
4. Of course we all know that the sun WRECKS out skin. And that drinking water and eating right and taking a multivitamin and adding some flaxseed, omega 3′s also show up in healthier skin.
5. Oh yeah, and then there’s sleep.
August 11th, 2007 at 2:17 pm
Please don’t think I’m nuts! For healthy skin, try hydration, diet and exercise. I began this approach at the beginning of the year, and have been impressed with the results!
Creams work to temporarily “fill in” the surface of lines. Water fills them from within and is more consistent and helps to improve skin tone. Exercise helps to relieve stress to lessen brow furrowing. A healthy diet will make your skin glow like it did when you were a kid forced to eat brussel sprouts.
I know from experience that it can be difficult to work personal time into a family day – shoot, it can be hard to work bathroom breaks into a family day! Many YMCA’s offer childcare while you work out. Some offer “Mom and me” classes. Even the “Adult Only” classes that I attend often include children as young as 4 – I personally like this since it is teaching by example.
Good luck!
August 11th, 2007 at 2:28 pm
Hair – Use a permanant color. once you find the color you like, just color the roots that have noticable gray. Use a quality shampoo like Rene Furterer’s Okara & the leave in conditioner. You will be amazed…your hair will stay shiney in between color treatments and the color will not fade as fast.
Skin- Go to a derm. and make sure your skin is healthy. Use the dr’s recommended products and or go directly to a well educated facialist with a salon that has an extension product inventory.
I use Prevage along with a facialists recommended product regime that includes Skinceuticals C E Ferullic 9. Sunscreen is a must. I like anything 40+ by Neutragena.
August 11th, 2007 at 2:44 pm
I don’t have grey hair (yet), but back in the day I was quite the goth-punk chick and dyed my poor blond hair black.
I used to use Clairol Nice and Easy and that stuff does NOT wash out. When I outgrow my goth phase, it was such a pain the butt to try to get it out. I ended up having to just let it grow out. Even a professional couldn’t get it out of my hair :(
For skin, I love the Olay Regenerist line.
August 11th, 2007 at 2:45 pm
I am 20 or 30 percent white, but just on top and sides. Very uneven, so I do touch up. My hair is dark auburn, but when I am in the sun bleaches fast to golden red streaks.
I have good results with semipermanant, Clairol Natural Instincts strawberry blond. The lighter color convets the white into “highlights” Roots will start to show after about 4 weeks, but everything is blended so it does not look too bad.
For skin – I have Rosacea and a bad case at that. So anything harsh is out. Conversly because I am SOO careful my skin looks pretty good. I use a self mixed cream with ingredients from a firm called Skin Actives.
I use EGF, Licerous (sp?), and Q10. These are all excellent for your skin, particularly EGF and Q10 – the other is an anitinflamatory but makes everyones skin better.
I never go out without at least SPF 15 on.
Of course all the laser I get might help!
There are some very good laser options and can be a lot less intrusive than something like a facelift
It is too stong for my skin
August 11th, 2007 at 2:46 pm
Well, I’ve gotten a lot of samples from DHC in the mail, and I keep meaning to buy this one product. http://www.dhccare.com/DHC/ProductDetail.aspx?CS_ProductID=178&CS_Catalog=DHC%20USA
It’s called Velvet Skin Coat; if the link doesn’t work just go to http://www.dhccare.com and search that.
They say to use it as a primer, but I don’t use foundation. I just smooth this over my crows’ feet and it fills in the wrinkles, and feels smooth and soft. I think it’s pretty good, because it takes no effort. I am one of those chicks who only uses mascara, and I get sunburned every summer because I forget that I need sunscreen… duh! Oh well…
:)
I color my hair w/ Feria (Loreal) which I think has the best coverage.
wBw
August 11th, 2007 at 2:49 pm
the salon, oh my queen!
