Six years ago, I had to have skin grafts on both of my lower eyelids to try and cure my severe eye watering. I hoped the grafts would blend in and that makeup would hide any skin difference. Unfortunately, the skin grafts did not cure the watering, and I was left with white patches that I could not hide, as even waterproof makeup ran within half an hour.
I am 77, and I’ve become much more aware of the way I look now that I’m elderly and have a visible difference. I didn’t wear much makeup when I was younger, but now I’d like to be able to, so I can feel more confident. Not only am I having to adapt to my new identity as I age, but I’m also having to come to terms with an acquired visible difference, and this is challenging.
I find that people do not stare at me. Instead, I’ve found the opposite: they avoid looking at me and always talk to my companion or the distance. They don’t want to be seen as staring but without the eye contact, I find it hard to judge their emotions and reactions. How can you tell a story or a joke when no one looks at you? You feel as though they are not listening, so stop communicating, as you can’t tell if they are amused or bored!
As a result of this, I became very depressed and isolated myself, avoiding eye contact and socialising more generally. I was worried about embarrassing my friends.
I’ve started putting on lipstick again and looking at people.
Then I discovered Changing Faces’ Skin Camouflage Service. While the products I was prescribed don’t last all day due to my condition, I’ve found them much better than anything I’ve tried before (and I have a whole cupboard full of makeup!). I have to apply the products twice a day, but that’s fine by me. It’s given me the confidence to go out on an evening again, so my social life has improved and I feel less alone.
It’s still early days and I am experimenting with three different skin tones – the practitioner took an hour with me to make sure I had the right options to try – but I’ve started putting on lipstick again and looking at people. Hopefully, I can continue to put myself out there and regain my love for socialising.
You’re never too old to search for the help that Changing Faces has given me!
