Introducing ‘Face Time’: Beauty Advice for Women Over 40

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As we navigate through life, the effects of aging can become a source of contemplation and concern, especially for women. Embracing the journey of aging involves recognizing the changes we experience and seeking constructive ways to care for ourselves. This article introduces a thoughtful approach to beauty and self-care for women over 40, led by an insightful beauty editor. With practical advice and expert recommendations, we explore what “Face Time” offers to help women feel empowered and informed about their beauty choices.

The idea of aging first struck me in my late 20s. While working as a junior beauty and wellness editor in New York, my conversations often revolved around light topics like spas and the latest skincare trends. However, during an interview with a male dermatologist, he unexpectedly scrutinized my forehead, exclaiming, “Oof, you should really think about Botox. Those lines are way too deep for someone your age.”

This startling comment left me feeling vulnerable and, oddly enough, ashamed. Although I decided against his advice (opting instead for bangs), the moment embedded itself in my mind: I was starting to visibly age, and, it seemed, this was a concern demanding urgent action to preserve my youth and perceived value.

“What I’ve learned is that in an ageist society, there’s a need for women of a certain age to receive straightforward, compassionate, trustworthy beauty advice from someone who’s been there and gets it.”

Fast forward to today, at age 52, I find myself grappling with thoughts about crepey eyelids and sagging jawlines more often than I’d like to admit. According to a recent survey by Yahoo/YouGov, nearly half of all women express concerns about wrinkles, and those over 40 report feeling 20% worse about their appearance compared to younger women.

In light of these sentiments, my colleagues and I decided to launch a dedicated beauty advice column aimed at addressing the needs and concerns of women over 40. Over recent years, I’ve taken to cohosting a podcast specifically for this demographic while re-entering as a beauty editor, delivering the latest updates on skincare trends and “anti-aging” products weekly.

What I’m focusing on through this new column, Face Time, is providing women with straightforward, compassionate, and knowledgeable beauty advice. It’s important to empower women with knowledge about their options, whether they decide to stick with a simple SPF or explore other beauty solutions.

What to Expect from ‘Face Time’

• Honest discussions about the realities of aging.

• Expert answers to your pressing questions, from in-office cosmetic procedures to the most effective eye creams.

• Product recommendations based on real experience, steering clear of fads and influencers.

What You Won’t Find Here

This isn’t a column promoting unrealistic beauty hacks or claiming that inexpensive solutions can turn back time. I won’t recommend smearing olive oil on your face or tout creams that claim to defy gravity. While I won’t press you to love every aspect of aging (believe me, many of us struggle with that), I also won’t suggest that surgical solutions are the only answer to aging.

Instead, expect down-to-earth discussions on what it means to live with an aging face. We’ll reveal some of the secrets behind those who manage to maintain a youthful appearance and explore the many options available to navigate this journey. Whether you’re interested in identifying the right drugstore cream for dry skin, investigating the cost of aesthetic procedures, or understanding how to revive thinning brows, this column is here to assist you with practical insights.

Feel free to reach out with your questions. Whether you’re just beginning to ponder these topics like I did at 29 or are knee-deep in concerns about visible aging, this space is judgment-free and aims to provide necessary guidance. After all, everyone deserves a bit of “Face Time.”

We Want to Hear from You!

We invite you to submit your questions in the comments below, email them to askfacetime@yahoo.com, or connect with us on social media via @yahoolife on Instagram and Facebook.