What's making me look old and tired? What can I do to fix this? (Photo)

Question

I'm 21, frequently told I look tired and old. What can I do to fix this?

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Looking tired and older than your age can be influenced by a variety of factors, both lifestyle-related and potentially medical. Here are some common causes and corresponding solutions:

### Common Causes and Solutions

1. **Lack of Sleep**
   - **Cause:** Inadequate sleep can lead to dark circles, puffiness, and a dull complexion.
   - **Solution:** Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. Establish a regular sleep schedule, create a restful environment, and limit screen time before bed.

2. **Stress**
   - **Cause:** Chronic stress can impact your skin and overall appearance.
   - **Solution:** Practice stress management techniques such as meditation, exercise, deep breathing exercises, or yoga.

3. **Dehydration**
   - **Cause:** Not drinking enough water can make your skin look dry and tired.
   - **Solution:** Drink plenty of water throughout the day. A general guideline is 8 glasses a day, but individual needs can vary.

4. **Poor Diet**
   - **Cause:** A diet lacking in essential nutrients can affect your skin's health.
   - **Solution:** Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Avoid excessive sugar and processed foods.

5. **Lack of Exercise**
   - **Cause:** Physical inactivity can lead to poor circulation and a tired appearance.
   - **Solution:** Regular exercise improves blood circulation, which can enhance your skin's appearance. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week.

6. **Excessive Alcohol Consumption**
   - **Cause:** Alcohol can dehydrate your body and skin, leading to a tired look.
   - **Solution:** Limit alcohol intake and ensure you hydrate well if you do consume alcohol.

7. **Smoking**
   - **Cause:** Smoking accelerates skin aging and can lead to a dull, tired appearance.
   - **Solution:** If you smoke, seek help to quit. There are various resources available, including nicotine replacement therapy and support groups.

8. **Sun Exposure**
   - **Cause:** UV rays can damage your skin, leading to premature aging.
   - **Solution:** Use sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily, wear protective clothing, and avoid excessive sun exposure.

9. **Skin Care Routine**
   - **Cause:** Improper skincare can contribute to a tired look.
   - **Solution:** Develop a consistent skincare routine that includes cleansing, moisturizing, and using products suited to your skin type. Consider incorporating products with antioxidants and retinoids (if suitable for your skin).

10. **Medical Conditions**
    - **Cause:** Certain medical conditions like anemia, thyroid disorders, or chronic fatigue syndrome can make you look tired and older.
    - **Solution:** If lifestyle changes do not improve your appearance, consider seeing a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying medical conditions.

### Additional Tips

- **Hydrating Skincare Products:** Use products that contain hyaluronic acid or glycerin to keep your skin hydrated.
- **Eye Creams:** Consider using eye creams that target dark circles and puffiness, containing ingredients like caffeine or vitamin K.
- **Regular Check-ups:** Regular visits to a healthcare provider can help catch any underlying issues early.

By addressing these factors, you can significantly improve your appearance and overall well-being. If you continue to feel concerned about your appearance despite making these changes, consulting with a dermatologist or healthcare professional might provide further insights.

Michael A. Persky, MD · Answer

Hello there Fab,
At age 21 you are young, enjoy your youth.  The only thing that I would treat you with is SkinVive injections to help hydrate your skin and give it a natural glow.  Other than that, smiling is is the best form of facial plastic surgery, turn that lip frown upside down, turn that sad to glad, and you will look younger and more attractive.  Good luck and be well.
Michael Persky, MD
Encino, CA

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

The use of an appropriate HA contouring fiiller can simultaneously improve the desirable, feminine Ogee Curve of the cheeks at the same time secondarily improve and smooth the transition between the upper cheeks and the under-eyes and thereby diminish the under-eye hollows and incipient tear troughs.
You would be wise to consult with an experienced, board certified cosmetic dermatologist filler expert and best of luck.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

From the submitted photos you don't look old or tired!  Giving your skin a healthy glow often helps to refresh your look.  This can be done in a few ways.  Hydrafacial is a great tool to nourish and hydrate the skin.  We also recommend using medical grade skin care products like Transform MD and wearing sunscreen every day.

Leonard Grossman, MD · Answer

The reason you feel like you look older is because of the flat lower eyelid, and the cheek area which you inherited from your father side of the family. This can easily be corrected with fat grafting, which in the right hands produces natural and permanent results. If you touch what appears to be a lower eyelid bag, you will feel that it’s nothing but bone. I hope this helps and good luck from Leonard Grossman M.D. organic Plastic Surgery.

What's making me look old and tired? What can I do to fix this? (Photo)

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