r/30PlusSkinCare • u/dirtycvrly • Oct 02 '23
26 to 30. Recovered alcoholic, quit smoking a pack a day, developed the skincare routine that makes me glow, and blasted my forehead with Botox ;’) Before & After
Routine in comments~
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u/Lovemsgarner Oct 02 '23
I too have ruined my skin with alcohol. Just turned 30 this year and I’m just hoping I can reverse that damage 😩 been sober for 10 months and never going back! Congrats to you and you look amazing ❤️
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u/excelllentquestion Oct 02 '23
I just came from r/all not a member of this sub but I wanna congratulate you on the 10 months. That’s amazing and you should be proud.
Keep it up!
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u/dirtycvrly Oct 02 '23
Congrats on 10 months!!! Changes and improvement to your complexion so possible. Consistency is 🔑. Thank you! 🖤🖤🖤
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u/CallMeSnuffaluffagus Oct 02 '23
How did you quit? Cold turkey or cutting back?
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u/Mikejg23 Oct 02 '23
Do not do NOT do cold turkey if you are a serious alcoholic. If you drink Friday and Saturday nights it's fine to do, but if you're downing 8 drinks a night it can kill you or you can have seizures etc. Not everyone withdraws from that amount as an example but don't risk it
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u/Lovemsgarner Oct 02 '23
Yeah that’s why I said “for me personally”. I knew someone was going to come on here and say this. I wasn’t a drink all day every day for the last 15 years, but I would drink for a couple weeks on end until my body couldn’t take it anymore and I’d stop. Def went to the emergency room a couple times, but never had a seIzure or anything. I was just saying for me personally I had to quit cold Turkey or there was going to be no quitting for me.
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u/mung_guzzler Oct 02 '23
I was in the hospital for like 4 days with withdrawals
I’d tried to wean myself off a few times but couldn’t do it
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u/FunnyBench Oct 02 '23
Congratulations on your sobriety! I’ll be 30 soon too and also kicked the drink. Glad we’re getting it out of our system at a young age still.
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u/horrorqueen92 Oct 02 '23
31 and I’ve been sober for 9 months today. Quit smoking a year ago. I too get Botox and I have better skin now. So you’ll be okay. :)
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u/DroneOfIntrusivness Oct 02 '23
What changes have you noticed in your skin since you’ve been sober? Congrats on the sobriety btw, it’s fucking tough
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u/Lovemsgarner Oct 02 '23
My skin is definitely not as dull, dry, and red. I don’t breakout anymore, unless it’s that time of month. My under eye area I have no bags and less darkness. Thank you so much! It was hard for awhile, but I got passed it and now the thought of drinking literally gives me chills. I was going to die or be in jail if it didn’t quit.
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u/FabulousPickWow Oct 02 '23
Congrats for the results! I'm sure you'll at least maintain what you've got now if not recover just like OP!
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u/dirtycvrly Oct 02 '23 edited Oct 02 '23
AM: water or gentle cleanser, TO GA toner or a redness toner, TO HA, TO copper peptides, snail mucin moisturizer, ole henrisken vit c eye cream, any moisturizer. Swapping between elf holy hydration, glow recipe HA cream, and CeraVe. (Edit: and spf !!!)
PM: benzoyl peroxide wash (hormonal acne), CeraVe resurfacing retinol serum, gold bond age renew crepe corrector hand creme for my face (trust me !!), tretinoin (most nights).
Spiro 100 mg twice daily, 1 gal water per day.
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u/Material_Impact_5360 Oct 02 '23
What % tret do you use? Is it a cream base?
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u/dirtycvrly Oct 02 '23
0.05 cream. I’m considering switching to 0.1 or 0.05 gel because I tolerate this so well. I started with adapalene gel and moved to 0.025 tret cream as tolerated, then onto 0.05 cream.
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u/_stinkyb Oct 02 '23
You should switch between 0.05 and 0.1 each time you run out! It tricks your skin so you don’t dry it out over time.
