Ovary suppression+AI. Things to keep you looking young?

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Fritzmylove
Fritzmylove Member Posts: 330
edited September 2021 in Young With Breast Cancer

I had my first Zoladex shot today, and will begin Femara tonight. I hate to sound vain, but I'm worried about how this will affect my skin. Obviously staying alive is #1 priority so I'm going to comply with MO's orders, but what are some things I can do/products I can use to help will premature aging? I'm 35.

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  • ElaineTherese
    ElaineTherese Member Posts: 3,328
    edited March 2019

    Hi!

    I haven't suffered from premature aging while doing OS + AI. It may depend on your skin type. I have always had oily skin, and I still get zits on this regimen.

    I do feel a little creaky when I get up in the morning or if I've been sitting for too long. I believe it's important to keep moving and to exercise when you get the chance.

  • Salamandra
    Salamandra Member Posts: 1,444
    edited March 2019

    Can you see a dermatologist? I was able to get tretinoin covered by my insurance, which hadn't previously been covered, and I'm sure it's because of the connection to the cancer treatment (for me, tamoxifen). Unfortunately the dermatologist also wanted to sell me a couple other of her extremely expensive products. But who knows, maybe they really are good.

  • applejuice
    applejuice Member Posts: 63
    edited March 2019

    Salamandra,

    How long have you been using tretinoin and do you see any improvement on the appearance of wrinkles?

  • Salamandra
    Salamandra Member Posts: 1,444
    edited March 2019

    Only about a week, it ended up taking ages to get the supply. So I can't really talk about impact yet. Keeping my fingers crossed though!

    I had been using Paula's Choice products, including her body retinol cream, so that's related to tretinoin, for years. My skin is still aging, and it's impossible to really know the impact, but overall I'm happy with it and think my skin has looked good.

  • applejuice
    applejuice Member Posts: 63
    edited March 2019

    Let's hope it will make a difference! I guess I'm trying to prepare myself for what will be coming in the next months and years....

  • Meow13
    Meow13 Member Posts: 4,859
    edited March 2019

    I think I have aged horribly after AI treatments. Thinking of a face and neck lift, my skin and hair seem ok. I do have some wrinkles.

  • Salamandra
    Salamandra Member Posts: 1,444
    edited March 2019

    I want to butt out of here because I'm not on OS, just wanted to add the dermatology recommendation. But I will say that it seems like for many of us on anti-hormonals, poor sleep/insomnia is a real thing. And that can be very aging on the face/body :(

  • dtad
    dtad Member Posts: 2,323
    edited March 2019

    Hi everyone...unfortunately aromatase inhibitors do speed up the aging process. We need estrogon for every vital organ including skin. I have used tretinoin for almost 30 years! I started it for adult acne but have continued it through my 60s. IMO it has definitely helped with wrinkles, skin texture and acne. I also use several other products on my skin. I do use some Paula's Choice products including the body cream with retin A.Good skincare is a must as well as staying out of the sun! However, it will never render the results of Botox, fillers or face/neck lifts. I'm happy to share my routine if anyone is interested. I'm 66 and have been asked how my children are doing in school! My children are 42 and 38! So I guess I'm doing something right!

  • MikaMika
    MikaMika Member Posts: 342
    edited December 2019

    Ladies, please, please share your findings!

  • blah333
    blah333 Member Posts: 270
    edited January 2020

    Using various oils on the skin + essential oils can really hydrate your face and fine lines and make you feel silky smooth. I am not on AI but have just enjoyed the effects of these oils on my dehydrated skin. (In the past I've taken medications that had a dehydrating/aging effect on my face) There are many to choose from and experiment with. I get them on iherb.com -- rose hip oil, apricot oil, almond oil, avocado oil, joboba, I just got primrose oil and grapeseed oil and argan oil. Trying to see which ones I like best. Different ones work better on various skin issues, skin types, or parts of the body. So far I have one pump of oil for my body and one for my chest (that has castor oil and peppermint and maybe helps the lymphatic system) and will make one for my face, probably an AM one, a PM one, and some oils are known to help around the eyes. I am still compiling the information about which oil is best for what, and deciding which mixtures to make. Some penetrate more than others, some focus on fine lines, others are more anti-inflamatory and help healing, etc... but moisturizing and nourishing your skin goes a long way with them! I've found these oils are way more effective and cheaper than anti-aging products or beauty lotions. You can also add a drop of essential oils into these carrier oils, again they address different issues like helping sunspots decline, shrinking pores etc. It is a little work to do research but worth it. You can get little glass pumps on ebay or reuse one from another beauty product.

  • MikaMika
    MikaMika Member Posts: 342
    edited January 2020

    blah333,

    Thank you so much for your advice!

  • orangeflower
    orangeflower Member Posts: 146
    edited June 2020

    Bumping this.

    One tip is to drink a lot more water. It seems simple, but most people don’t drink enough. When you drink lots of water, your skin looks so much better. Think 80 ounces a day, if you can.

    This is going to sound crazy, but chewing my food more thoroughly made a big difference in how my skin looked. I did an experiment where I slowed down my eating and really chewed my food until it was thoroughly broken down before swallowing it. After doing this for a while, I noticed that my skin started looking really creamy.

    Also upgrade to better haircare products, which will likely mean spending a little more money. Don’t use anything from the drugstore or supermarket.

    Lastly, how you feel inside makes a big difference in how young you look. Content, fulfilled, enthusiastic, energetic people radiate youthful beauty. I’m still working on this one!

  • MikaMika
    MikaMika Member Posts: 342
    edited June 2020

    Danee78,

    Thank you for your advice! I read it several times! :)

  • minisub
    minisub Member Posts: 5
    edited September 2021

    Hi all! I was 38 when first diagnosed and have been on ovary suppression and AI ever since (3 years now). I felt like my skin was drier than normal, so I have amped that up, especially at night (good excuse to treat myself to some of the more expensive products out there). And I try to stay hydrated during the day. Thankfully I have not noticed any serious changes. I did freak out at first that this regimen would turn me into an elderly woman, but staying on top of a good skincare routine, eating well and exercising has really helped me still feel like myself.



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