Anti-Aging is Nonsense!
I’ll admit it—I'm obsessed with skincare. Double-cleansing, sunscreen, moisturizers, and knowing my actives are second nature to me. I visit my injection specialist three times a year, indulge in rejuvenating laser treatments, and cherish keeping my skin looking fresh. Yet, after over 30 years in the beauty industry, I’ve realized: anti-aging is nonsense.
Don’t get me wrong—I’ll always enjoy refreshing my appearance, and I love taking care of my skin. But this passion, even an obsession, stems from decades of conditioning in an industry that glorifies youth. We live in a society where aging is often viewed as something to fight, rather than embrace. The truth is, wisdom and experience have taken a backseat in favor of remaining vibrant, young, and, most disturbingly, relevant.
Today, any visible sign of aging is something to be erased. Young women are turning to Botox to avoid wrinkles before they even appear, while mothers are injecting their teenage daughters to keep them looking forever young. This is a disturbing trend—a fear of aging that shows a profound disconnect from reality.
Aging Used to Be Celebrated
In pre-20th-century cultures, aging was revered. Elders were sought out for their wisdom, and their guidance was celebrated. As children entered puberty, they were often encouraged to grow up faster and embrace maturity.
Then came the 20th century—an era of rapid change. The industrial revolution, cinema, world wars, pandemics, and economic crises all forced generations to mature quickly. The modeling industry of the 1950s reflected this shift, where models in their early thirties, many of whom were former dancers, radiated self-assurance and maturity. Younger women aspired to emulate their elegance and grace.
But by the 1960s, the landscape had shifted dramatically. With the rise of Twiggy, the modeling world—and, by extension, society—shifted its focus to youth. Corporations began marketing to the new generation, and the obsession with youthful appearances was born.
The Evolution of Ageism
As the decades rolled on, ageism crept into every corner of our culture. Women in their 20s were prized for their youth, while men were allowed to grow older gracefully. But by the 21st century, even men weren’t spared from the pressures of ageism.
The 90s gave us the so-called "grandma" Madonna at 33, and the era of the supermodel was in full force. Kate Moss epitomized the appeal of youth, while the rise of reality TV in the 2000s, combined with the advent of social media, meant that everyone was now publicly comparing themselves to one another. Beauty standards became increasingly impossible—frozen foreheads, augmented bodies, and social media feeds filled with altered realities became the new normal.
The Kardashian effect took hold, redefining beauty with hyper-feminine, exaggerated aesthetics. Their influence continues to shape the beauty ideals of a generation. And while these trends have their place, they underscore the constant pressure to look younger, regardless of the cost.
Why “Anti-Aging” is Anti-Life
Here’s the truth: I love neuromodulators, dermal fillers, and laser treatments. They’re tools I use to keep my appearance fresh and rejuvenated. But the term I can’t stand is “anti-aging.”
Aging is a fundamental part of life. To be anti-aging is to be anti-human. The idea that we should fight aging at all costs is flawed—if we never aged, we would remain forever in diapers, incapable of growth or learning. Aging allows us to shed the naivety of youth, to grow into people who have lived, learned, and loved deeply.
Imagine being stuck in your teenage years—forever emotional, constantly hormonal, and endlessly unsure. No, thank you. I’ve lived through adolescence once, and I’m happy to leave it in the past.
Aging is essential. It tells the story of a life well-lived, and while some may choose to wear their wrinkles with pride, others—like me—choose to soften them. Both paths are valid, and it’s a personal choice we each make based on what feels right for us.
Rejuvenation vs. Anti-Aging
There’s a key distinction for me between “anti-aging” and “rejuvenation.” Both terms are used to sell the same products and services, but the language matters.
Anti-aging suggests that aging is something to fear, something to be fought against. It implies that age is a problem to be solved, that growing older means losing value. Rejuvenation, on the other hand, is about renewal. It’s about reinvigorating yourself, not erasing the years but refreshing your spirit.
When I look at my life, I’m grateful for every year I’ve had. I’ve been privileged to live this long—something that not all my friends were fortunate enough to experience. Aging is a gift, and we should cherish it.
Recently, I complimented a woman who had let her natural gray hair come through. It was stunning—like strands of silver in the sun. She told me that the pandemic had encouraged her to let her roots grow in, and she had decided to embrace her natural beauty. That’s the kind of confidence I admire—people who age on their own terms, unapologetically themselves.
Aging on Your Own Terms
As I grow older, I care less about what others think of me. What matters most is how I feel about myself. The opinions of others weigh far less on my mind. My goal is to find contentment within myself and my surroundings.
So, let me say this: do what feels best for you. The only person who should ever dictate how you look is you. And I, for one, will no longer support the idea of anti-aging. It’s time we embrace the privilege of growing older and live life on our own terms—rejuvenated, not erased.