August 11th, 2007 at 3:20 pm
I have noticed a huge difference in my skin since I started taking 3 fish oil capsules a day for my joints. I wear sunblock (either neutrogena healthy defense or aveeno ultra calming redness relief (I have rosacea) under my makeup every single day. I also use Neutrogena’s advanced solutions facial peel once every ten days. My skin feels so soft and smooth after I do it. I was in a wedding a few months ago and spent $175 at the dermatologist’s office for microdermabrasion and a facial and the advanced solution peel makes my skin feel better than the treatment at my doctor’s office. As for my hair, I used natural instincts for years but in June I turned 44 and bit the bullet and started getting my hair colored at the salon.
August 11th, 2007 at 3:49 pm
Since I came home with DD#2 in april, I feel as if I have aged super-fast also. My hair over the past 3 weeks has started falling out at a significantly faster rate than normal. I went to the Dr yesterday, because I am so concerned about it. The first thing she mentioned (not knowing I had recently adopted DD#2) was that stress-related hair loss begins to show about 4 months after a traumatic event. 4 months ago from when it started falling out was a week or so before I left for China, was leaving DD#1 at home with Dad, and was so stressed about the trip etc… not to mention the MAJOR adjustment stress upon the return home… (RQ – Glitter Girl’s adjustment sounds JUST like my DD#1′s.) Good news is that stress-related hair loss will grow back (although she did run tests for other problems, I am pretty confident now that stress is the culprit.) What hair I do have, however, is definitely turning grey fast.. not to mention my sagging face…… ugh.
August 11th, 2007 at 4:51 pm
Yeah, stress can defintely cause hair loss. I am sure your doc looked into it but certain thyroid conditions can cause hair loss. The good news is that those are treatable too.
August 11th, 2007 at 4:53 pm
O.K., didn’t have time to read through all the comments, however, if your hair is dark, then the gray seems to be more noticable and stubborn. My hair is naturally a light brown and my hair dresser just gives me a nice heavy highlight which allows the gray to blend in naturally. I too think a good hair stylist is key. I have lots of gray!
As far as the wrinkles, I just bought 1 1/2 weeks ago the Neutrogena Anti-Wrinkle Serum. I also bought the night cream. OH MY GOSH, I can totally tell a difference. I started putting it on DH a couple nights ago – what a trooper. For us, the stuff has been amazing. I think the Anti-Wrinkel Serum was around $15 – $20. Well worth it I think. I use it at night with a night cream on top.
Good luck!
Ziggy
LID June 6, 2006
August 11th, 2007 at 6:27 pm
Hello….
All (saloons, colors, etc.) works for a while….when “one of those nice persons” tell you something about grays, the answer should be:
I AM NOT GOING GRAY!!…I AM TURNING PLATINUM.
August 11th, 2007 at 6:45 pm
Hair – Salon every 6-7 weeks
Face – Lancome but 2 other terrific “after” products – Laura Geller’s “Spackle” – fills in the lines and wrinkles and Bare Essentials “well rested” eye powder – disguises the tired circles under the eyes
August 11th, 2007 at 7:26 pm
I agree on the salon for getting your color done. I get highlights too, and that seems to help it grow out more gracefully… I can usually go three months between appointments.
Wrinkle cream… I’ve tried several. But what I really love for the lines above my nose (frown lines, but I don’t think I frown that much!) – Botox. It really works. It’s worth cutting the budget in other areas to get this a couple of times a year for me.
August 11th, 2007 at 7:48 pm
I can not be bothered to pay for color, I would rather spend the bucks on a good spa facial.
Loreal Excellence with the extra time for grays every 4 weeks. Between coupons and sales you can usually get it around 6 bucks or less.
That way you can save for a lovely time at the spa. Face stuff, I’m about to try Mary Kay, Bath and Body works has I line I like, even the dentist noticed my more relaxed look but it is on the hefty side.
August 11th, 2007 at 8:01 pm
Yep, botox above the nose for frown lines is great! I did not like it when it got toward my crows feet around my eyes though. It relaxed the muscles under my eyes and made them take on a sunken look. I will be very selective with the botox if I go that route again. I don’t think the sunken look happens to everyone, but it did for me and it lasts for several months. Another side benefit is that it can be great for cutting down migraines. With Botox it is a trial and error deal, start by being conservative IMHO.
