What Has Happened to My Decollete?

Maybe it's my turning 51, maybe it's my being perimenopausal, but all of a sudden I have become obsessed with the little lines and wrinkles on my face. You know...those little lines of character, that lovingly tell the story of our life experiences. OH PLEASE!!! They are wrinkles....aging skin creases that make me look old and I don't like them. And....how about that decollete!! All of a sudden I can't stop looking at it. It's not that it is wrinkly, it just looks, well, weathered. That would be the best way to describe it.

I have now joined the ranks of thousands of women who are looking for just the right combination of cleanser, moisturizer, serums etc. to help us battle father time. There are 11,000 baby boomers turning 50 every day and it is projected that there will be a $12 billion increase in money spent on anti-aging products and supplements in the next year and a half alone. Wow!! Those of us who either choose to refrain from costly cosmetic procedures or simply don't want to shell out the bucks for botox, are most certainly spending some serious cash on skincare.

Most recently, Monday to be exact, I started a new regime using a new product line called Striking. According to the literature, I should begin to see firmer skin, a reduction in the appearance of of fine lines and wrinkles, smoother skin, and an overall improvement in the appearance of my skin in as little as 14 days. I can also use it on my weathered decollete!! The system is a simple 4 step program consisting of a creamy cleanser, serum, eye cream and moisture cream.

What is their secret you may be asking....PEPTIDES.....patented "Smart Peptides" Now this is where it gets scientific, so I will let you see and listen for yourself at an short informational video on YouTube. Just click here for a little education on the product. I did because I wanted to know what made this different from other anti-aging products. Plus, when I'm going to lay down some cash I like to be educated.

It's too soon for results but I can tell you one thing I love about Striking already.....NO SCENT! None of the products smell. The cleanser is very creamy as is the eye cream and the moisturizer. I'm not usually a creamy cleanser kind of girl, but this is ok. It feels good. Since my skin tends to be oily, I do not need to slather on the creams, so a little goes a long way. I would guess that even dry skin would not need too much. No break outs, no irritations, so far I am good to go. AND....if this gets the decollete in shape, I will be a lifetime lover!

Sorry....I'm too vein to post a stripped down before version of my face, but I will keep you posted on my findings!

Musings on Self Image - Man vs Woman

Why is it that when men look at themselves in the mirror, and I am talking about men who are lets say....45 and older..... they puff themselves up like peacocks and see themselves as the dashing 30 somethings they once were; yet women zero in on the spreading thighs, thicker middles and sagging breasts? A little gray hair on a man is distinguished. However that same gray on a woman represents a minimum of $65 in a salon, depending on where you live.

I was recently having a conversation with a male and female baby boomer about another couple who had know each other in high school, and recently reconnected and married. This led to a bit of reminiscing about high school relationships. The gentleman in the group smiled at the memory of his one time beloved, then interjected his thought that she probably had put on weight.

Whoa..........buddy. I couldn't let him off the hook for that comment and redirected his attention to the spreading middle he was sporting. His response, as he sucked in and puffed up, "It's a baggy shirt." What a classic.

I don't think this is anything new. For years older men have sought and attained the company of younger women. When the shoe is on the other foot, well....can you spell C-O-U-G-A-R? That's tad bit of a nasty title don't ya think?

How about commercials and advertisements that bombard women daily with potions, lotions and creams to wipe away wrinkles, sags and bags on various parts of our bodies. We buy....I buy. It seems like every day I notice some new sign that aging is upon me. This week it was a few age spots on my once fabulous legs. OMG...as I wrote the last sentence a commerical for a serum that assists "menopausal skin" just came across my TV screen. The maintenance, both cosmetically and physically is just plain old exhausting.

Life would be so much easier for us baby boomer women if we could just "suck it in" and blame it on a big shirt.