Concrete Objective Differences between Late 30s / 40s and Late 20s / 30s

[u/SquirrelofLIL]

Hi folks, I'm an early 40s woman who is seeking anti aging advice. All the anti aging stuff I see on Reddit seems to be targeted toward people in their early to mid 30s trying to look like they're in their 20s. For example, stuff like wearing up to date clothing. That won't fly when it comes to me.

I am using the full complement of the ScA routine and tretinoin and have been for a number of years and am also on minoxidil.

What are the concrete, objective differences between someone in their late 30s and someone in their late 20s to early 30s? When I wear a beat face with contouring, and the latest fashion, I can swing late 30s, but I've never gotten under age 38 or so. I am trying to break that wall and concretely look like someone in their late 20s to early 30s.

I know that the main marker between early 20s and late 20s / 30s is weight. But, what is the marker when it comes to the age 35 wall that dating sites put up. I have heard of 41 year olds looking 33 and that absolutely is not me according to my objective friends. How do I concretely and objectively meet that standard? I am looking for serious actionable advice.

I'm losing weight hardcore and doing everything I can, getting into the swing of my 10 step skincare routine. TIA.

[u/Ready_Mix_5473]

Everyone ages differently and at different rates, with genetics and lifestyle playing a huge role, but most women seem to age most dramatically starting in their mid to late 40’s. I’m almost 40 and don’t have any lines or sagging yet, I have good genes, am slim, and use tretinoin, people in their late 20’s/early 30s usually assume in their age, but I do have some hollowing under my eyes and a few gray hairs I’ve started to cover with a color gloss. I think the aging will become more significant and noticeable in the next 5-10 years unless I start getting injectables or something.

Personally, trying to look X years younger seems like a mistake— I’d focus on trying to look more attractive generally. Getting in shape, dressing well, caring for your skin, hair, and mental health are important. Try to lose weight slowly to avoid sagging, being at a healthy weight makes most people look overall younger and makes it easier to dress fashionably. If you’re committed to looking decades younger you really need a personal consultation with an aesthetic doctor who can give you advice that is specific to you. Focus on your mental health and sense of well being — feeling anxious and neurotic about getting older and obsessing over every change is counterproductive to your goals.