August 11th, 2007 at 8:04 pm
My Mom once asked me why I didn’t age gracefully everytime I colored my hair, meaning why didn’t I just leave my hair grey like she did. I answered, I am againg gracefully, I’m coloring my hair. I also had trouble with box hair colors too, so now only my hairdresser knows for sure!
August 11th, 2007 at 8:21 pm
I am 60 and luckily have no gray and few wrinkles yet. I don’t use sunscreen unless I am at the beach and use Lancome products which I think have helped. I also think what helps most is drinking plenty of water, exercising regularly, omega 3, and really limiting salt intake. If we eat over-salted restaurant food two nights in a row it will show up as little salt bags under my eyes.
August 11th, 2007 at 8:28 pm
My older kids (13 and 14)were horrified when I said I might quit coloring my hair. I started when the greys got more noticeable around age 30. My hairdresser uses something called GreyBeGone mixed in with the color because my grey is so resistant. She only charges $45 for color and style and I only go about every 3 months when the kids beg me to go.
I am another Mary Kay fan. They have a new product I am eager to try that is for dark circles and puffiness under the eyes. I also agree with the rec. for hydration, sleep and avoiding sun exposure as well as never use soap on your face and use moisturizer. Mary Kay also has a microdermabrasion product that I have used and I think it really has improved the appearance of my skin. My mom has used MaryKay for years and people are always saying how young she looks.
chinatwo
August 11th, 2007 at 8:33 pm
Litmom, maybe you didn’t use the right color for your hair?
I have always been pleased with the Clairol product. I went through a few colors before I found the perfect one for me. Now I get compliments every time I use it….even from my hairstylist!
I don’t agree that the box has harsher chemicals thant he salon. I used to get my hair colored at a salon and it definately felt worse than when I did it at home.
I guess it’s all up to the individual and what your hair is like.
I also don’t have any wrinkles yet and feel that genetics plays a huge role. Everyone assumss I’m in my 30′s even though I’m in my 40′s. My mother always had beautiful skin and always looked young. She’s 86 now and still going strong.
August 11th, 2007 at 9:08 pm
Dear RQ –
My natural hair color too is dark brown, greying at the temples — and I’ll fight it til the end.
Like many others here, I have found that I can only get good results at the salon, rather than using the grocery store box brands. To make the color last longer between visits to the salon, a high quality shampoo and conditioner is essential (I’ve had good luck with Biolage Fortifying Shampoo and Conditioner). I would NOT use the shampoos that supposedly include color to make it last longer; they’re generally not that high quality, don’t really make the color last any longer, and dry out your hair.
I agree that taking fish oil caplets and really focusing on drinking lots of water also seems to have a significant impact.
I treat myself to a facial every 4 or 5 months, and the last time I splurged, my aesthetician suggested plain old Cetaphil cream from Walgreen’s. She let me in on a secret: after applying all the various fancy cleansers, masks, and moisturizers in the facial for which the salon was charging me close to $100, she finishes me off with Cetaphil and thinks THAT is the product that provides the most lasting hydration for my skin.
August 11th, 2007 at 9:16 pm
Great suggestions – but is there anything wrong with aging gracefully with gray hair? I don’t think I want to add the worry of getting my hair colored every few weeks and certainly wouldn’t do it myself. Has anybody decided not to worry about their hair?
August 11th, 2007 at 9:16 pm
As per post above, I use products too…but it’s also good to be reminded that for all we might do to try and preserve the illusion of youth for a few years longer, there’s really no shame in growing older. The only shame lies in behaving badly towards others. If you’re a decent, kind and caring person it will show on your face at any age, and you can’t buy that look from a bottle no matter how much you spend.
I’d rather spend time with kindhearted people who “look their age” (or even older) than with people who look “young” and chic but act like jerks.
