Today while visiting Gawker.com, I saw a piece called A Visual Timeline of Lindsay Lohan’s Fall from Grace.
They showed a timeline of what Lindsay looked like in 2007 and how she looks now. I encourage you to visit Gawker and check out their entire gallery of Lohan photos.
I don’t like to negatively comment on other people’s looks and I actually think Lindsay is beautiful and has gorgeous features (and my goodness is she ever photogenic.) However, her bad habits (drugs, alcohol, partying, tanning, etc…) have had a very significant impact on her overall apperance and it’s quite compelling just how obvious the damage is from photo to photo.
I haven’t always been super-cautious about how my health habits affect my apperance. I worked at a tanning salon for over 4 years, I smoked on and off (socially) through late high school and college (gross, I know) and I used to eat whatever I wanted without stopping even for a second to think about it…not to mention late nights out partying with friends.
Thanks in part to the increased media attention surrounding aging, celebrity plastic surgery and so on, I became more aware of what kind of damage can be caused by bad health habits– from cancer to wrinkles, I didn’t want any of it!
I’ve smartened up and I’m so glad I did. I haven’t used a tanning bed in more than 4 years (I maintain color with airbrush self tanning formulas). I haven’t touched a cigarette in more than 3 years, since I saw someone die from mouth cancer even though that person had quit smoking 10 years before the cancer appeared. I always use sunscreen. I drink wine or champagne…maybe once a month, maybe even less often than that (I’m just not a big fan of alcohol, it makes me feel really sick…I’m also SICK of people asking me why I don’t drink and getting weird looks when I don’t order a drink- Get Over It!) I now use anti-wrinkle creams and try my best to implement preventative measures to keep myself looking youthful now, 10 years from now, 20 years from now and beyond.
Now, I try not to be judgmental because everyone lives a different lifestyle, but it always surprises me when I see women over 25 getting wasted, doing drugs and partying all of the time. Not only is it horrible for their health, I also don’t understand how people have that kind of energy!
So, let’s see what Lindsay’s looks have gone through, as a cautionary tale:
In the photos above, she is still looking glowing, young and fresh. Now let’s see some photos that show the progress of her looks:
Note the significant amount of aging in her face. Her skin is puffy, her wrinkles quite deep for a woman of 24…her dark undereye circles are visible, even under makeup.
Lindsay Lohan might just be the perfect example of how even just a few years of hard-partying can tremendously impact how you look. Lindsay might have enough money to have it all “fixed” but at the young age of 24, those aren’t even concerns she should have (if she had a healthy lifestyle.)
I’m not pretending I know everything she’s gone through and all of that, I can only go by what they’ve said in court…but it’s very sad to see her battle addiction over the last few years. I truly hope that prison and rehab will be the wake-up call she needs, because I enjoyed her as an actress, especially in “Mean Girls” (ok, maybe that’s the only movie she’s in that I like, but still.)
Just to offer a comparison, actress Amanda Seyfried is a year older than Lindsay, at 25 and yet appears much more youthful:
Model Brooklyn Decker, who is know for staying in shape for her Sports Illustrated Swimsuit photo shoots is also very fresh-faced at 23:
Another fresh-faced 23 year old? Gossip Girl’s Blake Lively:
Then, there’s Carrie Underwood, who’s my age (27) and looks gorgeous and has super-glow-y skin:
I think that’s enough photos and age comparisons, but you get the idea.
I think the point of this post is that what you put IN your body, definitely affects how you look on the outside, especially when it comes to premature aging. When I used to see bad photos of Linsday I used to convince myself it was just an unflattering photos, taken at a bad angle, etc…but I think you can see from the gallery on Gawker that the transformation is very real, not just an “unflattering photo.”
Did YOU used to have bad health and beauty habits? What were they and how did you stop them?
What do you think of the whole Linsday going to jail thing? Do you think there’s hope for her (and I mean her as a person, not her looks)
Thanks for reading!
xoxo,
Veronika.
Honestly, I was never fond of Lohan, & never will be. But yeah, I think she did look a LOT better before, now she's just like a mess!
Great post. It's sad to think about how far she has fallen.
I completely understand the weird looks about not drinking. I don't drink, and I hate the questioning/weird looks I get when I am out.
