By Cathy Fletcher July 23, 2024
When it comes to beauty standards faced by all Western women, the list of requirements seems to be never-ending. It would be cruel to suggest that we older girls are the prime targets. For example, my daughter who is only 25 is being encouraged to start Botox as a ‘preventive method’ for anti-ageing. At 25, all I worried about was partying and boys and not even considering what I would look like at 50+!
Society has suggested we should age gracefully without too many wrinkles, keep up with exercise, don’t get too skinny, and look younger. But not too young, we don’t want to overdo it. It’s impossible to keep up! We are faced with a battle between pro-ageing and anti-ageing, but why does it have to be a battle? And how can we measure our true, personal desire to have cosmetic enhancements against trying to meet societal norms?
As a woman who has dabbled with cosmetic tweaks here and there, I decided after multiple hours of researching, going to consultations, and also being honest with myself about why I want the treatments done, what steps felt right for me.
In this blog, we are going to share some of the most common cosmetic treatments 50+ year-olds might consider. If you have been questioning your options, this is a beginners guide. First, however, let’s get into the pro-aging vs. anti-ageing battle.
Pro-aging Vs anti ageing
To begin with, I think we all would agree that you should love yourself unconditionally no matter how you look. All women, in one way or another, should be pro-ageing, or else find themselves in an anti-ageing race. A race you will lose, unless you are a vampire. Pro-ageing, for those who are new to the term, is the notion that the natural cycle of ageing and its effects should be celebrated. It can be considered a more balanced and healthy approach that embraces beauty at all ages.
On the other hand, anti-ageing is defined as reducing visible signs of ageing, such as wrinkles, discoloration and loss of volume, and reignite a more youthful appearance. As said, we would recommend you find peace with your current state before blindly considering anti-ageing methods. While they can be effective, many women find themselves on a tiresome journey to achieve perfection. Understand you are perfect the way you are, and your body is a sacred, beautiful vessel.
Understanding your options
There is no harm in looking into what options are available to you. If you are a 50+ year-old woman who is new to cosmetic procedures, there is no ‘perfect time’ to start. Take a look at non-surgical methods first, and only then consider surgical approaches.
Non-surgical enhancements
Skincare routines
First, start a reliable skincare routine. Unfortunately, a lot of anti-ageing products claim to ‘reverse ageing’, which makes me say, enough! Ageing is inevitable and something to be valued. Having said that, If you are interested, we have an amazing blog with some of the best brands to consider for pro-ageing products.
If you are looking for a simple step-by-step guide to follow, start with a gentle cleaner for removing make-up and clearing pores, a good (non-drying) toner to close your pores, a night serum (possibly containing hyaluronic acid) for optimal hydration, a good moisturiser, and most important a good SPF to wear daily.
Once you have mastered the basics, you can move on to more topical products such as vitamin C and retinol. Remember, it does not have to cost a bomb to have a great skincare routine, and if you need extra help, we have one on one complimentary sessions to target specific needs.
Injectables
Injectables are the treatment most older ladies try before opting for more invasive options. Botox relaxes the muscle, causing the area to smooth any fine lines or wrinkles. Common side effects of Botox are swelling, headaches, and in some cases flu-like symptoms. You can typically see the full effect of botox after 6 weeks, but some women may need higher doses depending on their skin.
Micro-needling
Micro-needling is not as scary as it sounds, and it can be a great method for activating your natural stores of collagen. Micro-needling essentially penetrates areas of the face that show signs of discoloration and ageing, inducing the skin to repair tissue and produce more collagen. As we age our collagen stores deplete, therefore this is a great way to encourage cell rejuvenation. It is important to keep in mind that micro-needling will not be able to help more extreme cases of sagging skin, although it can be beneficial for fine lines.
Laser treatments
Laser follows a similar method to microneedling. The laser light fired at the skin causes minute ruptures that stimulate the tissue to produce more collagen. I am all for lasers and microneedling. It is your own body’s amazing way of doing the work of anti-ageing, all with a little help from the practitioner.
Surgical enhancements
Facelifts
If you are looking for a more permanent solution to diminish signs of ageing, many women opt for the facelift. Plastic surgery was once taboo, but today it is considered a welcome option for many.
Facelifts are not a quick, risk free procedure, as they require much care and consideration. From choosing the right location for facelifts (Cosmetic tourism has suggested facelifts in London to be the most desireable), to the type of facelift, there’s a lot of ground to cover. For example, you could try the mini facelift, deep plane facelift, and SMAS facelift. Use this as your starting point for carrying out your research, but having a basic understanding is a start!
Blepharoplasties
Blepharoplasty, also referred to as the eyelid lift, is a procedure that aims to reduce drooping and or puffiness present on the upper and lower eyelid. With collagen depletion as we age, our skin loses elasticity, which can cause the sagging appearance of the upper and lower eyes. Excess skin is removed and the muscles are tightened to smooth out the eye area, resulting in a more awakened appearance. It is said that the most visible signs of ageing come from the eye area, so targeting this focal point of the face can have a big impact.
Necklifts
Neck Lifts are also a popular procedure for women over the age of 50. Although not targeting the face directly, the neck lift can play a crucial part in reducing excess skin that causes a ‘double chin’ or ‘turkey neck’. Essentially, excess fat is removed, and the platysma muscle is tightened resulting in a slimmer, youthful neck. The downtime for a neck lift is typically around two weeks, with final results expected to be visible within 6 months.
Making an informed decision
Beauty should always be on your terms, no matter your age. Diving into the world of cosmetic treatments as a 50+-year-old woman can be daunting, especially when there are so many options to consider. The treatments you decide to go ahead with should make you feel empowered. A simple shift to a good skincare routine and a healthy diet can bring back the youthful glow you may have lost, but for signs of ageing that affect your day-to-day, surgery might be the right option for you. Start with non-surgical methods to begin with, and see how you feel. Do your research, speak with qualified physicians, and most importantly, remember self-acceptance is priceless.
Author Bio
Cathy Fletcher is a writer, photographer, and seasoned branding expert. With a successful career building and nurturing her branding agency, she has passed the reins to her sons and embarked on a new chapter dedicated to her passions. Through her writing and photography, Cathy aims to inspire and empower others as they navigate their own journeys of discovery and fulfillment past the ripe age of 40+!
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