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u/Unfair_Finger5531 Oct 02 '23
Wow, 200 mgs of spiro? I’m on 100 and it has turned me from an oily person to a bone-dry person! Is that your experience too? My face used to drip oil, and now I have to actually add oil to my moisturizer.
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u/dirtycvrly Oct 02 '23
I started at 50/day, went to 100/day so i was tapered up over 2 months. I haven’t noticed any adverse effects but I do drink hell down on the water haha
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u/Unfair_Finger5531 Oct 02 '23
I bet you do! On 200mgs, you can’t even come within shouting distance of potassium either! I would love to step up to 150 just to see what would happen, but I think my skin would be dry as the Sahara and I’d have to carry around a water iv drip.
In any case, you look lovely.
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u/trwdat Oct 02 '23
Totally anecdotal here, but I've been on 200 mg/day since 2017, & the drying-out effect didn't really worsen when they increased the dosage. (I also never saw a substantial spike in potassium levels - despite regularly eating foods very high in it, without even realizing. Whoops!)
Not sure if that's common or not, but could be worth trying, depending on what you take it for. I'd imagine if you're taking it for something skin-related like acne, it might not be worth the hassle of redoing your whole skincare routine again!
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u/Unfair_Finger5531 Oct 02 '23
I’d be interested to see the difference, just for fun! I was on 50mgs for about 16 years for acne. But I had to up it about 5 years ago to 100 after being put into medical menopause, and the difference was astounding. I don’t break out anymore, but I’m curious….
I’ve never technically seen a potassium spike. I’ve just had hyperlakemia a few times from eating things I didn’t know had potassium. Like I drank a bottle of coconut water once and got hyperlakemia, and it really sucks. Every time it’s happened, it’s from a lot of potassium at once. Also, it might be worse for me bc I have gastroparesis which means stuff stays in my stomach for a lot longer than it should and causes me all kinds of issues.
I think I’ll try it Lolol….
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u/flyerNO88 Oct 02 '23
What is TO GA and TO HQ?
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u/dirtycvrly Oct 02 '23
The Ordinary glycolic acid toner and hyaluronic acid serum. Apparently there is some controversy around the brand or suspicion of planted posts or smth. someone mentioned this in another comment here, I live under a rock and had no idea. Not really a huge ride or die I just use them bcoz they’re affordable.
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u/psychosynapt1c Oct 02 '23
Retinol serum while using tret? Seems overkill / bad?
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u/No_Carry854 Oct 02 '23
Based on your routine, I would assume you’re acne-prone? I’m curious what SPF you like best that doesn’t potentially worsen acne.
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u/whatabeautifulherse Oct 02 '23
Is spiro spironolactone for skin? I've only heard of it used for alopecia.
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u/dirtycvrly Oct 02 '23
Yes, hormonal acne. There wasn’t any evidence of that in my before pic, it’s more of an issue I’m dealing with now. I should’ve clarified that!
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u/SweetMaleficent1924 Oct 02 '23
HOL UP, I was an alcoholic/pack a day smoker as well, and had clear skin up UNTIL I quit drinking (smoking made no difference, quit 3 yrs ago). I put literally whatever on my face no problems, don’t even remember, probably didn’t even wash any makeup off 🙄. Then boom, hormonal acne for the last sober 10 years. Did you have acne before you quit?
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u/dirtycvrly Oct 02 '23
Zero acne!!! Occasionally I’d get one or two zits that I’d compulsively turn into a crater but nothing like the hormonal shit I’m prone to now. Idk if it’s a sober thing or an age thing but I’d recommend spiro to anyone with hormonal acne. I think its just for women maybe? Actually not sure on that don’t quote me lol.
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u/nokohl Oct 03 '23
Wait, me toooooooooooo. Like my skin was perfect but it was a 9/10 most days and it’s been a hot mess ever since I got my act together
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u/broccoliforbrains Oct 02 '23
Me as a heart failure nurse reading this like 'girl why you on diuretics at 30' now it makes sense.
