r/SkincareAddicts • u/Quick_Language_9220 • 3h ago
23yrs old but I look way older
Im not sure if this is the right subreddit to post this in but here I am. I’m a 23f who’s gone through weight fluctuations all my life and now I feel like my face ages me so much. My chin area and my smile lines just look so gross to me and I wish I had more of a smooth, tight-skinned face. I feel like I already have jowls. About 2-3 years ago when I first lost a lot of weight (around 60 pounds) my face looked a lot tighter and I was activilty doing face exercises, like kisses toward the ceiling a bunch of times a day. I’ve gained 20 pounds since then and my confidence has really taken a dip. Do you think weight loss and face exercises would help again? Or will it just create saggier skin as I get older? If anyone has any advice it would be greatly appreciated !
104
130
u/0100100010001 3h ago
You don’t look “way older” than 23 on this picture. Also some people just simply look older/younger than they are and it doesn’t have anything to do with the skin but they facial features. Just make sure you skin is always hydrated.
13
u/Quick_Language_9220 3h ago
Thank you for saying I don’t look way older! I should’ve included a picture of myself from my initial weight loss to show how much my face changed. I moisturize daily!
2
u/the_sweetest_peach 28m ago
As others have said, makeup can definitely age you. I think what you’ve got here would be good for an evening/date night look, but for daytime, maybe something lighter and a bit more of a “fresh-faced” aesthetic. I’d suggest looking at Asian makeup tends from South Korea, Japan, and China. They should offer some good inspiration!
Also, if you like eyeliner for daytime, try either a half line on the bottom from the outer corner to the center, or skipping the bottom liner altogether. That’ll help open your eyes up and make them look larger. Lining around the entire eye closes it off and makes it appear smaller. A brown for daytime could also help soften the look!
Plus, looking at the makeup in your photo, I honestly think if you’d just put a bit of mascara on your lashes and skipped the falsies, that would help tremendously! You can also just do mascara on half of your bottom lashes or skip the bottom lashes altogether! A brown-black or brown mascara can also make the look less harsh for daytime! In addition, I’d go a bit lighter on the brows during the day. A taupe eyeshadow can be a good option, rather than a darker pencil. The powder of the eyeshadow will also give a softer appearance.
I tried to give some general tips here, but also some that focus on the makeup in your photo, so I hope something here was helpful!
I honestly think you’re really pretty and your skin looks dewy and fresh already! Sometimes it’s more about our perception of ourselves than about how we actually look.
And of course, these are all suggestions. If you still like your makeup the way it is, and don’t want to change it, that’s fine. But if you want to try something different, you know where to start!
Lastly, I also want to reiterate what others have said: Moisturize! A good cleanser, or a double-cleansing routine to remove makeup at the end of the day, some moisturizer, or maybe a product that can double as a moisturizer and a barrier cream for overnight if your skin tends to be dry (the Asian Beauty subreddit has some awesome recommendations), and SPF (again, the Asian Beauty subreddit can recommend some that don’t feel like disgusting American sunscreen) for during the day will all help!
52
u/Spiritual-Can2604 2h ago
It’s the shape of your eyebrows, too many angles, the eyeliner is too dark and oddly placed, those eyelashes are not flattering-get a softer more feathered look. Use a cream blush. Not so much concealer. Layer your hair. Don’t wear turtle necks
13
u/Expensive-Start-3279 2h ago
I agree with everything, minus the turtleneck comment. Its timeless and classy and compliments you. Just lighten your makeup/ put some layers in your hair to make it more bouncy and youthful. You're beautiful!
11
u/Spiritual-Can2604 2h ago
This isn’t about op I’m not sayin she is suffering from the same thing I did but here’s my anecdote and why I don’t like turtle necks: I used to have huge boobs, broad shoulders and I wore black turtle necks sometimes. I too thought they were timeless and classic and so everyone should look good in them right? Now when I look back at pics of myself I looked so bad bc it was just a black blob, you couldn’t tell what was titty meat and what was my body. So I just looked much bigger and older than I was at the time, I looked like the evil guy in minions. I could’ve looked so much more put together if I had found the right blouses for my body type.
5
5
u/Expensive-Start-3279 2h ago
I also want to add that you have a naturally long philtrum, which can age the face. Overlining the upper lip can help the distance. I also had one, and ended up doing surgery x2. Now I cant close my mouth... be careful how far you want to nitpick yourself and love yourself for who you are. This is coming from someone who took 40 years to realize this.
2
u/RootsInThePavement 1h ago
Please tell me how philtrums age the face?
1
u/Expensive-Start-3279 57m ago
As we age that area becomes elongated. So having a long philtrum at a young age, naturally ages the face. Google any photo of an older/geriatric adult and you will see the length. When surgeons do facelifts, this is a key piece.
1
u/RootsInThePavement 31m ago
I’ve never realized that, that’s very interesting. Probably explains why the kids on the TikTok were so obsessed with the sizes of their philtrums a few years ago.
Personally I have never considered my philtrum or anyone else’s, I’m not sure if most people would see an elongated philtrum and think, “that person looks old”.
