Saw myself on Zoom and I look so old

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m never on zoom but I was today. I thought I looked good but when I say myself I was horrified by how bad I looked. I just turned 60 so I don’t have delusions that I still look 30 but it was depressing. I have kept myself up as best I can - fit and trim, hair looks good, clothes are nice. But there is nothing I can do about the wrinkles and turkey neck I saw. I did not know it was so bad. For some reason I just don’t see it in the mirror. I’m so depressed I’m just lying in bed sad.

If you like your reflection in the mirror, then focus on that and remember that you look good. Next time you have to zoom, look at yourself in your camera beforehand in the position you'll be sitting and play with the lighting in your room. Also try different colors of tops to see which looks best on camera. Choose your background carefully or make sure the wall behind you is plain. Finally, minimize or hide your zoom face from yourself. Carry that in the mirror confidence with you wherever you are. That's what people notice. No one is thinking the things you said about yourself but you.

This is wonderful advice.

Thank you. I hope it helps op and others.

[Anonymous]

The lighting makes a huge difference on Zoom. Get a ring light or sit near a window.

Also make sure your computer camera is a good one. A lot of them will compensate for low light.

Make sure your camera is around eye level. If it's lower you'll look older due to the bad angle.

A lot of my colleagues do their Zooms in a sun room or next to a window and look like their best selves. The ones that are in a darkened room look terrible even if they are attractive in real life.

[Anonymous]

Are you up to make any changes ?
If so then go for it 🩷

[Anonymous]

Be gentle with yourself, OP. Aging is a privilege.

[Anonymous]

I saw on YouTube where women were using surgical tape to pull their excess neck skin back.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Be gentle with yourself, OP. Aging is a privilege.

THIS. So hard to remember.

[Anonymous]

I always think the women on DCUM who say they aren't aging, or still look 30 just need to put their glasses on.

We are all aging. Don't for a second give it another thought.

[Anonymous]

If it makes you feel any better OP, I noticed a lot of young, objectively good looking actors and actresses did not look great when they did Zoom calls into talk shows from their homes during the COVID shutdown. You have to work to make the lighting and filters just right to get the most flattering image. Also some people just look better in person.

[Anonymous]

Was it possible the camera angle?

Unless your computer was elevated or on a stand it's distorting your face from an under-neath view no one actually sees.

Makes a WORLD of difference for me!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I saw on YouTube where women were using surgical tape to pull their excess neck skin back.

I do this with my hooded eyelids. Eyelid tape is routinely used in Asian countries to get a more prominent eyelid for easier makeup application. But I’ve seen a lot of people who already have double eyelids starting to use it to correct hooded eyes. It really isn’t hard to apply. There are a ton of YouTube tutorials to watch. I do think the beauty space is going to catch up to this in a few years and start making eyelid tape that’s better suited for western/rounder eye shapes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Was it possible the camera angle?

Unless your computer was elevated or on a stand it's distorting your face from an under-neath view no one actually sees.

Makes a WORLD of difference for me!

Same. I use a large external monitor and webcam when at my desk and the built-in laptop camera otherwise. The monitor + web cam view of me is much more forgiving — it’s HD but sits higher above my eyes. Less view of my mid-50-something neck. I mostly work with early 40-something’s who haven’t yet shown age in the neck so this helps me feel a bit better!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m never on zoom but I was today. I thought I looked good but when I say myself I was horrified by how bad I looked. I just turned 60 so I don’t have delusions that I still look 30 but it was depressing. I have kept myself up as best I can - fit and trim, hair looks good, clothes are nice. But there is nothing I can do about the wrinkles and turkey neck I saw. I did not know it was so bad. For some reason I just don’t see it in the mirror. I’m so depressed I’m just lying in bed sad.

there is a lot of stuff you can do about this. these problems have basically been solved. there are surgeries that can make you look under 50 when you are over 60.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Use the filter, you’ll be much happier!

Yes to the filter! Slide it all the way to the right.

[Anonymous]

I remember being critical of my face on video calls when I was in my twenties. I'm in my forties now, and less critical of my appearance... Which is interesting because objectively, I looked better twenty years ago. I just give myself more grace.

You probably look great for your sixties. Give yourself grace, and if a ring light or filter makes you feel better, go for it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Use the filter, you’ll be much happier!

+1

Also use tape to cinch up your turkey neck for zoom calls.