Why do we equate ugliness with aging?
When did society decide beauty is in plumped baby skin, an infant mentality, and doe eyes. Why not silvers hair strands, lifelong wisdom, and laughing lines?
There’s a serious, hushed issue haunting our culture, and I for one can’t stand the silence.
I see more young women altering their faces for the sake of maintaining youth (no judgement if it’s something you’ve always wanted). Older women are cast in shame as they shell out thousands for a miracle cream, falling for society’s beauty game.
Even I fall for the trap of consuming the newest, shiniest, miracle product everyone rages about. But then again that’s how easily we’re influenced.
Now if you know me, you know I love dabbling in skin and beauty products. It’s my Achilles hill.
I run towards every Ulta and Sephora sale.
But I don’t want you to think playing around in skincare is wrong. In fact, it should be in our wellness regime. It’s our largest organ and responsibility maintaining the health of our epidermis and dermis (more in depth detail here).
My Skin Backstory
A little not-so-fun fact about my skin. I have PCOS. That means my skin and hormones hates me. I remember a time when my poor complexion resembled a before ProActive commercial. I’m talking well into my twenties. It affected my self-esteem and overall confidence.
I had enough of cystic acne (dear Lord I pray you never suffer such acne) and did an overhaul on my skin beauty routine, as seen here. It changed my life, which is why I’m an advocate for skin health and dismantling the taboo of shallow beauty care.
But I have an issue with the term “anti-aging.” We live in a youth-obsessed society with a deep fear and hatred of death, hence why I believe our culture despises aging.
Reasons Why I Hate the Anti-Aging Culture
- It condemns aging citizens
- Aging is a privilege denied to many
- Anti-aging means against aging. If you’re against aging, you’re dying
- It’s a giant marketing scheme and money scam
- It borderlines support pedophilia. The younger the better supposedly
- It creates insecurities and an unhealthy beauty obsession
- Wrinkles and fine lines are beautiful and marks of wisdom
- It alienates people who are aging yet have more experience (less job opportunities, more criticism, etc.)
- People are less likely to feel comfortable and confident in their own skin
- It wedges and divides generations
Aging is a beautiful, sacred, spiritual process. Crinkled eyes, wrinkle bodies, and silver strands are the real prize. Imagine the lifetime wisdom in the aged eyes of women and men, seeing generations and societies evolve and diminish.
It’s our duty and pleasure spreading a positive outlook and removing the stigma of aging. Speak to those well into their golden years, avoid the media and Instagram trap of perfect bodies and skin, and simply enjoy every birthday you’re allowed to experience.
There will be a time when you’re denied future birthdays. I don’t know about you, but I’d much rather live well into old, leathery skin than be buried in a smooth, beautiful complexion.
What do you think? How is your perception of aging?
Leave a Reply