Glowing with Mrs. Stafford, October

Attention Ladies: We’d love to hear from you! Your questions are driving the discussions. Don’t hesitate to comment, especially on the “Can We Talk” series as well as “Glowing with Mrs. Stafford”. Without you there is no discussion, so don’t be shy! Also, make sure to read to the end of this post to learn how to enter the Glowing with Mrs. Stafford Giveaway:)
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Glowing with Mrs. Stafford Advice Column:

Q:

"Mrs. Stafford, could you please suggest what Fillers are best for me. I'm 78 years old and I have some lines and wrinkles from sun exposure. Creams do not work except to moisturize. I love your skin."  ~ Willa White
 

A:

Hi Willa,
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Thank you so much for the compliment on my skin! I definitely do a lot of work taking care of it and skincare has kind of become a hobby for me:)

It is true that at some point creams and serums only deal with the surface skin. At some point in time, creams really won't do the job and that's when you need to get out the big guns. Some women are still opposed to getting injections because they don't want to look unnatural but with the right doctor, this won't happen. 

Products such as Botox and Dysport help with lines and wrinkles. These are brand names for the injectables that are used to primarily freeze the muscles and prevent them from moving. This will minimize the lines and wrinkles caused by aging. I do get Botox around my eyes (crowfeet) and on my forehead. Also in between my eyebrows right above the nose, this is what is referred to as the "11 lines". I have been doing this for quite a number of years now. I am very happy with the results, and as my Doctor notes, a little goes a long way. What we strive to do is a natural look, so yes, I still have a few wrinkles around my eyes, which is normal. I don't want to look plastic! This product will last for about 3 to 4 months.

Another treatment I receive is fillers. These products bring back the volume and fullness to your face. My Doctor places filler in my cheek area and the lines called "Marionette lines" which are right above the mouth on either side. Filler last longer than Botox or Dysport, normally between 6 to 9 months. Again, for this, you will need an experienced doctor to know where exactly to place the filler. It's all about the muscles and knowing the general anatomy of the face. My doctor is really the only person I would trust with this. 

I have a video that I'll attach which will give you so much more information. I filmed this with my doctor, Katherine Lane, to answer all the questions women normally have concerning this issue. You can also see me actually getting injections in the second half of the video. 

If you are unsure of going directly for the Botox I understand! If you are uncomfortable or wary of getting a substance injected into your skin (even though Botox, when done by a proper physician is completely safe) there are other solutions as well. One other procedure I had done at a medical spa that really helps with wrinkles is called the CO2RE laser. This can treat multiple skin problems including wrinkles, scars, and sun damage. It resurfaces the skin at superficial and deep levels. The downtime is about 7 days and you should stay out of the sun during this time. 

I will say that Botox and Fillers have really made a difference with how my skin looks, but don't expect Botox to be the cure-all. Obviously, you still have to be mindful and take care of your skin in other ways such as having a daily regime and not baking in the sun. If you have sun-damage already such as dark spots, I wrote a great answer for that in my August Column of Glowing with Mrs. Stafford. There are various things you can do such as face peels or lasers. 

Finally, I must stress again it is to know your doctor. Word of mouth is really the best way to find someone who will be right for you. I would not go to someone just because you saw a commercial or an ad. Ask for referrals and also a consultation before doing anything.  This is a standard procedure for any qualified doctor to do for you. Ask your friends if they are seeing someone that works for them. You'll be surprised how many people nowadays, men and women, who are getting injectables.

So I hope this is helpful for you and please keep me posted on your search!
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How to Participate in Glowing with Mrs. Stafford Column:

Ask your questions in the comment section below for a chance to be featured in next month’s Glowing with Mrs. Stafford column. I will answer one question in detail each month and make sure to do all my research  to  give the most informed answer I can provide! 

Since I started this blog I have received many compliments and questions on my skincare routine. Women have asked, “what is my secret” and honestly it’s a combination of multiple things. I use many different products, and tend to switch up my routine often. Staying out of the sun, and wearing sunscreen is a huge one. Finally, I have not been shy about the fact that I get Botox and filler. I even made a video of myself getting Botox injected which you can find on my Youtube channel. I have written some blog posts about the beauty products I use and routines based on the season or specific skin problems. 

Glowing with Mrs. Stafford is my take on an advice column based around skincare. Each person has unique skin and their own issues they would like answered. Glowing with Mrs. Stafford is my idea of how to share my knowledge on this topic. 

Basically, this is a place where all of you can ask questions about you’re personal skin issues. Ask me about certain beauty products you might want to try, or even about treatments such as lasers or Botox since I’ve done it all! All and any questions are welcome (concerning these topics). 
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October Giveaway - ​Shani Darden Texture Reform Serum

We’re also running a giveaway to celebrate our monthly Glowing with Mrs. Stafford Advice column. I will pick one beauty product and one winner at the end of each month. All of the products will be bought with my own money, and products I have personally used and loved.

This month the giveaway is the Shani Darden Texture Reform Serum.

Shani Darden is the guru for many of the beautiful faces in Hollywood. She started her skincare line in 2013 and her products have become cult classics. 

I've used the Texture Reform for about 4 years and love it for it's gentle yet effective results for my sensitive skin. This is great for all skin types. With a mild retinoid along with Lactic Acid, it will exfoliate and improve skin texture. The Aloe Vera helps with redness to calm the skin. Don't forget the sunscreen when using retinoid products!
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Here are some of the benefits:
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• Helps boost cellular turnover to give you brighter skin
• Helps soften the look of fine lines
• Helps reduce the look of sun damage and dark spots (this is one that so many of you ask about!)
• Aids in decongesting the skin (helps with those nasty breakouts)

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Start slow 1 - 2 nights a week and build up to what your skin can tolerate. Put on to clean skin, let soak in then add a light moisturizer. 

*Note: When I’m recommending any skincare item I will always test the product for at least 30 days, most times longer. I feel you need to see how the product works over time, the benefits and results, which in most cases does not happen with just one use.

Price Point - ​$95.00 1OZ.

 The giveaway will take place on my Instagram, see below to learn how to enter. 
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How to Participate in the Glowing with Mrs. Stafford Giveaway:

You will be able to enter the giveaway on Instagram. All you have to do is:
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1. Follow me 
2. Like the post 
3. And tag a friend

​We are doing it both only on Instagram. At the end of the month I will pick one winner. I will contact the winner through your DMs (direct messages) so keep an eye out! Usually the Giveaway will end on the last day of the month, but since we are so late in getting the October edition up this Giveaway will end on Nov 10th at 5PM. 

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Welcome to the Mrs. Stafford Community where no topic is off limits! I want this blog to be a forum for women my age to be able to discuss everything beauty and fashion, as well as the more sensitive subjects such as menopause and healthy aging. I’m starting my sixties and I feel the best I have in years, and I want to help other women feel the same way. As a community, I think we can come together and start the conversation. This is all about women supporting other women, and trying to have some fun in the meantime.