August 11th, 2007 at 9:20 pm
For day: Oil of Olay Complete Moisture SPF 15.
For night: Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Intensive night cream.
Affordable and effective. But most of all, SUNSCREEN. I’ve been wearing it under foundation since my 20s and nary a wrinkle yet at 43. At least, not that I can tell, and no one is brave enough to tell me anything different.
August 11th, 2007 at 9:20 pm
I use Clairol. Stick with a color as close as possible to your natural color, or one shade lighter — it generally takes about 90-120 days before my gray starts showing noticeably. I can usually get away with coloring twice a year.
As far as aging, there’s alot of products out there. Be sure you’re taking time for you. Also, drink a lot of water, and get enough sleep. I noticed when I came home from China six months ago, I was starting to look a lot older than normal (I’ve always appeared around 5 years older than my true age). Mostly it was due to the adjustment in routine and the lack of sleep. Now that we’re on a fairly regular schedule, I’m looking more like me!
August 11th, 2007 at 9:22 pm
SomedayChina, I’m leaning towards giving up the fight. My gray hairs aren’t *that* bad, and the cost of deluding myself and others could probably be applied to other areas of my budget with worthwhile results.
RQ, I am just wondering why after I submit a comment it takes 2 hours before it’s posted?
August 11th, 2007 at 9:46 pm
I am almost 55, I went for quite a while at one point not doing my hair, I am about 60% gray. I found that I felt like I looked, which is pretty much blahhh. I feel so much more energetic and lively when I don’t have gray hair and my skin is a bit under control. To put this in perspective, I have not had make-up on for a couple of months, I just don’t normally wear it unless I am doing something special, so I am definitely not fixated on looks. I know when I look (in my own mind) to be a bit younger I act a bit younger and people always comment on how good I look. It may boil down to attitude is all, but my attitude is better when I look refreshed and the gray is gone. I don’t know if it is total vanity or not, but when I have really gray hair or my skin needs some upkeep I feel like slumping and not smiling, just draggy. I pass a mirror and just sort of say ho hum to myself, does that make sense? I do it because I feel better doing it. I envy folks that feel great when they go au naturale.
August 11th, 2007 at 10:02 pm
Hey, I still get carded at restaurants and I am in my late 30′s…it’s awesome! Wish I could say it was due to a miracle cream or hair color, but it’s not. I’m probably not saying anything new here…but genes have so much to do with how we age. Good nutrition, sleep, exercise, drinking lots of water, and sunscreen are all important to me as well. A great colorist at an upscale salon makes all the difference to my apprearing much younger then I am. I go to a salon that only uses Aveda products…they look so natural I can’t believe it is a color with highlights. Yes, I probably pay too much but it looks so great. I also have been faithful about seeing a dermatologist and using more naturally based cosmetics and skin care products (Aveda, Origins, etc) for my skin. Less is more for me. I’m sure I will age quite a bit after our first adoption, but until then I still look like I’m in my 20′s!
August 11th, 2007 at 10:15 pm
Someday in China: If you are comfortable with gray hair, that’s great. I don’t like it on me. I have one big gray spot right in the middle of my forehead, and it just looks bad. Maybe if my gray hairs were more evenly distributed, it wouldn’t bother me so much.
When my hair is pretty much all gray (all better yet, silver or white), I will stop dying it.
August 11th, 2007 at 10:32 pm
My vote — the salon. I do think about how much money I”m spending and that I could be saving a lot by just buying the box instead. But, I really do think the salon is a nice luxury every now and then. Also, if your grey hairs pop out in a few weeks, you can go back and say — “hey, what’s the deal?” and get a touch up if you need it. Let’s face it — raising two children is hard work, plus your career, this site and being married!!! You deserve some relaxing time doing nothing at the salon.
Have I missed AW’s advice??? AW are you out there???
August 11th, 2007 at 11:14 pm
Mine is all white and has been since about 29. I will literally go to the grave with my hair colored. That is my opinion not everyone looks as washed out and pasty as me, some actually look sophisticated.
