I really wish I was one of those women who really believed, honestly, that my face is a map of my life. The good, the bad and the ugly. All of the places I’ve been, the people I’ve known, the events that have shaped me – my life. It’s such a romantic notion of aging. Each line, each crease, each freckle. It would be a lovely way to be comfortable in my skin. To be all right with time marching on. I know the alternative, of course, and I’d not prefer it.
About two weeks ago, I caught a really good look at my face in the mirror and it was… shocking. I looked tired. My skin was pale and ashy. My eyes were a little puffy. My lips were dry. Odd, I thought. I take such good care of my skin. I care for it religiously, twice a day. I have used eye cream twice a day since I was a teen. I wear sunscreen. What the…?
I always thought that I’d grow old gracefully. That I’d take it all in stride. And yet, here I am, coming up on 36 and I’m desperately trying to turn back the hand of time. I’m eating better, I’m trying to exercise more, I’m drinking more water, taking more vitamins, slathering more creams on my face. All in that vain attempt to still feel like… a kid.
It occurs to me now that I am not a kid anymore. Yes, I may still feel like I’m 17, but I’m more than twice that age. And maybe it’s time to update how I care for my skin? Although I love to try new products, I always stick to the same regimen of product types. And they are products that are made for younger women. I have different skin now, although the same underlying conditions still exist. They are just existing under older skin.
I’m really excited about my facial tomorrow. I did so much research to find the right place. I’m determined to update how I care for my skin so that I can stop wasting so much time staring at myself in the mirror, tugging at my skin, pulling it tightly back and thinking what if…
comments
I bet 3 weeks of good sleep would do wonders for us tired mamas and our skin complaints! By the way, how is the sleep training going with CoCo?
I too feel this way – especially after enduring many sleepless nights after giving birth to Riley (now 5 months old)!
Isn’t it weird to feel so young inside and see a changing face and body? I have to eat differently and exercise differently just to keep up. And the statement “I wish I knew then what I know now” has never seemed more true. I suppose this is life’s paradox…Good luck with the facial and do share your updates with us mamas facing the same changes.
I, too, was uncomfortable with myself in my 20’s. I honestly like and feel more comfortable with myself now that I am in my 40’s. I feel better and I am more confident than I was “back in the day”.
Enjoy your facial and know that the best is yet to come – if you CHOOSE it!
Blessings!
Bonita……………..
I’ve had that experience, too ) : There’s a great song about that- our faces telling the story of who we are- it’s actually called “The Story”, I think. It’s by Brandi Carlilse. It’s one of my favorites. You’ll have to check it out sometime.
I agree with Nona some, too, though. I am much more comfortable in my skin now than in my 20’s. I wouldn’t change that, either. But, I’d like my outside to reflect the way I feel inside. . . to the best of my ability anyway.
I hope you enjoy your facial. I had my first this past October with a girlfriend at this beautiful lakeside spa in Idaho. My skin was glowing for three days! Would love to do it again sometime!
Enjoy your facial and feel free to pass along any particularly sage advice!
Sometimes when I catch a glimpse of myself in a picture or the mirror, I am shocked at how much older I look compared to how I feel. But I think my shock often has to do with how good I feel and how that doesn’t seem to correlate with looking young! However, I was so uncomfortable in my 20’s that I think that I prefer feeling good to looking young.
I hope you find some great products and enjoy your facial!!