Milestones we reach as women.

There are many significant moments in a womens life. One of these moments, is when you notice real changes in your skin and facial features.

I am now 37 years old and started noticing changes a few years ago. The very first thing I noticed, at around age 34. Was a very fine, soft, hair developing. It started on my face and around my Jaw line. Sometimes it was really bad and other times you could not even notice it. When I look back on it now, I feel that it was some sort of hormonal prelude to the next phase of my life.

Over the next two years, little changes became more noticeable. The skin on my eyelids became softer. I had to pull my lid taught, to apply eyeshadow. Tiny little wrinkles on the skin, surrounding my ears. This was all coming as rather a shock, I don't think I was ready for it..

2010 was the icing on the cake. Wherever I went, people started to ask me what was wrong. I started thinking, " what am I doing?". I asked my husband if he thought I looked upset or something. He told me It was probably because I was frowning at everyone and then he asked me what was wrong. I explained that there was nothing wrong, I was not frowning and could not understand, why everyone thought I was.

Head for the bathroom, I thought. Entering the bathroom, I headed towards the mirror. I had to establish what was going on, with all my friends and family. Carefully I studied every aspect of my face and what i found scared me. In my mind - I was still 18 years old. there was a permanent v shaped wrinkle, in the centre of my forehead, between my eyes. It appeared as though I was frowning. Then I discovered tiny little lines above my top lip. When you see them clearly, it gives people the impression you are pouting.

I turned and ran in to a cubicle and got a bit teary eyed. After a couple of minutes, reflecting upon my youth. I pulled myself together. This was not me, things don't get the better of me like this. When i really thought about it, the wrinkles were not bothering me - they are part of who I am. It was the thought that my own mortality, was one milestone closer. I had been ignoring aspects of my life. Funeral plans, wills etc. Don't get me wrong though. I do not mean that i became depressed and morbid but there are things you just do not think about when you are young. It was time for me to face ageing with a sensible approach and some grace.

The very next time someone asked me what was wrong, I responded with; " absolutely nothing - I am ageing gracefully, not with plastic". Everytime it got a giggle and put people around me at ease. Then I decided to establish a new facial cleansing routine and incorporate a couple of ageing creams. A good facial cleansing routine, is the best way to deal with it. Treat your new found wrinkles with kid gloves. Make them the best looking wrinkles, that a real woman can have. Be proud of your history.

There are many products on the market today - Dove deep cream cleanser is one of the best. Wash your face and then apply the dove cream for 10 minutes and wipe clean all of the cream. Then apply a good toner, followed by a moisturiser. Allow the moisturiser to absorb in to your skin. Next step is to apply an anti wrinkle treatment. There are many to chose from on the market and I have tried a few now.

The doctor Lewin range of products can be quite expensive, depending on the product you chose for your skin type but well worth the cost. Their hydrating products are amazing. You feel like you are not getting much for your money but once you use it, you will feel much differently. They last a lot longer then you would imagine.

Wear you skin well ladies and treat it with care. I am proud of my history - from here on in, I let my wrinkles smile with me. They are part of me - who I was - what I have become and who I am yet to be. Ladies we have earnt the right, do not dwell on the past, look forward to your future. Wrinkles and all.

(C) Copyright, Tassie Stuart