I only use oil of olay but I can tell you that I ask my older patients with great skin what they use on their face and the majority say water only or ponds cold cream. Go figure the cheapest stuff thats been around forever.
August 12th, 2007 at 1:14 am
RQ, I would go with all the others on the hair. Pay the money to go to a professional. I do, and I think it’s worth every penny.
Regarding skin care. I will confess I’ve fallen in love with the Arbonne anti-aging Re9 line – so much so, I sell it! The products are all botanically based, vegan, (no animal products or byproducts used), no mineral oil (the thing that causes cloged pores), all hypoallergenic, never tested on animals, and NO synthetic colors or fragrances. But most important to me – they get results! I saw a difference in 4 days of regular use of the system. After 1 year, my skin is softer and less wrinkled than it has been in years – and it’s “healing” from the inside out. That’s what the line does that’s different than all the rest. Instead of just treating the problem topically – it helps the skin hydrate and re-build collagen from the inside out – so the skin is “plumped up”, actually thickened, and looks so much better! My Mother switched to Arbonne after 39 years of Mary Kay use, and some days she looks like she had a facelift! Many cosmetic surgeons recommend the line because their patients heal quicker and have better results from their proceedures. (Thick, healthy skin responds better.)
It’s sold through consultants, so if you want more info, email me privately and I’ll connect you with my website and samples.
Good luck! I’m just glad I finally found something that works…after 40 I was getting desperate! ha!
ps, the sun comments are so true! Aging is 10% heredity, and 90% the way we let the environment affect it…so protection from the sun is a huge factor in keeping it soft and unwrinkled…but if it’s too late…then the Re9 anti-aging line will reverse the damage.
and…thanks so much for this website! I just love it!
Christy
August 12th, 2007 at 3:04 am
I too use the Lorel excellence creme permanent color with the avacado oil treatment. I have very dark brown hair and gray is poking out all over! The gray is covered great and I have to touch up my roots about every 8 weeks when my 6 year old announces that my hair is two different colors!!!
I also get paranoid about eye wrikles and use the whole line of Olay regenerist and am a HUGE fan! I highly reccomend. They work great on my skin and I continue to have no lines yet at age 34.
Anyone got anything for those pesky chin hairs that pop up at the most embarressing times!!!! Ahhhhh, the 30′s!
August 12th, 2007 at 3:51 am
Oh chin hairs are the worst, arent they?
I try waxing…but there is a cream you can get from your doc/dermotologist called Vaniqua..I think I spelled it right. It keeps facial hair away for months after you use it for about a month.
Worth a try.
August 12th, 2007 at 4:10 am
It does not mather what brand I use for my grey hair. It always cover the grey (and I have a lot!) for the rest of the time. The colour lightens up lightens up, but never shows grey. After 6 weeks, I have to colour it again, because hair grows ;-) I think, it depends on youre type of hair. Some does not take much colour, some does.
I also have the ‘luck’ to have a thick skin in my face, so the wrinkels are not showing (I am 40) in my face (yet?).
August 12th, 2007 at 8:03 am
Lots of product-specific advice here already. Here’s my two cents: If you haven’t already, really adjust your lifestyle with more water, less alcohol, less sun, healthy foods, more exercise, etc. Fitness and happy thoughts are important to show in your posture and expression: having these will make you look youthful, gray hairs or no; lack of same will doom you.
Stay intellectually active and curious; also live courageously and with appreciation for simple pleasures. Worry and negativism are extremely aging! But people positively flock around the vigorous older person because s/he has such insight, wisdom, encouragement ["I survived, so will you"], and fascinating stories.
Don’t let health or dental problems go unattended. If you can, whiten your teeth! Also take care of your nails: doesn’t have to be expensive, but at least keep them smooth and neat. Wear lower heels so you don’t wreck your feet; and make a point to stand and sit straight with gut sucked in.