It's really a shame. Lindsay looks so pretty naturally—I love her with long red hair. She is a pretty girl but like you said, all of her partying has really beat the crap out of her and it shows.
I love actresses like Amanda Seyfried and Jennifer Garner that have stayed on the right path and are excellent role models.
I personally have started eating better and working out in the last 3 years or so. The only habit I can't break is tanning—I don't tan in salons but I love the pool, beach, and boat! At least I wear sunscreen on my fave every single day!
olivea- it's like some people can't BELIEVE that I don't drink. Like it just doesn't compute with them that people can have fun and relax without alcohol. I don't need alcohol, I'm talkative and outgoing without it!
Don't get me wrong, I like to have a glass of wine or a mimosa every now and then, but when you get as sick as I do from drinking, even the smell of alcohol can be a turnoff!
I totally agree with you. I smoked heavily and partied a lot in college, and I noticed a difference in my skin in just a few months. I quit smoking and now I rarely drink because, like you, it makes me really sick! (I also get tired of people giving me a hard time for not drinking– even a couple drinks can keep me up all night puking!) I wear moisturizer with sunscreen religiously, use anti-aging eye serums, and drink lots of water.
I also think Lindsay's choices in hair color do NOTHING to flatter her skin and just make her flaws more obvious. I love her as a redhead– platinum and jet black look absolutely terrible on her.
Mrs. D- I love her with her red hair too, but I don't mind the blonde either, just not that long, it drags her down.
I'm the same as you…if i drink more than 2 drinks it can mean vomiting all night long (and all morning) it really sucks but I have to listen to my body and know my limits.
I feel bad that Lindsay has gotten so lost and been in so much trouble and I really hope this whole "jail" thing will help her get back on track. I honestly don't think she's going to serve very much of the 90 days she got sentenced to (if that's still what it is, I haven't been following very closely). She definitely looks better in the earlier pictures! It's hard to believe she's the same girl from Mean Girls – I loved that movie!
And I'm not much of a drinker either – I'll get one when we go out and that's about it! I don't understand why people even care if you're not drinking. It's your own personal decision; I don't ask people why they DO drink, because it doesn't matter to me.
Linsday- excatly! I don't ask people why they drink, so they shouldn't ask me. I think it makes people uncomfortable when they are having drink after drink and you're just having water…not sure why…but whatever.
I REALLY LIKE THIS POST AND AGREE WITH EVERY WORD YOU SAID! LINDSAY NEEDS TO GET HER SHIT TOGETHER!
ELENA
http://WWW.FASHIONISINSPIRATION.COM
I don't even understand why people think they need to get blasted drunk in order to have fun.
Anyway, I used to tan a lot. I would also sit out in the sun for hours using tanning oil with no hat. I stopped doing it after learning about skin cancer and how the sun can do some damage to your skin. I don't even like going out in the sun anymore.
I don't drink. I don't smoke. I think smoking is such a disgusting habit. My sister-in-law smokes, tans and drinks a lot. People think she's about 30+ years old but really, she's only 25.
This is a great post Veronika. And eye opening too. Lindsay used to look so beautiful and fresh faced. All the drugs, smoking, and excessive partying really have taken a toll on her. Between those first pictures and the more recent ones you posted, she got in those DUI incidents, and I know she's been a smoker for a long time. She must chain smoke!
I never used facial moisturizer for the longest time. It's embarrassing but I'm glad I use it now. It completely hydrates my dry skin. I have never smoked or done any kind of drugs, so I'm good in that department 🙂 and I tan the fake way too, like you do si ce i can't get a natural tan anyway! I've also been using a great anti wrinkle cream by Kiehls. It's an organic product and really rich.
It is such a sad story. She is just spinning out of control with no end in sight.
M
i used to love lindsey lohan back in her "Parent Trap" days. now i have no idea what happened to her. And i heard she's going to jail for 90 days too. How sad!
i sometimes can't believe she's only 24, with all the drama shes had over the years i feel like shes much older! though she does look like shes 35. so sad for her! 🙁
Great post indeed. I admit I really liked Lindsay before, on her early years as celebrity. But now, no more. Sad for her. Thanks anyway for sharing your thoughts. Inspiring. 🙂
I agree with with you about Lindsay, she used to be so much more beautiful and now look at her. I think she is a great actress, I hope she cleans up her act too. Let's hope this is her wake up call.
