Who's That Girl?

Have you ever been driving in your car and arrived at your destination and suddenly thought, “Wait. How did I get here?” You were so deep in thought that you didn't remember the journey. Not the safest way to travel but I know we’ve all been there. That’s kind of how turning 50 feels to me sometimes. “Wait, how did I get here?” 50 seems to be a time of reflection. I didn’t do that when I turned 30 or 40. But one month into being 50 years old and I have been doing lots of reflecting and thoroughly enjoying it. I don’t feel 50. My body feels better than when I was 30. I feel healthier and stronger. But no matter how I feel, I am aging. We all are aging. Day by day we experience tiny, seemingly insignificant changes that compound over time and all of the sudden you look in the mirror and say, “Who’s that girl?” It reminds me of the lyrics in the song “Sunrise, Sunset” from Fiddler on the Roof….”I don’t remember getting older…”. In actuality, the girl that I don’t recognize anymore is the 18 year old girl in that modeling picture in 1992. 

I have had 32 years of life since then filled with joys, sorrows, disappointments, victories, losses, experiences, love, marriage, children, grandchildren, and friendships and I know the best is always yet to come. I am grateful to be 50 years old. It is a privilege denied to many and I am fully embracing the journey. I was excited and determined to embrace my aging skin but that was much easier to do when I was 30. At 50, however, it's now less excitement and more of a half smile with a wave and “oh, hello, you’re new around here.” I was ready to address those “11” lines (you know, the ones between the eyes) and the forehead lines. 

I’ve always taken good care of my skin but nothing above and beyond. I can count on one hand the number of facials I have had in my lifetime. I have a morning and evening skincare regimen and that’s about it. Two years ago I added gua sha to my morning routine. While the science isn’t quite there to back up any anti-aging claims, it still has many benefits. It promotes blood circulation, promotes lymphatic drainage, and relieves muscle tension, just to name a few. It is also super relaxing. I try to take care of my skin through lifestyle choices as well like exercise, healthy diet, hydration, sleep, and toxin free products. But also, (this is so scandalous to say so brace yourself) I love the sun (insert gasps) and I have the fine lines to prove it!

I know, I know. This seems like an easy one…nothing a little botox can’t fix. After years of resolve to never inject Botox into my body I was actually considering it. Now look, I am not judging anyone who chooses Botox. I think we all have to make our own personal, informed decisions. I am positive that I make some choices that many people say “I would never” to. Getting a Brazilian Blowout every four months isn’t one of my healthiest choices (hello moderate formaldehyde exposure). But it’s an informed choice. So maybe with some research I could get comfortable with making Botox that other arrangement for my new "11" friends. I was now on a mission to look for evidence that Botox was the answer to fix these fine lines. I researched many of the people that I respect in the health and wellness industry to see what they were saying about it. Surprisingly, some of them use it. But my story isn’t about the pros and cons of Botox nor a recommendation of whether or not you should use it. For me, I ultimately decided that it does not align with my lifestyle goals at this time. Over the last 14 years I have been on a journey to clean living slowly replacing toxic products in my home including food, cleaning, skincare, and hygiene. And yes, I have been actively researching healthy alternatives to the Brazilian Blowout. It’s all a process! While I know that I would enjoy the benefits of Botox it is still a neurotoxin. So that is how I came to my decision not to get Botox and look for a natural alternative. 

Now what? Well, I stumbled on these little face patches called Frownies. They are wrinkle patches that are made with natural weighted unbleached Kraft paper and a water activated starch based adhesive. You place them on your forehead and brow and wear them while you sleep. It acts as a “cast” for your muscles holding them flat which prevents making the expressions that cause the wrinkles and also smooths existing lines. I wear them during the day as much as possible as well to “re-train” my facial muscles. This is definitely not an overnight fix and the length of time that it takes to get the desired results will vary for everyone. I have also learned that consistency is KEY! 

I started using them nightly on November 17th, 2023. I didn’t take a before photo but here is a picture of me in August and honestly this is the picture that prompted me to give my skin a little more attention. 

This is what a full forehead “cast” looks like. Yep, it totally gives “Wonder Woman” a whole new meaning. 

Day 1. Not much change.

One Month:

3 Months:

The lines are still there but significantly decreased. I realize how expressive I am! I talk with my face more than my mouth (but not as much as my hands because I’m Italian). I also notice how it relieves tension in my shoulders and neck. The fine lines around my eyes are more diminished as well. They do have patches for around the eyes and around the mouth. But for now, I kinda like my laugh lines and enjoy thinking about the way that they got there. 

I also did some math on Frownies vs Botox. The average cost of a unit of Botox is $15-30.00. So let’s say you pay $20.00/unit. The forehead takes on average about 25 units. That is about $500.00/visit. The average visit is every 3 - 4 months. So let’s say you go every 3 months….that’s $2,000.00/year. Every 4 months would be $1,500.00.  A box of Frownies includes 144 patches and is $24.95, about 17 cents per patch. Let’s say it takes 10 patches a night for a forehead cast. That is $1.70 a day, $620.00/year or $52.00/month. That’s a pretty significant savings!

If you currently use Botox these are a great way to extend the life of your results and make fewer visits or if you have been looking for a Botox alternative and are ready to start your journey with Frownies you can grab them here for $10 OFF!

It took me 50 years to get these lines and I am well aware that it could take awhile to correct them. But I am here for it and will continue to share the journey with you!