Wash hair, face etc regularly with mild products and moisturize gently afterwards. (I use some baby products, as well as Mary Kay.) Exfoliate regularly (could be damp washcloth) and experiment with products and routines til you find what works for you. And even if you lose your hair through some kind of beauty disaster (as I did), it’s only hair and will grow back! :) [stylist screwed up; now I do my own]
Be open-minded about changing your style from long hair to short, darker hair to lighter, etc: trying to stay “the same” never works. Also learn the arts of concealment and distraction (drawing the eye to your great X so that it doesn’t see your sagging Y), and befriend flattering colors (like white: black not so much).
I’m 51, Mom 81 and father 97, all very well. Grandparents etc were also long-lived. We all had oily skin and acne in youth, but that stuff eventually pays off with smooth skin in old age. As a family, we’ve tended towards the ‘early to bed, early to rise’ lifestyle with lots of book-reading and hiking: organic nerds, if you will. But the pay-off is super because a healthy, attractive, high-functioning second half of life is WAY more fun than the first half. So enjoy!!
August 12th, 2007 at 9:12 am
LADIES, LADIES, LADIES!!!! I think “beentheredonethat” above said it best. It’s all about attitude and how you feel. If going natural makes you feel good then do it! If wearing 2 lbs of foundation makes YOU feel good, then that’s what you should do. If it takes a needle (yikes) and botox….then do that. Everyone should feel pretty. Who cares what anyone else thinks.
And why we’re on the subject….Does anyone else use Bare Minerals foundation from Bare Escentuals? I was really skeptical but I finally tried it and I absolutely LOVE it!! I don’t want to sound like a commercial, but it really does feel like you don’t have any makeup on and as long as you apply it correctly it gives great coverage! I recommend anyone trying it. It has a money back guarantee if you don’t like it. No, I don’t sell it, I just think it’s awesome and want to spread the word!
August 12th, 2007 at 9:17 am
Booklover, are there any hormones in Argonne?
August 12th, 2007 at 9:27 am
Rainbow girl – I love your advice and think its spot on :-)
Skyler’smom – love your’s too – each of us should do what makes us as an individual happy – not bow to media pressure to look thin/young etc. If what you do makes you happy inside – stick with it :-)
Love
Gertiesquidge
DTC ~papers at courier in Beijing~
http://offtochinaoneday.blogspot.com/
August 12th, 2007 at 9:41 am
chin hairs–awful. I plucked them out for 20 years. They started coming out in college and it got to the point where they were on my neck and all along my jaw line-gross! ON my 40th birthday I went to see the electrolysis at my salon. It took about a year of treatment. For a month every week and then about every month. They have been gone for years and its such a relief to not even think about it. Now since the wait is so long, I have been going to have my eyebrows shaped. Not to get some strange thin line but to remove the strays that seem to grow all over my forehead! And when the close vision goes at 40, I couldn’t see them to pluck anymore. If youhave the time its cheaper than laser but I hear laser removal is good too.
August 12th, 2007 at 9:49 am
I also love Bare Minerals makeup. As far as products I have a hard time recommending anything b/c I am so prone to acne. The past two years have aged me significantly but anti-wrinkle cream just makes me break out. I think diet and exercise along with hydration are really the key. Now, if I could only follow my own advice!
August 12th, 2007 at 1:12 pm
I hear David Copperfield has the fountain of youth on one of his islands…I think you can rent the island for about 50 grand a week….
On a serious note…I want to get rid of the chin hairs!! UGH they are so annoying. DH knows that when I am in the nursing home he has to pluck them for me!
I use all merle norman products….love them! ( Luxiva wrinkle smoother and Luxiva Preventage eye cream) And proff. will only touch this hair….its too fine and thin for me to do anything on my own.
~Linda
August 12th, 2007 at 1:54 pm
Ditto Klem et al:
Go to a Beauty Supply store and buy what the salons use. I also use Loreal. I started getting grays when I was 21 and worked the night audit. Been dying about 4xs per year since.
