Oscar Wilde’s only novel ‘The Picture Of Dorian Gray,’ is the story of a beautiful man who has his portrait painted. Dorian is so obsessed with his beauty that he wishes that the picture could age instead of him. His wish is granted, but his character falters and the picture becomes more vile as he does some pretty horrific acts to maintain his beauty. I read this book back in high school so I don’t remember specifically what he did…I think he may have murdered someone.
The reason I bring this up is because people I used to think were gorgeous aren’t looking too good anymore. Over the holidays while watching the Ugly Betty marathon on TV (awesome show, by the way), I piped up, “OmiGod! That’s Vanessa Williams? She has totally aged!” And Courtney Cox. Madonna, too. She’s looking more masculine than feminine. Geez.
Also, closer to home. Friends sending holiday cards, Ofoto albums. Gray hairs, wrinkles, a little bit of pudge here and there. Every picture I looked at. I’m starting to notice the aging. It’s not even that it’s noticeable. It’s prevalent!
Me included. My family has a history of gray hairs at a young age, but I don’t think I’m there yet. KNOCK ON WOOD. My face doesn’t feel taut anymore. I swear, I feel the wrinkles creeping into the corner of my eyes.
What are some proactive measures we can take? Here are some gold nuggets I’ve gathered.
1. Stay out of the sun, people! Wear your sunscreen.
2. Older women who have great skin have a common theme. I’ve heard this from several sources. Weekly facials.
3. One plastic surgeon said to layer on the Vitamin C. Not eat it. Apply it. You can find this in several skincare regimens.
4. Someone who works with skincare products said that the best thing on the market is ProActive. That’s the stuff that Jessica Simpson promotes.
5. My dermatologist friend said that it’s all about exfoliation (microdermabrasion, facial peels). She recommends RoC skincare products with retinol.
I used to not be concerned, but I’m getting there. I wash my face with Neutrogena and every once in a while I’ll remember to apply a treatment of Vitamin C and hydroquinone–something my dermatologist recommended because of my hyperpigmentation. These dark brown spots all over my face that I inherited from my mommy.
So there you have it. Some proactive measures to take before it’s too late. In the mean time, dust off those high school portraits…even with the bad hairdo, you probably look pretty damn good.
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