Deep crow’s feet, frown lines criss-crossing my forehead, a horribly creased top lip line, crinkled neck and lifeless pallid skin. Sixty-six? My reflection in the mirror, as I contemplated what to pack for my big summer holiday, looked more like 166. But perhaps that’s no surprise when, after 27 years of indulging in ‘tweakments’ to keep my face looking its best, I’d neglected them entirely for almost 18 months. I’d had such high hopes for 2024, promising myself more ‘me’ time, joining a painting class, walking the Camino de Santiago trail in north-west Spain and, of course, catching up on facial maintenance. Sadly, though, it quickly turned into an annus horribilis when my dear friend Gary fell seriously ill and all my plans were dashed. Four months of hospital visits, followed by the funeral, and I was exhausted. No wonder my skin, then the least of my worries, had become lifeless and drawn. Sadness, grief, tiredness, stress, they all show up first in your heart and then on your face.