I smoked cigarettes for a little bit in high school, i'm so glad I quit, because I see girls who are my age (22) who smoke and they have deep wrinkles! My looks are way more important to me than a moment of relaxation from a cigarette.
She really is looking horrible these days. I hope she gets herself straightened out.
Also.. I love, love, LOVE Amanda Seyfried. She is definitely amazing. I love her in Mamma Mia & Dear John.. and looking forward to seeing her in many more good flicks.
It's also important to mention that Lindsay has struggled with eating disorders which wreaks havoc on one's appearance. I really hope she gets her life straightened out.
She obviously struggles with mental illness (depression) and is self-medicating with illegal drugs and alcohol. I hope she realizes that the drugs are causing permanent brain damage and some (ecstasy) may forever alter her serotonin levels.
I like keeping track of celebs who look great for their age – it's inspiring…especially if they share some of their tips for looking good.
Some current inspirations are: Halle Berry, Demi Moore, Elle Macpherson, Jennifer Garner…
They look youthful – but not plastic…and poor Lindsay is decades younger than them – but already looks plastic (partly due to her lip injections).
Great post! I think it's shocking that Lindsay is younger than I am, and yet I often get mistaken for a 20 year old 😉 Not to sound boastful or anything, but it just goes to show what a life of partying can do to a person. I do drink, I will admit that! I'm not the healthiest person, but I do eat fairly well, work out regularly, use preventative face creams, and wear sunscreen. I'm so happy you do the same!
Veronika, I VERY rarely have a drink, but people are always questioning me, too. Sometimes, it's hard to deal with people asking and questioning, but for me, feeling sick (never mind drinking all of those calories) just isn't worth it. Plus, I'm social and can have fun without a drink!
I think Lindsay also has trouble with eating disorderes. Its pretty obvious. She was once so voluptous and now is bones. Horrible. poor girl. I blame her mother for forcing her into hollywood.
I use to go out quite a bit but I have stopped and I did tan (one year) and I can see the difference in my skin from just that one summer of tanning. Stupid me for wanting to not be so pale. Now I am back to my I will not have as bad a wrinkles as these dummies who do tan. I am 32 and am always told I look about 25-26.
Veronika, this has been my favorite post you've written so far! I am right there with you when it comes to drinking – I almost feel like I've "outgrown" it, or become more comfortable with myself and who I am that I don't need a drink to have fun and be social with others! Love the comparison photos of LL – she's a beautiful girl, with a lot of baggage and problems.
I completely understand what you mean about people trying asking why you aren't drinking. I have one group of friends in particular who still like to party like they're in their early 20s (even though they've just passed 30. I suppose it can be a fun lifestyle, but I hate the questions like, "Why aren't you drinking?!" or "Loosen up!" Don't get me wrong. I love a good martini every once in a while, but I don't see the need to get plastered every time I have a drink. Plus, you're definitely right that it catches up to you in the long run. I'm just glad that there are other girls out there that share my same line of thought.
Great post. If only this message could be sent across to other girls on the same path!
I don't think I've commented before (although I love reading your blog!), but I have to say this is a great post! Thanks so much for talking about the importance of living a healthy lifestyle. I'm 30, and can already see a big difference in my looks compared to friends who've lived a "harder" lifestyle….still going to the bars, drinking excessively, smoking, drugs, etc. Overall, I live a pretty healthfully, but there is always room for improvement! About a year ago I gave up Diet Coke. Ahhhhh, I still crave it! I just felt that it wasn't the natural-type of food I wanted to ingest on a regular basis.
This is so true. I think that so many girls jump on the smoke, tan, drink train in college because you're going through a very transitional phase, trying to find their place. What they don't realize is no one cares if you smoke or drink, and tanning is the worst thing you can do for your body. I honestly believe that it's self inflicted peer pressure, not reality. Thanks for sharing!
I was the youngest one of my group of friends and am substantially younger than my partner so I felt weird for a long time if we went out and I'd be the one without a drink in hand because it seemed to scream, "I'm too young to drink!" When I pin-pointed that that was what bugged me, I just switched to drinks that looked like they may be alcoholic- now I ask for a club soda in a smaller glass (like what they use for mixed drinks) and a twist of lime and sip on that all night and I feel like I fit in. I think a lot of drinking happens because we feel socially pressured to do so and not because we actually WANT to.. we just want to have a drink in hand and feel like we fit in and not like people are wondering if you're an alcoholic and that's why you're not going to drink. I know what really did me in too is that I have a ridiculously high alcohol tolerance- I could easily drink 10 jack and cokes and be okay for the next day, but that's an expensive habit not to mention what it does to my liver.