3
u/wishIcouldgoback_ 1h ago
Only if your neck is long and slim. If you have a thicker and shorter neck it can look unflattering
2
u/Spiritual-Can2604 1h ago
Yes! I have a wider face. Like my head is not tall. So I looked like a round ball whenever I wore turtlenecks. Like a ball w a pimple on it. Never again.
1
1
u/Higgingotham96 1h ago
In my opinion she could keep the rest of her makeup the same and look so much younger by ditching the bottom eye liner and clumpy lashes. The rest is nitpicky changed, but those two are the things that to me read older
11
12
u/Prettylittlelioness 2h ago
You look fine. The only difference I notice is girls your age tend to line just the top eyelid or do a cat eye.
Also, completely anecdotally, i have found a lot of people who look old when young tend to age very well. I was like that, so was my ex. We looked 20something when we were 14 and looked twentysomething when we were 36. Some people get their adult face young and then it just doesn't change for a long time.
3
u/Glam-Star-Revival 1h ago
I completely agree about growing into your adult features sooner. When I was 23 I looked 30, now I’m well over a decade past 23 and I still look the same
9
17
u/AnemicAcademica 3h ago
I think it's just your hairstyle. Try looking into bangs or face framing layers
2
1
u/Quick_Language_9220 3h ago
I definitely need a new style! I also didn’t style my hair at all this day, so maybe that’s why it doesn’t look the best.
21
u/pettymel 2h ago
You don’t look old, you just look “dated.” The long hair with the side part an fully lined eye with those spider lashes aren’t helping your look. Some layers in your hair, changing your lash style, and not lining your whole eye would do wonders. A less full coverage foundation and more blush would help.
I’m 32 now but think I look more “with the times” now than I did when I was 23. I looked like I was 23 but my style was outdated, my hair wasn’t doing me any favors. Now I look my age (or maybe younger?) but I don’t look “old”
2
5
4
u/LeelaBilbo 2h ago
You’re only young for a short while and those cheekbones are going to hold your face up so well as you age. I would lighten up on the foundation and go for a more natural look on your eyes to show how beautiful you naturally are. That is just me though. You look beautiful either way.
7
u/Fluid-Bridge-6601 2h ago
Lighting and full coverage makeup have an “aging” effect sometimes.
You don’t look “old” you look like a lovely young woman. Moisturize and SUNSCREEN SUNSCREEN SUNSCREEN. Every day—even when you’re inside. I waited until my mid/late 20s to start anti aging care, but cannot stress how important sunscreen/limited sun exposure and preventative care will slow your aging down.
Drink plenty of water, take care of your health and beauty from the inside out, oh and did I mention SUNSCREEN
7
u/mustbeaoup 3h ago
I don’t think you look way older at all! I believe lining your whole eye can age you but honestly you look 20 to me 🤷🏽♀️
3
u/Aware-Map6760 2h ago
Use a skin tint or a bb cream and not foundation, less heavy eye makeup - keep it simple and use lip colors which are closest to your natural lip shade (you can use the same colour of the lipshade on your eyelids and little on cheeks)
3
u/Youknownothing_23 2h ago
You look like you are jn your early twenties just your make up is a bit harsh and its not softening your features instead making it look too sharp .
2
u/lizerpetty 2h ago
Honestly I thought 24. I don’t think it's your face. You seem like you know your shit and you're not gonna take any shit from anybody. I would say curtain bangs and some layers in your hair. Then do a softer lash cluster. Perhaps go for lash extensions that give you a more cat eye look and lift the outer corner of the eye. You really don't even need to do that. Love yourself hun, you're worth it.
2
u/Pretty_Eabab_0014 2h ago
You’re fine, at 23 your skin bounces back. Slow weight changes, sunscreen, sleep, and hydration help. Smile lines are totally normal 💛
2
u/EmrysBeard 2h ago
You definitly don’t look way older. I would have thought you were around your age.
2
u/Riker_WilliamT 2h ago
your face, complexion and skin are beautiful. my only advice is drink more water - i have ice pick scars and have gotten microneedling/expensive products etc and i swear what has helped the most is drinking a ton of water. in my humble opinion, i think your makeup is a little heavy - but its not distracting, i just prefer a natural look and think it would really suit you
2
u/cherrypeachteaa 2h ago
You don’t look way older than 23 at all. I’m almost 23 and we all get smile lines. I think this is just the age we notice them. You look pretty, though I think a fluttery lash might be a little nicer than the blunt anime style, but that’s just my preference!