I like Walmart’s version of Oil of Olay for sensitive skin with SPF 15 for year round face sunscreen, and Walmart’s version (generic) of Lubriderm senstive skin with 15SPF for body sunscreen, everyday. Yes, I like to get 13cents from every dime. But I find if it’s expensive I won’t want to use it every day. I choose products for performance as well as economy.
August 12th, 2007 at 2:20 pm
La Mer is a good line, though $$$$. Lancome I like, and sephora stores or sephora.com has a lot of very good high end lines of “Goop” .
I feel your pain, about the wrinkle battle! Most of the moms in my daughter’s ‘little gym’ class are at least a decade younger than I, and their backs don’t hurt after hoisting a toddler around! bonne chance!
August 12th, 2007 at 2:55 pm
I almost forgot – for wrinkles you could always try the Dick Clark method of Preparation-H. It seems to work, but I’ve never tried it. You have to admit, though, that the guy looks YOUNG!
August 12th, 2007 at 3:03 pm
Hi RQ,
I do color my hair, don’t go to a salon. I use L’Oreal Couleur Experte. It is a permenant hair color and includes highlights (in a big red box). I try to hit the area with greys with the highlights and it hides the greys for a few more weeks (with dark hair there is less contrast as greys come in). If your hair is straight and dark the highlights may seem intense, but you can gage how long to leave on the product, more intense–leave on longer. Another secret is to not wash your hair with shampoo for 1-2 days after coloring if possible.
For touch ups, I use Nice and Easy Root Touch Up. Pull some product past the roots and it will blend in with your current hair color. Try to find a shampoo like Redken Color Extender that helps to keep color longer.
For face products i use Principal Secret, her Reclaim line is very good. You can get a 1month supply for about $35. It lasts me about 45-60days. I also use Arbonne products.
Good Luck!
-happygirl :-)
August 12th, 2007 at 4:57 pm
I go to the salon and get my hair colored, it works best for me, no mess at home, and the color lasts three months.
As for wrinkles, I am still trying to find something.
JEBMBC
August 12th, 2007 at 5:00 pm
Hi RQ,
What a popular topic!! I have to chime in and say that I am also an Arbonne consultant and highly recommend their products! It has a been a wonderful vehicle to saving $$$ by selling their products-plus I receive 35% off all of their products. It is very popular in our part the country. Feelingthejoy asked if their are any hormones in our products. NO!! That is their strength. No animal by-products. It is a botanically based company and my 45 year old skin has never felt better! I don’t have a website, but I would be happy to answer any questions of you want to PM me.
I am also a Dental Hygienist and KNOW that bleaching your teeth and regularly seeing your Dentist in order have a healthy mouth goes a long way with prevention of periodontal disease. A healthy mouth looks great on anyone!!
That’s my 2 cents!
August 12th, 2007 at 5:09 pm
I used to use Botox but couldn’t stand not being able to smile! haha :) Since i am using Arbonne ( i don’t even sell it) and love it.
MothertoJulia
August 12th, 2007 at 6:36 pm
The only way to go is a professional stylist. I’ve been going for years now and I have my hair foil weaved with color. I have two colors. A darker brown and a golden blonde. this gives the most natural color and it really, reallly helps hide the gray for longer. Good Luck
August 12th, 2007 at 6:45 pm
Loving this discussion.
Has anyone tried facial exercise? I have been doing so for a few years and I think it has helped somewhat. Carole Maggio has a website at http://www.facercise.com/ which is where I found these exercises. (I am not affiliated with that organization.) I became interested in facial exercise years ago when I met an elderly woman who used to perform dermabrasion on clients in Hollywood. When I asked her about her success in maintaining her own amazingly youthful looks, she credited facial exercise (of course those were the years before Botox and the like!). I thought she had had a facelift but she said she was opposed to facelifts as she would far prefer to tone the facial muscles instead of cutting them back and shortening them.