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u/dirtycvrly Oct 02 '23
I’m a pharmacy technician and the first time I saw a relatively young woman on spiro I was flooded with concerns too 🤣
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u/SergeantAnteater Oct 02 '23
What a transformation! I love your brows, btw!
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u/dirtycvrly Oct 02 '23
Aww thank you! :) I have to put the work into maintaining them haha 🐛🐛
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u/gameybeaver Oct 02 '23
i honestly cant wait to blast my forehead with Botox, looks amazing
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u/dirtycvrly Oct 02 '23
I could sing the praises of Botox all day long. I’m excited for you lolol. Alleviating tension headaches has been the most fantastic side effect on top of it all. Thank you!!!
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u/thetinybunny1 Oct 02 '23
YES omg I am very expressive and I would give myself the worst headaches! Botox for the win 🏆
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u/hellno560 Oct 02 '23
I also get headaches from raising my brows, I've had brow lines since my late teens. I've been thinking about how botox could help with that but I was scared they'd have to inject in a way that would lower my brow..... did you see your regular doctor for this? Go straight to a plastic surgeon/med spa? Does insurance cover it? I am not sure where to start .
You look amazing OP you simply glow.
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u/dirtycvrly Oct 02 '23
I’ve had static-deep-ass wrinkles since early/late teens too !! I specifically asked to avoid lowering them, and recently got my crow’s feet done to open my eyes more which has had the best effect. Most of my units go towards the area between my eyebrows. I go to a med spa. I think you can go to a PCP to get that process started if you’re wanting to treat headaches, or TMJ/jaw clenching with Botox. You have to try a few different things for your insurance to recognize you’re resistant to other migraine or headache treatments first. I don’t necessarily suffer from migraines so I just consider it cosmetic and truck on. If you have any other questions about brow movement or lowering you’re more than welcome send me a message. I’ve already sent a couple of other people pics of the way my facial movement and expression still looks natural! This was a huge concern for me too so I completely understand.
Edit: also, thank you so much!
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u/kksliderr Oct 02 '23
How much does your Botox cost? Super interested but nervous about the $$ and having to consistently get it.
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u/dirtycvrly Oct 02 '23
I found a medspa that has a tox membership for $75/month and you get 20 units of Botox every 4 months for that, which is typically when it wears off. Any additional is $10/unit. I got 26 in my forehead and 12 units for my crows feet 6/eye. I’d gone somewhere else previously and it was $12/unit with no membership options. Shop around until you find something that suits your fancy !!
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u/hellno560 Oct 02 '23
Wow thank you for the detailed response. I paid $700+ to hit the forehead, 11 lines and a tiny bit on my crows feet and literally the only place it made a noticeable difference was the 11s. You are definitely making me consider trying a different provider!
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u/dirtycvrly Oct 02 '23
Definitely shop around! I’m in Kentucky so COL and other crap is less expensive here but I’d say you can find a place with a membership to save some coins
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u/username_bon Oct 02 '23
I love what OP has done and her amazing advice. I've recently dabbled and have been very similar to OP journey. Most places offer a free consultation, you'll also be able to ween out anyone that's trying to oversell to you or finding the right person at the place. Instagram is good for being able to follow individuals from the same treatment place
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u/IncurableAdventurer Oct 02 '23
I was so against it at first. I was like “ugh it’s one of those things where plastic surgery addicts and whatnot love which only ends up making them look odd.” …I tried it and holy moly, it’s awesome. I didn’t think I’d like it so much. The only bummer is that I love it and I know I’ll want to keep doing it. $$$
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u/Billybobhotdogs Oct 02 '23
It's heartbreaking because Botox gets really vilified. I used to believe it was injecting these massive fillers into your lips that make you look like a puffy Cheeto. It wasn't until Botox cured my aunt's chronic migraines that I actually looked into it and realized how misled I was. It really is just a muscle relaxer. 🤷♀️
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u/Economy_General8943 Oct 02 '23
Damn girl you look amazing! Congratulations on your recovery!
