A Few Wrinkles In Time: The Powerful Influence Of A Picture On My Skincare Routine

Not only am I beginning to feel old, but I’m also beginning to look it!

Recently, I needed to use a photo for something and I absolutely hate photos of myself. I know that hate is a strong word, but I really do. I’m just not photogenic. I know that it’s all about angles and lighting, but honestly, I’ve just never bothered to learn about it.

I found a photo from last year that I begrudgingly thought was okay, but I had to crop others out of the photo for what I needed it for. When I did, I was horrified. I looked old! I had wrinkles around my eyes, and my skin looked a bit like crepe paper. I swiftly looked in the mirror to examine my face. I didn’t have wrinkles, except for when I smiled, and my face was fairly smooth, just quite red. I wanted a nice photo, so I decided to give a filter app a try.

I’ve used the odd Snapchat filter and some filters on Instagram, but this app was on another level. My complexion was now clear, the lines were smoothed, and my ego was deflated. I still looked like me, just more fresh-faced & healthier. I wanted to cry.

I found myself going through my photo album, trying out other pictures. With each picture I enhanced, I felt what was left of my self-esteem withering away. I started thinking that I needed Botox and how I was going to go about getting it. Tears pricked at my eyes. What has happened to me?