If anything, facial exercise has helped to take away that tired, heavy feeling in my face and increased circulation, making me feel better and rejuvinated. It amazes me that there is such an emphasis on toning and sculpting the body but not the face. Yes, I think it does make a difference, especially in my under-the-eye area which is not as dark for me anymore. It doesn’t take away fine lines but will tone all the muscle underneath that supports everything.
August 12th, 2007 at 6:50 pm
Feelingthejoy,
As one other answered, there are no hormones in the anti-aging line…just 9 key anti-aging elements.
We do have a product that’s a “balancing cream” which is a progesterone balancing cream made from soy. (Of course, no mineral oil, so it will get right through your skin and into your system easily). Really helps eliminate/minimize hot flashes, irritability, mood swings, adult acne, cysts etc….I know, I know, everyone loves this stuff!! :)…and yes, it’s available by the case! ha.ha.
Seriously, the balancing cream does work by helping your body eliminate the excess estrogen we mostly all have due to the foods we eat, and environment. Long story, but if you want more info…let me know!
Oh, and also as heddiluella said, you can get all these reasonably priced products at cost – so that’s a huge savings…and we all know we want to save our pennies for that fabulous shopping in GZ!! (I’m taking orders for squeeky shoes from all my friends!)
Happy Sunday all,
Christy (aka, booklover)
August 12th, 2007 at 7:12 pm
L’Oreal Excellence- LOVE IT!!! Wouldn’t change it for anything. I like it even BETTER than when I used to get it professionally colored- I’M BEING SERIOUS!!
His,
Mrs. U
LID 9-12-05
referral 1-4-07
“Gotcha” Day 2-25-07 for Elizabeth
http://www.makingahouseahome.blogspot.com
August 12th, 2007 at 7:31 pm
Don’t know if someone has already said this, (don’t have time to go through all the posts) but I’m an expert on coloring gray because I started turning gray in my 20′s and won’t admit to how many years I’ve colored my hair. You will have to go to permanent color from a hairdresser. The stuff in the boxes eventually, if not immediately, just rolls off your hair. Sorry!
August 12th, 2007 at 8:05 pm
RQ, consult a professional colourist for your hair. They can get you off on the right track and then you can ask them what you can do for “touch ups”. Note a colourist is different than a stylist. For skin, I suggest you make an appointment with an estetician (hope I spelled that right) for a facial to set your skin in the right direction. It is worth the money and time. They can give you advice on what facial skin moisturizers soak into your skin, as opposed to just sitting on top of it (as do most drug store type products). I use Avance age defier. http://www.avanceskincare.com/avance/newSite/home.html
Oh yea and have a glass of you favourite booze and try to relax. Then drink a gallon of water so you don’t get dehydrated.
August 12th, 2007 at 8:57 pm
Thanks Booklover and Heddiluella. I had never heard of Argonne but noticed that a number of people mentioned it. So it got my attention. I was looking for tips in this thread!!
And Heddiluella brought up another excellent point. I bleach my teeth and I think it really helps to make me look younger. I have professional trays and they are better than the store products. But the store products are good if people are concerned about the price.
BTW, what a hot topic this is. LOL.
August 13th, 2007 at 10:27 pm
I’m coming a little late to this discussion as I was on vacation last week but in case anyone goes through past posts and reads, I thought I’d chime in.
I had my hair colored professionally once and it turned out great so six months later when the gray started being really noticeable again, I went back again. The second time it didn’t take nearly as well and that is when my hairstylist asked me if I had used conditioner on my hair within 48 hours of the coloring. I had. He reminded me that when I’d first had it done that he had made a big deal about not using conditioner for 48 hours before coloring. He hadn’t reminded me this time because he thought I’d remember.
Whether you use a box or go to a professional, do not use conditioner on your hair or a shampoo/conditioner combination for 48 hours before the coloring. The conditioner coats the hair shaft to make it nice and smooth and silky – which also very effectively prevents the hair color dye from penetrating into the hair shaft and allowing the color to “hold” or “stick”. If you use conditioner, the dye will just wash off rather quickly.
Also, if you can spend quite a bit of time in the sun after coloring, that will help the color stick.