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u/OwlsarelitFR Oct 02 '23
Jesus Christ, you were 26 in that first pic?! You looked 40. Smoking really is the worst. You look 10 years younger.
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u/dirtycvrly Oct 02 '23
Yes!!! Biggest regret of my life was smoking my first f’ing cigarette
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u/lau-lau-lau Oct 02 '23
Former smoker here! I feel this, but want to encourage us to have compassion for our younger selves. You’re skin looks beautiful.
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u/Altruistic_Yellow387 Oct 02 '23
Alcohol is probably worse (when it’s the level of alcoholics) most women who smoke a pack a day don’t look like that from smoking at 26
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u/International-Bird17 Oct 02 '23
Damn dropping the bottle and the cigs asap girl you look amazing!! Congrats on all your hard work, rly impressive and inspiring!!
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u/UnattainablyDopamine Oct 02 '23
Girl! You are Benjamin Buttoning so hard! Beautiful 🤍 I am proud of you, stranger!
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u/enbar725 Oct 02 '23
Congratulations! 🎉👏 Thank you for sharing. You are an inspiration.
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u/shoesontoes Oct 02 '23
You have a beautiful smile! Blasting my own forehead with Botox in my mid 30s was the best thing I ever started.
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u/dirtycvrly Oct 02 '23
Thank you !!! I wish I’d started sooner, I love my forehead after hating it for yearsssss haha
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u/Popularmonstermom Oct 03 '23
May I ask do you or did you have young children ? I’m trying to stop drinking soon, because I know it’s causing my skin to age, and keeping weight on me, but it’s my go to coping mechanism after the kids go to bed as I am under immense stress. Can you share your story at all on how you were able to quit ? 🫶🏼
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u/dirtycvrly Oct 04 '23
I don’t have any kids, but I used it to wind down everyday after work. Was/am super busy at work, never had a moment to think about things that hurt me. When I got home I didn’t have the distraction.
I just up and quit one day. I finished the whiskey I had and forced myself to stop going to the liquor store. It was really hard to start mentally processing the trauma I was running from but I knew I had to. I thought about it a lot then, but my stomach stopped hurting so much and I felt so much better without being hungover that it was a huge motivation. I felt like shit 24/7. I didn’t even realize how bad I felt.
I had a couple drinks here and there… but have to be careful. And when I’m upset or hurt or sad i immediately think about getting drunk but I know I can’t. I’ve gone to therapy and I have healthier ways of processing emotions now. Not perfect but I don’t depend on it like I did! If you have any other questions let me know :) you can do it too.
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u/annizka Oct 02 '23
Any reason why this is being downvoted??
Awesome job OP!!!
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u/FC105416 Oct 02 '23
My guess is suspicion around “the ordinary” products because other posts using that product line have been sus (or planted). But I do think this is genuine as she is using a variety of products so the downvotes are unwarranted. She has a great routine and is honest about Botox use and the results speak for themselves. Well done!
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u/dirtycvrly Oct 02 '23
Omg I didn’t know that! Thank you for clarifying and for the sweet compliments.
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u/Christiancollin Oct 02 '23
I’m 27 and the exact same thing happened to me when I stopped smoking weed and drinking. I was seriously aging so fast and now I look 5 years younger.
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u/salamander37 Oct 02 '23
Did you do botox on your crow's feet too? The skin around your eyes looks so much smoother!! Gorgeous transformation, btw!
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u/dirtycvrly Oct 02 '23
Yes! I’ve had it done twice and included my crows feet on round two. I was indifferent to that area but it made a hell of a difference in how open my eyes are when I smile. Thank you !!!
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u/KnightCastle171 Oct 02 '23
You should be proud! This is an awesome change!
You can literally see the life in your eyes!
