Very premature aging help?

[JennBee]

What the thread title says... I'm turning 20 in a few months and already am showing signs of aging!

I have deep lines that are directly underneath my lower lash line (but I'm convinced these are actually stretch marks... major elasticity problems with my skin) and fine lines around my undereye and mouth area. I have fair, thin skin, but in recent years I have always been good about moisturizing and keeping out of/protecting myself from the sun, so I feel really bad having these problems already.

I did used to have a problem with rubbing my eyes too much, but again... I'm not even in my 20's yet!!

I've considered things like microdermabrasion and have tried a few eye creams and an at-home peel system, but I'm not sure where to start with this. I've been looking at Olay's Definity line lately, and different eye creams, but any recommendations are welcome! Home and natural remedies too

On another note, I also wonder if anyone has had problems with a huge lack of skin elasticity? Like, my skin is firm enough, but it cannot stretch at ALL without scarring - for example, the lines on my face showed up less than a year after I started becoming very expressive with my face. Strangest thing ever - should I see a dermatologist?

Thanks so so much for your help!

 

[Dragonfly]

You might want to make an appointment with your Dermatologist. There are a few prescription products available to help skin to age well. Retin A can be prescribed for BOTH acne and for cosmetic reasons.

Talk to your doctor and see if he/she should start you on Retin A or another retinol product.

If you start on Retin A, you will definately need to use sunscreen. Some make up contains sunscreen so that may be enough coverage.

 

[YourOneAndOnly]

I've heard good things about Retin-A and also Retinol. I've heard good thing about Olay products too but I would go see a dermatoligist before you fork out a bunch of money on anti aging products

 

[Kathy]

I agree regarding seeing a Dermatologist first. You can spend alot of money on anti-aging products and you'd be better off finding out what a Derm recommends first. Good luck!

 

[missmelaniem]

Just a couple of practical things:

Make sure you wear a good sunscreen daily, meaning one that will provide you with good UVA protection.

You are correct that rubbing your eyes will cause wrinkling/stretching of the skin

Make sure you are taking supplements

Glycolic Acid and Retinol will actually change your skin (I think they both encourage the production of collagen, among other things) and other than sunscreen, will have the biggest impact

The good news is that with proper sunscreen protection, your skin can actually restore itself to a certain extent, so even if you did just that it is not 100% irreversible.

 

[AmyN]

I've had the same problem with fine lines, and have found Retin-A (prescribed by a dermatologist) really works - you do need to apply it at night and then use a sunscreen during the day. Alpha hydroxy acids are another thing your dermatologist might suggest.

Good luck.

 

[Solimar]

A derm will be able to not only tell you what is going on, but help you with the problems that you are having. It could not be aging, but something completely different. Good luck, though. It must be difficult to deal with.