It is incredible to see the difference a 'hard' lifestyle can have on someone as opposed to someone who goes easy.
I am kind of curious though, you said you partied and such and then hit a threshold and stopped.. at what age did you finally give it up?
Nikki- just to be clear, I would have never classified myself as a hard partier. If I did party, it was usually in college on weekends, I wasn't going out every night or anything.
I used to drink more than I can now, but I was never really into drinking really. Now I do the same thing as a previous commenter, I get a "fake" drink so no one bugs me.
and to answer your question, I would say at 24 I stopped going out so much, smoking etc.
Oops, I never meant to imply that I thought you were a hard partier, the line above my question was just commenting on the stark changes in Lindsay Lohan!
nikki- don't worry, i just wanted to clarify because anything that is said on here can often be taken the wrong way and I don't want anyone to think that i had some kind of hard partying lifestyle 🙂
This is a GREAT post, you hit on some really good points! What you put in/on your body makes a huge difference – for better or for worse! I have been trying to cut out processed foods to get my skin and body in tip top shape for my upcoming wedding (and to just be more healthy!). At first it was really hard to switch from sugar-free vanilla coffeemate to MILK and from diet coke to SPARKLING WATER, but it had really made a noticeable difference in my energy levels and skin!
GREAT post! So sad and true, I hope she takes better care of herself in the future.
Great post! I went to grad school at a party school (Texas State) and was always amazed at how old alot of the 20-21 year old girls that I worked with looked- I was 4 years older than them and looked much younger. Tanning, smoking and drinking really ages people! I used to hate how people would think I was younger than I really am but now that I am 27 I am so thankful I have taken care of myself and didn't go over board with drinking or tanning when I was in my early twenties.
amber- i'm with you! I'm 27 as well and most people think I look a few years younger.
I never went away to college (commuted from home) so maybe that's why I was a bit more tame than most girls who go away to college.
Great blog post Veronika. I just want to add to…not only the alcohol and illegal drug use has taken a toll on her BUT..she is also on LOADS of prescriptions and has been for a very long time. Those will also mess with your system and will not exactly do nice things to your skin in the long run. Also to the person who said she might have an eating disorder(while I do agree, she might) it is hard for us to know for sure…I am sure a lot of her weight loss also had to do with the cocaine as well 🙁 Poor Lindsay I hope she does get healthy and learn something. It would be nice to see her get her stuff together and start really taking care of her body…afterall she only has one..
While drug abuse is never a good thing even if it's abusing a prescription drug, there are plenty of fashion and beauty and health conscious women out there who have to take prescriptions for the rest of their lives for various health issues. I don't think say, taking an anti-depressant or a thyroid-regulating medication, is the same as taking a cocktail of mind-altering prescription drugs in the effort of getting high. I'm not trying to be mean but just saying that because a girl has to take medications does not automatically make her more base line unhealthy, since used properly prescriptions are intended to make people healthy.
anon- I'm assuming you are replying to the comment above, and not about the post in general. I agree there is a difference between drugs people have to take to BE healthy versus prescription drugs people abuse to get high.
I understand why some of you may order a "virgin drink" at a bar so you don't get the endless questions about why you don't drink. But really, you should be proud and I wouldn't hide it!:) I think people who drink just worry that you may be secretly judging them in some way, hence all the questions.
julie- i don't usually hide it, i just usually drink water to be honest. I have had someone tell me (jokingly) that they feel bad drinking so much when I hardly ever drink. Everyone makes different choices.
I don't judge someone if they want to drink, but I do judge those that don't know their limits and continue to get wasted every single time they drink resulting in not so good behavior. I don't care when it doesn't affect me, but when it does, that's when I wonder why people choose to drink so much.
Just found your blog, and love it! Thanks for all the tips! I have been on a 'get Carrie Underwood skin' well, pretty much forever, but especially since meeting her a few months ago, and she is just flawless in person (there are pics on my blog!)
Anyways. Love the blog sister!