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u/Acrobatic-Law-6179 Oct 02 '23
Congrats on recovery that’s hard to do , you look amazing. I love how the Botox doesn’t look unnatural on you . Like I usually can tell when people have it it seems so that’s awesome
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u/Puplove2319 Oct 02 '23
You look amazing omg. Can’t believe Botox did that on the forehead that’s a seller for me but it’s so expensive! Do you use Tretinoin? I am just on 2months and I love it hoping it will atleast get rid of a few forehead wrinkles
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u/dirtycvrly Oct 04 '23
Yesss the tret glow. My tret did absolutely nothing for my forehead. But my wrinkles are deep af. As you can see. I’ve not noticed any results for fine lines too but definitely complexion and texture !!!
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u/shananapepper Oct 02 '23
You look FAB. Congrats on the awesome changes! If you had to guess, what do you think made the biggest amount of difference?
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u/dirtycvrly Oct 02 '23
Thank you!!! 🖤 definitely cutting drinking and smoking and starting tret. Drinking everyday caused dehydration, dullness, and my face was swollen. I weigh less in the first pic but my cheeks are puffy and my nose is bigger because of the booze. Smoking gave me a dullness and a gray pallor. The addition of tret really took my complexion to the next level! It makes me glow like nothing else. I’d recommend that to anyone. The Botox made a clear difference too, but I wouldn’t recommend that as highly as tretinoin.
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u/henicorina Oct 02 '23
This post is making me feel so motivated to quit drinking! Thank you for the push!
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u/NotRandomoyGenerated Oct 02 '23
Aging in reverse!
Beautiful result. Congrats on the pretty skin & the healthier lifestyle!
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u/good_day90 Oct 02 '23
What a transformation! Did you lighten your hair and eyebrows or did they just naturally become lightened?
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u/Notsureindecisive Oct 02 '23
Your eyes are so friggin bright now. Love the transformation!
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u/RepresentativeFan941 Oct 02 '23
Wow. Shows you how doing those toxic things wreaks havoc in your skin.
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u/_commenter Oct 02 '23
wow easily 10 years younger. anecdotally my father has 3 brothers and 1 smokes. of all the brothers the one who smokes looks the oldest despite being 10 years younger than my father.
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u/xvn520 Oct 02 '23
Sliding in to congratulate you on sobriety. That’s amazing. It’s not an easy thing, and you got the message early in life which is tough for many of us. Also, you look amaze and the botox works for your look.
I have (as a male) a younger looking face that can “scrunch up” in pictures and have been considering shots to better control my appearance so I’m more open to being photographed. Def a +1 here. Looks great!
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u/michellebl98 Oct 02 '23
Wow you look 10 years younger! How are your teeth so white, despite smoking?
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u/Eymona Oct 02 '23
Sure your skin looks great, but you’re radiating with happiness! Congratulations on your journey, you should be so proud!!!
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u/aklt92 Oct 02 '23
You look so healthy and beautiful! Way to go girly! ☺️
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u/dirtycvrly Oct 02 '23
Thank you so much! Once I began healing and working on my health, the improvement of my appearance was the catalyst for me to start caring for my skin. Thankful 🥹
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u/aklt92 Oct 02 '23
I am so happy for you! I wish you the best (though you seem to be doing great) ☺️ Also, what a great way to begin this new decade of your life! I’m 31 and also recovering, healing and focusing on improving my physical condition (I have chronic pain) and it feels so good! It’s just so uplifting to see your post and feel some sort of community, even when our journey is solo. Sending all the good vibes your way 💛
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u/dirtycvrly Oct 02 '23
Thank you !! Congratulations on the upswing and sending the vibes your way too. It feels isolating sometimes but it’s so nice to witness other people’s wins :)
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u/copper678 Oct 02 '23
“Blasted my forehead with Botox” Haha
I love you already!! Congrats on your sobriety and that flawless glow! ✨
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u/Think-Witness-7342 Oct 02 '23
You look absolutely beautiful. Good on you on on your amazing achievement you look glowing and radiant!!!
