She didn’t age well – The Holistic Skin

As we age, so does our skin. Every late night, tanning bed session, Caribbean vacation, cigarette smoked, stressful life event, etc., is slowly but surely making its way to the surface of your skin. One day, as if overnight, you gaze at your reflection in the mirror, and suddenly notice puckering around the lips, crow’s feet, fine lines, under-eye circles, and maybe some age spots. This can feel overwhelming and even devastating, but its simply the aging process.

Our culture tells us to run to the plastic surgeon at the first signs of aging; to get whatever injections, nips and tucks available to stop it dead in its tracks. We see the tabloids at the checkout counters and there are pictures of our favorite entertainers completely unrecognizable from these procedures. They are described as having the “pillow face”, “fish lips”, and their faces are tight and expressionless from face lifts.

On the other hand, we see women who have chosen to forgo the knife and syringe and are choosing to embrace their natural beauty and to age gracefully. The same critics ridicule them for their lines and wrinkles. It is a “damned if you do, damned if you don’t” situation that is plaguing our culture.

The entertainment industry can be incredibly harsh and cruel to these celebrities as they live their life in front of the cameras and in the public eye. Aging skin is an issue that affects all of us. Historically, our culture has been considerably more forgiving to the male sex, even referring to their gray hairs and rugged skin as “distinguished”, while women get the brunt of the scrutiny as the “fairer sex”.

Women come into spas all the time desperate to correct these signs of aging. Some have tried injections in the past, but had undesirable reactions, could not keep up with the costs and maintenance, or some simply were displeased with how unnatural their appearance had become. I distinctly remember a client that had gone to the dermatologist’s office to receive treatment for a precancerous lesion, but left in tears after the staff constantly berated her about the faint lines around her eyes and mouth. She went into a medical office worried about a potentially life-threatening situation, feeling perfectly content with her appearance otherwise, but left feeling devastated and self-conscious. Their solution was to inject harmful substances into her face every six months for the small price of roughly four thousand dollars! The skin care business is just that – a business. However, we should expect a little more compassion from a licensed physician than we would the salesperson at a makeup counter in the mall! That is the difference between being treated as a patient vs a customer. A good skin care therapist will educate you, rather than “push” you.

Your face will age just as any other part of your body. I certainly do not have the same body as I approach 40 that I did at 20. My pregnancies left me with stretch marks, cellulite is trying to take over my thighs…the list goes on; but I am healthy and fit. While my bikini days are far behind me, I am learning to be content with my appearance despite working in an industry that feeds on the unrealistic expectations that everything must be firm and perfect. I have a healthy diet, drink water, and use my natural skin care products to help to correct the current damage, while preventing further lines and wrinkles along the way. Good skin does not come from a scalpel blade or a needle. Genetics will absolutely play a big part in how your skin will age, as will a healthy lifestyle, adequate hydration, and proper skin care. Just be aware that there are natural and holistic approaches to combat the signs of aging that will not leave you disfigured or broke. I always tell the 20 somethings that I treat (who are caking on their makeup, tanning, eating junk and pounding sodas and energy drinks) that it is always better to prevent today than to correct tomorrow. Make good choices with your future skin in mind. We have come so far in organic skin care. There are natural enzyme peels to help tighten the skin and fade hyperpigmentation from sun damage. There are serums and treatments filled with naturally derived peptides to boost the collagen in the skin, and targeted treatments just for the eyes and mouth.

Before you allow the media and culture to push you into very expensive, risky, and painful surgeries or injections, investigate organic skin care to maintain your youthful appearance using natural, safe substances. Always remember to love yourself and your beautiful skin!