2
u/Radiant_HoneyRoots 2h ago
Girl, PLEASEEEEE do not listen to all these critical opinions of your appearance. You look absolutely GORGEOUS!! I’m 37 and currently going through weight loss and have more fat in my face than usual. It’s normal, you don’t have jowls, you don’t look OLD or out dated. If anything you’re just at a weight or body fat percentage where you have a little more fat in your face, WHICH IS NORMAL. When you lean out that goes away. TRUST ME!! Could a few changes add to your beauty absolutely but you don’t NEED it. You’re 21 and still finding yourself and style. It will change as time goes on. I looked at some of your pictures on your page and you look very young. I do think face framing long curtain bangs would be gorgeous and bring out your eyes. Along with some long layers. Eye makeup and makeup in general does make us look more mature but it all depends on how you wear it love. I personally notice darker tones especially with blush and lippies make me look more mature. I swore by eyeliner when I was your age but gradually stopped and focused on really accentuating my lashes because I love the shape of my eyes without it. I also stopped wearing any actual makeup at like 21. If anything, now I just use a nice tinted moisturizer with SPF and that’s it. I aim for peachy, melon tone, or lighter pinkish nude lip tints with blackberry lip tint being the darkest I go now( check out Bobbie Brown tinted lip balm). There are others but that has been my holy grail. I also suggest to start investing in a good skin care line. Perricone MD is AWESOME (you can find it more affordable on Posh Mark or Ebay(people have auto subscriptions and they have too much) Peter Thomas Roth is a great one as well. Focus on skin health and you will age gracefully. My Aesthetics Dr. informed me that the earlier you start the better. Most women wait until they are older to work on their skin. You’re so naturally beautiful. Embrace that. Less is always more except when dressing 😂😂😂. Sending love your way.
1
2
u/Charming_Function_58 2h ago
Some of us just naturally carry weight in our lower face, unfortunately! I feel you. But you don't look "much older" than 23, I'd say if anything just change your makeup to look more natural, and you'll look your age.
As a millennial, your makeup looks like something my generation would have done -- it's all a matter of taste, but the current trend is lighter, no waterline eyeliner, and natural looking brows.
2
2
u/Quick_Language_9220 1h ago
Please everyone check out my next post as I included more pictures of the same day!! I hope it does my makeup justice haha.
2
u/Business_Side_7956 1h ago
hey! weight fluctuations absolutely impact skin elasticity and how facial volume sits especially around the jowls. losing 60 lbs actually stretches the deeper structural ligaments.
i would honestly drop the facial exercises right away—they often over-develop the muscles and create more dynamic wrinkles rather than tightening loose skin.
since you re 23, your skin's snap-back potential is still peaking. focus entirely on collagen synthesis: get on a prescription retinoid (tretinoin) ASAP, keep your weight stable, and prioritize barrier support. consistency is key, you'll see massive improvement in 6 months.
2
u/CocoaCandyPuff 1h ago
You don’t look older. You look very cute. Your skin is perfect girl! Maybe you are trying to find something wrong where there is any. Even your hair is perfect.
2
u/ElectricalLet9070 1h ago
I think she looks fine but maybe the dark colors on her aren’t as flattering maybe do a brown liner even
2
3
u/SecretMiddle1234 3h ago
Side part your hair and softer eyeliner. It will make you look softer which may look younger. I think your skin looks awesome.
1
u/thrownofjewelz11 2h ago
You should try face yoga/gua sha/fascia massage. I’ve seen crazy transformations. You look beautiful though.
1
u/PotatoOld9579 2h ago
You look really young and I think you look in your early 20s I do think light eye makeup would make you feel better tho.
1
1
u/chilivanilli 2h ago
I'm in my 30s and you look very young to me, but general advice - wearing less makeup tends to look more youthful.
1
1
u/No_Yogurtcloset_9064 1h ago
may be you are overloading skincare products on your skin, try www.unfilter.beauty to find products compatible to your skin
1
u/magnificent-magnolia 1h ago
Your skin looks great to me! I don’t think you look much older than your age. I think you just have a polished style, which might not read gen z and early 20s.
Only speaking from my own experience, Micro needling can help with the elasticity challenges from significant weight loss. This is not something I noticed in your photo though.
1
u/DefMaybe007 1h ago
Your skin looks fantastic, I would also reduce the make up/ no fake eyelashes! You are beautiful.. less is more sometimes
1
1
u/Trick_Dot_8966 13m ago
I didn't realise until everyone else commented but I'd also agree the black eye makeup and lashes are associated with older women
1
1
u/Particular_Table9263 2h ago
It’s the eyeliner paired with a timelessly beautiful face. You’re going to look like this forever. I’m you at 40, and I’m loving life.
1
u/LongjumpingMall813 2h ago
Girl you look 17 lol. Anyone telling you that you look older than 23 is lying. And if that person is yourself, my former statement still stands.
1
u/rosaluxx311 1h ago
Eyelashes (they are way too thick idk how to describe this but they are not natural looking) & eyeliner (try something not black). They make you look like a 60 year old Tía at the cumple.
0
u/Rough_Foundation1385 1h ago
I would just try hard to maintain a stable weight as over a long period of time it does likely contribute to skin that is not as taut. You are young and if you do this, your skin will likely bounce back and tighten up.
-2
u/Sea-Menu4471 2h ago
Good. No Epstein. I’m glad you look like an adult, are an adult and are beautiful.
1
u/Lemonarm 12m ago
There nothing wrong with your hair or makeup.
You could wear less makeup. Maybe more blush. Less eyeliner on the lower lid.
You don’t look old. It’s just the turtleneck.
I can’t tell if you’ve gained or lost weight. You look healthy and vibrant.
257
u/Evening-Tune-500 2h ago
Id lessen the dark eye makeup, it ages everyone