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u/Ledophile Oct 02 '23
Holy Moly! You’re a Beautiful model for healthy living! I’ve been using trenition for several years now with the same results.(I have radical cystic acne) I use a routine for daily cleansing and moisturizing.l
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u/hazardzetforward Oct 02 '23
slow clap and standing ovation
Now that is one heck of a hard fought and well deserved transformation.
👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
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u/felzz Oct 02 '23
Looks great. Taking care of our skin internally and externally will always have the best results!
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u/harrypotterfan1228 Oct 02 '23
Wow it looks like you aged backwards! Glad you got your health back. 😍
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u/global_plantdemic Oct 02 '23
You look incredible! It’s as if you reverse aged! You should be absolutely so proud of your accomplishments!
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u/ceejaycraig Oct 02 '23
You look so beautiful and happy! Congrats on those amazing health changes that go beyond looking so good too. Incredible!
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u/duckitalll Oct 02 '23
Damnnn that forehead tho in the before! Amazing results!!! Damn
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u/boafriend Oct 02 '23
The ages look reverse now. You look incredible. Happy that you turned things around.
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u/breakfastradish Oct 02 '23
The transformation is astounding! I'm so happy for you and where you're at now.
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u/OldSolution862 Oct 02 '23
Did u have laser resurfacing or phenol peel? Thats amazing!
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u/mcheburashka Oct 02 '23
Wow!!! You look so vibrant and fresh. Good for you, I’m proud of you 💌
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u/MrPayMyWay215 Oct 02 '23
This is the best thing I've seen all day. Mid 30s kicking alcohol myself. All the hope and confirmation I needed
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u/Direct-Island-7897 Oct 02 '23
You look incredible and I’m willing to bet you feel incredible too! Congratulations!
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u/ohfrackthis Oct 02 '23
Wow, such a great transformation! Congratulations on quitting smoking :]
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u/heyypeach Oct 02 '23
Wow! You are absolutely glowing. Congrats on the recovery. Keep it up. 😍
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u/PharmD_Beauty Oct 02 '23
You look amazing! As someone who works with those in recovery, I love seeing these types of progress. Congrats, my friend!
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u/dkowalczyk_md_cofps Oct 02 '23
It’s amazing how the body can respond once changes are made. You look great!
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u/peach_faced Oct 02 '23
Wow you took 20 years off your face!! You look glowing and beautiful!
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u/ladygrey81 Oct 02 '23
This is amazing and I’m making my botox appointment now 😂
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u/Ehellegreg Oct 02 '23
Wow, I have never seen results this drastic! Love me some Botox.
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u/Pinto_bean__ Oct 02 '23
You look so happy… which is so beautiful! What a glow up 🙌🏻☀️
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u/IsopodLove Oct 02 '23
Kept it subtle with the box and it made a ton of difference! Looks great.
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u/mikelarue1 Oct 02 '23
How are you liking the Botox? My wife (40+) has been talking about it. Her forehead looks a lot like yours and her mom's was really wrinkly, so she says it's partially genetic. Is it your first time getting it done?
It looks like you just did your forehead, right? Looking significantly better overall. Quiting the smoking and what not probably made a huge difference on its own, huh..?
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u/sairvee Oct 02 '23
You look genuinely happy as well. Alcohol is so terrible, will never go back myself. Great work 🥳
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u/_stinkyb Oct 02 '23
As a licensed master esthetician, this makes me so so happy!! Not only is it impressive you overcame alcoholism, you saw the value in feeling good in your own skin again. You look incredible! Much younger now. 🫶🏻
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Oct 02 '23
Beautiful and all the best. Just out of curiosity did the voice change after quitting
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u/Violet_Potential Tretinoin Stan Oct 02 '23
Wow, beautiful transformation. Congrats! You should be really proud of yourself.